New details have emerged in the official misconduct investigation of former Canisteo Police Chief Kyle C. Amidon, culminating in his resignation, guilty plea, and restitution payment, authorities announced.
The New York State Police and Schuyler County District Attorney Joseph G. Fazzary confirmed that Amidon resigned and pleaded guilty to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor. He was sentenced to a one-year Conditional Discharge by Judge Medeleine Seaman and ordered to pay $13,378.57 in restitution to the Village of Canisteo—a sum he paid in full prior to sentencing.
The investigation began in April 2024 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Canisteo Mayor and Village Board, prompting a referral from the Steuben County District Attorney. Due to a conflict of interest, the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office was assigned to oversee the case.
The New York State Police Special Investigations Unit in Rochester led the inquiry, uncovering falsified timesheets and financial irregularities related to the Canisteo Police Club, which Amidon had founded and managed. The New York State Comptroller’s Office assisted, and the case was reviewed in consultation with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential federal charges.
District Attorney Fazzary evaluated the evidence provided by state investigators, ultimately pursuing charges related to timekeeping fraud and financial misconduct. The guilty plea and sentence mark the conclusion of a high-profile case involving a once-trusted local law enforcement leader.
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