Schoharie County man sentenced for Caroline Street ‘Ghost Gun’ possession

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. >> A former Schoharie County Corrections Officer, was sentenced to two to six years in state prison for possessing a loaded “ghost gun” in Saratoga Springs in 2023.

According to a press release from Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen’s office, Timothy J. Feldman, 23, was sentenced in Saratoga County Court for the charge after Feldman previously waived his right to a Grand Jury presentation and pleaded guilty by way of Superior Court Information to third-degree criminal possession of a weapon: Defaced firearm, a Class D felony.

A Caroline Street bouncer located a firearm on Feldman as he attempted to enter a local bar during the early morning hours of July 23, 2023, the release stated. The bouncer immediately flagged down nearby members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department who quickly approached the Feldman, took possession of the firearm, and led him away from the crowded Caroline Street.

Upon closer inspection, officers determined the firearm did not possess a valid serial number and was therefore an untraceable, illegal “ghost gun” the prevalence which has surged throughout New York state over the past several years, according to the release. Feldman, 23, later admitted he had purchased the firearm components online and built it himself.

“This is yet another example of hardworking Caroline Street business owners working alongside the Saratoga Springs Police Department to confront the city’s ongoing issues with loaded firearms downtown,” Heggen said in the release. “This kind of behavior, regardless of your age or profession, is completely inexcusable.

“I hope this plea and significant State Prison sentence serve as a warning to those who would even consider unlawfully carrying loaded firearms in the city.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Joseph Frandino together with District Attorney Investigator Jack Barney.