Canisteo Police Chief Kyle Amidon has resigned following a joint investigation by New York State Police and the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office into allegations of misconduct and financial irregularities.
The investigation began in April 2024 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Village of Canisteo Mayor and Board of Trustees.
Following a Steuben County District Attorney referral, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) – Rochester initiated a comprehensive investigation. Additional inquiries revealed potential misconduct involving falsified time sheets and irregularities tied to the Canisteo Police Club, which Chief Amidon founded and managed.
Assistance was provided by the New York State Comptroller’s Office, and the case was reviewed in consultation with the FBI and the United States Attorney’s Office for potential federal prosecution. Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary was appointed a special prosecutor for the case due to a conflict of interest in the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office. Fazzary evaluated evidence and charges provided by SIU investigators connected to misconduct, financial impropriety, and timekeeping fraud.
As a result of these findings, Chief Amidon resigned his position with the Canisteo Police Department on Thursday, pleaded guilty to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a one-year Conditional Discharge. He was also ordered to pay the Village of Canisteo restitution in the amount of $13,378.57, which he paid prior to being sentenced.
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