A former Hudson Valley police officer has admitted to extorting a small business owner and has now been sentenced, bringing closure to a case that shocked the local community.
Ex-Officer Turned Extortionist
Ally Thueson, 33, of Montgomery, New York, once served in law enforcement, entrusted with upholding the law and protecting the public. However, in a disturbing twist, she used her position to intimidate rather than protect. Thueson was employed at a beauty salon in Montgomery when she attempted to extort the salon’s owner, a local businesswoman.
According to court documents, the incident began in May 2024, when Thueson confronted the owner and demanded $9,000, threatening to post false and damaging statements about the business online if the money was not paid. The fear of reputational harm and financial loss led the business owner to comply with Thueson’s demands.
Multi-Agency Investigation Uncovers Crime
The extortion attempt triggered an extensive investigation spearheaded by a multi-agency Task Force. The effort involved the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, the Department of Taxation and Finance, and other local law enforcement agencies.
Following a thorough investigation, Thueson was arrested and charged with grand larceny. She later pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the third degree, admitting to stealing more than $3,000 through threats and coercion.
Sentenced to Probation
Thueson appeared in Orange County Court last week, where she was sentenced to five years’ probation. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced the sentencing, emphasizing the importance of protecting small businesses from criminal exploitation.
Victim Speaks Out
During the court proceedings, the victim—owner of the targeted salon—delivered a powerful statement:
“As a business owner, this was an extremely scary situation to go through. I am so thankful to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office for taking swift and decisive action. I’m relieved that justice has been served and grateful for the support that helped bring resolution to this chapter.”
Officials React to Sentencing
District Attorney Hoovler underlined the vulnerability of small businesses to extortion:
“Our small businesses are the backbones of our communities and are particularly vulnerable to criminal schemes like we saw in this case. Unfortunately, these types of crimes often go unreported and must be uncovered by the hard work of the Task Force.”
Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta also voiced his disappointment, particularly due to Thueson’s former role in law enforcement:
“As the Chief Law Enforcement Officer in Orange County, I find it horrendous that a former police officer would commit such an act. The badge is meant to symbolize service, integrity, and protection—not intimidation and exploitation. I’m proud of the investigators who worked tirelessly to bring accountability, and I hope this resolution helps the victim reclaim peace and confidence in her daily life.”
A Case That Highlights the Importance of Vigilance
This case serves as a reminder that no one is above the law—even those who once enforced it. It also highlights the strength of community-based law enforcement and the importance of reporting crimes, no matter how intimidating the situation may appear.
With justice now served, the business owner can begin to move forward, and the community can take comfort in knowing that the system worked to hold a former officer accountable.
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