Former NYPD Officer Charged With Bribery, Narcotics, Firearms, And Robbery Offenses

 

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ANDREW NGUYEN, a former NYPD officer, with bribery, narcotics, firearms, and robbery offenses in connection with NGUYEN’s alleged participation in a drug trafficking enterprise while NGUYEN was an officer with the NYPD. NGUYEN was arrested this morning and was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres. 

“The NYPD is the most professional and most effective police department in the world,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New Yorkers rely on and trust the women and men of the NYPD. As alleged, Andrew Nguyen not only breached that trust for profit, but he also committed crimes against his fellow New Yorkers. New Yorkers, including our thousands of dedicated NYPD officers, want him brought to justice.” 

Assistant Director in Charge Raia said: “Andrew Nguyen allegedly levied his official position as an NYPD officer to accept more than $30,000 in bribes in exchange for transporting narcotics and providing unauthorized armed protection to their illicit operations. Nguyen’s alleged support to a drug trafficking enterprise directly violated the oath he swore to uphold as well as the public’s trust. While the vast majority of our NYPD partners are deeply committed to honoring their duty to protect and serve, the FBI will never tolerate those who besmirch the badge for personal profit.”

“The NYPD holds its officers to the highest standards, and it’s an affront to our department when someone so blatantly abuses the public’s trust,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Andrew Nguyen allegedly endangered the communities he was sworn to protect and put his fellow officers’ lives in danger. The NYPD has zero tolerance for corruption of any kind, and I thank the members of the department who investigated this case and our partners in the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their support in rooting out this misconduct.”

As alleged in the Indictment and in statements made in court:

For approximately three years, between at least in or about 2020 and at least in or about November 2023, NGUYEN repeatedly abused his position as a police officer in the NYPD by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for assisting another individual (“CC-1”) with the operation of CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise.

First, NGUYEN transported drugs, including approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, for CC-1 while NGUYEN was armed with a firearm, including a 9‑millimeter Glock Model 26 pistol, which was NGUYEN’s NYPD-authorized off-duty firearm, and in possession of NYPD credentials and an NYPD parking placard, which NGUYEN planned to use to evade arrest in the event he was pulled over by other members of the NYPD or, in the case of his firearm, to protect CC-1 if violence occurred.

Second, NGUYEN drove CC-1 to drug meetings, again while possessing a firearm, including his NYPD-authorized off-duty firearm, NYPD credentials, and an NYPD parking placard

Third, NGUYEN queried names of other drug dealers in NYPD databases at the request of CC-1, provided that confidential information to CC‑1, and, at least once, offered to arrest one of those drug dealers for CC-1 in exchange for payment.

Fourth, NGUYEN, in exchange for payment from CC-1, used an NYPD vehicle to conduct an unsanctioned car stop of CC-1, during which NGUYEN purported to seize drugs and drug proceeds from CC-1. Following the car stop, NGUYEN submitted false reports to the NYPD regarding the car stop, to help CC-1 avoid repayment of a drug-trafficking-related debt.

Fifth, NGUYEN expressed a willingness to, in exchange for payment from an associate of CC-1 (“CC-2”), kidnap two drug dealers who owed money to CC-2 by conducting an unsanctioned arrest of those individuals, although this plan never came to fruition. 

Sixth, NGUYEN conspired with CC-1 and another criminal associate of CC-1 (“CC-3”) to rob a drug-money courier under the guise of NGUYEN conducting another unsanctioned car stop, although NGUYEN and his co-conspirators did not carry out their agreement to commit the robbery.

In addition, in or about November and December 2023, law enforcement conducted an undercover operation during which NGUYEN transported what NGUYEN believed to be five kilograms of cocaine in exchange for $5,000 from CC-1. In truth, the “drugs” were sham and NGUYEN had obtained them from an undercover law enforcement officer whom NGUYEN believed was a drug dealer.   

Overall, NGUYEN, who was at all relevant times an officer in the NYPD, accepted more than $30,000 in bribe payments from CC-1 (and solicited tens of thousands of dollars in additional bribes) in connection with NGUYEN’s participation in CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise.

At the time of NGUYEN’s arrest earlier today, law enforcement searched NGUYEN’s home pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. During that search, a number of firearms and ammunition were found in plain view, including: (i) a Glock 19 pistol that was fully loaded with hollow-point ammunition; (ii) two AR-15-style rifles; (iii) a short-barreled rifle; (iv) a fully loaded high-capacity drum magazine containing 60 rounds of ammunition; (v) several AR-15-style magazines loaded with ammunition; and (vi) substantial amounts of other ammunition, including additional hollow-point ammunition.

