Overview:
This article examines claims against Lewisboro Police Chief David Alfano, including a mocking phone call to a resident, alleged intimidation over a parking dispute, and a pending federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Carlos Bringas. It highlights questions of professionalism, accountability, and community trust in small-town policing.
Lewisboro, NY — Concerns over professionalism and conduct in local law enforcement have resurfaced in Westchester County, New York. This followed after Presence News obtained a legally recorded phone call in which Lewisboro Police Chief David Alfano made a mocking and irrelevant remark to a resident.
According to the recording, Chief Alfano responded to a resident’s complaint about officers leaning on his personal property. David Alfano questioned whether the two men in the home “were sleeping in the same bedroom.” The tone of the exchange, by the resident’s account and as heard in the recording, was mocking. The comment bore no relevance to the original complaint. It has raised questions about respect, professionalism, and bias in community policing.
The incident comes as the Lewisboro Police Department faces ongoing scrutiny in federal court.
Federal Lawsuit Pending
Westchester County resident Carlos Bringas filed a federal lawsuit against the Lewisboro Police Department, Officer Drew Conetta, and other entities. He alleged violations of his civil rights under state and federal law.
According to court filings, Bringas claims he was placed in a police vehicle with the windows up and engine off. The temperatures inside allegedly rose to around 100 degrees, and he was later beaten inside the town lockup.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and a jury trial.
As of now, the defendants have not filed a response. Chief Alfano has previously declined public comment regarding the suit.
Additional Resident Complaint
The resident who recorded the phone call with Chief Alfano told Presence News that after initially reporting the issue of officers leaning against his pickup truck, the Lewisboro Police Department went door-to-door the following day asking neighbors about the vehicle. Soon after, the department allegedly called the resident directly. They threatened to have the truck towed if it was not moved — despite the fact that it had been parked in the same spot for three months without complaint.
Chief Alfano reportedly told the resident that the space was reserved for beach access pass holders. The resident responded that he is, in fact, a pass holder and offered to move the truck. When asked for a recommendation on where to relocate it, Alfano allegedly suggested the parking lot of a church roughly a mile down the road. The resident objected. He pointed out that the suggested location was closer to the police department that he accused of scratching his vehicle.
Broader Concerns
While municipalities and their police agencies face lawsuits with some regularity, the combination of a pending federal civil rights case, fresh allegations of unprofessional conduct, and reports of intimidation over a minor parking issue have heightened concerns locally — and now, nationally — about accountability in small-town policing.
For some residents, these incidents reflect a pattern. Instead of addressing citizen complaints directly and respectfully, the Lewisboro Police Department is seen as responding with intimidation, harassment, or deflection.
As of publication, no further statements have been issued by Chief Alfano or the Lewisboro Police Department.
Article updated last on 10/04/25
Editor’s Disclaimer
This article is based on conversations with the filing attorney representing Carlos in the Bringas v. Town of Lewisboro Police Department case. It also includes a legally recorded phone call involving Chief David Alfano and a local resident that was received by Presence News.
Call to Action
If you have any information that could provide additional details about the Lewisboro Police Department, please reach out to us at editor@presencenews.org
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