15-05-2025
Former Leyden Police Chief placed on probation after admitting to larceny
GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Former Leyden Police Chief Daniel J. Galvis was placed on one year of probation and ordered to pay nearly $11,000 in restitution to the town.
According to the Northwestern DA's Office, Galvis admitted to sufficient facts in a theft case involving town-owned property.
Former Leyden Police Chief charged with larceny
Galvis was in Greenfield District Court on Thursday, where he changed his plea to admit sufficient facts on charges of larceny over $1,200 and violating public employee conduct standards. Judge Mazanec continued the charges without a finding, meaning they could be dismissed if Galvis repays the full $10,950 in restitution within 30 days and avoids further legal trouble during the probation period.
The charges stem from the unauthorized sale of town property, including a skid steer loader, a motor, a trailer, and a Ford truck, which Galvis allegedly took possession of and sold between 2018 and 2021 while serving as Leyden's police chief.
As part of a plea agreement, two counts of larceny of a motor vehicle, an additional count of larceny over $1,200, and two more counts of violating public conduct standards were dismissed.
The case followed a 2022 investigation, which was prompted by a complaint to its Fraud Hotline. Investigators concluded that Galvis had improperly taken and sold town equipment, failing to return the proceeds to the municipality.
At the time of the arraignment, Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro issued a statement, saying, '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. 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,' said Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro.
Galvis still faces civil enforcement proceedings from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission, which issued an Order to Show Cause in April 2024 outlining allegations related to the misconduct. The former chief's probation period is set to last one year. If restitution is paid on time and Galvis remains in compliance with the court's conditions, the charges may be dismissed.
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