A whistleblower's allegations shake the foundations of the New York Police Department's leadership.
The New York Post reported that two high-ranking NYPD officials are under scrutiny for allegedly directing department funds to a restaurant owned by the brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban.
The accusations, detailed in a complaint filed with the city's Department of Investigation, paint a picture of potential nepotism and misuse of public resources.
Deputy Chiefs Maximo Tolentino and Victoria Perry, both from the Community Affairs Bureau, are at the center of the controversy. They allegedly instructed officers under their command to organize events at Con Sofrito, a Bronx eatery owned by Richard Caban, a retired NYPD lieutenant and brother of the former commissioner.
Allegations Of Misused City Resources
According to the whistleblower's complaint, the deputy chiefs explicitly told their subordinates to focus on hosting events at Con Sofrito. The complaint alleges that they were instructed to use all available resources "to make the big boss happy," referring to then-Commissioner Caban.
The events in question reportedly took place between October 2022 and January 2023, with each costing between $5,000 and $8,000. One such event, dubbed "Winter Wonderland," involved officers distributing toys to children at the restaurant.
A police source familiar with the situation stated that the actions of Tolentino and Perry constituted a misuse of city resources. The source added that Perry had recently been promoted to deputy chief, receiving a pay increase in the process.
Financial And Investigative Implications
Public records reveal that Perry earned $214,218 in 2023, while Tolentino's salary was $233,000. These figures highlight the significant financial responsibilities entrusted to these high-ranking officials.
The allegations have reportedly caught the attention of federal investigators, suggesting the potential for a broader probe into the department's financial practices. Rumors circulated about investigators seizing Perry's electronic devices, though the NYPD's public information office denied these claims.
Wider Scope Of Investigations
The complaint against Tolentino and Perry is not an isolated incident within the NYPD's upper echelons. James Caban, the twin brother of Richard Caban and former Commissioner Edward Caban, is reportedly under federal scrutiny for his alleged role as a "fixer" for upscale Manhattan restaurants and nightclubs.
This investigation into James Caban focuses on claims that he helped smooth over issues between these establishments and law enforcement officers who may have been causing problems for the businesses.
The situation surrounding the Caban brothers and the NYPD leadership adds to a growing list of investigations involving New York City's administration. Currently, there are five ongoing probes into Mayor Adams's inner circle, further complicating the political landscape of the city.
Department's Response And Next Steps
As of the report's publication, neither the Department of Investigation nor Deputy Chiefs Perry and Tolentino had responded to requests for comment. The NYPD's public information office has remained largely silent on the matter, declining to address specific questions about the DOI complaint.
The allegations raise serious questions about the oversight of community engagement funds and the potential for conflicts of interest within the police department's leadership structure. If substantiated, these claims could lead to significant changes in how the NYPD manages its community relations budget and events.
Conclusion
The whistleblower's complaint against NYPD Deputy Chiefs Tolentino and Perry alleges the misuse of department funds to benefit the former police commissioner's brother. Federal investigators are reportedly examining the claims, which include accusations of directing community events to a specific restaurant. These allegations are part of a broader series of investigations into New York City's administration, highlighting potential issues of nepotism and misuse of public resources within the NYPD's upper ranks.
