Solon Man Faces Numerous Weapons Charges – State Police Rescue 41 Animals in Need of Immediate Medical Care

On Thursday afternoon, March 6th, New York State Police say their Bureau of Criminal Investigation along with uniformed Troopers conducted a search warrant in the Town of Solon on Wildman Road. The search warrant was done as part of an ongoing investigation for possible animal neglect.

During the search warrant, State Police ended up removing 41 animals from the property. State Police say 5 goats, 2 cows, a pig, 28 chickens, 4 ducks, and a cat were in need of immediate medical care.

Further investigation also found 38 year old Kyle Heller of Solon, was in possession of several firearms. Heller is a convicted felon and is not allowed to legally possess firearms as a result.

Heller was charged that day of the search warrant with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd, 3 Counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd (large capacity magazines), Criminal Possession of an Assault Weapon in the 3rd, all Felony charges. He was also charged with the Misdemeanor of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th, 4 Counts.

State Police say charges regarding the animal abuse are pending as investigators are waiting on a veterinary report. Assisting State Police with the animal removal were the Susquehanna SPCA, Cortland County SPCA, and the Department of Environmental Conservation.

State Police say Heller was taken to the Cortland County Jail for Centralized Arraignment. As of 9:30am Friday, March 7th, Heller remains in custody at the Jail.

The investigation remains ongoing.