Liberty police tell Sullivan County committee Knights Inn placements are creating public safety strain

Village of Liberty Police Chief Steve DeGada told the Sullivan County Legislature Public Safety Committee on May 1, 2025, that repeated placements of people experiencing homelessness at the Knights Inn Hotel have produced escalating crime, frequent violent incidents and an unsustainable drain on the village’s police resources.

DeGada said the department responded to 64 unique criminal incidents at the Knights Inn in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for about 165 hours of police time and 24 arrests. "That is the equivalent of nearly 7 full 24-hour days of police time and resources," he said, and added that his review showed approximately 82% of incidents during that period involved individuals placed by the Department of Social Services or their guests. He described a string of violent incidents, fatal overdoses and a past child death tied to fentanyl exposure at the property.

The chair of the committee and multiple legislators said they would arrange a follow-up meeting that includes the Village of Liberty…