The recent resolution of the Copake Town Board asking D.A. Beth Cozzolino to investigate alleged environmental crimes in Copake and the District Attorney’s response is telling about the malfeasance in office being committed by Cozzolino for the last 15 years.
Cozzolino’s response to two local newspapers that her office is not an investigating office and lacks the workforce needed to be such is an incredible “spin doctor” response that does not reflect reality and covers up her lack of responsibility to the taxpayers of Columbia County.
To be an effective D.A., any complaint must be reviewed under three variables: 1) What are the facts? 2) What is the law? and 3) What is in the interest of justice?
Cozzolino’s lack of willingness to take Copake’s matter under her wing and request local or state detectives to work cooperatively with her to answer the above three questions shows how narrowly and inappropriately she views her position.
One cannot separate investigation from prosecution. It is like trying to split hairs and in effect, Cozzolino is neglecting her mandated duties.
Except for hunting law violations, Cozzolino has never been involved in prosecuting environmental crimes even though this has been a major concern in Columbia County for many years. It is not rocket science to with cooperation with NYS officials and scientists, it is not an unreasonable request by the Copake Town Board.
Cozzolino’s unwillingness to reach out proactively and build cooperative relationships with police means serious crimes go unpunished. For many years the NYS Police Drug Investigators refused to come to Columbia County because of Cozzolino’s lack of cooperation.
As former D.A., public defender and conflict public defender, I know first hand how her office resources are managed. It is not unusual for simple cases to take months or years to be resolved.
Since I was D.A. in 1984-87, the D.A.’s office staff has ballooned with employees even though the crime rate is approximately the same. The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services Web site reflects statistics collected over the years that reflect the fact that Cozzolino can’t blame the Board of Supervisors.
Cozzolino has the workforce and the Grand Jury at her disposal to investigate anything she cares to either independently or in cooperation with any state or police agency.
Evidently, Cozzolino really doesn’t care. It’s an open secret with the local criminal justice professionals that she works part time in a full-time position and is inaccessible to authorities who really do care about making Columbia County a better place to live in.
Eugene Keeler
Former D.A. and public defender
Hudson
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