Former Leyden police chief arraigned on theft charges

The former police chief of Leyden was arraigned on multiple theft charges Monday in Greenfield District Court. 

Daniel Galvis faces two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, two counts of larceny over $1,200, and three counts of violating the standards of conduct for public employees. He pleaded not guilty to all of them and was released on personal recognizance. Galvis is scheduled to appear in court again for a pretrial hearing on June 21. 

Galvis allegedly took equipment owned by the Leyden Police Department and sold it without returning proceeds back to the town, according to a release from Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan’s office. 

An investigation was opened in March 2022 by the Office of the Inspector General after a complaint came into its fraud hotline. Prosecutors allege Galvis was responsible for stealing a skid steer loader, a motor, a trailer, and a Ford truck between 2018 and 2021. 

The Northwestern District Attorney’s office is prosecuting the case on behalf of the state in cooperation with the Office of the Inspector General.

“It is an affront to the community when a public official violates their oath of office to enrich themselves, as is alleged in this case,” Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro said in a statement. “I am most appreciative that District Attorney Sullivan and his team brought forward this prosecution and know its significance to the people of Leyden. I hope that the work done by the OIG investigators underscores our commitment to protect public resources from fraud, waste or abuse.”

Galvis was the last chief of police in Leyden. The town is now covered by the Bernardston Police Department.

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