Ghost Gun Haul In Huntington Station Puts Local Man On Hot Seat

A Huntington Station man is facing a slate of felony weapons charges after investigators say a probation check turned up ghost guns, loaded rifles and a stash of parts that could be used to build more firearms inside his home.

Prosecutors say the weapons seized in the May 14 search were tested by the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory and found to be operable. The defendant was indicted Friday, arraigned June 4 and ordered held by a state judge. On the top charge alone, he faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Cache Included Loaded Rifles, Ghost Gun Parts and Magazines

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, investigators recovered four loaded rifles, a Tramps Terror revolver, two ammunition magazines that prosecutors say qualify as large capacity under state law, and a variety of gun-making tools, pistol kits and unserialized upper and lower receivers.

Daily Voice reports that the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory tested the weapons and determined they were operable.

Indictment, Arraignment and Judge’s Order

Matthew Hibner, 36, of Huntington Station, was arraigned June 4 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas on five counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree and three counts in the third degree, prosecutors said.

Daily Voice says Justice Goglas ordered Hibner held pending the case and set a return date of July 9. "It is alleged that this defendant possessed firearms and magazines that are illegal under New York law, including firearms that had no serial numbers," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.

What the Charges Mean

Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree is a Class C violent felony under New York law and can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in state prison; third-degree counts are Class D felonies.

According to New York Penal Law §265.03, as published by Justia, possession of unserialized firearms and large-capacity feeding devices may be charged as aggravating factors in weapons prosecutions.

Part of a Broader Enforcement Push

Local prosecutors say the arrest fits into a countywide effort to clamp down on untraceable "ghost" guns and illegal magazines. The DA’s office pointed to an earlier Medford investigation that recovered more than 100 illegal firearms, dozens of suppressors and multiple 3D printers used to make guns, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Local outlets reported that the original search leading to Hibner’s arrest began when probation officers spotted weapons during a May 14 probation check, LongIsland.com reported.

Hibner remains in custody and is due back in Suffolk County court on July 9 as the case moves forward. Prosecutors say the investigation is ongoing and that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the matter.