Former NYPD officer accused of bribery scheme

Yahoo

30-04-2025

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A former NYPD officer has been charged in an alleged bribery scheme involving unauthorized searches at criminal court.
The information obtained in searches by 54-year-old Richard Arce included confidential reports and warrants, which were exchanged for monetary payments, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said Wednesday.
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'This defendant allegedly betrayed his badge when he provided confidential information to people accused of crimes,' Gonzalez said. 'This was a shocking abuse of the trust he was granted and an example of corruption that could have led to serious public safety consequences. We have now indicted him and his alleged bribery partner and will work to hold them responsible.'
According to an investigation, Arce was assigned to Brooklyn Criminal Court from March 2021 to February 2023. Arce conducted unauthorized searches for law enforcement information at the request of multiple accomplices, receiving $40 to $50 per search, according to court records.
Officials say over 70 unauthorized searches for Raymond Ramos, Alexander Torres, Jesus Cedeno and others were conducted. The searches focused on arrest warrants, police reports and license plates for vehicles owned or operated by Ramos, who has been accused of at least one burglary, records show.
Arce conducted these inquiries even though NYPD officers are only permitted to search databases for official business. Arce also allegedly used his NYPD-issued cell phone to transmit the information through text messages, according to officials.
In one case, two screenshots obtained by authorities show an accomplice had an active bench warrant from the Bronx. The next day, Arce texted, 'Don't forget the $25 cuz.'
Other screenshots obtained by authorities show messages sent about Torres, which indicated he had two suspect warrants. The next day, another person asked Arce for information, to which Arce replied, 'Nope. No $ [money]. No, Honey.'
Arce was charged on a 114-count indictment that includes third-degree bribery, conspiracy, unauthorized use of a computer, and official misconduct.
Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.
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