AG probe nabs cop

East Greenbush officer allegedly had stolen items

Police officer charged with possession of stolen property.

An East Greenbush police officer was arrested Tuesday and charged with possession of stolen property as part of an investigation by the state Attorney General’s office.

Officer Warren Kretzschmar was taken into custody by State Police as he arrived at work to begin his shift, an official said.

Court documents filed in East Greenbush said state investigators with a search warrant found stolen razors, detergent pods and air fresheners in Kretzschmar’s home.

He was issued an appearance ticket on the misdemeanor charge after appearing in Schodack Town Court.

State Police would say nothing about the arrest, referring questions to Attorney General Barbara Underwood’s office. Its press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Town officials seemed mystified about what lead to Kretzschmar’s arrest.

“State Police know what they are doing. They will do the investigation and they will find the right answer,” Town Supervisor Jack Conway said. “We assume he’s innocent until proven guilty, but we’re very concerned.”

East Greenbush Police Chief Christopher Lavin said Kretzschmar has been with the department for about 15 years and had never been accused of misconduct. The chief said State Police have not fully briefed him on the investigation.

It’s unclear if the charges are related to the officer’s police work.

“No complaint was made to us,” Lavin said. “We certainly don’t know any of the details surrounding it. We’re very concerned, of course, that an employee has been charged with wrongdoing.”

Lavin said Kretzschmar is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“The State Police, they already know, but of course they can’t show all of their cards at this point,” Lavin said.

Kretzschmar is due in East Greenbush Town Court on Sept. 27. As of Wednesday afternoon, he did not have an attorney, court officials said.