DA Seeks Removal of Irondequoit Supervisor Andrae Evans Under State Public Officers Law

Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley filed a petition Wednesday to remove Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans from office, citing a rarely used provision of New York State law that allows for the removal of public officials for misconduct or neglect of duty.

Irondequoit Town Supervisor Andrae Evans. Photo by Denise Batiste

The petition, filed with the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court’s Fourth Judicial Department, seeks a judgment under New York Public Officers Law §36, which permits the removal of local officers—such as town supervisors, clerks, and trustees—if a court finds they engaged in malfeasance, misconduct, or incompetence in office.

The action follows a referral from the Irondequoit Town Board and the Irondequoit Police Department. The District Attorney’s Office said it reviewed those findings and conducted an outside investigation before determining that a §36 petition was “the most appropriate action at this time.”

Public Officers Law §36 empowers the Governor, the Attorney General, the District Attorney (as in this case) or any taxpayer of the municipality where the official serves to initiate proceedings against municipal officers if there is reason to believe the official has seriously failed in their duties. The law is civil in nature and does not involve criminal charges, though it may run parallel to other legal investigations.

“This petition reflects our responsibility to maintain public trust and ensure that local officials uphold the integrity of their office,” Doorley’s office stated in a release.

Evans, who was elected in 2023, is accused of sexual harassment and retaliation against a town staffer. He has not responded to the petition, and it remains unclear if he will challenge the proceedings.

In a joint statement issued Wednesday, Town Board Members Peter Wehner, Grant Malone, Ann Cunningham, and John Perticone linked the petition to a Censure Resolution passed on February 20, 2025. That resolution outlined concerns regarding Evans’ professional conduct and directed him to complete comprehensive management training focused on sexual harassment prevention, workplace boundaries, and appropriate behavior in a leadership role.

According to the board members, Evans failed to complete the mandated training within the 30-day deadline, despite arrangements made by the town to facilitate it.

“We have also become aware of additional allegations of retaliation by the Supervisor,” the statement reads. “We continue to believe that it is in the best interest of all parties—Town staff and citizens included—that the Supervisor resign from office.”

The Appellate Division is expected to issue a scheduling order in the coming weeks. If the court finds the allegations credible, it could remove Evans from his position as supervisor.

No further comment was issued by the District Attorney’s Office due to the ongoing nature of the case.