Crime & Safety

Police Officer Faces Multiple Felony Charges

Mt. Vernon Officer Joseph Russo is accused of falsifying overtime reports and other documents, according to the Westchester D.A.'s office. Investigators say he claimed that he was writing summonses when he wasn't even working.

“The credibility of a police officer’s testimony in criminal prosecutions is paramount. By using his position to game the system and falsely put in for overtime that he did not earn, this officer betrayed the public’s trust," said District Attorney Janet DiFiore.

Authorities say that Russo got $500 in overtime by filing the false paperwork. The Mt. Vernon Police Department suspended the 49-year-old after his arrest.

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"While this individual will be held accountable, this conduct serves only to erode the public’s confidence in our government institutions,” said DiFiore.

Russo could possibly serve prison time if he is found guilty. He has been released on bail, and will be back in court on September 24.

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