Former Central Square, NY, Fire Chief Charged with Forging Drone License

Central Square, N.Y. — A former Central New York fire chief was arrested this week on charges he forged an FAA license to operate his department’s drone, troopers said.

Michael J. Leonelli, 46, of Central Square, was arrested Wednesday following a complaint from the Caughdenoy Fire Department this summer, troopers said Friday.

While working at the fire department, Leonelli operated the fire department’s drone, troopers said. Leonelli was asked by the department to provide them with his FAA Part 107 UAS Certificate, or drone license, troopers said.

Leonelli gave the fire department a forged document that represented himself as having a Part 107 certificate, troopers said.

He was charged with second-and-third-degree forgery and criminal possession of a forged Instrument.

The volunteer fire department operates two stations that serve the communities of Hastings, Central Square and Schroeppel in both Oswego and Onondaga counties, according to the department’s website.

Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at [email protected].

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