The New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association (NYSTPBA) last week announced it filed a lawsuit over the firing of an officer for off-duty cannabis use, Spectrum News reports. The lawsuit challenges the firing of Alexsandr DelCorvo by State Police Superintendent Steven James after a positive drug test for THC in June 2025.
In a statement, NYSTPBA indicated DelCorvo used CBD gummies following an on-duty back injury but denies using cannabis while on duty or working impaired. In a press release, DelCorvo, an Air Force veteran and 12-year veteran of the State Troopers, said that he “made a mistake trying to deal with pain from an injury I got on duty, and I owned it the moment I was asked.”
According to the lawsuit, the union contends the termination violates state law and occurred despite a unanimous disciplinary panel recommendation that DelCorvo should keep his job after the failed drug test. The three-member board issued him a 90-day unpaid suspension and a year of probation earlier this year. James ultimately fired DelCorvo in July, which bars him from working in law enforcement anywhere in the state.
In a statement, NYSTPBA President Charles Murphy said James “blatantly ignored” the panel’s recommendation and that of “a panel of Division’s own officers – including two members handpicked by the superintendent himself.”
“That’s not discipline; it’s an abuse of authority. As cannabis use is more prevalent than alcohol consumption among young people and the State Police is facing a serious recruitment crisis, it is long past time for Division to reconsider its antiquated rules around responsible, off-duty use of a 100% legal substance.” — Murphy in a statement via Spectrum News
The lawsuit seeks to have DelCorvo reinstated. It names the state police, James, and the Division of Criminal Justice Services as defendants.
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