A 16-year-old boy is facing a number of weapons-related charges after a warrant was executed at an apartment in Waterloo.
Assisting in the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office investigation were members of the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives. Pursuant to the warrant, the following items were seized from the residence:
- 426 individual rapid-fire modification devices
- two illegally possessed handguns and ammunition
- multiple gun parts and accessories
- 3-D printer used in the manufacturing of the rapid-fire modification devices
- a quantity of cocaine
A rapid-fire modification device is more commonly known as a “switch” or an auto sear. They attach to the rear of a firearm to convert it from semi-automatic to fully automatic.
Seneca Sheriff Timothy Thompson remarked, “I truly commend the great teamwork and cooperation between our law enforcement agencies. This case undoubtedly saved lives by keeping extremely dangerous gun components and illegal guns from getting in the wrong hands.”
Ontario County Sheriff David Cirencione added, “Crimes involving firearms and firearms parts are a top priority for the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office. Any gun in the hands of the wrong person poses a major threat to our public safety. We are thankful for the partnerships we have with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners as we work together to rid our communities of illegal firearms and those who traffic in them.”
New York Special Agent in Charge of the ATF reiterated Sheriff Thompson and Sheriff Cirencione’s sentiments, “The partnership between ATF NY and local agencies, including the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, is essential in combating illegal firearms and dangerous accessories like machine gun conversion devices. These collaborative efforts demonstrate a strong, united commitment to safeguarding communities and preventing violent crime. Removing these devices, which pose a severe threat to public safety, is a critical step in reducing gun violence. Thank you to all who contribute tirelessly to this vital mission.”
After completion of the search warrant, Investigators charged a 16-year-old male with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree and Manufacture, Transport, Disposition, and Defacement of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Appliances. The male is being charged as an Adolescent Offender and was released on an appearance ticket with a return date to the Youth Part of Seneca County Family Court.
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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