Ontario County Sheriff’s investigators say a Canandaigua man was arrested this week after a search of his vehicle turned up illegal weapons and body armor.
Deputies arrested 42-year-old Christopher Culbertson on Tuesday, charging him with criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C felony.
Investigators executed a search warrant on Culbertson’s vehicle and say they recovered an assault rifle not compliant with New York State law, several loaded 30-round magazines, a handgun with multiple loaded magazines, and body armor.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Culbertson is originally from Colorado, where court documents prohibit him from owning firearms in that state or any other. He also does not hold a New York State pistol permit.
Culbertson was released after posting $5,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in Canandaigua Town Court at a later date.
The investigation was supported by the Canandaigua Police Department, Geneva Police Department, Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, and Colorado State Police. Officials say the case began with a tip submitted through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app.
Sheriff David Cirincione praised the community’s role in the investigation, saying:
“If you see something, say something. We will always investigate suspicious incidents that are reported. This successful investigation highlights the ongoing commitment of our law enforcement officers to keeping Ontario County safe by removing dangerous firearms from our streets, and we will continue doing everything in our power to protect our community.”
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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