News10NBC Investigates: Greece Police release internal investigation into response following former chief’s DWAI crash

WHEC, Berkeley Brean

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GREECE, N.Y. (WHEC) — Greece Police Tuesday released a summary of the special investigation into what happened in the events after former GPD chief Drew Forsythe crashed his chief SUV,

News10NBC’s Chief Investigative Reporter Berkeley Brean obtained a copy of the report, which details the department’s response to the crash, and how responding officers handled the aftermath.

As far penalties go, the investigation recommended one demotion, several letters of reprimand, and several unpaid suspensions. The document redacts the officers’ and command staff’s names because of ongoing legal issues.

The documents stem from an Oct. 20 crash on 390, where prosecutors say the former chief had six drinks at a hotel bar before getting behind the wheel. Forsythe resigned from his position on Oct. 25, just two days after he was placed on administrative leave.

[Full timeline here]

[News10NBC]

Forsythe later pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired last week.

Summary of Greece Police Special Investigation by News10NBC on Scribd

As Brean previously reported, the internal investigation was on the agenda for the Greece Town Board Thursday night. It authorized the special investigator to "prefer disciplinary charges against officers." It also directed the special investigator to "issue" charges no later than Monday.

News10NBC spoke to the lawyer who represented three officers. The internal investigation recommended no discipline against two of them. A third officer got a punishment offer from the town Thursday and accepted it. It was a letter in his file.

Instead of any discussion about the report and because of COVID rules, the Town Board approved that and 37 other agenda items in one vote.

When asked why she offered Forsythe a plea deal, Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley told News10NBC that she simply didn’t have the evidence she needed to prove her case beyond a reasonable doubt because there was no breathalyzer or field sobriety test administered to Forsythe the night of the crash.

Additionally, the report suggested policy updates and training on how officers respond to crashes involving police cars, including how quickly those crashes are reported to town leaders.

Prior to Forsythe’s arraignment, Town of Greece Supervisor Bill Reilich announced former Rochester Police Deputy Chief Mike Wood would succeed Forsythe in the chief’s role. Learn more about Wood’s appointment here.

News10NBC is continuing to go through the documents, we’ll have updates for you on News10NBC.