Loaded Shotgun Brings Illegal Weapon Possession Charge For 2: NYSP

HYDE PARK, NY — Two Rhinebeck men were accused of illegally having a weapon despite being convicted of crimes that barred them from doing so.

The New York State Police said Christopher Craft Sr., 55, and Jeremy M. Craft, 32, both of Rhinebeck, were both charged Wednesday with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, endangering the welfare of a child and possession of a loaded firearm, misdemeanors.

Christopher Craft Sr. was additionally charged with obstruction of governmental administration, a misdemeanor.

Police said troopers conducted a traffic stop of a 1994 Ford van for numerous violations of the vehicle and traffic law on Route 9 in the town of Hyde Park.

The investigation found the men had a loaded Mossberg 500A 12-gauge shotgun despite the fact that they had both been convicted of crimes that prohibited them from actually possessing a firearm.

Troopers also said there was a child in the front seat that was not restrained in a child seat.

During the arrest, the senior Craft refused to comply with lawful order, police said.

The men were arraigned in the Town of Hyde Park Court and released on their own recognizance to reappear May 9.

State police did not immediately respond to a question about the relationship between the two men.