YORKTOWN, NEW YORK – In a shocking revelation, a New York State trooper has been arrested and charged with issuing fraudulent traffic tickets to multiple individuals, even including someone who had already passed away. The accused, identified as Edward Longo, 34, from Yorktown, stands accused of flagrantly issuing 32 counterfeit traffic tickets and supporting depositions without actually pulling over or witnessing any alleged traffic violations. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office disclosed these disturbing details in a recent news release.
Longo’s arrest, which transpired on January 31, has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community. Authorities had previously placed him on administrative leave back in November, and the subsequent investigation led to the discovery of his alleged misconduct. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office wasted no time in bringing Longo to justice, and he now faces an array of charges relating to the counterfeit tickets. These charges include 32 felony counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree, as well as eight counts of official misconduct, which constitutes a misdemeanor offense, according to official sources.
Investigators have determined that Longo, on eight separate occasions spanning from May to October 2022, purportedly issued the fabricated tickets and supporting depositions. In New York, a supporting deposition serves as a document that provides additional information concerning a traffic violation resulting in a citation. Astonishingly, Longo submitted these falsified tickets and depositions to his assigned state police barracks, specifically the New York State Police Troop K Hawthrone in Mount Pleasant, as outlined in the news release.
The New York State Police, in collaboration with the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, promptly launched a criminal investigation upon learning of the potential scheme involving falsified traffic tickets by one of their own members. “Integrity is one of our core values, and we hold our members to the highest standards,” stated a spokesperson for the state police in a written statement provided to McClatchy News on February 2. This swift action demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintaining trust and upholding the principles that underpin their duties.
Meanwhile, Longo’s attorney has yet to respond to media inquiries regarding the allegations. McClatchy News reached out to the attorney on February 2, but as of now, no comment has been received.
As of February 3, Longo has been suspended from duty pending further investigation. The town of Yorktown, where Longo resides, lies approximately 45 miles north of New York City. The gravity of the charges against the accused trooper underscores the significance of upholding the integrity of the law enforcement profession, as officials continue their efforts to ensure justice prevails in this disconcerting case.