New details slowly emerge in raid on union representing state troopers

Details continue to emerge over a raid on the union representing thousands of New York state troopers.

The raid on the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association and its charity, Signal 30, was first reported by the Times Union. It happened at their offices in Albany.

The group’s attorney said Wednesday they welcome a look at possible impropriety by the people who were formerly in charge of the union. The investigation could affect anyone who’s donated to help police and their families.

State Police investigators searched the State Street building Tuesday — home to a union representing thousands of troopers. The Times Union was first to report the search of the PBA office and an adjacent office of Signal 30, a charity created by the PBA to help troopers and their families.

State Police special investigators raided the office. Members of that team are part of a different union, called the New York State Police Investigators Association, or NYSPIA.

The raid comes on the heels of a leadership shakeup, also reported by the Times Union. The union’s former general counsel Richard Mulvaney and President Thomas Mungeer were accused of conflicts of interest and other violations by members of the board, the paper reported.

Attorney Daniel Strollo for the PBA says in part, “This is part of an ongoing investigation. […] We welcome the special investigations unit’s assistance in uncovering past wrongdoing.”

Local attorney Ryan McCall of Tully Rinckey is not involved in the case, but said experience led him to believe the investigation could be looking at the group’s finances.

“Typically, when you see these types of actions, especially with these charitable organizations such as the Signal 30 Fund, that means they’re under investigation for financial misappropriation,” he said.

The raid leaves questions about the agencies involved in the investigation. The Albany County D.A.’s office said Wednesday it does not comment on investigations, and the state Attorney General’s office said it is not their investigation.

McCall said it is possible no charges stem from the findings of the search. However, McCall said he would not be surprised if one of the two agencies is already involved or becomes involved based on what law enforcement learns from the search warrant.