Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 43-year-old Jason P. Sciabarrasi of Amherst was arraigned this morning before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Debra Givens on an indictment charging him with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony).  

On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, members of the Amherst Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home on Guilford Lane in the Town of Amherst. Investigators found multiple shotguns and rifles, two “ghost guns,” various gun parts, and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition during the search of the residence. The defendant, who does not have a pistol permit, was subsequently arrested for possession of the illegal weapons.

Sciabarrasi is scheduled to return on Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. He was held without bail.  

If convicted of all charges, Sciabarrasi faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

“I am committed to removing all illegal guns, especially these untraceable “ghost guns,” from our streets. We cannot allow individuals, especially those who are prohibited from owning any weapons, to build these dangerous and potentially deadly firearms with unserialized parts. If you are found in possession of an illegal gun, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney John Flynn.

DA Flynn commends Detective Julian Chinana and the Amherst Police Department for their work in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rebecca L. Schnirel of the Major Crimes Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.