Cole-Hatchard resigns

Sgt. Det. Stephen Cole-Hatchard of the Clarkstown PD has resigned following a series of controversies between he and the town board and his recent placement on administrative leave.

On Thursday, September 1 the Rockland County Times released documents the paper had obtained showing that at the request of Chief Michael Sullivan, Cole-Hatchard spent time on the job researching and writing missives aimed at discrediting Sheriff Louis Falco. A counterlawsuit filed against Cole-Hatchard by Supervisor George Hoehmann and town board members accused the detective and two others of surveilling elected officials, civic organizations and two black activist groups.

Cole-Hatchard in his own lawsuit maintains that he has been the subject of a witch hunt in response to his investigation of campaign contributions from former officer Michael Garvey to Supervisor George Hoehmannโ€™s campaign. Garvey has sought reinstatement to the force since being forced to retire in 2008 due to a knee injury.  Hoehmann voted against his dismissal at the time.

The Journal News published a resignation letter sent out by Cole-Hatchard: โ€œWhile I can withstand this smear campaign, I will no longer allow my family or brother and sister police officers to suffer from this calculated and clever distractionโ€ฆTherefore, with all rights reserved and because I am being forced into this decision, I hereby resign effective immediately, and have filed for service retirement.โ€

Special Prosecutor William Harrington told the Journal News, โ€œSgt. Cole-Hatchardโ€™s resignation was not surprising or inappropriate. My investigative team looks forward to conducting a forensic analysis of his computer, which will not only confirm the allegations in the pending federal litigation against him and others but possibly more.โ€

Harrington is prosecuting a misconduct case the town board has filed against Police Chief Michael Sullivan. The clash between the cops and the board comes amidst the boardโ€™s attempt to audit the department and seek savings for taxpayers.

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