NGUYEN, 41, of Harriman, New York, is charged with (i) one count of honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; (ii) one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; (iii) one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive a bribe, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; (iv) one count of solicitation and receipt of a bribe, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison; (v) one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute (a) 5 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine and (b) marijuana, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison; (vi) one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other term of in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison; (vii) one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and (viii) one count of attempted distribution and possession with intent to distribute 5 kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau.

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers About Algorithmic Pricing as New Law Takes Effect

New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued a consumer alert warning New Yorkers about algorithmic pricing and encouraging them to report cases of companies using algorithmic pricing without properly disclosing it. Algorithmic pricing allows companies to automatically adjust prices based on individuals’ personal data, charging some consumers more than others depending on factors like their location, income, and previous shopping habits. On November 10, New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act takes effect, requiring most companies that use algorithmic pricing to clearly display a disclosure notifying consumers that prices are set using their personal data. Attorney General James is urging New Yorkers who believe they have encountered algorithmic pricing that is not properly disclosed to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

“The law is clear: if businesses use algorithmic pricing, they must notify consumers,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers deserve to know whether their personal information is being used to set the prices they pay, and if businesses are charging customers different prices for the same products. I will not hesitate to take action against those who try to mislead New Yorkers and use their personal information to manipulate prices without their knowledge.”

Companies that deploy algorithmic pricing, also known as surveillance pricing, use customers’ personal data to set individualized prices. These pricing schemes are most commonly used on businesses’ apps or as part of loyalty programs, where consumers may receive an individualized discount offering a different, personalized price. Recent examples include customers being charged more for hotel rooms when booking from a high-income ZIP code and Target shoppers seeing prices increase when they browse online inside a Target store.

New Yorkers can use the following tips to determine if they are being offered personalized algorithmic pricing:

• Compare the price you are offered online with the price listed for the same product offered to others. If you are offered a unique price, it may have been set using your personal data.
• Compare discounts you are offered by a company – particularly those offered within a company’s app or online account – with those offered to others. If you are receiving a discount that only you can see, it is more likely to be a personalized one set using your data.
• Compare the price of an item before and after taking an action that the business you are shopping from can track. For example, if you are offered a new price after searching for an item elsewhere online or shopping from a new location, it may be a sign that the price is set using your personal data.

New York’s Algorithmic Pricing Disclosure Act requires most businesses to include a clear disclosure prominently displayed near prices stating, “THIS PRICE WAS SET BY AN ALGORITHM USING YOUR PERSONAL DATA.” Attorney General James is encouraging consumers to file complaints with OAG if they encounter algorithmic pricing that is not properly disclosed. Businesses that do not comply with the law can face a $1,000 penalty per violation. 

Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all state government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney who passed away on November 3, 2025. Flags will be flown at half-staff immediately through interment.

“I am directing flags across New York State to be lowered in honor of Dick Cheney, our former Vice President and lifelong public servant,” Governor Hochul said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to the Cheney family as we remember his life, leadership, and patriotism.”

 

Statement from NYGOP Chair Ed Cox on Election of Zohran Mamdani

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:

"Zohran Mamdani is now the face of the Democratic Party. Americans must assume that any Democrat who does not explicitly say otherwise stands with Mamdani and his support of Islamic terrorism, Communism, and defunding the police.

"New Yorkers already know that Kathy Hochul does - and the Worst Governor in America will answer to voters for her support of this lunacy next November."

STATEMENT BY NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE WILLIAMS ON NEXT TERM

 

"I’m grateful to the over 2 million New Yorkers who made their voices heard at the polls today, setting a new direction for our city. I am ready and eager  to be a steward of it.

"Even as we face constant challenges and threats— many from our own federal government — I find hope and even optimism in the people of our city and the leadership they have chosen today. 

"This is an opportunity to admit that many of the systems of government and styles of politics in our city have failed the people we are meant to serve. It is a moment to honestly confront the way “things are done” and create something new. Not sheer idealism, but progress rooted in and driven by our ideals. New Yorkers voted their values today, and we must govern guided by those values. 

"As Public Advocate, my role and responsibility is to hold the powerful to account, to serve as the voice of people navigating our city, to stand with New Yorkers in need. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, in a moment when too many feel unheard or are being silenced.

"I am honored and humbled that so many New Yorkers have continued to place their trust in me to fill that role in this moment of change. I am ready to drive  that change together with my partners in government — supporting when possible and speaking out when necessary. That is the job I and my office have always worked to carry out, and one I’m invigorated to carry forward."

