The charges being levied against those arrested-Deputy Chief Michael J. Harrington, Deputy Inspector James M. Grant and Sgt. David Villanueva-include bribery, honest services wire fraud and conspiracy.
Advertisement
A businessman who contributed heavily to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign already has pleaded guilty in the case.
Article is invalid or is no longer published..
As a result, Reichberg was able to secure official favours, including assistance with gun license applications and police escorts, according to the complaint.
Another complaint said that Villanueva, who works under the gun licensing division, took bribes from Lichtenstein, who is a member of the Jewish security patrol, or “Shomrim”, in the Borough Park neighborhood.
A lawyer for Reichberg did not respond to a request for comment. Both the president of the powerful union representing the city’s corrections officers and a hedge fund financier he was investing union funds with were arrested on corruption charges.
Lawyers for Villanueva and Ochetal could not be immediately be identified.
While the charges being leveled against the police officials were uncovered during one of the half-dozen fund-raising investigations focused on Mr.de Blasio, a Democrat, and his inner circle, there has been no suggestion that the mayor himself was involved in the conduct described in the court papers, a criminal complaint charging Deputy Chief Harrington, Deputy Inspector Grant and Mr. Reichberg.
Rechnitz, who prosecutors said also provided gifts to police in exchange for favours, has pleaded guilty and is cooperating, people familiar with the matter have said.
The head of Grant’s union declined to comment.
De Blasio has repeatedly said he and his administration have acted legally in all respects.
Together with the other unnamed businessman (listed in the complaint as a cooperating co-conspirator, likely Rechnitz according to the NY Times), Reichberg allegedly bought flights, prostitutes, sports tickets, and hotel rooms for Grant, Harrington and other officers. His lawyer was not immediately available on Monday but has previously said Banks is innocent of any wrongdoing.
De Blasio’s buddy, Jeremy Reichberg – a police buff known for his NYPD connections, was also taken away in handcuffs.
Advertisement
All told, the businessmen spent more than $100,000 on gifts, including a 2013 trip to Las Vegas on a private jet that included Grant, an unidentified detective and a prostitute, the complaint said.
