On Saturday, the Penn Yan Police Department arrested James Gerard, age 72, of Penn Yan, following an investigation into an incident that occurred in December 2025.
The investigation began on December 27, when police responded to a residence in the village for a reported disturbance. During the initial response, officers discovered Gerard was in possession of an unregistered pistol for which he did not possess a permit. Gerard allegedly told officers at the scene that the weapon was not capable of firing.
The pistol was seized as evidence, and a subsequent police firearm examination revealed the weapon was operational. Following the conclusion of the investigation, police made contact with Gerard last Saturday.
Gerard was charged with Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E Felony. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to answer the charge in Penn Yan Village Court at a later date.
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.
