Binghamton Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Weapon Possession

Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti revealed the sentencing of Grady J. Hunter, Jr., a 47-year-old resident of Binghamton.

Hunter was sentenced last week in Broome County Court by Judge Joseph F. Cawley to 10 years in New York State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision.

The charges against Hunter included Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. Hunter was found guilty by a Broome County Jury on August 26, 2024.

The legal proceedings stemmed from a search warrant executed by the Broome County Special Investigations Unit on May 31, 2023, at Hunter’s residence on Pine Street, Apartment 3, in Binghamton, as well as his vehicle.

During the search, law enforcement officers discovered a loaded and operable .380 caliber pistol hidden behind the radio component in the vehicle. In Hunter's apartment, investigators found twelve rounds of .380 ammunition enclosed in tissue paper within a box containing his deceased mother's ashes.

Further forensic analysis conducted by the Binghamton Police Department’s crime scene unit found Hunter's DNA on the grip, slide, and magazine of the firearm. Subsequent DNA analysis by the New York State Police crime lab conclusively linked the defendant to the firearm.

District Attorney Battisti emphasized the gravity of Hunter’s actions, stating, “The sentence handed down last week reflects the seriousness of Hunter’s actions. By unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm and ammunition, Hunter not only violated the law but also put the safety of our community at risk.”

Battisti reiterated the commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal activities, underscoring that the hefty prison sentence serves as a warning to those who engage in unlawful behavior.

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The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort involving the Broome County Special Investigations Unit, the Binghamton Police Department, and the New York State Police. Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Nieto prosecuted the case on behalf of the District Attorney’s Office.