A former Bloomville police officer has been found guilty of stealing copper and other recyclable materials from the village last year.
William R. Laugherty, 28, was found guilty of two counts of theft in office, a fifth-degree felony, by Seneca County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Kelbley following a court trial last week. The verdict was announced Thursday afternoon in Kelbley's courtroom.
Laugherty, who awaits sentencing, was indicted on the charges earlier this year after he was discharged from the Bloomville Police Department. Video surveillance had recorded him stealing copper and other recyclable materials from the village garage between June and November 2011.
According to Laugherty's indictment, the incidents occurred on a continuing course of conduct and he "used his office in aid of committing the offense."
A phone call placed to Laugherty was not returned Thursday evening.
