NYPD Chief Sued for Allegedly Pressuring Nightclubs for Donations to Turkey Giveaway
A recent lawsuit has brought to light allegations surrounding an ambitious Thanksgiving turkey giveaway initiative orchestrated by a high-ranking police official in Manhattan. According to the suit, Assistant Chief Ruel Stephenson, aiming to distribute 2,000 turkeys to underserved New Yorkers last November, sought financial assistance from local businesses due to insufficient funds. In an effort to raise approximately ,000 in just four days, Stephenson partnered with Susana Osorio, a well-known food entrepreneur and supporter of Mayor Eric Adams, soliciting contributions primarily from restaurant and bar owners in Washington Heights and Inwood.
The lawsuit, filed by Lieutenant Jamie Nardini of the Patrol Borough Manhattan North, claims that the fundraising efforts may have violated city conflict of interest regulations. Nardini accuses Stephenson of prioritizing lavish events over essential police duties, compelling his subordinates to plan extensive holiday parties while neglecting their everyday responsibilities. One such event, a “White Party” held in July 2024, was attended by Mayor Adams, raising questions about the allocation of police resources for social gatherings rather than public safety.
Nardini’s allegations encompass claims that Stephenson pressured precinct commanders to achieve ticket sales quotas for these parties, with threats of intense scrutiny regarding their precinct’s crime statistics if they failed to comply. The lawsuit asserts that a private account, established at Stephenson’s direction, was used to channel revenue from party ticket sales, raising concerns about transparency and adherence to NYPD financial regulations.
Conflict of interest laws prohibit public servants from soliciting donations from businesses that may have pending issues before them. Nardini emphasizes that this scenario was evident, as the businesses targeted could be subjected to police enforcement actions overseen by Stephenson.
While advocates for good governance, such as Rachel Fauss from Reinvent Albany, underscore the implications of these allegations for community trust in law enforcement, the NYPD has yet to respond substantively to media inquiries. The mounting accusations not only paint a troubling picture of internal misconduct within the police department but also potentially implicate higher-level city officials, stirring public concern over the integrity of civic leadership.
Furthermore, the lawsuit suggests that the detective promoted to assist in organizing these events may have leveraged her familial contributions to the mayor’s campaign to secure her position. Nardini asserts that the detective, Parastoo Rouhi, claimed her promotion was due to her father’s significant financial contributions to Mayor Adams, despite discrepancies in campaign finance records regarding such donations.
The unfolding situation raises critical questions about accountability and ethical standards in public service, as New Yorkers await further developments in this ongoing investigation. The city administration has firmly stated its adherence to regulations, asserting that all personnel decisions are made internally and without undue influence. The outcome of this lawsuit may have significant repercussions for both the involved parties and broader governance practices within New York City.
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