Mug shot of Stephen D. Esolen. (Provided by the New York State Police)
On March 17, 2015, New York State Police in Deposit arrested Stephen D. Esolen, 24, of Hancock, N.Y. for the class C felony of Burglary in the 2nd Degree, the class D felony of Burglary in the 3rd degree, and three counts of the class D felony of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd degree.
While investigating the burglary of an estate property in Hancock, N.Y., State Police Deposit BCI developed a suspect, who they learned was currently in possession of several blasting caps and a large quantity of C4 explosive.
New York State Police BCI and Bomb Disposal Unit executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence located at 2488 County Highway 67 in Hancock, N.Y., resulting in the seizure of 12 electric detonators, 4 M60 Igniters, a rifle with a home-made silencer, and stolen jewelry. Further investigation led to the recovery of approximately 20 lbs. of C4 explosive that the suspect had buried on an adjacent property.
Stephen D. Esolen was arraigned in the Town of Hancock Court and remanded to the Delaware County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 cash bail. This investigation is ongoing.
New York State Police were assisted at the scene by members of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 18, 2014, additional investigation by State Police Deposit BCI resulted in the search of the estate property and the seizure of numerous smoke grenades, gas grenades, incendiary grenades, signal flares, packs of fuse igniter and two aerial bombs. At this time, there are no additional charges or defendants in this case.
