In the midst of an unprecedented federal investigation into police conduct, the New York Police Department just allowed officers implicated in illegal behavior to quickly retire and preserve access to department benefits.
The New York Post reports that Police Commissioner Bill Bratton quietly reinstated two police commanders marred by scandal, so they could retire straightaway.
Deputy Chief John Sprague and Inspector Peter DeBlasio were placed on “modified duty,” a relegation to desk duty, after they refused to answer questions before a grand jury convened to consider indictments during a wide-ranging federal investigation into police corruption.
The agreement reached between Bratton and the officers required both to officially retire immediately after their reinstatement. By retiring in the good graces of the department, the officers will collect certain benefits, including a positive character reference from the NYPD. These so called “Good Guy letters” help retired officers secure future employment in security consulting and related fields and obtain gun permits. Both officers will also accrue full pension payments.
Two New York City cops arrested early Monday in connection with an anti-corruption probe implicating associates of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio also filed their retirement papers shortly after they were taken into custody. Deputy Chief Michael J. Harrington, Deputy Inspector James M. Grant were charged with bribery, conspiracy, and honest services wire fraud, after an FBI investigation found they had accepted lavish gifts from two New York businessmen in exchange for a variety of privileges and services.
One of the gifts included a flight to Las Vegas in the company of an elite call girl. On another occasion, the two businessmen visited Grant’s home dressed as elves to present his children with a video game console for Christmas. (RELATED: NYPD Cops Allegedly Got Hookers, Jewelry From de Blasio Associates)
Harrington and Grant filed their retirement papers while in bad standing with the department, which does not entitle them to a “Good Guy letter.” Both will still collect lucrative pensions.
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