Former Police Officer Extorted Small Business in the Hudson Valley

A 33-year-old former police officer admits to threatening and demanding money from a small business owner in Orange County, NY.

A woman who has spent time protecting and serving parts of the Hudson Valley as a member of local law enforcement has pleaded guilty and been sentenced for her part in extorting an Orange County business owner.

Former Police Officer Extorts Business Owner in Orange County, NY

According to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Ally Thueson, a former police officer, was working at a beauty salon in Montgomery, NY, when she attempted to extort the salon's owner.

Court documents stated that the extortion plan began back in May of 2024 when the 33-year-old Thueson, of Montgomery, NY, approached the salon owner and threatened to make false statements on the internet, causing harm to the salon's reputation if she did not pay her $9,000.

Fearing the threats would harm the business, the owner complied with the demands.

Investigation Leads to Arrest

After a multi-agency Task Force investigation began, led by members of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and several other local police agencies, Thueson was arrested and charged.

Ex Cop Pleads Guilty

Thueson, who previously pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the third degree and admitted to stealing over $3,000 from the business owner by extortion, was back in Orange County Court last week for sentencing, where she was sentenced to five years' probation, according to Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.

Business Owner Speaks Out

The business owner spoke at Thueson's sentencing, saying,

"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."

 

Following the sentencing, DA Hoovler thanked everyone involved in the investigation.

"Our small businesses are the backbones of our communities and are particularly vulnerable to criminal schemes like we saw in this case,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “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 spoke after the sentencing, saying,

"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."