Here is the statement released this afternoon by the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office on the arrest of Ulster Town Police Chief Matt Taggard:
Criminal charges alleging official misconduct have been filed against Town of Ulster Police Chief Matthew Taggard. Taggard has been placed on administrative suspension, effective immediately, by the Town of Ulster Town Board. Taggard has been under investigation for criminal sexual misconduct involving underage victims. The investigation has focused on behavior when he was a policeman in the Town of Ulster Police Department prior to being appointed Chief of Police.
The charge of official misconduct alleges that Taggard was aware that sexual crimes were being committed, in an adjoining jurisdiction, and failed to take any steps to prevent same, or to notify the appropriate authorities, responsibilities clearly part of his obligation as a police officer, particularly one in a supervisory capacity.
Taggard was arraigned in front of Village of Saugerties Justice Robert Rightmyer, who set bail at $1,000.00 and, as a condition of his release, the defendant is obligated to surrender all firearms he has in his posession, within
two hours of arraignment. He was also ordered by Judge Rightmyer to remain in Ulster County during the pendency of this action. He is scheduled to return to court July 16th.
Investigators are asking anyone who has information that may be pertinent to this case to contact 1-800-225-5324 or call the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office at (845) 340-3280.
Join the family! 
