Clarkstown Fires Chief Sullivan

NEW CITY, NY — The Clarkstown Town Council fired Police Chief Michael Sullivan Tuesday night. Sullivan had been suspended from his job since July of last year, and a hearing officer had recommended firing, saying he had been found guilty of using improper surveillance for political and personal reasons.

Hearing Officer Robert J. Ponzini made the recommendation last week. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

He had dismissed most of 19 counts brought against the chief, but found him guilty for deleting the data on his department-issued cellphone. Sullivan was also censured for not preventing an officer under investigation from wiping his phone and computer.

Sullivan intentionally did a hard reset on his department-issued cellphone, deleting all its data right after he was suspended over how he had conducted an internal investigation, and while he was a named defendant in pending litigation, one of which had a hold in place, Ponzini wrote. That was misconduct.

Sullivan also did not prevent Sgt. Stephen Cole-Hatchard from wiping his cellphone and removing the hard drive from his departmental computer. Ponzini found that misconduct as well.

The chief is running against incumbent George Hoehmann in this year's election for Clarkstown Town Supervisor.

The suspension of Sullivan had to do in part with a weekend delay in removing Cole-Hatchard from his role as director of the Rockland County Strategic Intelligence Unit.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department's annual report, the Strategic Intelligence Unit was created in early 2015 by the Town of Clarkstown Police Department and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office as a joint intelligence based operation. Town officials allege it was also involved in investigating local politics, including surveillance on an African-American community group in Haverstraw, local Black Lives Matter activity, a town justice and the Rockland Sheriff.

Cole-Hatchard, who resigned, has sued the town over his removal as director of the SIU.

Sullivan's lawyer Richard Glickel has said all the charges are "meritless."

Hoehmann issued a statement:

Mr. Ponzini concluded that Chief Sullivan used the power of his position to conduct and condone the use of police resources and assets to investigate and undermine individuals whom he perceived as political enemies, and Chief Sullivan disregarded direct orders issued on behalf of this Board. The people of Clarkstown must have trust and confidence in those of us who serve them. Chief Sullivan – you broke that trust with this board;You broke that trust with the men and women you commanded; And you broke that trust with the people of Clarkstown.

SEE ALSO: Clarkstown Police Chief Should Be Fired: Hearing Officer