NYPD members arrested in corruption probe

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York says several NYPD members and a Brooklyn businessman were arrested Monday in connection with a public corruption probe. The NYPD members

News 12 Staff

Jun 21, 2016, 6:17 AM

Updated 2,957 days ago

Share:

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York says several NYPD members and a Brooklyn businessman were arrested Monday in connection with a public corruption probe.
The NYPD members include Deputy Inspector James Grant, Deputy Chief Michael Harrington and Sgt. David Villanueva.
Businessman Jeremy Reichberg was also arrested.
Reichberg, a former fundraiser for Mayor Bill de Blasio, is accused of bribing NYPD officials with actions like paying for uniforms, jewelry, business cards, expensive meals and other luxury items, according to a court document released by prosecutors. Prosecutors say the cash and favors were made in exchange for police escorts, VIP access to city events and ticket fixing.
Officials say Villanueva worked in the NYPD's firearms licensing division. Some of the alleged bribes were linked to approvals for gun licenses for more than 100 people, including some with arrest records.
The document outlines the exchange of services between Reichberg and the NYPD, who he allegedly bribed in exchange for official action both for himself and for members of his Borough Park community.
In all, prosecutors accuse the businessman of spending more than $100,000 in bribe money.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, along with federal agents, detailed the charges during a news conference Monday afternoon. Bharara also praised Bratton's cooperation with the federal investigation, which is still ongoing.
In a statement, Mayor de Blasio endorsed the investigation and said he and Bratton are committed to ensuring the NYPD's integrity.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American