NYPD Whistleblower Shows Public Funds Redirected To Private Business

A whistleblower’s complaint has led to allegations that NYPD Deputy Chiefs Maximo Tolentino and Victoria Perry directed department funds toward a Bronx restaurant owned by Richard Caban, the brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The funds were used for various community events at the restaurant, Con Sofrito, according to the complaint filed with the city’s Department of Investigation (DOI).

The complaint states that the chiefs instructed officers to prioritize events at Con Sofrito in an effort to please then-Commissioner Caban. The gatherings took place between October 2022 and January 2023 and reportedly cost between $5,000 and $8,000 each.

The whistleblower claims these directives constituted a misuse of NYPD resources, benefiting the Caban family. One event, called “Winter Wonderland,” saw officers distributing toys to local children. The use of city funds for such events has drawn scrutiny from both the DOI and federal investigators, according to sources.

Perry and Tolentino earned salaries of $214,218 and $233,000, respectively, in 2023. Despite rumors that investigators seized Perry’s electronic devices, the NYPD has denied any such action. The department has not yet commented on the specifics of the complaint.

In addition to the NYPD chiefs, Richard Caban’s twin brother, James, is being investigated for allegedly using his connections to help Manhattan nightclubs and restaurants avoid police scrutiny. The ongoing investigation adds to a growing list of inquiries into Mayor Eric Adams’ administration.