Conviction in Ghost Gun Case

DELHI — Delaware County District Attorney Shawn J. Smith announced today that Paul M. Fontana, Jr., 37, of Delhi, New York pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, a Class C Violent Felony, on July 8, 2024.

The defendant appeared in Delaware County Court on July 8, 2024, for a scheduled suppression hearing.  However, prior to beginning the suppression hearing, the defendant pleaded guilty to Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, a Class C Violent Felony. 

This guilty plea was entered to satisfy an indictment which alleged that the defendant had illegally possessed 10 or more firearms, some of which were “ghost guns” that lacked any serial numbers, while in his home in the Village of Delhi on January 1, 2024.  The Village of Delhi Police and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home in Delhi after a 911 caller reported that the defendant was making threats to harm himself and others. After making entry into the home, police located the defendant, a convicted felon, holding a loaded Assault Rifle.  The Assault Rifle contained a 60-round magazine.  After a brief struggle, police were able to take the defendant into custody without any injuries. After executing a search warrant, the police discovered numerous illegal firearms in the home.  

The guilty plea was entered pursuant to a negotiated disposition wherein it is anticipated that the defendant will be sentenced to serve 6 years in state prison, and an additional 5 years of post-release supervision.     

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended the Village of Delhi Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation into this case.  “The Police Officers involved in this case risked their lives to remove these dangerous ghost guns from our community, and I am grateful for their work.”    

Indictments and criminal complaints are allegations.  All persons accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Shawn J. Smith

Delaware County District Attorney