SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – A Saint James man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he sold at least a dozen illegal, untraceable firearms to an undercover officer and stockpiled additional weapons, including assault-style rifles and 3-D printed gun components, at properties tied to him.
Bryan Bennett, 36, was arraigned Tuesday on an indictment charging him with top counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree following a long-term investigation by Suffolk County police and prosecutors. Officials allege the sales occurred over multiple transactions spanning nearly two years.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said the case highlights the ongoing threat posed by ghost guns and unregulated firearm manufacturing. “This defendant allegedly built and sold illegal firearms with no regard for where they would end up or who would be harmed,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Any one of these could have been used to commit criminal activity. Thank you to the Suffolk detectives who took these illegal firearms off our streets.”
Key Points
- Defendant allegedly sold about 12 untraceable firearms to an undercover officer for $12,500
- Investigators recovered 15 illegal firearms, including assault weapons and 3-D printed parts
- Bail set up to $10 million bond; suspect faces up to 25 years if convicted
Undercover purchases and firearm seizures
According to prosecutors, between March 2024 and January 2026, Bennett allegedly conducted three separate sales to an undercover Suffolk County Police officer, exchanging approximately 12 ghost guns for $12,500.
Authorities said Bennett was arrested on February 25, 2026, while allegedly in possession of five illegal firearms. Subsequent search warrants executed at two residences linked to him uncovered an additional cache of weapons and manufacturing equipment.
Investigators reported recovering roughly 10 assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines, a 3-D printer, polymer materials, and tools believed to be used to assemble firearms.
Charges, bail, and court proceedings
Bennett faces a series of felony charges, including two counts of criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, a Class B felony, along with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon across varying degrees.
Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas ordered Bennett held on $1 million cash bail, $5 million bond, or a $10 million partially secured bond. He is scheduled to return to court on May 11 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top charge.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Carey Ng of the Major Crime Bureau, following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department’s District Attorney’s Detective Squad. Bennett is represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq.
Prosecutors emphasized that the charges are allegations and that Bennett is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
