ATF Offers $25K Reward in Search for Missing Man

Reward Notice

ALBANY, New York - The New York State Police are continuing their search for Stephen J. Houghton and are seeking assistance from the public.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is now involved in this investigation, and a reward of $25,000 has been offered for information leading to his whereabouts.

On August 18, 2023, troopers responded to the Villa Motel located on State Route 9 in the town of Ausable regarding a missing person report. Family members informed the State Police that Stephen J. Houghton, from Keeseville, NY, has not been heard from or seen since February 2022. The last known sighting of Houghton was at Stewart's gas station in Port Henry, NY, on February 20, 2022. At the time he went missing, he was 35 years old. He is a white male, approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 225 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes.

Multiple law enforcement agencies have been contacted regarding Houghton's disappearance. Family and friends are cooperating with law enforcement to provide any information that may help locate him. The State Police continue their investigation, and with the involvement of the ATF, they hope to gather more information about Houghton's whereabouts.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Stephen J. Houghton is asked to please contact the New York State Police in Plattsburgh at 518-563-3761.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes and regulates the firearm industry. More information about ATF and its mission is available at https://www.atf.gov.