A whistleblower accuses top police officials of diverting NYPD funds to a Bronx restaurant owned by the brother of former police commissioner Edward Caban, according to a complaint filed with the city's Bureau of Investigation.
Deputy Chiefs Maximo Tolentino and Victoria Perry directed the money to be used for a community party at Con Sofrito, which is owned by former NYPD lieutenant Richard Caban, according to the complaint.
The complaint states that both men work for the Department of Community Affairs, and that they told officers under their command to “focus on events in Con Sofrito and use every resource available to them to 'please the bigwigs.' He is said to have instructed him to do so,” referring to that time. -Cavan Commissioner.
Law enforcement officials said the DOI complaint was also filed with federal investigators.
The event at the Commerce Avenue eatery ran from October 2022 to January 2023. Officials said the party cost between $5,000 and $8,000.
According to the complaint and social media posts, some of the CAB events included a “winter wonderland” where officers handed out toys to children.
“They misused city resources and ordered abuses,” police officials said, adding that Perry was recently promoted to deputy chief and received a pay increase.
Mr. Perry earned $214,218 in 2023, and Mr. Tolentino, also a deputy chief, earned $233,000, according to public records.
There were rumors Friday that investigators had seized Perry's electronic devices, but the NYPD Public Affairs Office denied that. The DOI did not immediately respond to questions about the complaint.
DOI did not immediately respond to The Post's inquiries, nor did Mr. Perry and Mr. Tolentino.
Mr. Caban's twin brother, James Caban, is under police surveillance for allegedly working as a “fixer” at upscale Manhattan restaurants and nightclubs, police sources said. According to police sources, Mr. Kayvan is suspected of helping to smooth the relationship between troubled companies and police.
There are five investigations into Mayor Adams' aides.
