Allegedly filed a false report
Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith reports that Earl Smith, Town of Putnam Valley highway superintendent, was arrested Dec. 9, on charges of allegedly filing a false report with authorities concerning missing highway department equipment. The sheriff stated that Smith, 69, gave investigators a sworn statement, in July 2009 that a tailgate from a highway department truck had been stolen. According to criminal complaints filed with the Putnam Valley Justice Court, however, Smith allegedly knew his report and statement were false. The investigation continues and prosecution of charges against Smith are pending.
 The charges are class A misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 on each count. Smith has been released and directed to appear in the Town of Putnam Valley Justice Court to answer the charges on Jan. 4, 2011.
