Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 29-year-old Joshua Gotthart of Buffalo pleaded guilty this morning before Erie County Court Judge Kenneth Case to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” violent felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to the highest sustainable charge.

The defendant was the subject of an investigation by the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit. On Thursday, April 28, 2022, at approximately 8:54 a.m., police observed the defendant leave his residence on Wright Avenue in the City of Buffalo and drive away in a vehicle. Investigators initiated a traffic stop nearby to execute a search warrant where the defendant, who was wearing a bullet-resistant body vest, was taken into custody without incident. An illegal, loaded handgun, considered a “ghost gun,” was recovered from a holster on the defendant’s right hip.

Buffalo Police Intelligence Unit detectives executed the search warrant at the defendant’s residence where they found three unregistered handguns in a bedroom. Investigators also found several long rifles, shotguns magazines, gun-making tools and a large amount of ammunition in various locations inside of his home.

Gotthart faces a maximum of 15 years in prison when he is sentenced on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. He was remanded without bail while pending sentence.

DA Flynn commends the Buffalo Police Department Intelligence Unit for their work in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Timothy J. Garvin of the Narcotics/Intelligence Unit.