RIVERSIDE, NY — A Mastic Beach man has been indicted on seven counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and other related charges, for being caught with six ghost guns, high-capacity magazines, and lower receivers, Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said Thursday.
Ghost guns are unserialized, untraceable firearms, which can be made with 3D printers.
Ronald Benini, 49, was additionally charged with four counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, six counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and seven counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Benini was ordered held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $1,000,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case.
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
His defense attorney, Keith O'Halloran of Westhampton Beach, says he maintains his innocence.
"I look forward to scrutinizing the prosecutor's evidence and defending Mr Benini in court," he added.
Between April 2026 and July 2026, Benini manufactured ghost guns using 3D printers inside his home, prosecutors said, adding that on July 2, investigators executed a search warrant, recovering six unserialized pistols, 3D-printed lower receivers and printers, as well as printer filament, and manuals on how to construct ghost guns.
Benini also had two high-capacity ammunition feeding devices/magazines, and a homemade silencer, according to prosecutors.
Tierney said Benini is alleged to have manufactured untraceable firearms inside his home.
"This case demonstrates our commitment to ridding Suffolk County of illegally possessed guns to ensure safety within our community, and to save lives," he added.
Benini is due back in court on Aug. 18.
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