WALDEN – The Village of Walden Police Department has launched an internal investigation, which includes a review to see if evidence was stolen from evidence lockers by a former high-ranking member of the force, sources told Mid-Hudson News.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is awaiting the results and consulting the Walden PD during the probe, which could last several weeks. Walden PD Chief Daniel D’Elicio and Village Manager John Revella declined to comment on the investigation. Mayor Becky Pearson did not respond to a request for comment.

Sources said a Walden PD sergeant, who retired earlier this year, is under scrutiny for allegedly taking a license plate from an impounded vehicle in the evidence room and placing it on his personal vehicle. The probe may also include a review to determine if the former cop stole drugs from the evidence room and prescription drop-off boxes in its lobby. The drop-off boxes allow residents to dispose of pills, tablets, and patches anonymously, helping prevent drug abuse and environmental contamination.

If any improprieties are found, it could compromise hundreds of prosecutions, and criminal charges could be pursued by the DA’s Office against the Walden PD.

D’Elicio sent a memo to the department on December 2, 2025, obtained by Mid-Hudson News, stating that the sergeant was being placed on administrative leave effective immediately and was not permitted to enter the police department. The sergeant later retired.

Sources also said the sergeant allegedly operated police department vehicles despite having a suspended license, before finally being taken off the road. According to sources, the audit could stretch into reviewing alleged transgressions by the Village’s Building Department.

These alleged incidents come the same week that Revella, an Orange County Legislator, was federally indicted on charges of filing false tax returns.