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PRESS RELEASE
On November 2, 2023, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation out of SP Batavia arrested Benjamin T. Hayes, 25, of Carlton, NY, for Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd degree – 25 counts (D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Firearm – 2 counts (E Felony), Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor (E Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th degree – 5 counts (A Misdemeanor).
On October 30, 2023, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation received a report of a possible illegal weapons possession. Investigation determined after a search warrant was executed on the suspects residence that Hayes was in possession of numerous illegal weapons including a privately manufactured ghost gun, 3-D printed pistol receivers, pistols, unregistered Safe Act rifles, high-capacity magazines, body armor, ammunition and electronics involved in private manufacturing of gun parts.
Hayes was arrested and transported to Orleans County Jail for centralized arraignment.
The NYSP Forensic Identification Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Orleans County Sheriff’s Office and the Orleans County District Attorney’s Office assisted in this investigation.