Former NY Chief Facing Drone Related Forgery Charges

A former fire chief is facing criminal charges for having forged his credentials to operate the fire department’s drone. Michael J. Leonelli was arrested by New York State Police following an investigation that included the FAA and the Office of Inspector General for the Department of Transportation.

Leonelli, 46, was the fire chief for the Caughdenoy Fire Department. The department reportedly asked Leonelli to provide either his drone license or his FAA Part 107 UAS Certificate. Police allege he provided them with a forged document. Leonelli is facing three charges, two of which are felonies. Forgery in the second degree and criminal possession of a forged instrument, both felonies. The third charge was forgery in the third degree, a misdemeanor.

Here is more about the case.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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