State Police Arrest NYSDOT Employee Following Investigation into Theft & Official Misconduct

The New York State Police have arrested a New York State Department of Transportation employee following an investigation into the theft of state property and official misconduct.

On February 4, 2026, State Police in Oneida received a larceny complaint from the New York State Department of Transportation Investigations Bureau regarding an incident that occurred on October 27, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., at a DOT facility located at 635 Lenox Avenue in the City of Oneida, Madison County.

An investigation conducted by members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation determined that Tina L. Barretta, age 59, of Rome, NY, while employed as a maintenance worker with the New York State Department of Transportation, allegedly directed that approximately 10 tons of asphalt millings be loaded into a DOT truck during work hours. The material was subsequently transported to a private residence on Wood Creek Road in the Town of Rome, Oneida County, where it was deposited without authorization.

The value of the asphalt millings is estimated at approximately $250. The investigation also determined that a State vehicle was used in the commission of the offense.

On February 5, 2026, Barretta voluntarily responded to SP Oneida, where she was arrested and charged with:

• Petit Larceny (PL 155.25), Class A Misdemeanor

• Official Misconduct (PL 195.00), Class A Misdemeanor

Barretta was processed and released on appearance tickets returnable to Oneida City Court on February 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

The New York State Police were assisted in this investigation by the New York State Department of Transportation Investigations Bureau.

Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-arrest-nysdot-employee-following-investigation-theft-and-official-misconduct