An Ulster Park man faces a misdemeanor contempt charge and six felony weapons charges after New York State Police said troopers found six large-capacity magazines at his home. The Ulster Park weapons charges followed a response to a reported violation of an order of protection on Sept. 7, 2026. The charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
State Police identified the man as Andrew K. Chamberlain, 52, of Ulster Park. Troopers said he was arrested without incident and later released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to return to the Town of Esopus Court at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21.
What State Police say happened
Troopers from the State Police Highland barracks responded at about 3 p.m. to a residence on Broadway in Ulster Park. The call concerned a possible violation of an order of protection, according to the official State Police release.
Police said their investigation indicated that Chamberlain had violated the order. The release did not identify the person protected by the order or explain what conduct allegedly violated it. Those details have not been made public, and Utica Phoenix cannot independently verify them.
Before the arrest, police said Chamberlain made statements concerning his own welfare and the welfare of others. The agency did not publish the words it says he used. Troopers then implemented a Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order, often called a TERPO.
Police said a search of the residence during that process led to the discovery of six large-capacity ammunition magazines. The release did not say that a firearm was found, identify the magazines’ capacity or describe where they were located.
Charges listed by police
The State Police release lists the following charges:
- One count of second-degree criminal contempt, a Class A misdemeanor.
- Six counts of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon involving an ammunition-feeding device, each listed as a Class D felony.
The six felony counts appear to correspond to the six magazines police reported finding. However, the release does not provide a charging document, court filing or inventory. A police announcement reflects the agency’s account at the arrest stage. It is not a court finding.
What a temporary risk-protection order does
A Temporary Extreme Risk Protection Order is part of New York’s civil “red flag” process. It is separate from a criminal prosecution. The New York State Unified Court System explains: “An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) is a court order issued when a person may be dangerous to themselves or others.”
An ERPO can prohibit a person from buying or possessing guns. It can require the surrender of guns already possessed. A court may also authorize police to search a person, home or vehicle for firearms and remove them. The court system says an ERPO proceeding is civil and carries no criminal charge or penalty by itself.
The temporary stage is not necessarily the end of the process. New York courts say a hearing generally follows so both sides may present testimony and evidence before a judge decides whether to issue a final order. The State Police release did not report the status or hearing date of the risk-protection proceeding.
Arraignment and court schedule
Police said Chamberlain was processed at the Highland barracks “without incident.” He was arraigned in Ulster County Centralized Arraignment Part Court on Sept. 7 on the contempt allegation and released on his own recognizance.
The release says he was arraigned on the weapons charges Sept. 11. It does not explain why those charges were handled four days after the initial arraignment. His next reported appearance is in the Town of Esopus Court on Sept. 21.
Release on recognizance means a defendant is allowed to remain out of custody while the case is pending, based on a promise to return to court. It does not decide whether the charges are true or false. That determination belongs to the court process.
Questions the public record does not yet answer
The State Police announcement provides a basic timeline, but several important facts remain unknown:
- The specific conduct that allegedly violated the order of protection.
- The exact statements that prompted police to seek the temporary risk-protection order.
- The make, type and capacity of the six magazines.
- Whether any firearms or other items were seized.
- Whether Chamberlain has entered a plea or is represented by an attorney.
Utica Phoenix found no independently verified public statement from Chamberlain or an attorney responding to the allegations. If such a statement becomes available, it should be included in any update so readers can evaluate both the prosecution and defense positions fairly.
Why the case matters across New York
Although the arrest occurred in Ulster County, the legal tools involved apply statewide. Orders of protection, weapons laws and ERPO proceedings can overlap in a single police response. This case shows why those parts of the system must be described separately and accurately.
Supporters of risk-protection laws argue that quick court action can reduce danger during a crisis. Critics raise concerns about due process, evidence and the scope of searches. New York’s process attempts to address both concerns by allowing a temporary order in an emergency and then requiring judicial review where both sides may offer evidence.
For readers, the key distinction is simple: police may report evidence and file charges, but courts determine guilt and decide whether longer-term civil restrictions are justified. Responsible coverage must protect the public’s right to know without treating an arrest as a conviction.
Anyone with direct information about this case should provide it to the proper authorities or to an attorney. Readers should rely on court records and official updates rather than social-media claims. Utica Phoenix will update this report if verified new information becomes available.
Sources
- New York State Police press release, Sept. 14, 2026
- New York State Unified Court System: Extreme Risk Protection Orders
- New York State Unified Court System: ERPO filing process
