Court Rules Legislator Must Give Deposition in Steuben Co. Sheriff’s Case

Steuben County Sheriff James Allard

A motion by Steuben County to stop the deposition of one of its legislators in the ongoing legal battle between the county legislature and Sheriff Jim Allard has been denied.

The State Appellate Court upheld Steuben County Supreme Court Justice Jason Cook’s order allowing Legislator Hilda Lando to be deposed under oath to determine whether the County acted in bad faith regarding an executive session.

Photo: Steuben County Sheriff’s Office (Facebook)

Back in September, the legislature voted to repeal a local law that provided for the defense and indemnification of the sheriff’s position. Several days later, Sheriff Allard filed a lawsuit challenging the decision, which resulted in a temporary restraining order being placed on the legislature’s decision.

Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler released a video in February and said that New York State laws are clear that the county does not have to indemnify the sheriff.

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