(WNY News Now) – A routine wildlife investigation by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) uncovered a deeper criminal offense, leading to the arrest of a Franklinville resident.
Franklinville, NY—Patrick G. Stone, 55, was arrested following a criminal investigation initiated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) regarding the illegal harvesting of three deer.
During the investigation, officials discovered that Stone, a convicted felon, was in possession of a firearm, a direct violation of New York State law. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning or handling firearms.
Stone was subsequently taken into custody by the Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office and charged with criminal possession of a firearm in the fourth degree.
Stone is scheduled to appear in Franklinville Town Court at a later date to face the charges. As are all persons accused of a crime, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Leave a Reply