Hero Cop Admits To Evidence Locker Theft
SCHENECTADY---An inspector with the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office who was deemed a hero in September for trying unsuccessfully to rescue two children from a burning house, has pleaded guilty to stealing money from an evidence locker at the police department.
Richard Vore, 51. a 27-year veteran of law enforcement, was initially charged with misdemeanor counts of petty larceny and official misconduct for allegedly taking $133 to pay off a gambling debt. He was fired from his $55,000 a year position.
Vore pleaded guilty to one count of petty larceny, a misdemeanor, Monday before Judge Guido Loyola in Schenectady City Court.
He received no jail time or probation but a simple $250 fine. He had already made restitution after being confronted by Buffardi. Prosecutors said the sentence was standard for first time offenders.
Sheriff Harry Buffardi had accused him of taking the money, saying the incident occurred on Nov. 11 and that when he confronted Vore about it on Nov. 22, that after first denying it, Vore allegedly admitted to Buffardi that he had taken the money but said he had repaid it.
Buffardi had audiotaped Vore and Vore could be heard on the tape referring to gambling debts.
However, in court Monday, Vore’s attorney, Cheryl Coleman denied that Vore’s gambling debts had been the motive but didn’t offer any other motive.
Vore has retired and is collecting his pension.
On Sept. 19, Vore had run into a blazing house on Strong St. in the city, attempting to save Paul Thomas, 3, and his 23-month old sister, Shadaya Thomas. The children died in the fire. Vore had collapsed and had to be rescued from the building.
Retrieved May 18, 2006 from http://www.northcountrygazette.org/articles/041806HeroCop.html