ALBANY — The State Police aviation chief responsible for using a state helicopter for scenic joyrides around Jones Beach this year was arrested yesterday — by the State Police — on charges that he stole one of the agency’s GPS units, valued at $2,433.

The surprise arrest on charges of grand larceny, possession of stolen property and official misconduct came amid an Internal Affairs investigation of the activities of former Maj. Robert Kreppein, 47.

“The arrest was a result of an ongoing Internal Affairs Bureau investigation into the misappropriation of [State Police] property,” said an agency spokesman.

The Post disclosed in early June that Kreppein, a 24-year State Police veteran, was demoted and booted from his post as chief of aviation after outraged officials discovered that one of the force’s elite, executive-style helicopters had been used for joyrides near Jones Beach.

State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico named to his post by Gov. Cuomo this year, was described as “shocked” by the joyrides and ordered a sweeping investigation.

Kreppein — who faced the charges in Colonie Town Court, near the Albany County airport where State Police aircraft are maintained — submitted retirement papers shortly after The Post’s report.

He had no comment on his arrest.

fredric.dicker@nypost.com

