Major Drug and Weapons Bust in Chemung County Following State Police Investigation
Roughly 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, 20 pounds of binary explosive material, guns, and drugs were recovered by law enforcement.
A sweeping drug and weapons bust in Chemung County has resulted in the seizure of narcotics, firearms, explosive materials, and ammunition following a months-long investigation by the New York State Police. The operation, conducted on February 4, 2025, targeted a residence at 61 Staples Road in the town of Erin, culminating in the arrest of two individuals and the discovery of a significant cache of illegal items.
The investigation, led by the New York State Police Troop E Violent Gang and Narcotics Enforcement Team (VGNET), spanned three months and involved a coordinated effort from several specialized law enforcement units. These included the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team (CCSERT), Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), State Police Horseheads Uniform Force (UF), Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), Troop E Crisis Negotiation Unit (CNU), and the Elmira Police Department Drug Enforcement Unit.
During the execution of the search warrant, authorities uncovered a wide array of illegal substances and weaponry. The seized narcotics included approximately 4 ounces of methamphetamine oil and around 1 ounce of crystal methamphetamine, along with scales, packaging materials, and $4,700 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
The weapons cache was particularly alarming, featuring 20 firearms—several with defaced serial numbers. Among them were an AK-47 assault rifle, an AR-10 "ghost gun", an SKS rifle, two sawed-off shotguns, eight bolt-action rifles, a lever-action rifle, and six shotguns. Authorities also confiscated 11 high-capacity magazines and roughly 10,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Adding to the severity of the bust, the Bomb Disposal Unit secured and removed approximately 20 pounds of binary explosive material. Chemicals and equipment related to methamphetamine production were also found and safely handled by CCSERT.
Two individuals were arrested in connection with the operation:
Robert R. Budnick, 42, of Erin, NY, faces felony charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree. Budnick was arraigned in the Town of Horseheads Court and is being held at the Chemung County Jail on $250,000 cash bail or a $1 million bond.
Buck L. Bates, 40, of Elmira, NY, was charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in the Town of Erin Court on February 25, 2025.
State Police officials have indicated that the investigation remains active, with the potential for additional charges as new evidence emerges. Authorities are continuing to analyze the seized materials and firearms, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.