Former Oswego Chief of Police entered guilty pleas to four Class A Misdemeanor counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree .

October 27, 2006

Special District Attorney John G. Duncan announced today that former Oswego Chief of Police William V. Ruggio entered guilty pleas in Oswego County Court this morning to four Class A Misdemeanor counts of Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree. As part of a plea agreement, Ruggio waived appeal and agreed to no longer seek or accept employment in law enforcement, including employment as a private investigator. Each count carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2006 before the Hon. Walter W. Hafner, Jr. in Oswego County Court.

Ruggio's indictment followed an investigation conducted by the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit and Federal Bureau of Investigation, Syracuse Resident Office, in the Fall of 2005. The investigation was initiated after authorities received reliable information that Ruggio was in possession of several stolen snowmobiles. Based upon information developed during the investigation, search warrants were obtained for a rental property owned by Ruggio at 9 Porter Street, and his residence at 14 Whitetail Circle, in the City of Oswego. State Police and FBI Agents executed the warrants on October 11, 2005 and recovered three stolen snowmobiles and a stolen ATV.

For further information, contact Special District Attorney John G. Duncan at 315-448-0672.