Crime & Safety

FBI Arrests Suspended Police Chief for Allegedly Tampering with a Federal Witness

An update from the Village of Port Chester City Manager's office, issued late Monday night.

Written by Liz Giegerich

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested suspended Port Chester Police Chief Joseph Krzeminski Monday for allegedly tampering with a federal witness, according to a press release from the City Manager’s office. 

The FBI made the arrest after Krzeminski turned himself in and was arraigned on village police department charges of Obstructing Government Administration and Resisting Arrest, both misdemeanors, and Disorderly Conduct, a violation. Those charges stemmed from Acting Police Chief John Telesca’s claim that Krzeminski assaulted him on Oct. 28 at his home, for which the PCPD issued an active warrant for Krzeminski’s arrest.

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PCPD also arrested Krzeminski on Thursday, Oct. 31 for refusing to leave a Executive Session Village Board meeting at which he was not welcome. That arrest is still open and charges are pending.

The FBI executed a federal warrant for Krzeminski’s arrest Monday, Nov. 4, and are now holding him in federal custody on charges relating to the tampering with a federal witness, according to the village press release.

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The FBI and the Westchester County District Attorney's office are currently investigating about $27,000 and a large amount of drugs that disappeared from the police evidence room in Juy. 

Read the Village Manager’s press release in its entirety here: 

On Sept. 5, 2013, Police Captain John Telesca was appointed Acting Chief of Police and Chief Joseph Krzeminski was directed not to exercise any of the authority, responsibilities and duties associated with being the Chief of Police until he is able to perform the essential functions of his position and the Board of Trustees approves his return to duty. 

Since then, a number of personnel matters have come to the forefront relating to the above, including but not limited to, the reported assault of Telesca by Krzeminski on Monday, Oct. 28. Krzeminski was subsequently suspended without pay following the alleged assault.

At about 2:30 Monday afternoon, Krzeminski surrendered himself to the Rye Police Department due to an active warrant for his arrest being issued relating to his alleged assault of Telesca. Krzeminski was arraigned on the charges of: Obstructing Government Administration (a Class “A” Misdemeanor), Disorderly Conduct (a Violation), and Resisting Arrest (a Class “A” Misdemeanor).

After the arraignment, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a federal warrant for Krzeminski’s arrest. He is now in federal custody facing charges relating to tampering with a federal witness.

Further, on Oct. 31, during a special meeting of the Board of Trustees in their capacity as Police Commissioners; Krzeminski was arrested and removed from the premises of Village Hall for refusing to leave an executive session of the Board. This arrest of Krzeminski remains an open matter and additional charges are pending.

There are ongoing discussions between attorneys for the Village and Krzeminski regarding the status of his continued employment with the Village.


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