Carnright announces grand jury findings

KINGSTON - The former commissioner of buildings and grounds for Ulster County will be arraigned soon on misdemeanor charges of official misconduct relating to his duties with the construction of the Ulster County Law Enforcement Center.

Sleight

Ulster County District Attorney Holley Carnwright released the findings of a special grand jury investigation that found Harvey Sleight, the county’s former commissioner of buildings and grounds, was negligent in his duties during the planning of the law enforcement center, which was completed three years late and about $25 million over budget.

Carnright said the garnd jury was also instructed to consider charges of official misconduct against former legislature chairmen Ward Todd and Richard Gerentine, and at the time, majority leader, and former county attorney Frank Murray. The grand jury voted against charging any of those men.

The DA said the grand jury voted to neither issue a report criticizing or exhonorating the three.

The special grand jury reviewed the case after a committee was formed by the county legislature with subpoena powers. It held several hearings last year.