Two Canastota men who had been working as mechanics for New York State Police are now on the wrong side of law, accused of stealing nearly $30,000 worth of auto parts and supplies from New York State and its taxpayers.
Jeffrey Rapasadi, 57, and David Relyea, 64, both of Canastota, were both civilian employees, charged with maintaining the State Police Troop D fleet of vehicles, based in Oneida, according to New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.
The thefts allegedly took place between April 2015 and October 2020.
A release from DiNapoli s office said “Our investigation uncovered these illegal actions by our own employees, who used State Police resources for their personal benefit. We will not tolerate illegal activity by our employees civilian or sworn and we will hold them accountable for their actions,” said State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen. “We thank the Comptroller and the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance on