Illegal Firearms, Drug Bust After Menacing Call

By Matthew Avitabile

DELHI — Law enforcement in Delaware County announced that a convicted felon was arrested after an altercation involving family during New Year’s. Following a standoff, police arrested Paul Fontana of Delhi and allegedly found drugs and a number of illegal firearms.

District Attorney Shawn Smith, Sheriff Craig DuMond, and Delhi Michael Mills held a press conference Friday to announce the arrest and 26 felony and one misdemeanor charges against the defendant.

Smith said that his office was taking the situation seriously and that Fontana would be prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”

The defendant allegedly brandished an AR-15-style weapon on New Year’s Eve in an alleged altercation with his mother, sparking a fear of violence. There was a confrontation, including yelling.

Police evacuated the apartment building where Fontana was located and, according to Mills, “created a strategy.” Police spoke to the defendant’s mother and other residents of the building.

Included in the police team were Delhi PD: Sgt. Brian Davis, Officer Justin Baxter,

Sheriff's Office: Deputies Zach Finch, Lucas Elmore, Benden Cairns & Alec Elderkin, AND Colchester PD: Officer Rich Bell.

Following concerns about “obstacles” in a “tense” situation, police did not receive a response at all from the suspect. They attempted to contact him via text, phone, and social media.

“No response at all,” said Mills.

When police entered the domicile, they found the suspect asleep. After “wrestling” and “no injuries,” police apprehended the suspect.

Chief Mills said that there was “some sort of impairment” in the suspect during the situation.

Once inside the living space, police realized that they were in a “bigger situation” than initially believed. Police found a number of firearms, including those without serial numbers. Fontana was legally barred from owning firearms due to a previous felony conviction. Some of the weapons had no serial numbers. In total, more than 20 weapons, including partially 3D-printed “ghost guns” were found on site.

DuMond said that 40% of firearms in states such as New York and California were not serialized, and this puts law enforcement at risk.

“We’re starting to see this stuff,” the sheriff added.

Mills said that New York’s bail reform program “doesn’t work. Gun laws don’t work. If criminals want guns, they get guns,” he said. The sheriff said that criminals can “buy, deface, create” such weapons.

“Only in New York,” DuMond said, can the records of criminals be closed, but those of law enforcement can be opened.

A substantial amount of drugs were also found on site.

Mills credited the officers at the scene for their diligence.

Sheriff DuMond praised the district attorney, saying that the county was “very blessed” to have a “staunch supporter of law enforcement” in Smith.

Among the charges against Fontana, he is being accused of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 1st Degree, a Class B Felony, Menacing in the 2nd Degree, a Class A Misdemeanor, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree, a Class C Felony, among many others.