John Hudson, the former head of the Village of Hoosick Falls Police Department and former chief of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, has been charged with stealing public funds to buy tires for his personal vehicle, according to a joint announcement made November 18, 2025, by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly, and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Hudson, 40, of Troy, is accused of using $1,241.36 in rescue squad funds to purchase four tires that were incompatible with any emergency vehicle in the fleet — and were later discovered on his personal car. The charges include Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree as a crime of public corruption and Official Misconduct. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Hoosick Falls Town Court on November 20.
“Those entrusted with enforcing the law must be held to the highest standards and will be held accountable for any criminal conduct,” said Comptroller DiNapoli. “Hudson allegedly abused his position of trust at the rescue squad to financially benefit himself.”
Tire purchase sparked investigation
According to the investigation, Hudson had the tires shipped directly to the rescue squad’s facility in an apparent attempt to disguise the nature of the purchase. However, it didn’t take long for investigators to determine that the tires were the wrong size for any rescue squad vehicles — and were instead taken home for his own use.
After being placed on administrative leave from the police department in April 2025, Hudson repaid the misused funds. Despite the repayment, he was terminated from both the police department and the rescue squad in May.
The case came to light after DiNapoli’s office received a complaint regarding suspicious financial activity at the rescue squad earlier this year. A joint investigation was launched with the New York State Police, ultimately resulting in Hudson’s arrest.
Officials condemn abuse of public trust
“This case is a sobering reminder of how public trust can be betrayed,” said Superintendent James. “Mr. Hudson violated the confidence instilled in him by the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad and the Hoosick Falls Police Department by disregarding his oath and allegedly stealing funds he was not entitled to.”
District Attorney Donnelly’s office is prosecuting the case. The charges filed are allegations, and Hudson is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Since taking office, Comptroller DiNapoli has prioritized rooting out public corruption and urges New Yorkers to report suspected fraud involving taxpayer money. Reports can be made confidentially by calling 1-888-672-4555 or visiting osc.ny.gov.
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