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The former leader of the Hoosick Falls Police Department, John Hudson Jr., has been arrested for allegedly misusing funds from the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad. Authorities claim that Hudson, 40, used $1,200 from the squad to purchase tires for his personal vehicle last October while serving as the chief of the EMS department. According to the Times Union, the tires were shipped to the rescue squad building but did not fit any squad vehicles. Hudson reportedly took them for his own use.
Hudson's actions led to a state investigation, and he was placed on administrative leave from the police department in April. He returned the funds shortly after being placed on leave. By May, Hudson was terminated from both the police department and the rescue squad, ending his 10-year career with the Hoosick Falls force, where he had been promoted to officer-in-charge in 2023.
Hudson's past in law enforcement has been scrutinized, with an internal investigation revealing reliability issues. He also received a Giglio letter, which highlights credibility concerns for witnesses. His credibility issues have prompted the reopening of a case involving former police chief Robert Ashe, who was convicted of official misconduct. Hudson is scheduled to be arraigned in Hoosick Falls Village Court on Thursday (November 20).
The state comptroller's office emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement to high standards, stating, "Those entrusted with enforcing the law must be held to the highest standards and will be held accountable for any criminal conduct." Hoosick Falls Mayor Daniel Schuttig and the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad declined to comment on the case.