Man convicted of violating order to stay away from Ulster comptroller
SHAWANGUNK, N.Y. >> After fewer than 15 minutes of deliberations, a Shawangunk Town Court jury convicted a Wawarsing man of violating an order of protection issued on behalf of Ulster County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach and his family, the county District At- torney’s Office said Wednesday.
Michael E. Wendel, 59, of 7034 U.S. Route 209, was found guilty by the six-member jury of a misdemeanor charge of criminal contempt, according to a press release.
The District Attorney’s Office said Wendel violated the order of protection the evening of Dec. 17, 2015, when he “aggressively approached” Auerbach in the Wawarsing Town Hall in the village of Ellenville, “placed himself within inches of Mr. Auerbach with a camera in his hand,” and made statements to the comptroller “of a harassing and taunting nature.”
Auerbach had previously obtained an order of protection against Wendel from Shawangunk Town Justice Kevin Hunt, the District Attorney’s Office said.
The reason for the order was not immediately clear Wednesday, and Auerbach could not be reached for comment.
Wendel has been a frequent and outspoken critic of Ulster County’s government.
Wendel is to be sentenced April 17. He faces a maximum of one year in the Ulster County Jail.