A New York dentist charged with criminal possession of a weapon after police found illegal guns in the basement of his dental office has pleaded not guilty, Long Island Business News reported July 7.
Paul Carey, DDS, was arrested in February after an employee allegedly saw him with a handgun on the floor above his dental office where he lived and called police. Upon searching the building, investigators said they found 20 illegal guns, 18 of which were "ghost guns," or untraceable weapons assembled by the user. They also found seven silencers, 61 high-capacity magazines and about 3,000 rounds of ammunition. He was charged with first-, second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Police received another call in February from a person identifying as a neighbor who said Dr. Carey had allegedly received a delivery of a large package. Police obtained a search warrant and allegedly found additional weapons and a drill typically used to assemble ghost guns.
Dr. Carey's attorney, John Carmen, described the dentist as a "peace-loving gun enthusiast" who did not intend to hurt anyone or violate the law.
Dr. Carey is due back in court Aug. 11, according to the report. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.