Dayton man arrested for rape and found in possession of illegal firearms

On June 17, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation from SP Lockport and SP Collins arrested Ronald A. Howard, 57, of South Dayton, NY, for Rape 2^and Degree (D Felony), Criminal Sexual Offense 2^and Serious crime (D), distribution of indecent material to minors 1^st Serious crime (D) possession of a weapon 2^and Grade (C Felony), Criminal Possession of Weapons 3^rd Degree (Felony D), Registration and Serial Numbering of Firearms, Rifles, Shotguns, Finished Frames or Cases and Unfinished Frames or Cases (Felony E), Manufacturing, Transportation, Disposal and Damaging of Weapons and Dangerous Instruments and Devices, Unlawful Purchase of Body Armor (Felony E), and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (Felony A).

On June 17, 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) executed a search warrant on Pine Street in the Village of South Dayton stemming from the distribution of offensive material about children from SP Lockport BCI. The investigation revealed that Howard had exchanged offensive material with a child. Howard then had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old female victim in Niagara County. Howard was arrested for rape and other sex crimes in SP Lockport. During the execution of the search warrant in South Dayton, Howard was in possession of five handguns without serial numbers, two assault rifles without serial numbers and one of them with a silencer, two assault rifle casings without serial numbers, several high capacity magazines, and two ballistic vests.

Howard’s case has been processed and he is being held in the Niagara County Jail pending arraignment.