HOMER, N.Y. – A months-long investigation that began with a stolen dirt bike led New York State Police to uncover a large illegal weapons and drug operation in Cortland County, resulting in the arrest of a father and son from Homer.
State Police announced that on January 14, troopers arrested 26-year-old Clayton J. Carley and his father, 60-year-old Jeffrey C. Carley, following the execution of a search warrant at their residence. The search turned up a large quantity of firearms, drugs, and stolen property.
Investigators recovered three handguns, five assault weapons, more than 40 rifles and shotguns, multiple high-capacity magazines, and a loaded shotgun with a shortened barrel. Troopers also seized approximately 18 pounds of cannabis flower, six pounds of concentrated cannabis, five ounces of psilocybin mushrooms, more than 60 marijuana plants, and over $5,000 in cash. Other weapons, including daggers, brass knuckles, and a baton, were also found, along with a stolen 2024 motorcycle.
The arrests stemmed from a 2024 burglary case in Oswego County involving a stolen dirt bike. Investigators with Troop D discovered the same dirt bike listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace by Clayton Carley. When questioned, Carley allegedly gave false information about the sale, prompting authorities to obtain a search warrant.
Both men were charged with a series of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and possession of stolen property. They were processed at the State Police barracks in Homer and later transported to the Cortland County Jail for arraignment.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen dirt bike had been sold to a buyer in the Buffalo area. Police recovered the vehicle after the buyer cooperated and returned it to authorities in Hastings.
A Homer father and son were arrested after state police discovered dozens of firearms, drugs, and stolen vehicles during a search tied to a 2024 burglary case.