Former Leiden police chief indicted for theft

The former Leiden police chief was arraigned Monday on multiple theft charges in Greenfield District Court.

Daniel Galvis faces two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of theft over $1,200 and three counts of violating the standards of conduct for public employees. He pleaded not guilty to all and was released on personal recognizance. Galvis is scheduled to appear in court again for a preliminary hearing on June 21.

Galvis allegedly took equipment belonging to the Leyden Police Department and sold it without returning the profits to the city, according to a statement from Northwest District Attorney David Sullivan’s office.

An investigation was opened in March 2022 by the Office of Inspector General after a complaint was filed on its anti-fraud hotline. Prosecutors allege Galvis was responsible for stealing a Ford skid steer, engine, trailer and truck between 2018 and 2021.

The Northwest District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case on behalf of the state in cooperation with the Inspector General’s Office.

“It is an affront to the community when a public official violates their oath of office to enrich themselves, as is alleged in this case,” Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro said in a statement. “I am very grateful that Prosecutor Sullivan and his team initiated this prosecution and know its importance to the people of Leiden. I hope the work done by OIG investigators underscores our commitment to protecting public resources from fraud, waste, or abuse.

Galvis was the last police chief of Leiden. The town is now covered by the Bernardston Police Department.