Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A New York State Police narcotics investigator has pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal investigators regarding a covert fentanyl investigation. The announcement was made by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
Michael O’Flaherty, 43, admitted before U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern that he lied about informing a former confidential informant—who later became a fentanyl dealer—that another law enforcement agency was investigating the individual’s drug activities.
“Michael O’Flaherty, a New York State Police narcotics investigator, exploited his position of public trust, betrayed the oath he swore to protect New Yorkers, and jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He did the unthinkable. He tipped off a drug trafficker—responsible for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl pills—to a covert narcotics investigation. When questioned by federal investigators, O’Flaherty lied repeatedly to cover his tracks. Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our Office’s continued commitment—and the commitment of our police departments—to rooting out the bad apples.”
Court documents state that in 2022, state and federal authorities were investigating fentanyl pill distribution linked to multiple overdose deaths in Dutchess County. Investigators identified an individual as a major source of fentanyl pills in the area; this person had previously served as a confidential informant for the New York State Police under O’Flaherty's supervision.
Although O'Flaherty initially expressed willingness to help with the investigation, he maintained personal contact with his former informant both during and after their official relationship ended. Instead of assisting investigators as claimed, O'Flaherty informed his former informant about the ongoing probe and attempted to gather sensitive details about it—including information on confidential sources within the network.
O'Flaherty also took steps to hide his interactions with this individual from supervisors and colleagues by concealing communications such as phone calls and meetings. When questioned by federal authorities about these actions and disclosures, he provided false statements.
O’Flaherty pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements—a charge that carries up to five years in prison if convicted at sentencing. Sentencing decisions will be made by Judge Halpern according to statutory guidelines.
Jay Clayton commended Special Agents from his office along with assistance from the DEA and New York State Police Professional Standards Bureau for their roles in investigating this case.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Qais Ghafary and Jeffrey C. Coffman from the White Plains Division.
