Former SCI Employees Sue Over Unpermitted Ammo Stash

Two former staffers allege the agency illegally stored thousands of rounds of ammunition at its Manhattan headquarters.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Former SCI Employees Sue Over Unpermitted Ammo Stash

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Former Special Commissioner of Investigation employees filed an Article 78 lawsuit claiming the agency hoarded over 5,700 rounds of ammunition without a required fire code permit. The plaintiffs allege they faced professional retaliation after reporting the storage, which was located in a building housing the Quad Preparatory School.

Why it matters

The lawsuit highlights serious concerns regarding the safety and regulatory compliance of an agency tasked with official investigations. It brings into question the agency's internal storage practices and its handling of whistleblower complaints from former staff.

Plaintiffs Roberto El Lakkis and Richard Marin filed an Article 78 lawsuit against the office on October 24, 2026. While the New York City Law Department previously cleared the agency of wrongdoing, the legal action remains active.

The players

Roberto El Lakkis

He is a former agency employee who was fired after reporting the alleged misconduct.

Richard Marin

He is a former agency employee who was suspended following the dispute.

Joseph Piwowarski

He is the agency's gun custodian who allegedly distributed boxes of ammunition to investigators.

The details

Plaintiffs claim the agency distributed 114 boxes of ammunition to nine investigators to hide the stash from FDNY inspectors, citing video evidence and internal emails. The agency argued the ammunition was intended for peace officers to complete state-mandated training.

April 2023: El Lakkis first raised the ammunition issue to management.
November 2023: El Lakkis lodged a complaint with FDNY.
October 24, 2026: Plaintiffs filed the lawsuit against the SCI office.

Legal Context

This case centers on an alleged violation of the New York City fire code, which mandates permits for storing more than 200 rounds of ammunition. It fits into broader local trends where internal whistleblowers challenge agency compliance with municipal safety regulations.

The proximity of the alleged ammunition stash to the Quad Preparatory School raises safety concerns for parents and the local Manhattan community. Residents may seek further oversight of government agencies operating within shared school buildings.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of strict adherence to fire safety codes, especially within shared public-use buildings. Transparency in agency operations remains critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of students and local residents.