EAST HAMPTON, Conn. — Two East Hampton men are facing multiple charges after they were found to be making ghost guns.
Police said they were contacted Monday by a concerned citizen who reported that she learned over the weekend an adult resident was making illegal AR-15 assault rifles.
Investigators identified 18-year-old Clayton Hobby as one of the suspects and then learned that he was helped in the production by his grandfather, Kerry Schunk, 64.
While on the scene, investigators found and seized multiple "ghost gun" AR-15 rifles in various stages of assembly, according to police. One of the guns was converted to shoot fully automatic, police said.
In addition to the rifles, police also found three ghost gun polymer handguns, 15 high capacity magazines, and around 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
"He also had, in addition to the firearms, he had a bulletproof vest, a manual which would tell him how to make poisons, how to make bombs and he had a black ski mask," said Assistant State's Attorney Jennifer Cooper.
Hobby was charged with three counts of possession of an assault weapon, three counts of criminal possession of a pistol, criminal possession of ammunition, manufacturing of a machine gun, 15 counts of possession of high capacity magazines, and risk of injury.
Schunk was charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit possession of an assault weapon, three counts of conspiracy to commit criminal possession of a pistol, conspiracy to commit criminal possession of ammunition, conspiracy to commit manufacturing of a machine gun, 15 counts of conspiracy to commit possession of high capacity magazines, and interfering with an office.
They were arraigned on Tuesday in Middletown Superior Court.
The Bail Commissioner noted mental health issues suffered by Lobby.
"He made a statement to the police that guns are cool and that gun laws are tyrannical," said Cooper.
But, according to the East Hampton Police incident report, the 18-year-old said he had no desire to make a bomb and had no plan or intention to hurt people and that he built his arsenal to protect his family and because he often feels somewhat paranoid. He faces seven charges.
"He does understand the seriousness of the charges but I think there would be enough provisions in place to ensure the safety of the community," said Lobby's attorney Vincent Provenzano.
Lobby remains jailed on $500,000 bond. His grandfather, who posted his $25,000 bond, faces multiple conspiracy charges after police say he lied about having destroyed the AR-15 ghost gun they recovered in their shed.
Both are due back in court on June 14.
Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Tony Terzi is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at tterzi@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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