Former NYPD Detective Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

Strategic Insights -

A former NYPD detective has pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge after accepting bribes for providing confidential police information to a violent theft crew. According to the indictment, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, alias "Nene" and "Venom," accepted bribes from the crew's leader, Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, for providing information about potential victims and ongoing investigations. The indictment alleges that De La Cruz tipped off the crew about impending arrests, allowing them to flee. The investigation is ongoing, and De La Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026.

Key Takeaways:

  • De La Cruz, a 33-year-old former NYPD detective, pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
  • The indictment alleges that De La Cruz accepted bribes from the leader of a violent theft crew, Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, in exchange for providing confidential police information.
  • The investigation alleges that the crew committed residential burglaries, home invasion robberies, and other crimes, targeting small business owners and Asian Americans.
  • De La Cruz's actions compromised the safety of victims, including Asian Americans, and put NYPD officers at risk.
  • The NYPD and FBI are continuing the investigation and working to root out misconduct and ensure justice is served.
  • Soto-Ramirez, the fugitive leader of the crew, remains at large, and anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI.

Statistics:

  • Between 2017 and 2022, the crew committed burglaries and home invasion robberies in states across the country, targeting small business owners.
  • The majority of the targeted victims were Asian Americans.
  • De La Cruz is scheduled to be sentenced on January 8, 2026.

Sources:

  • United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York
  • FBI
  • NYPD
  • New York Public Corruption Task Force
  • Westchester County Department of Public Safety
  • Nassau County Police Department
  • New York State Police
  • Fort Lee Police Department