Posted on: November 22, 2024 01:25 PM

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New York state police oficer charged with obstructing justice and lying to federal investigators

Michael O’Flaherty, a New York State Police Narcotics Investigator, Disclosed a Covert Investigation to a Prolific Dealer of Fentanyl and Instructed the Dealer to Destroy Evidence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Michael O’Flaherty, a New York State Police narcotics investigator, exploited his position of public trust in an effort to help his former confidential informant—who was responsible for distributing tens of thousands of potentially deadly fentanyl pills—evade law enforcement.  O’Flaherty allegedly abused his position as a sworn member of law enforcement by tipping off the fentanyl pill dealer about a covert narcotics investigation and encouraging the dealer to destroy evidence.  The defendant’s alleged conduct betrayed the oath he swore to protect New Yorkers and jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers.  Today’s charges make clear that this Office will remain vigilant in rooting out and prosecuting all forms of police corruption.”

O’FLAHERTY, 42, of Poughkeepsie, New York, is charged with two counts of obstructing an official proceeding, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and two counts of false statements, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the valuable assistance of the New York State Police’s Professional Standards Bureau.

From DOJ