Red Hook Man Arrested After Investigation into Fraudulent School Residency

Following an extensive investigation, the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) at Rhinebeck announced the arrest of Michael Cola, 48, of Milan, New York, for Grand Larceny 2^nd, a class C felony, and Falsifying Business Records 1^st, a class E felony.

In December 2024, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation at Rhinebeck was notified of alleged falsifying business records that occurred in the Town of Red Hook, New York.

The investigation determined that Cola provided documentation falsely indicating that he resided in the Town of Red Hook for the sole purpose of allowing his children to attend the Red Hook Central School District. Further investigation determined the children reside within the Pine Plains Central School District and should have been enrolled there. The Red Hook Central School District reported a total financial loss of $59,327.30.

Cola was arrested on March 5, 2026, and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Red Hook Court on March 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.