Saratoga DA takes over Schenectady officer's menacing case

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Lombardo

The prosecution of a Schenectady police detective accused of pointing a gun at two Glenville residents during an April road rage incident will be handled by the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office.

Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III said Schenectady County District Attorney Robert M. Carney contacted his office last week about taking over the case against Detective John Hotaling because of a conflict of interest.

Hotaling is the primary witness for the county against Gloria Nelligan, who is accused of killing her grandson.

Hotaling is facing two counts of menacing in the Glenville incident.

For more than a decade, Murphy noted, Schenectady and Saratoga counties have had an agreement where they pass off prosecutions to each other if there is a conflict of interest.

The alternative would likely be hiring private attorneys, who would then bill the county.

The benefit of the agreement is that there is no extra cost to the county and it ensures experienced prosecutors are handling the case, he said.

Hotaling, 45, of Glenville, was allegedly driving on Maple Avenue on April 7 when he passed another car in an aggressive manner. Glenville police Lt. Stephen Janik said previously that the people in the other car responded by honking and making an obscene gesture.

Then, when stopped at a red light, Hotaling and the two passengers in the other car got out of their cars.

After a brief conversation, Hotaling is accused of going back to his car and returning with his gun.

He has denied the charges, but acknowledged he did exit his car to confront the people in the other car.

Murphy said his office received the case file this week and he plans to meet with Glenville Police Chief Michael Ranalli to talk about the case.