A former NYPD detective who sold out his badge for cash is heading to federal prison after helping a violent burglary crew terrorize homes and small businesses across the New York area.
Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, 33, of Queens, was sentenced Friday to 75 months in federal prison after admitting he took bribes to help a burglary ring dodge law enforcement. U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román handed down the sentence after prosecutors said De La Cruz fed the thieves confidential NYPD intelligence that helped them pick targets and stay one step ahead of arrest. The case has reignited concerns about how insider help can supercharge organized, racially targeted thefts around the region.
According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, De La Cruz was sentenced to 75 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $100,000 and pay $219,459 in restitution to victims. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, “The NYPD is the greatest police department in the world,” and added that De La Cruz betrayed both his colleagues and the New Yorkers he was sworn to protect…