POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — A New York State Police narcotics investigator pleaded guilty Wednesday to making false statements after tipping off a former confidential informant about an ongoing drug investigation and lying to federal authorities. Michael O’Flaherty, 43, admitted to the charge in federal court before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern. The crime carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The case stems from a 2022 investigation by state authorities and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into fentanyl distribution linked to multiple overdose deaths in Dutchess County. Investigators identified a trafficker and a network of runners responsible for supplying large quantities of fentanyl pills in the region. O’Flaherty had supervised the trafficker during his time as a confidential informant for the state police.
Court records show O’Flaherty maintained a personal relationship with the former informant during and after his tenure. He warned the trafficker about the investigation and sought sensitive details, including the identity of a confidential source within the network. He also concealed his communications, which included phone calls, text messages, and in-person meetings, from supervisors and colleagues.
When questioned by federal investigators, O’Flaherty lied about his interactions. Authorities said his conduct undermined the investigation and endangered other law enforcement personnel. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described O’Flaherty’s actions as a betrayal of public trust, saying the investigator “did the unthinkable” by alerting a trafficker responsible for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl pills.
