Retired Rochester police officer accused of harassing OP woman takes plea deal

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A retired Rochester police officer accepted a plea agreement Tuesday in Orchard Park Town Court after being accused of threatening an Orchard Park woman he used to be in a relationship with. The case was set to go to trial Wednesday.

Retired Rochester police officer Michael Tymoch, who served the department for over three decades, was initially charged with a misdemeanor in connection to this case, but pleaded it down to a violation.

Prosecutors alleged that in February of last year, Tymoch -- a 58-year-old from Spencerport -- sent threats to physically hurt a local woman he used to be in a relationship with through phone calls and text messages.

According to the DA's Office, Tymoch was released on his own recognizance because aggravated harassment is a non-qualifying offense for bail.

A temporary order of protection was issued, meaning Tymoch had to stay away from the alleged victim. According to Rochester Police Captain Gregory Bello, at the time of the alleged incident, Tymoch was on leave from Rochester Police and the department's chief immediately launched an internal investigation.

Bello said Tymoch then retired in May of this year, after serving 31 years with the Rochester Police Department. Rochester Police said he retired before the department completed its internal investigation.

According to Bello, at that time of Tymoch's retirement, Rochester Police applied to the state and was approved to have Tymoch de-certified as a police officer in New York State.

Tymoch's lawyer, Joseph Marusak, said he felt confident the case would not have ended in a criminal conviction if it went to trial.