new york trooper shot guilty plea.

Former New York state trooper Thomas Mascia leaves Nassau County court in Mineola, N.Y. on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, after pleading guilty to charges that he shot himself and lied about it. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo)

Former New York state trooper pleads guilty to faking his own shooting

A former New York state trooper has pleaded guilty to charges that he shot himself then falsely claimed he was wounded by an unknown gunman on a Long Island highway. Thomas Mascia formally changed his plea during a court appearance Wednesday in Mineola. He had been charged with official misconduct, tampering with evidence and falsifying documents. Mascia’s parents also pleaded guilty Wednesday to firearms charges. Prosecutors say Mascia shot himself in a park, stashed the gun, drove to the highway and called for backup. His lawyer has said Mascia suffers from untreated mental health issues.

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