MINEOLA (AP) - A New York judge has dismissed most of a 53-count indictment against a longtime Long Island Rail Road employee linked to a disability pension scandal.

Defense attorney William Petrillo calls Friday's ruling a "giant first step" toward his client's complete exoneration.

Fred Kreuder was charged last year with official misconduct. Revelations had surfaced indicating that virtually every LIRR employee who applied was granted disability pension benefits from a federal railroad agency.

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office argued that while on duty, Kreuder advised co-workers on the proper way to file disability forms. Petrillo said his client may have violated ethics, but did not commit a crime.

Five remaining counts against Kreuder allege that he failed to pay income tax on money he made as an adviser.