ITHACA, N.Y.—A Groton man has been arrested and charged with multiple crimes after threatening someone with a weapon, causing property damage, and an investigation by New York State Police led to the discovery of two “ghost” guns in his possession.
Ghost guns are illegal in New York State. They are untraceable firearms that individuals can make from pre-manufactured building block style kits, and can be purchased without a background check.
New York State Troopers were dispatched on June 23 on a report of harassment in Groton. Police released that an investigation led them to learn that Samuel H. Bucko, 23, of Groton, threatened a victim with a gun, caused over $1,900 worth of damage to the victim’s vehicle, and had made threatening phone calls to the victim. The location and timeline of these events were not released by police.
An interview with Bucko, and further investigation revealed to police that he was in possession of a ghost assault rifle, a 9mm ghost handgun, and a magazine that is not compliant with the NY SAFE Act.
After being arrested and processed at the State Police’s Ithaca station, Bucko was transported to the Tompkins County Jail for an arraignment. He was released on his own recognizance, meaning without being required to post bail and by making a written commitment to appear in court when required to. An order of protection has been issued to the victim.
Bucko was charged with the following crimes:
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree – class “C” felony
- Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree – class “D” felony
- Criminal Mischief in the second degree – class “D” felony
- Menacing in the second degree – misdemeanor
- Aggravated Harassment in the second degree – misdemeanor