Ahead of former New York State Narcotics Investigator Michael O’Flaherty’s sentencing July 21 for making false statements to federal investigators, he apologized for his “stupidity” and said he could “only be mad at myself.”
O’Flaherty, who was accused of disclosing a covert investigation to his former confidential informant, a fentanyl dealer, pleaded guilty in February, and his employment with New York State Police was terminated at that time.
He had been originally charged in November 2024 with obstructing justice, as well as lying to federal investigators.
Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a February statement O’Flaherty “exploited his position of public trust, betrayed the oath he swore to protect New Yorkers, and jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers.”
“He did the unthinkable,” Clayton said. “He tipped off a drug trafficker — responsible for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl pills — to a covert narcotics investigation. When questioned by federal investigators, O’Flaherty lied repeatedly to cover his tracks.”
O’Flaherty’s attorney submitted a letter on his behalf to presiding United States District Judge Philip Halpern on June 30, in which O’Flaherty describes his journey to becoming a state police investigator, from an early encounter with a police officer who helped his family through his father’s death — the experience inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement — to his “quicker than most” promotion.
In the letter, O’Flaherty said he was “always successful as an investigator in narcotics, breaking records, helping other investigators and never caring about the recognition.
“I did it because I loved it and I wanted to help others.”
When he was arrested Nov. 21, 2024 — O’Flaherty had no previous arrests on his record — he said he lost everything he had built.
“I have processed countless people as a police officer, but being processed by other police officers was something different,” he said. “I put myself in this situation and I could only be mad at myself.”
O’Flaherty apologized to his family and friends and vowed to change his behavior.
“I am disappointed in myself; I lost everything I worked so hard for because of my own decision,” he said. “I will take this opportunity to correct that and live my life the way my father and family expect me to.”
O’Flaherty ‘consistently demonstrated integrity’
Dozens of statements from O’Flaherty’s family, friends and coworkers were also submitted, referencing his dedication and integrity.
“While I went through the rotary of careers I could one day be, he was unwavering,” Kelly O’Flaherty wrote of her twin brother. “He wanted to protect people, to stand between harm and those who could not protect themselves. He has a genuine desire to defend others and serve.”
One New York State Police Troop K colleague, Investigator Royal Ciancanelli, said O’Flaherty’s conduct over the years “consistently demonstrated integrity, professionalism and dedication to duty.” He said O’Flaherty performed his responsibilities with fairness, sound judgment, and a strong sense of accountability.
Brendon Moore, an attorney who was a fellow classmate at Our Lady of Lourdes High School, wrote that while he recognized the seriousness of the conduct to which O’Flaherty has pleaded guilty, he believed it important the court understand the person O’Flaherty had consistently been, regarding family, work and community life.
“I have full faith that, if granted the opportunity to redeem himself, Michael will return to being a productive, law-abiding father and community member, who appreciates the gravity of these proceedings,” Moore said.
The sentence O’Flaherty’s attorney requested
Per the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, O’Flaherty’s guilty plea of one count of making false statements carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, as prescribed by Congress.
In considering his sentence, O’Flaherty asked Halpern to “understand I accept my faults and will improve on them moving forward in my life.”
O’Flaherty’s attorney, Howard Tanner of Tanner & Ortega, L.L.P., requested O’Flaherty be sentenced to one year of probation, to “reflect the seriousness of the offense, to promote respect for the law, and to provide just punishment for the offense.”
Tanner said one year of probation would “afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct and protection for the public.”
O’Flaherty is not facing time
On July 21, the former New York State Police investigator was sentenced July 21 to time served — O’Flaherty’s jail sentence was determined by Halpern as fully satisfied.
He was ordered released from the custody of the United States Marshal.
Nickie Hayes is Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Ex-NY State Police investigator who tipped off drug dealer avoids prison
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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By Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal | USA TODAY Network
