John Hudson, the former officer in charge of the Village of Hoosick Falls Police Department and former chief of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, pleaded guilty to official misconduct, in relation to using rescue squad funds to purchase over a thousand dollars in tires for his personal vehicle, State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced today.
“John Hudson abused his position of trust to enrich himself and has pled guilty to the crime,” DiNapoli said. “He is no longer a public servant, and has paid back the money he stole. Public service is a privilege and a duty, and we must have zero tolerance for those who violate this trust. My thanks to District Attorney Donnelly and the New York State Police for their partnership in holding him accountable."
“We will continue to support Chief Ryan Mahan and the officers of Hoosick Falls PD to put this chapter in the rear view, and to continue our focus on public safety for the residents of the village. We thank Comptroller DiNapoli’s office, as well as our partners in the New York State Police, for their dedication in bringing this matter to an appropriate resolution,” Donnelly said.
“Public servants who take advantage of their position will be held accountable for their actions. Mr. Hudson violated the trust instilled in him by allegedly pocketing rescue squad funds for his own benefit. The State Police remain ready to assist in investigating and apprehending individuals willing to engage in fraudulent acts and put the safety of others at risk,” James said.
An investigation commenced last year when the Office of the State Comptroller received a complaint involving personal purchases made by Hudson using rescue squad funds. After reviewing the allegations, the Office began a joint investigation with the State Police.
The investigation found that Hudson, 40, purchased four tires for a personal vehicle using $1,241.36 in rescue squad funds. Investigators found that although Hudson had the tires shipped to the squad, they were not the correct size for use on any squad vehicle and were instead taken by Hudson for use on his personal vehicle.
Hudson, of Troy, was placed on administrative leave from the police department in April 2025 as a result of the investigation. He was later terminated from both the police department and rescue squad in May 2025. After being placed on leave by the police department, Hudson repaid the money he had misappropriated from the squad.
Hudson pleaded guilty in Pittstown Town Court to official misconduct and was sentenced to a conditional discharge.
Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by emailing a complaint to [email protected] or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.