WALDEN – One of the people believed to be a key figure in the Orange County District Attorney’s investigation into the Village of Walden’s Housing Rehabilitation Program is rejecting any allegations against him.
Richard “Dickie” Baxter, a well-known real estate agent, told Mid-Hudson News that “he completely denies any wrongdoing.”
“I intend to cooperate with any investigation,” said Baxter, a Walden resident, who sources confirmed has utilized the Housing Rehabilitation Program, along with family members. “I’m looking forward to a fair outcome and placing this matter in the past.”
Baxter said he has not retained an attorney at this point during the DA’s investigation.
“I do not foresee any difficulty,” Baxter said. “So, I have not specifically engaged counsel for this matter.”
The DA’s Office has issued multiple subpoenas as part of the probe. Sources said that much of the investigation is centered on how Village of Walden Manager John Revella managed the loan program and his connection to Baxter. The duo are childhood friends and run in the same social circles. Revella, an attorney, has worked on some of Baxter’s real estate deals.
Revella, who also serves as an Orange County legislator, allegedly oversaw and approved the loans. He was placed on paid administrative leave as Village of Walden Manager on Thursday.
Revella has not returned several messages seeking comment this week. Late last month, Revella was federally indicted for allegedly filing false tax returns. He plans on fighting the charges.
The DA’s investigation is also reviewing whether some participants who allegedly may not have been eligible for the low-interest loans, received them. The DA’s subpoenas requested several pieces of documentation related to Housing Rehabilitation Program loans issued over the past several years, starting prior to December of 2025. Sources said some borrowers may have used the loans for properties ineligible for the program, allegedly treating them as real estate investments with the assistance of a property management company before flipping them for a profit.
The DA’s Office is also reviewing if the loans were utilized for projects not eligible for funding. There are also questions about whether the loans were repaid. If any improprieties are found, criminal charges could be pursued by the District Attorney’s Office or other law enforcement agencies.