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Former NYPD Official Charged in School Safety Bribery Scheme
Federal prosecutors have charged a former high-ranking New York Police Department official with accepting $35,000 in bribes from a Florida businessman who sought to sell panic buttons to the city’s public schools and police department.
According to an indictment released Thursday, Kevin Taylor, who served as commanding officer of the NYPD’s School Safety Division, allegedly attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward SaferWatch, a company that markets “mobile panic alert systems” designed for mass shootings and other emergencies.
Prosecutors claim that in exchange for his influence, SaferWatch founder Gene Roefaro provided Taylor and his romantic partner with an array of luxury perks including high-end hotel accommodations and airfare to the Bahamas and Las Vegas, helicopter tours, Broadway musical tickets, and even admission to a “medieval-themed dinner theater,” along with multiple cash payments.
Taylor pleaded not guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges on Thursday. Roefaro also faces bribery and wire fraud charges but has not yet entered a plea. His attorney issued a statement describing the case as “puzzling and deeply concerning,” arguing that prosecutors were simultaneously portraying Roefaro as a briber and “the victim of an extortionate shakedown.”
The allegations represent the latest corruption scandal tied to officials appointed during former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Adams himself faced bribery charges in a separate case involving luxury travel gifts, though those charges were later dropped by the Trump administration. Several probes into his inner circle remain active, including an ongoing bribery case involving his former chief advisor.
In recent weeks, federal prosecutors have announced similar bribery charges against two other NYPD officers and a former housing official who served under Adams, suggesting a pattern of alleged corruption within the administration.
The investigation into SaferWatch first surfaced in September 2024 as part of a broader federal investigation into the Adams administration. SaferWatch was among several companies that hired a consulting firm operated by the brother of two high-ranking Adams officials. Both officials later resigned after federal authorities searched their homes.
According to the indictment, Taylor helped secure a no-bid contract in 2023 to pilot SaferWatch’s products within the command center of the NYPD’s school safety division. However, as Taylor struggled to expand the program beyond the initial pilot, Roefaro allegedly grew increasingly frustrated.
In text messages cited in the indictment, Roefaro described himself as a “sugar daddy” who had “made a MAJOR investment and zero return.” In late 2023, he allegedly messaged Taylor: “It’s been fun, but it’s not fun or funny anymore. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year.”
Shortly after receiving this message, prosecutors allege Taylor attempted to organize a press conference announcing that his division would procure a tip line from SaferWatch. The event was ultimately canceled.
During approximately the same period, the indictment claims Taylor also attempted to solicit $75,000 in bribes from two businessmen involved with a company selling bullet-resistant vests to police. According to prosecutors, both men declined his solicitations.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about procurement practices within critical public safety departments and the potential exploitation of school safety initiatives in the wake of increased focus on preventing mass shooting incidents in educational institutions.
Industry experts note that the school security technology market has grown substantially in recent years, with companies competing aggressively for contracts with public school systems across the country. SaferWatch is one of numerous firms developing emergency alert systems designed specifically for educational settings.
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9 Comments
This is a concerning case of corruption and abuse of power. If the charges are true, it’s disappointing to see a former NYPD official exploiting their position for personal gain at the expense of public safety. Hopefully the legal system will hold them accountable.
It’s disheartening to see public trust betrayed in this way. While the specific allegations are troubling, I hope this serves as a wake-up call for strengthening anti-corruption measures and ensuring accountability in government contracting.
Protecting students and staff should be the paramount concern when it comes to school safety initiatives. If the charges are true, this case represents a clear failure of leadership and a betrayal of the public’s trust.
It’s troubling to hear about public officials being bribed by companies trying to secure lucrative government contracts. This undermines trust in our institutions and the integrity of public procurement processes. Rigorous oversight and strong anti-corruption measures are critical.
I agree. Robust checks and balances are essential to prevent these kinds of conflicts of interest and ensure fair, transparent contracting decisions that prioritize the public good.
The alleged scheme of luxury perks and cash payments in exchange for influencing a multi-million dollar school safety contract is extremely concerning. If true, it demonstrates a brazen disregard for ethical standards and the public’s best interests.
Absolutely. Public officials should be held to the highest standards of integrity, not using their positions to line their own pockets. Hopefully this case sends a strong message about the consequences of corruption.
I’m curious to learn more about the details of this case and how the alleged bribery scheme was uncovered. Maintaining the security and well-being of students should be the top priority, not personal enrichment.
This news highlights the importance of robust procurement processes and oversight to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence. Taxpayer funds should be spent responsibly on solutions that genuinely meet schools’ safety needs, not line the pockets of corrupt officials.