Connor Chargois
Over a month after his initial arrest and release from jail after making $10,000 bail, no court date has been set for 18-year-old Connor Chargois. District Attorney Holley Carnright estimated this week that the case “should go to the grand jury [for a possible indictment] in two to three, maybe four weeks.”
The Saugerties Police Department arrested Connor Chargois and his father, Bruce Chargois, 58, on Feb. 27. The six-day investigation, during which the younger Chargois was allowed to attend his classes on high school grounds, was spurred on by a series of Snapchat messages sent by the Saugerties High senior idolizing the Columbine shooters and ominously threatening that “when the shit hits the fan, there won’t be any time for mercy.”
While the father and son initially denied owning any weaponry, a later interview led to the recovery of an arsenal of guns hidden in arcade machines at Bruce’s workplace, Greco Brothers, and in the basement of the family’s home on Sawyerville Terrace.
Both Chargoises face felony charges of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The father faces an additional charge of obstructing governmental administration.
Connor, described by authorities as an avid metalworker, had purchased gun parts online and fabricated unavailable components, police said. While Bruce was released on his own recognizance, Connor made $10,000 bail. Although he is no longer in school, it’s unclear whether he is under any sort of police surveillance.
“At this point in time, all of our evidence in this case has been sent out for examination,” said town Police Chief Joseph Sinagra this week. “We and the DA will receive copies of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ findings when they become available.”
When asked whether federal charges are being pursued, Carnright replied, “The feds have not been in touch with me seeking any information. I have not been thinking that.”