Paul Echols, who accused New Paltz police of brutality, cleared of main charges in trial
Paul Echols of Ellenville was found not guilty of misdemeanor resisting arrest and obstructing government administration, but guilty of the violations of harassment and disorderly conduct, in a rare trial in New Paltz town court that concluded yesterday. Echols received a $250 fine and 50 hours community service. The charges were the result of a September 9 incident outside of P&G’s in New Paltz at about 3:30 a.m. involving a fight and allegations by Echols of police brutality against the town.