New York State Police Officer Allegedly Issued Dozens of Fake Traffic Tickets

A New York State Police officer has been arrested and charged with issuing more than two dozen fake traffic tickets to unsuspecting motorists in 2021 and 2022.

According to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, 34-year-old Edward Longo issued 32 tickets and supporting statements containing false statements and false information without stopping traffic or observing a traffic violation on eight different occasions between May 10, 2021 and October 2. 2022.

Prosecutors say Longo never stopped or witnessed a traffic violation. One of the people Longo is accused of counterfeiting the tickets died before their alleged interaction, officials said.

The fake tickets and fake testimony were then sent to the C. Hawthorne New York State Police Detachment Barracks in Mount Pleasant, where Longo was assigned, authorities said. Longo regularly patrolled Sprain Brook and the Taconic State Parkways in Westchester County.

“When the State Police became aware of a possible traffic ticket fraud scheme by one of our members, we immediately launched a criminal investigation in cooperation with the Westchester County District Attorney’s office, resulting in charges being filed,” the State Police said in a press release.

The former state trooper was allegedly motivated to falsify his records because his squad, New York State Troop K, keeps track of how many traffic tickets officers issue to meet performance-related goals. Soldiers who fall short of expectations or whose productivity falls below their peers “may be counseled,” the indictment documents say.

The Westchester County District Attorney said Longo is charged with 32 counts of providing false documents for first degree filing, which is a felony, and eight counts of malfeasance, which is a misdemeanor. He was arrested on January 31, 2023.

“Integrity in law enforcement is paramount. I thank our New York State Police partners for bringing this case into our hands and demonstrating their commitment to accountability and transparency.” This was stated by District Attorney Miriam Roca.

Longo is due to appear in Mount Pleasant Court on February 16, 2023. He has been on administrative leave since November 2022.