Trooper Sues for Reinstatement After Cannabis Firing
Alexsandr J. DelCorvo asks a state court to overturn his termination after a disciplinary panel recommended he keep his job.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Former New York State Trooper Alexsandr J. DelCorvo filed a petition in state Supreme Court in late October seeking reinstatement after the State Police fired him for off-duty cannabis use. The lawsuit is backed by the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers.
Why it matters
The case tests whether state police agencies in New York can dismiss officers for lawful off-duty cannabis use even when a disciplinary panel recommends retention. A ruling could shape how State Police policy on marijuana applies to officers who use it for medical reasons.
DelCorvo's petition in state Supreme Court asks the court to overturn his termination and bar firings based solely on lawful off-duty cannabis use. The court has not yet issued a ruling, and the petition is pending.
The players
Alexsandr J. DelCorvo
A former New York State Trooper and Air Force veteran who is challenging his termination for off-duty cannabis use.
Steven G. James
The New York State Police Superintendent who rejected the disciplinary panel's recommendation and ordered DelCorvo's termination.
Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers
The union representing New York State Troopers that is supporting DelCorvo's lawsuit.
The details
DelCorvo, an Air Force veteran who joined the State Police in 2014 and worked in the Rochester area, tested positive for THC twice in 2025. He said he used cannabis gummies to manage pain and sleep problems after an on-duty back injury, and State Police policy prohibits troopers from using marijuana. Superintendent Steven G. James rejected a unanimous disciplinary panel recommendation and ordered his termination, costing DelCorvo his state police certification.
Timeline
2025: DelCorvo tests positive for THC twice.
Late October 2026: DelCorvo files the state Supreme Court petition seeking reinstatement.
Legal Context
The case arises after New York legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, creating tension between state law permitting lawful use and State Police policy banning it for troopers. Its outcome could clarify how far agency rules can reach into officers' lawful off-duty conduct.
Officers across New York may face different disciplinary standards for lawful off-duty cannabis use depending on how this case is decided. Residents served by State Police may see changes in how troopers are vetted and retained if the court rules on the policy.
The takeaway
Lawful off-duty conduct can carry career consequences for public employees even where state law permits it. Readers following police policy should watch how the court interprets the boundary between state cannabis law and agency rules.
Further reading
For more on how police agencies handle officer misconduct cases, see Law Enforcement coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Police1.
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