Retired Rochester police officer, charged with harassment, expected in OP court

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) -- A retired Rochester police officer accused of threatening an Orchard Park woman he used to be in a relationship with is expected to appear in Orchard Park Town Court Tuesday evening and go before a judge after he was charged with a misdemeanor.

The Erie County District Attorney's Office tells News 4 that it's possible that a plea agreement will be reached in this case involving retired Rochester police officer Michael Tymoch, who served the department for over three decades.

Tymoch, while working for Rochester Police last year, was arraigned in Orchard Park Town Court on one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, which is a Class A misdemeanor.

This case is being heard by Orchard Park Town Justice Michael Pastrick.

Prosecutors allege 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.

News 4 attempted to contact an attorney for Tymoch and Tymoch himself, but we have not heard back.

A temporary order of protection was issued in this case -- meaning Tymoch has 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 says 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.

The criminal case against former officer Tymoch is scheduled to go to trial on Wednesday. But, it appears there could be a plea agreement announced in court Tuesday, when a hearing is expected to get underway at 5 p.m. News 4 will be in court for the proceeding and will have any new information on the court proceeding.