HERKIMER COUNTY, New York — An on-duty sheriff’s lieutenant has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after State Police discovered cocaine inside an unmarked sheriff’s vehicle he was operating on the New York State Thruway.
Troopers initiated a traffic stop on the interstate in Herkimer County, which led to the discovery of 10 grams of cocaine, according to a news release issued by the State Police on Saturday.
The individual taken into custody was identified as 35-year-old Thomas Fellrath of Hartwick, New York. Fellrath serves as a lieutenant with the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and is listed as the administrator of the Otsego County Jail on the official county website.
Fellrath was arrested on Friday and faces charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, which is a felony, as well as a felony charge of defrauding the government and a misdemeanor charge of official misconduct.
Law enforcement authorities did not provide specific details regarding the circumstances surrounding the defrauding the government charge. Additionally, it was not immediately confirmed whether Fellrath has undergone arraignment or if he is currently being detained or released on bail.
The legal case is being handled jointly by the district attorney offices in both Herkimer and Otsego counties. Public payroll records from SeeThroughNewYork indicate that Fellrath earned $145,857 in compensation during the 2025 calendar year.
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