NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Niagara Falls police officer is facing multiple charges following the investigation into the death of an inmate at the department's holding facility in February.
According to a joint statement from Niagara County District Attorney Caroline A. Wojtaszek and Niagara Falls Police Superintendent Thomas Licata, 36-year-old Erik O'Grady faces one count of tampering with public records in the first degree, a felony, and seven counts of tampering with public records, misdemeanors.
According to officials, an inmate died at the department's holding facility on February 28, 2020. In April 2020 the death was ruled to be of natural causes and a complication of chronic alcoholism.
It is now alleged O'Grady failed to perform mandated and required prisoner checks.
Officials say O'Grady allegedly made false entries into a log book within the jail and subsequently made a false written report with the NFPD recounting his performance of his police duties.
O'Grady was processed and released with an appearance ticket. He is due back in court for arraignment August 11.
