Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, 33, of Queens — also known as “Nene” and “Venom” — pleaded guilty Friday, Sept. 26, to racketeering conspiracy, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York said on Friday, Sept. 26.
Prosecutors said De La Cruz was bribed by members of a theft crew led by Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, a/k/a “Pito”, who remains a fugitive wanted by the FBI. Between 2017 and 2022, the crew committed armed home invasions and burglaries, including in Westchester, repeatedly targeting Asian American small business owners.
As part of his role, De La Cruz accepted bribes for leaking confidential police information, including details about potential victims and active investigations. Prosecutors said he even tipped off the crew when the FBI planned arrests, helping them escape…