New York State Police arrest a Lowville village official following an investigation into criminal possession of a weapon

New York – New York State Police have arrested a Village of Lowville official following an investigation into a weapon brought into municipal offices earlier this month. Authorities say the case began with a request for assistance from local police and concluded with a misdemeanor charge tied to firearm possession.

According to State Police, Paul A. Denise, 56, of Lowville, was arrested on January 22, 2026, and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor under New York law. The arrest followed a weeks-long investigation into an incident reported at the start of the year.

On January 2, 2026, the Lowville Village Police Department contacted New York State Police seeking help with a complaint involving a village official. The complaint centered on concerns about a firearm allegedly being brought into village offices, prompting state authorities to begin a preliminary investigation.

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Investigators determined that Denise allegedly brought a Heckler & Koch P2000SK handgun into the Village of Lowville offices on January 2. Further investigation revealed that Denise did not have a valid New York State pistol permit allowing him to legally carry the firearm, police said.

Authorities also learned that the handgun had allegedly been obtained from a family member. According to the investigation, the firearm was given to Denise for safekeeping while the family member was out of the country. Despite that explanation, State Police noted that possession of a handgun without a valid permit remains a violation of state law.

Police said that during a conversation with coworkers inside the village offices, Denise allegedly displayed the handgun. That action raised concerns among staff and contributed to the formal complaint that was later referred to State Police.

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As the investigation continued, the handgun was voluntarily surrendered to New York State Police at the Lowville station. Officials confirmed that the weapon was taken without incident and secured by law enforcement.

Following the completion of the investigation, Denise was processed by State Police and issued an appearance ticket. He was not remanded into custody. The appearance ticket requires him to return to the Town of Lowville Court on March 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., where the charge will be addressed.

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree is a misdemeanor offense in New York and can apply in cases where an individual knowingly possesses a firearm without proper authorization or licensing.

State Police did not release additional details about Denise’s role within village government, and no further charges were announced at this time. The case remains pending in court, and Denise is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The investigation highlights the strict firearm regulations in New York State, particularly regarding handgun permits, and underscores the responsibilities placed on public officials to follow the same laws as the general public.