 

MAYOR ADAMS OFFERS FORMER EMPLOYEES WHO WERE TERMINATED FOR REFUSING COVID VACCINE SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN TO CITY EMPLOYMENT

Offer Includes Right to Return to Former Title and Salary Without Retroactive Compensation for Time Not Served 

Under Mayor Adams’ Leadership, City Has Fully Recovered From

COVID-19 Pandemic, New Policy Reflects Changed Reality 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the city will offer employees terminated for failing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate — first issued in 2021 under the previous mayoral administration — a second opportunity to return to city service in their former civil service titles and at their former salaries. This policy will apply to terminated employees in all mayoral agencies, at New York City Public Schools, and at the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Approximately 2,900 terminated employees will be offered the opportunity to return to their same title at the same rate of pay for which that title is currently paid, but without any credit for the time they did not serve the city, and with no right to backpay. Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, New York City has fully recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic with all-time high record levels of jobs, small businesses, and more, as well as the second-highest number of tourists in city history last year.

“The policies put in place before we came into office helped us weather additional waves of COVID, and once coupled with the policies our administration put in place over the first months of our term, we helped New York City rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic with a record number of jobs, record number of small businesses, near record tourism numbers, and so much more. But we recognize that we are in a different place today than we were nearly four years ago, and our policies should match the realities of the times,” said Mayor Adams. “That’s why we are updating our policies to reflect our new health and economic reality, as we look forward to welcoming back many of our former employees to their former positions. Ensuring New York City has the strongest workforce possible will continue to make our city safer, more affordable, and the best place to raise a family.”

“As we surpass five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to reevaluate policies to reflect current realities,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Louis A. Molina. “We are committed to working with agencies to offer employment opportunities for employees terminated for failing to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.”

In 2023, the Adams administration had previously offered former employees who were terminated for not taking the COVID-19 vaccine the opportunity to be reinstated, resulting in approximately 450 terminated former employees returning to work. This new policy will, once again, specifically allow eligible employees who were terminated for not being vaccinated the option to return to city service, pursuant to a proposed rule change by DCAS, subject to a public hearing and approval by the New York state Civil Service Commission. Non-competitive employees are eligible to return to city employment without any change to existing civil service rules. New York City Public Schools school-based staff are also eligible to return to employment without a change in rules.

Former employees who require a physical exam, fitness test, or other training or examination requirements, including certification, to return to their former position will still be subject to such requirements as a condition of reinstatement. In addition, there will be a limited background review of subsequent history. All former permanent competitive and labor class, non-competitive, or exempt employees who were terminated and are interested in returning to city service must contact the head of human resources at their former agency by December 5, 2025. Employees terminated from New York City Public Schools should contact NYCPSServicereturn2025@schools.nyc.gov, and employees terminated from NYCHA should contact HR.Laborel@nycha.nyc.gov.

New Permits Filed for 2135 Colonial Avenue in Pelham Bay, The Bronx

 

New permits have been filed for a nine-story mixed-use building at 2135 Colonial Avenue in Pelham Bay, The Bronx. Located between East 196th Street and Pelham Parkway South, the lot is closest to the Pelham Bay Park subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Moses Freund of The Vaja Group is listed as the owner behind the applications. Previous plans by The Vaja Group called for an eight-story mixed-use structure with 42 residences, community facility space, and 30 parking spaces.

The proposed 84-foot-tall development will yield 42,379 square feet, with 41,799 square feet designated for residential space and 580 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 63 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 663 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar but no accessory parking.

S. Wieder Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Housing Lottery Launches for Inkwell at 586 Gerard Avenue in Concourse, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Inkwell, a nine-story residential building at 586 Gerard Avenue in Concourse, The Bronx. Designed by Issac & Stern Architects and developed by The Karten Organization under the SB Gerard Avenue LLC, the structure yields 200 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 60 units for residents at 80 to 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $74,195 to $227,500.

Amenities include a dog washing station, a garage with electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, media room, party room, recreation room, business center, storage, and a community center with scheduled events and classes. Residences are equipped with washer and dryers. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including electric stove and heat.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are 28 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,974 for incomes ranging from $74,195 to $116,640, and 12 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,351 for incomes ranging from $89,315 to $140,000.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 14 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,150 for incomes ranging from $114,515 to $189,540, and six two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,550 for incomes ranging from $130,423 to $227,500.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 7, 2026.