PHOTO: NYSP

ERIN, N.Y. (WENY) -- New York State Police said a three-month-long investigation led them to a narcotics, firearms, and explosive materials seizure at a home in the Town of Erin.

On February 4th, the New York State Police Troop E Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at 61 Staples Road in the Town of Erin. They said they seized narcotics, money, firearms and explosive materials there.

NYSP says 42-year old Robert R. Budnick of Erin and 40-year-old Buck L. Bates of Elmira were arrested.  Budnick was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd (A-II Felony) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd (C Felony).  Bates was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (A Misdemeanor).

Budnick was arraigned and remanded to the Chemung County Jail on $250,000 bail.  Bates was released on an appearance ticket.  Police say the investigation is ongoing.

NYSP says they found:

  • Approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine oil
  • Approximately 1 ounce of crystal methamphetamine
  • Scales and packaging materials for narcotics
  • $4,700 in U.S. currency
  • 20 firearms, several with defaced serial numbers, including:
    • 1 AK-47 assault rifle
    • 1 AR-10 assault rifle (Ghost Gun)
    • 1 SKS assault rifle
    • 2 sawed-off shotguns
    • 8 bolt-action rifles
    • 1 lever-action rifle
    • 6 shotguns
  • 11 high-capacity ammunition magazines
  • Approximately 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition
  • Approximately 20 pounds of binary explosive material (removed by BDU)
  • Chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine (removed by CCSERT)