Quigley said that after learning about the arrest, he had opened his own inquiry into Taggard’s tenure with the department, including requesting records related to Taggard’s work with a police cadet program. According to Quigley records show that Taggard was the advisor of a Police Explorer post linked to the Town of Ulster Police Department between 1995 and sometime between 2002 and 2005 when the program ended. The program is a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America and provides mentoring and experience for youth ages 14 to 20 interested in a career in law enforcement. Quigley added, however, that his examination of the records shows no evidence of wrongdoing related to the Explorer program. Indeed, the post received a number of grants through the state Department of Criminal Justice Services and other sources, Quigley said.
“I have no knowledge of any complaints and no one that I’ve spoken to can recall any complaints,” said Quigley.
More to follow, maybe
Carnright, meanwhile, said Monday the investigation into Taggard remains active and that the case might end up before a grand jury, which could weigh felony charges in the matter. According to Quigley, civil service rules require that Taggard be kept on the payroll unless misconduct allegations can be substantiated at a formal disciplinary hearing.
“That could happen in the future, but right now we just don’t have enough information to proceed [with a disciplinary hearing],” said Quigley. “We’re going to have to wait until we hear more from the criminal side of this.”
The District Attorney’s Office asks that anyone with information in the case contact 1-800-225-5324 or call the DA’s Office at (845) 340-3280.
