GREENE – Nearly 400 residents of the Village of Greene and surrounding areas have expressed their support via Facebook for Police Chief Steven Dutcher, who was arrested last week by State Troopers on charges of petit larceny.

“It was over a vacuum – a vacuum I’ve always used to clean my work vehicle that I am permitted to take home,” said Dutcher. “It’s a witch hunt. It’s just absolutely ludicrous.”

Dutcher commented on disagreements with the Greene Mayor Phill Brown that had happened in the past regarding the moving of the police department. As of press time, Mayor Brown has not returned any phone calls for comment.

According to Dutcher, for the past six weeks, there have been investigations, but “no one will say what’s going on.”

Dutcher said he went down a week before his arrest and submitted his resignation. Before that was approved, “Troopers roll up and arrest me for a vacuum cleaner,” he said.

“On Monday, the village was served with a letter rescinding my resignation,” said Dutcher. “A man can change his mind.”

The letter rescinding Dutcher’s resignation was denied by the board.

According to Dutcher, there is a firm from Rochester going through records, and a law firm is being paid to investigate unknown issues.