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Olive board authorizes civil-service charges for officer 'JH' as public commenter alleges misconduct
Summary
The board approved Resolution No. 13 authorizing charges under Civil Service Law §75 against a police officer identified as JH and designated a hearing officer; during public comment Jason Huffer accused the police chief and town officials of misconduct and said he had filed multiple FOIL requests.
The Town of Olive Board voted June 3 to authorize charges under Civil Service Law §75 against a town police officer identified in the meeting as "JH" and designated Monty Klein as hearing officer to hold a hearing and render a recommendation.
The resolution (Resolution No. 13) was described in the meeting as authorizing the issuance of a third supplemental Notice of Discipline (NOD) and to proceed with hearings under the civil-service statute. Supervisor explained the board had worked with the police commission and that the hearing officer will create a record and make recommendations to the town.
Earlier in the public-comment period Jason Huffer delivered a lengthy statement alleging wrongdoing by Chief Ryan and by town officials. Among Huffer’s claims: he said Chief Ryan had been "operating his Jeep for over three years without a front license plate since approximately February 1st, 2026" and that the chief "has operated without inspection on public roads." Huffer also alleged procedural failings in how disciplinary paperwork and separation agreements were handled, and said he submitted eight FOIL requests at the meeting.
The supervisor responded in detail to the public accusations, saying the town, the police commission and an outside investigator had reviewed allegations and that most were found untrue or unsubstantiated. He cited civil-service limits and union and legal protections constraining what the town can publicly disclose and said the town encourages formal complaints to independent agencies such as the Ulster County District Attorney's Office or the New York State Attorney General where appropriate.
Separately, the board voted to authorize the supervisor to request an outside review by the New York State Attorney General and/or Ulster County District Attorney to assess whether complaints were filed in good faith and whether the town's actions were proper. The motion to request external review passed. Board members completed a roll call to approve Resolution No. 13.
What the record shows: the transcript records the public allegations, the board’s recounting of prior internal reviews and the motion and roll-call approval to authorize charges and to seek external review. The hearing under Civil Service Law §75 will be the formal venue for adjudicating the charges against the officer; the transcript does not record the hearing outcome.
