Former Otsego County DSS Employee Jonathan Gerald Allen Accused of Felony Eavesdropping

Jonathan Gerald Allen, 34 of Schenevus, has been charged with felony eavesdropping.

Allen, a former Otsego County Department of Social Service employee, was arrested by investigators for secretly recording co-workers in the county office building in April 2010.

In October 2012, an Otsego County employee made a formal complaint to the Otsego County sheriff’s criminal investigation division and the district attorney’s office regarding having his conversation allegedly secretly taped by Allen.

During the investigation, investigators located and recovered the digital voice recorder allegedly used in the incident and conducted interviews with DSS employees regarding the incident. After consulting with the district attorney’s office, Allen was charged with eavesdropping.

Allen surrendered himself at the Otsego County sheriff’s office Thursday and was issued an appearance ticket returnable in the village court next month.

If convicted Allen could face up to four years in state prison.