COEYMANS, N.Y. (AP) — Police have arrested a high-ranking official with New York state's mental health agency on charges of child endangerment.

Authorities in the town of Coeymans, just south of Albany, say 61-year-old John Allen was arrested and arraigned Wednesday.

Allen is a special assistant to Commissioner Ann Sullivan of the state's Office of Mental Health.

An agency spokesman says Allen will be fired from his $132,000-a-year job. The spokesman says the agency is prepared to assist law enforcement "in any way possible."

Allen is being held Thursday in the Albany County Jail on $10,000 bail.

Police haven't released details of the charges against Allen.

Town court officials say the county public defender's office is representing him. A message left with the office seeking comment wasn't returned.

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