Recording a meeting were there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (like a closed union meeting) is illegal and could be a felony. Committing a felony with "a direct and actual relationship to the performance of the public officer’s existing duties" can lead to the forfeiture of a NYS pension. You might be able to make the case based on how Transue's job was classified.
"In 2018, Article 5, Section 7 of the New York State Constitution was ratified by the people of New York State to authorize the reduction and revocation of pensions of public officers in New York State who are members of a public retirement system in New York. This amendment applies to all NYSLRS members, both ERS and PFRS, regardless of date of membership. This law became effective January 1, 2018, and applies to qualifying offenses that occurred on or after January 1, 2018. Qualifying offenses are felonies which have “a direct and actual relationship to the performance of the public officer’s existing duties.”"
"The head of any state or local government department, division, board, commission, bureau, public benefit corporation or public authority who are vested with authority, direction and control over such department, division, board, commission, bureau, public benefit corporation or public authority;"
"Benefit forfeiture is not automatic. The State Constitution directs that an appropriate court will determine whether to reduce or revoke a public officer's pension following notice and a hearing."
NYSLRS members who joined on or after November 13, 2011, may have benefits reduced or revoked if they are convicted of a felony related to their public service.
www.osc.ny.gov
