Rensselaer Man Arrested on Weapons Charges Following NCMEC Cyber Tip
Rensselaer, NY — On June 27, 2025, Craig M. Lewis, 34, of Rensselaer, NY, was arrested following an extensive investigation spurred by a cyber tip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The arrest was executed by the State Police of Schodack with support from the Troop G Computer Crimes Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Investigators, acting on information received through the NCMEC CyberTipline—a critical tool in combating online child exploitation—secured a search warrant for Lewis’s residence. During the search, they discovered an illegally possessed firearm and a high-capacity magazine. These items are prohibited under New York law, and their presence, combined with the existing evidence, led to Lewis being charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. This charge, classified as a Class D felony under New York Penal Law § 265.02, carries potential prison terms of up to seven years and underscores the state’s strict enforcement of its gun control regulators, particularly those governing high-capacity magazines under the SAFE Act.
Following his arrest, Lewis was processed at the Schodack State Police facility and arraigned in Rensselaer City Court. He was subsequently remanded to the Rensselaer County Correctional Facility without bail. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the investigation remains active, and further details or additional charges may be forthcoming as authorities continue their inquiry.
This case is a stark example of interagency cooperation. The NCMEC CyberTipline plays a pivotal role in receiving and channeling reports of online child exploitation, which then trigger joint operations involving specialized units. The Troop G Computer Crimes Unit contributed critical digital forensic expertise that enabled investigators to secure compelling evidence, while the ICAC Taskforce coordinated national and local efforts to counter technology-facilitated crimes against children. DHS further bolstered the investigation by offering federal resources and facilitating cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact the New York State Police immediately. Media and public inquiries should be directed to Troop G’s Public Information Officer, Trooper Stephanie O’Neil. The community’s vigilance remains vital as law enforcement works diligently to uphold public safety and enforce New York’s stringent weapons laws.
