Herkimer, N.Y. — Two Town of Herkimer Highway Department employees have been charged with official misconduct after police said they knew town-owned materials were being scrapped for profit.

Kenneth M. Ward, 44, and Michael N. Walz, 34, both of Herkimer, were each charged with one count of official misconduct, a misdemeanor, according to Trooper Jennifer Jiron, a New York State Police spokesperson.

Police said an 11-month investigation found that while working for the highway department, Ward and Walz were aware that town-owned materials were being sold for profit.

Replaced water meters and other scrap materials, including items dropped off by residents during the town’s spring and fall cleanup days, were allegedly taken and sold, police said. Many items were sold at Mohawk Valley Recyc

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