Man accused of calling Niskayuna town supervisor racial slur arrested

NISKAYUNA, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- One suspect has been arrested after being accused of leaving a voicemail with a racial slur directed toward the Niskayuna town supervisor. Court documents said Osman Rahul was charged with second degree aggravated harassment.

Rahul is accused of calling the town supervisor's office and asking for the supervisor to address his concerns. Investigators said the suspect threatened to pursue criminal charges against the supervisor before calling her a racial slur.

Court documents said the suspect has called multiple times. The suspect is due back in court next week.

Town supervisor Jaime Puccioni said other town employees have faced threats and verbal assaults over the years. She said it was part of the reason she decided to step down.

Puccioni is leaving at the end of next week to return to a full-time faculty position at the University of Albany.