UPDATE: Former president of the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA), Thomas Mungeer, has pleaded guilty to a charge of grand larceny for stealing funds from the union. The Albany County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this urgent development on Tuesday.
Mungeer, a retired state trooper from Sullivan County, was arrested in October following allegations that he misused union funds for personal expenses over a four-year period, from March 5, 2018 to October 4, 2022. He faces up to one year of interim probation and is ordered to pay back more than $25,621 to the PBA.
In a significant twist, if Mungeer complies with the terms of his probation, he may withdraw his guilty plea and instead plead guilty to a lesser charge of petit larceny. Additionally, he will be required to forfeit all of his police credentials as part of the agreement.
The NYSTPBA issued a critical statement following the plea, expressing deep disappointment. “Tom Mungeer stole from the very people he swore to represent, violating his oath to uphold the law – the worst possible hypocrisy for a member of law enforcement,” the statement read. The organization emphasized the need for responsible oversight and reaffirmed its commitment to serving its members’ best interests.
This scandal not only highlights issues of trust within law enforcement but also raises questions about the integrity of union leadership. Members of the NYSTPBA are seeking reassurance that their union will continue to uphold values of fairness and transparency in the wake of this betrayal.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability among those in positions of power. As the NYSTPBA moves forward, its focus will be on rebuilding trust and ensuring that such misconduct is not repeated.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
