State police say they have found solid leads in their investigation of a dead goat found outside the Patterson home of Assemblyman Greg Ball on March 4.

Ball discovered the dead goat?s carcass in the driveway of his home last Wednesday night as he was returning from Albany. A note attached to the dead animal was written in broken Spanish and signed by the ?MS 13? gang. According to Ball, the gang had nothing to do with the incident. He believes the culprit is one of his political opponents who attempted to throw off authorities.

Police say the incident may have been captured on surveillance video. They are also investigating several other harassment incidents allegedly committed against Ball.

Residents say Ball is perceived as a controversial figure in local politics because of his divisive opinions on issues like illegal immigration.