A collaborative law enforcement effort led to the seizure of hundreds of illegal firearm modification devices, weapons, and drugs from a residence in Waterloo, Seneca County Sheriff Timothy Thompson announced.
The raid, executed on December 6 at 8 West River Road, Apartment 2, involved the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Authorities say they recovered:
- 426 rapid-fire modification devices, known as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons.
- Two illegally possessed handguns with ammunition.
- Multiple firearm parts and accessories.
- A 3D printer used to manufacture the illegal devices.
- A quantity of cocaine.
Sheriff Thompson praised the collaboration between agencies, saying, “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 emphasized the priority of combating gun crimes. “Any gun in the hands of the wrong person poses a major threat to our public safety. We are thankful for the partnerships with our law enforcement partners as we work together to rid our communities of illegal firearms.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge for New York echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of removing such devices from circulation. “These collaborative efforts demonstrate a strong, united commitment to safeguarding communities and preventing violent crime.”
Following the raid, investigators charged a 16-year-old male resident as an Adolescent Offender with:
- Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree.
- Manufacture, transport, disposition, and defacement of weapons and dangerous instruments.
The teen was released on an appearance ticket and will return to the Youth Part of Seneca County Family Court at a later date.
Officials noted the raid as a critical step in reducing gun violence by targeting the supply of illegal firearms and accessories.
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