Sheriff Makes Arrest in Shots Fired Investigation – Suspect Facing 15 Felony Charges; Numerous Misdemeanor Charges

The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest stemming from a shots fired investigation that began back on July 15th. The Sheriff’s Office says on July 15th and July 16th, officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired in townships in the southern portion of Cortland County.

Officers investigating the reported shots fired incidents found multiple instances of property damage and shots being fired into occupied residences, the Sheriff’s Office says. The investigation then revealed a suspect, identified as 33 year old Michael J. Bellefleur Jr. of Freetown. The Sheriff’s Office says Bellefleur was the person responsible for firing the shots in two incidents in the Town of Freetown.

Multiple search warrants were executed by the Sheriff’s Office from Bellefleur’s vehicle and residence. Officers recovered multiple weapons and ammunition as a result of the search warrants.

Bellefleur was located and arrested on July 18th just before 10 in the morning. He was taken to the Sheriff’s Office for processing and later arraigned via the Centralized Arraignment Process and remanded to Cortland County Jail on $30,000 bail or $100,000 bond. As of Tuesday afternoon, he remains in custody at the Cortland County Jail.

Bellefleur faces dozens of charges as a result of the shots fired investigation.

• 5 Counts – Attempted Manslaughter in the 2nd, a Felony
• 6 Counts – Reckless Endangerment in the 1st, a Felony
• 3 Counts – Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd, a Felony
• Criminal Mischief in the 2nd, a Felony
• Criminal Mischief in the 4th, a Misdemeanor
• 2 Counts – Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Misdemeanor
• 3 Counts – Discharge of a Firearm within 500 feet of a Dwelling. a Misdemeanor

Bellefleur Jr. is due in Freetown Town Court next month.

The Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains ongoing at this time and additional charges are pending. Anyone who may have information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (607) 758-6151.