The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office says a lengthy investigation led to the seizure of multiple weapons and suspected explosive materials during a search of a home in a Douglas Road mobile home park in Newfield on Tuesday.
With assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigators executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered 15 firearms, including six handguns, an Uzi-style weapon with a 50-round magazine, and two additional high-capacity magazines. Deputies also found materials believed to be used in constructing improvised explosive devices.
Out of caution, the search was paused, and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was called in. The squad removed the materials and rendered them safe. Officials say steps were taken to ensure nearby residents were not put at risk.
As a result of the investigation, 48-year-old Ransome Vanriper, of Newfield, was charged with 12 felony counts:
• Six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• Five counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
• One count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property
Vanriper was arraigned and sent to the Tompkins County Jail on $50,000 bail.
Sheriff Derek Osborne said the operation reflects the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce gun-related violence through the county’s GIVE initiative, emphasizing both public safety and respect for individual rights.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the DEA and the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.
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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