Rome man nets weapon charge due to prior conviction

TOWN OF GREIG — A Rome man is facing multiple charges in Lewis County after law enforcement officials said he was found with a loaded rifle.

Sheriff’s deputies said Nico N. Buffa, 32, of John Street, Rome, was wanted on a bench warrant out of Lewis County Court on charges of drug and weapon possession. Buffa was found in the Town of Greig on Dec. 1, and he was hiding with a loaded lever action rifle — a weapon that was illegal for him to possess due to a prior conviction, according to law enforcement authorities.

Deputies said Buffa resisted officers when they attempted to place him in handcuffs.

Buffa is charged with fourth-degree possession of a weapon and resisting arrest, deputies stated. He was ticketed to appear in Town Court. Buffa also appeared on the bench warrant in County Court and he was sent to the county jail without bail. He is scheduled to reappear in County Court.