The vice president of the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association has been fired after being linked to a drug ring that was the target of a large-scale raid earlier this month, according to sources.
Sheriff Dominic Dagostino said David Garhartt, 40, a corrections officer for about 10 years, was fired Friday for violating department procedures, though he would not disclose a specific reason. But sources said Garhartt was fired after he was identified on wiretaps used in investigating a major cocaine distribution ring with ties to New York City, Georgia, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Sources said Garhartt purchased small amounts of cocaine from dealers charged in the raid.
Garhartt and union President Ronald Walsh were not available for comment today, but Garhartt is expected to appeal his termination, county officials said.
Authorities arrested 32 people in a pre-dawn raid June 15, with a total of 37 people indicted.
Garhartt’s cocaine purchases were consistent with amounts for personal use, sources said, adding there was no evidence he tried to distribute drugs to inmates while on duty at the Schenectady County jail.
Sources said Garhartt never identified himself on the wiretaps, but that his voice was easily recognizable.
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