New York State Police and Schuyler County District Attorney Announce Developments in Joint Investigation into Canisteo Police Chief

The New York State Police and the Schuyler County District Attorney’s Office announce significant developments in the ongoing joint investigation into allegations of official misconduct involving former Canisteo Police Chief Kyle C. Amidon.

The investigation began in April 2024 after an anonymous letter was sent to the Village of Canisteo Mayor and Board of Trustees.

Following a referral from the Steuben County District Attorney, the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU) – Rochester initiated a comprehensive investigation. Additional inquiries revealed potential misconduct involving falsified time sheets and irregularities tied to the Canisteo Police Club, which Chief Amidon founded and managed.

Assistance was provided by the New York State Comptroller’s Office, and the case was reviewed in consultation with the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office for potential federal prosecution. Schuyler County District Attorney, Joseph G. Fazzary, was appointed a special prosecutor for the case due to a conflict of interest in the Steuben County District Attorney’s Office. Fazzary evaluated evidence and charges provided by SIU investigators connected to misconduct, financial impropriety, and timekeeping fraud.

As a result of these findings, Chief Kyle C. Amidon resigned his position with the Canisteo Police Department this morning, pleaded guilty to one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to a one-year Conditional Discharge by Hon. Medeleine Seaman. He was also ordered to pay the Village of Canisteo restitution in the amount of $13,378.57, which he paid prior to being sentenced.