by Kristina Gabalski
Brockport Mayor Connie Castañeda says she is “happy with the decision” of Ogden Town Justice David Murante to dismiss criminal charges against her.
Judge Murante handed down his decision June 11, which stated there was not enough evidence to support criminal charges of official misconduct and falsifying business records, all misdemeanors.
“Justice has prevailed thus far,” Mayor Castañeda said. “This has weighed heavily on the community.”
The mayor says she hopes charges still pending that she violated village codes will also be dropped.
Mayor Castañeda was arrested by Brockport Village Police in March 2012 and charged in connection with allegedly illegally renting out an apartment in her home between 2010 and 2011.
The District Attorney’s office could appeal Judge Murante’s decision, Mayor Castañeda said.
Brockport Police Chief Daniel Varrenti said that in fairness, he would defer all comments to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office, “since they reviewed and recommended the charges that were dismissed,” he said.
In June of 2012, Mayor Castañeda filed a notice of claim, stating her intent to sue the village for, “false arrest, abuse of process, humiliation, defamation, attorney’s fees, out of pocket expenses, aggravation and the value of time wasted by this prosecution.”
She was scheduled to return to Ogden Town Court June 13.
