Photo: lakshmiprasad S / iStock / Getty Images
In Poughkeepsie, a city police officer and a former Dutchess County Assistant District Attorney have been indicted following a domestic violence investigation. The individuals, who have children together, were involved in a contentious custody battle in Dutchess County Family Court. Evidence from these proceedings led to their indictments and arrests by state police.
Anna Thompson, now serving as an Ulster County Assistant District Attorney, faces a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child. She pleaded not guilty and was released on her own recognizance by Dutchess County Court Judge Jessica Segal on July 3.
Michael McDonough-Ewald, a 30-year-old City of Poughkeepsie police officer, was indicted on multiple charges, including felonies of strangulation, criminal mischief, and filing a false instrument with intent to defraud. He also faces misdemeanor charges of assault with intent to cause physical injury, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal mischief, stalking, forgery, and offering a false instrument for filing. McDonough-Ewald entered a not guilty plea and was released under the supervision of Dutchess County Probation with a temporary order of protection issued on behalf of Thompson.
Due to their professional connections, the Dutchess County District Attorney's office has recused itself from the case, and a prosecutor from Columbia County will handle the proceedings. Both Thompson and McDonough-Ewald are scheduled to appear in court on July 23.
City of Poughkeepsie Police Chief Rich Wilson stated that McDonough-Ewald is currently suspended from his duties and prohibited from engaging in police activities. Chief Wilson emphasized that the department will evaluate the charges and investigation to determine the appropriate internal response.