The treasurer of the Ulster County sheriff’s union is charged with stealing nearly $100,000 from the organization’s business account and using the money for himself.
Andrew Wells, 42, of Rosendale, was arrested and arraigned on a second-degree grand larceny charge, property value exceeding $50,000, the New York State Police said in a statement on Monday.
State Police arrested Wells on Friday after the Ulster County Sheriff’s Employee Association (UCSEA) found suspicious activity involving its bank account, which set off an investigation launched by the State Police BCI in Kingston, authorities said.
The probe showed Wells stole approximately $99,418.23 from the UCSEA and used the funds between February 2023 and April 2026, State Police said.
Wells was released pending an appearance in Kingston City Court.
He was suspended without pay from the sheriff’s office pending the outcome of criminal and internal investigations, county Sheriff Juan Figueroa said in a statement.
“The arrest of Correction Officer Andrew Wells is both appalling and tragic,” Figueroa said. “He was entrusted to serve this county with integrity upon swearing the oath and betrayed many with his alleged actions. I was notified of this potential criminal conduct by the Ulster County Sheriff’s Employees Association president, contacted the Ulster County District Attorney and referred this case to the New York State Police to investigate. As public servants, conduct of this nature will never be tolerated.”