State investigation of Hoosick Falls police chief ramps up

HOOSICK FALLS — The village police chief is under investigation by the State Police for allegedly taking confiscated fireworks for personal use and ensuring a police officer was reported as working when he was supposedly injured off the job, sources familiar with the probe confirmed.

Chief Robert Ashe, who aspires to run for Rensselaer County sheriff this year, was placed on a paid leave of absence by the village in December as the State Police investigation began to intensify. The case has been developing over the past two months and is expected to be presented to a recently empaneled Rensselaer County grand jury.

Ashe allegedly took the fireworks that had been confiscated by department personnel and set them off at a private party he hosted, sources said.

When a village officer was injured, Ashe allegedly had payroll records modified to show that the officer was working instead of being off the clock in order to secure benefits for him, sources said.

Read more: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/State-investigation-of-Hoosick-Falls-police-chief-16814317.php