State Police Arrest 2 Herkimer Men Following Investigation into Misconduct at Town Highway Department
- The NY Pulse
- Nov 18
- 1 min read
On November 12, 2025, the New York State Police in Herkimer arrested Kenneth M. Ward, age 44, of Herkimer, NY, and Michael N. Walz, age 34, of Herkimer, NY, for one count each of Official Misconduct (Class “A” Misdemeanor) involving the Town of Herkimer Highway Department.
An eleven-month investigation began after the Town of Herkimer Board of Directors and the Herkimer County District Attorney’s Office were notified of a possible larceny involving the Town of Herkimer Highway Department.
The investigation revealed that while employed by the highway department, both Ward and Walz were aware of town-owned material being scrapped for profit. Replaced water meters and other scrap material that were dropped off by residents during spring and fall cleanup days were allegedly taken and sold, primarily at Mohawk Valley Recycling, with proceeds collected by department employees.
Although investigators were unable to determine an exact dollar amount, the cash was reportedly stored in a box and used for non–town-related expenses.
Ward and Walz were processed at SP Herkimer and released with appearance tickets returnable to the Town of Herkimer Court on December 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
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