NYS Police Officer Fired After Guilty Plea in False Statement Case

Michael O'Flaherty admitted to tipping off a drug trafficker about a covert narcotics investigation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A New York State Police officer named Michael O'Flaherty has been fired after pleading guilty to making false statements to federal investigators. Prosecutors said O'Flaherty, who was a narcotics investigator, disclosed details of a covert investigation to a former confidential informant who was a 'prolific dealer of deadly fentanyl pills.' This tip jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences for law enforcement officers who abuse their positions of trust and undermine criminal investigations. The public expects police to uphold the law, not assist drug traffickers. O'Flaherty's actions put lives at risk and eroded public confidence in the integrity of the state police.

The details

Prosecutors said O'Flaherty, 43, of Poughkeepsie, was working as a narcotics investigator for the state police when he disclosed details of a covert investigation to his former confidential informant, who was a 'prolific dealer of deadly fentanyl pills.' O'Flaherty also tried to get more information about the investigation from the informant. When questioned later, O'Flaherty lied repeatedly to cover his tracks. He pled guilty to one count of making false statements, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

  • In the fall of 2022, O'Flaherty was suspended after an investigation was launched into potential wrongdoing.
  • In late 2024, O'Flaherty was arrested.
  • On February 19, 2026, O'Flaherty pled guilty to one count of making false statements.

The players

Michael O'Flaherty

A 43-year-old New York State Police officer who was assigned to Troop K and worked as a narcotics investigator.

Jay Clayton

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who announced O'Flaherty's guilty plea.

Steven G. James

The New York State Police Superintendent who announced O'Flaherty's termination, calling his actions a 'betrayal of the public trust.'

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What they’re saying

“He did the unthinkable. He tipped off a drug trafficker—responsible for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl pills—to a covert narcotics investigation.”

— Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney (patch.com)

“We will not tolerate conduct that violates the law, our policies or ethical standards. The vast majority of our members carry out their duties with integrity, courage, and professionalism. When one individual fails to meet those standards, we act decisively, and we hold them accountable.”

— Steven G. James, New York State Police Superintendent (patch.com)

What’s next

O'Flaherty is scheduled to be sentenced for the false statements charge, which carries a maximum of five years in prison.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical importance of maintaining the integrity and public trust in law enforcement. When an officer abuses their position to assist criminals, it undermines the entire justice system and puts the community at risk. The swift termination of O'Flaherty sends a clear message that such unethical conduct will not be tolerated.