ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – A Tompkins County Sheriff’s Deputy on administrative leave has been convicted of perjury.

36-year-old Zachary Starner, of Lansing, was convicted by a jury in Ithaca City Court for providing false sworn testimony in connection with a 2019 criminal rape trial in Tompkins County. Starner has been on administrative leave since being arrested by Sheriff Derek Osborne on February 8, 2021.

“I am both grateful for the verdict and thankful for the jury who took this allegation as seriously as I did,” said Osborne. “I remain committed to allowing only the best public servants to serve as my deputies.”

Starner’s trial began Monday, March 20, 2023, and concluded just before noon Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Perjury in the Third Degree is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in jail, probation, or a conditional discharge.

“Dishonesty from a law enforcement officer has no place in this community,” said Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten. “This verdict represents a significant message that no one is above the law in Tompkins County.”

Starner’s sentencing has been scheduled for May 26, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Richard M. Wallace.