On-Duty Sheriff Deputy Arrested With Cocaine in Upstate New York

An Upstate New York Sheriff's Office lieutenant is out of a job and facing multiple criminal charges after he was allegedly caught with cocaine while on duty and driving a department vehicle.

Otsego County Sheriff's Lieutenant Arrested on Felony Drug Charges

According to the New York State Police, Lieutenant Thomas Fellrath, of Hartwick, NY, was arrested on Friday, May 29, 2026, following an investigation that revealed that the 35-year-old was found to have approximately 10 grams of cocaine during a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway in Herkimer County, NY.

Investigators said Fellrath was on duty at the time of the stop and was driving an unmarked Otsego County Sheriff's Office vehicle outside of Otsego County when he was arrested.

As a result, Fellrath has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and defrauding the government, both felonies. He was also charged with official misconduct, a misdemeanor.

Employment Terminated Immediately

Following the arrest, the Otsego County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Fellrath's employment was terminated. According to WTEN, Otsego County Sheriff Richard Devlin Jr. said he was shocked by the allegations.

"I am deeply disturbed and disappointed by the alleged criminal conduct of Officer Fellrath," Devlin said. "The residents of Otsego County place their trust in law enforcement officers to serve honorably and uphold the law. Any violation of that trust is taken extremely seriously."

Case Moving Forward

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community, as the allegations involve a high-ranking member of a sheriff's office who was reportedly on duty at the time of the incident.

State Police said the case will be prosecuted by the Otsego County District Attorney's Office under Acting District Attorney Christopher J. Di Donna, along with the Herkimer County District Attorney's Office under District Attorney Jeffrey Carpenter.

The charges remain allegations, and Fellrath is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

If there has been a change to this information, such as charges being dropped or dismissed, please email me CJ@Hudsonvalleycountry.com to make the necessary change.