By Brendan J. Lyons
The Albany Times-Union
COLONIE, NY — The former head of the State Police Aviation Unit was arrested Wednesday for allegedly “misappropriating” a global-positioning satellite device.
State Police authorities said Robert U. Kreppein, 47, is accused of taking an aviation GPS device that the State Police purchased for $2,432 in 2008.
Two people with knowledge of the matter said Kreppein, who abruptly retired last month at the rank of major, allegedly sold the GPS device.
Kreppein, who State Police said is a resident of Walden, Orange County, could not be reached for comment.
He was charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property, felonies, and official misconduct, a misdemeanor.
The arrest was handled by State Police internal affairs.
Kreppein headed the State Police aviation unit for several years and had been with the division for 24 years. The aviation unit is headquartered at Albany International Airport.
His retirement came on the heels of a New York Post report that he was the subject of an internal investigation regarding the sanctioning of State Police helicopter flights for civilians.
Kreppein was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Colonie Town Court on Aug. 3. The case is being handled by the Albany County District Attorney’s Office.
Copyright 2011 The Hearst Corporation