Police Seize Loaded Gun and Drugs in Binghamton Raid

Two people face felony weapon and drug possession charges after police found a loaded gun, cocaine and methamphetamine in a Binghamton residence.

Authorities said the arrests followed a month-long investigation into the sale of illegal drugs in Broome County.

According to a news release from the Binghamton police department detective bureau, a search warrant was executed Tuesday at 1 Yager Street on the city's North Side.

Police said 33-year-old James Joseph and 33-year-old Jessica Bennett, both of Binghamton, were arrested.

Both were charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia.

Joseph and Bennett were arraigned in Binghamton City Court and sent to Broome County Jail.

Investigators said a loaded .45 caliber automatic handgun was confiscated during the search of the residence. The gun had been reported stolen in South Carolina.

In addition to the weapon, police seized 53 grams of cocaine and 63 grams of methamphetamine.

Drug paraphernalia items including cutting agents, digital scales and packaging materials also were confiscated. Police also seized about $1,500 in cash.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.