Brian Hutchings
/ file photo
AUBURN -- A former Auburn police officer, already accused of using his job to settle personal disputes, has been brought up on more charges.
CNY Central has confirmed that Brian Hutchings has turned himself in to State Police on charges he stole money from the Auburn Police Benevolent Association while he was treasurer of that organization.
A Cayuga County Grand Jury indicted Hutchings on four counts of grand larceny, five counts of petit larceny and one count of scheme to defraud for allegedly stealing at least $3,000 in funds. The thefts allegedly took place from 2001 to 2008. Hutchings was arraigned Tuesday morning and released on his own recognizance. He was ordered not to leave the state.
Another indictment charges Hutchings with receiving bribes, official misconduct and receiving a reward for official misconduct. The indictment for bribery doesn't list the services he allegedly received or from whom, but it claims Hutchings tipped off unnamed companies to truck inspection stops so they could get away with driving non-compliant vehicles
In March, Hutchings was fired after being accused of abusing his position as a police officer in a dispute with a private contractor who did work on his home. He allegedly targeted the company's trucks and drivers with numerous traffic stops and tickets, at one point he's accused of attacking a driver with his baton and pepper spray. He now faces a total of 35 criminal charges.
Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann said this was a difficult investigation because "The accused is a police officer. He has the authority of law and a gun. That makes people reluctant to cooperate."
CNY Central will continue to update this story throughout the day.
