NYS Officials Ryan Abel & Rebecca Denue Under Fire for Alleged Property Seizure

ALBANY, NY – A contractor has levied harsh accusations against Assistant Attorney General Ryan Abel and DEC Corporate Bureau Chief Rebecca (Becks) Denue, claiming in two separate lawsuits that these officials persist in unlawfully seizing six aluminum vessels and causing “crippling” harm to his business. Three additional DEC employees—William H. Bernard, Dave M. Parker, and Brendan A. Hayes—are also facing allegations of reckless and unauthorized use of the same vessels.

Unpaid Contract and Seizure Allegations

The contractor asserts that the DEC ended a boat-building contract without finalizing payment, leaving him as the rightful owner of six newly built vessels.

Despite this, Abel and Denue are alleged to be withholding these vessels, effectively blocking the contractor’s ability to rent or sell them. Court documents describe this as an “egregious overreach” with no official mandate.

Claims of Reckless Misuse and Damage

In the second lawsuit, Bernard, Parker, and Hayes stand accused of “joyriding” on the boats, applying unauthorized parts, and painting them without permission—all leading to extensive damage and voided warranties.

The contractor estimates direct repair and depreciation losses in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, plus potential lost revenues exceeding $2 million.

“Personal Vendetta” Rather Than State Business

Legal filings argue that none of these actions advance DEC’s legitimate interests. Instead, the lawsuits depict a personal vendetta or retaliatory tactic, especially given Abel and Denue’s alleged demand that the contractor abandon a separate court action.

Under New York law, acts committed “purely for personal reasons” fall outside the protection of state immunity.

Economic Strain

Industry data cited in the lawsuits suggests each vessel could earn $3,000 per day. Being denied access reportedly deals a “devastating blow” to the contractor’s ongoing projects.

Alleged false statements to a major supplier further compound these losses by threatening future discounts and cooperative agreements.

Pending Court Proceedings

As of now, no trial dates or official rulings have been announced.

Representatives for Abel, Denue, Bernard, Parker, and Hayes have not issued any formal comment.

All claims are allegations and remain unproven until the court resolves the matter.

For more information, the lawsuits are publicly accessible via the New York State Supreme Court (Albany County) case docket, where any future filings or judgments will be recorded.