The Ulster County Supreme Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit against Saugerties town officials from the former police chief. 

Former Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra stepped down in 2023 after being placed on administrative leave.

It followed scrutiny over the department's handling of an Dion Johnson, a Saugerties police officer, accused of sexual misconduct. Johnson was accused of sexually assaulting several women, but an internal investigation alleges two of the three claims were unsubstantiated. However, a separate investigation by the state attorney general's office claims all three accusations are likely true and called on the department to fire Johnson.

Sinagra accused town officials of making false comments that hurt him professionally.

The judge said the statements made by the defendants were matters of opinion, and not actionable for defamation.