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The former head of the Hoosick Falls Police Department, John Hudson Junior, is set to appear in court today (November 20) in Hoosick Falls. Hudson, aged 40, turned himself in earlier this week after being accused of stealing $1,241.36 from the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad. Allegedly, he used these funds to purchase tires for his personal vehicle but later returned the money.
According to a press release by the New York State Office of the State Comptroller, Hudson's actions were discovered following a complaint received by the Comptroller’s office. A joint investigation with the state police revealed that Hudson had ordered the tires using rescue squad funds and had them shipped to the squad, although they were not suitable for any squad vehicles.
Hudson, who was also the former chief of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, was placed on administrative leave in April 2025 and subsequently terminated from both positions in May 2025. He faces charges of grand larceny in the fourth degree as a crime of public corruption and official misconduct.
State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli emphasized the importance of holding law enforcement officers accountable, stating, "Those entrusted with enforcing the law must be held to the highest standards and will be held accountable for any criminal conduct."
The charges against Hudson are accusations at this stage, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat public corruption, with authorities encouraging the public to report any fraud involving taxpayer money.