2 months ago in Local jsalzone Photo: WHCU
ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – In a statement related the incident, Sheriff Derek Osborne issued an apology to the public on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office.
Osborne says “The behavior is both morally and legally reprehensible and does not reflect the values I require of my office. It also runs counter to the beliefs and great work exhibited by the other wonderful men and women who work here.”
Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino also issued a statement saying “ We recognize and share the public’s concern that oftentimes officers are placed on paid leave pending investigations and that justice is served slowly in these cases…Part of our ongoing reimagining of public safety work directly addresses officer accountability, and we will continue to advocate for and institute policies that allow more swift and direct discipline of officers.”
2 months ago in Local jsalzone Photo: WHCU
ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office arrests one of its own.
Sheriff Derek Osborne is reporting the arrest of Deputy Zachary Starner, he’s been charged with Perjury in the 1st Degree, a Class D Felony. The arrest stems from testimony Deputy Starner gave as a defense witness in a 2019 criminal trial involving rape allegations against another deputy. During that trial, the Sheriff says Starner made sworn statements regarding his conversation with a State Police Investigator. Starner testified off-duty, without notifying Sheriff Osborne. While on the stand, Starner identified himself as a Deputy Sheriff and friend of the defendant. The defendant was acquitted by a jury.