Former NYPD officer arrested for accepting bribes to provide burglary crew access to police databases, according to the District Attorney’s office.
A former New York Police Department officer, Richard Arce, aged 54, has been indicted on multiple charges including bribery and misconduct. The indictment, comprising 114 counts, was filed in Brooklyn Supreme Court, following allegations that Arce engaged in unauthorized searches of police databases to benefit his criminal associates. Prosecutors assert that Arce exploited his position within the NYPD for personal gain, accepting payments that typically ranged from to for each search conducted between 2021 and 2023.
According to the prosecution, Arce provided sensitive information to his cousin, Raymond Ramos, age 42, who is currently facing charges related to a burglary ring involved in the theft of multiple ATM machines. This criminal operation reportedly occurred across several boroughs, including Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The indictment reveals that Arce conducted over 70 searches on behalf of Ramos and other associates while on duty at Brooklyn Criminal Court. The nature of these searches included obtaining information regarding arrest warrants and police reports, which he relayed through text messages.
Authorities revealed that Arce’s activities began in March 2021 and intensified over time. He allegedly tapped into the NYPD’s Domain Awareness System at the behest of Ramos, further deepening the breach of trust associated with his former role as a police officer. The indictment details instances in which Arce confirmed active warrants for Ramos and requested payment for his services, highlighting a troubling pattern of corruption.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez characterized Arce’s actions as a significant betrayal of the public trust. The implications of this corruption, according to Gonzalez, could involve serious consequences for public safety in the communities served by the NYPD.
Following his retirement in 2023, Arce relocated to the Dominican Republic, where he was arrested in January after attempting to renew his passport. His legal troubles have now led him back to New York, where he appeared in court on April 14, 2025. During this court appearance, Arce pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released without bail. His next court date is set for May 7, 2025, alongside his cousin, Ramos.
The accusations against Arce have further highlighted ongoing concerns about corruption within law enforcement and raised questions about the integrity of police database access. As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by unchecked authority within police ranks.
