Written by: Michael Phillips
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - In a plot twist that could rival any crime drama, two high-ranking NYPD officials are under investigation for allegedly directing department funds to a Bronx restaurant owned by the brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban. Deputy Chiefs Maximo Tolentino and Victoria Perry stand accused of orchestrating this culinary caper, according to a whistleblower's complaint filed with the city's Department of Investigation (DOI).
The Allegations: Dining with a Side of Favoritism
The complaint alleges that Tolentino and Perry, both serving in the Community Affairs Bureau, instructed their subordinates to prioritize hosting events at Con Sofrito, a Bronx establishment owned by Richard Caban, a retired NYPD lieutenant and brother of then-Commissioner Edward Caban. The directive was clear: focus on events at Con Sofrito to "make the big boss happy."
Between October 2022 and January 2023, several community events were held at Con Sofrito, each with a price tag ranging from $5,000 to $8,000. One notable event, dubbed "Winter Wonderland," featured officers distributing toys to children—a heartwarming scene set against a backdrop of alleged fiscal misconduct.
Financial Footnotes: Salaries and Promotions
Public records reveal that in 2023, Deputy Chief Perry earned $214,218, while Deputy Chief Tolentino took home $233,000. Adding a layer of intrigue, Perry was recently promoted, accompanied by a salary increase—timing that raises eyebrows amid the ongoing investigation.
The Bigger Picture: A Family Affair?
The plot thickens with the involvement of the Caban family. Federal investigators are also scrutinizing Richard's twin brother, James Caban, for allegedly acting as a "fixer" for upscale Manhattan restaurants and nightclubs. James is suspected of leveraging his connections to smooth over issues between these establishments and law enforcement—a role that, if proven, could redefine the term "family business."
Official Responses: Silence Isn't Always Golden
As the investigation unfolds, the NYPD's public information office has denied rumors that Deputy Chief Perry's electronic devices were seized but has remained tight-lipped regarding the DOI complaint. Both the DOI and the accused parties have yet to comment publicly, leaving the city's residents and critics to speculate on the unfolding drama.
Conclusion: A Recipe for Reform?
While the allegations have yet to be proven, they cast a spotlight on potential ethical breaches within the NYPD's upper echelons. As the city's Department of Investigation and federal authorities delve deeper, one can only hope that transparency and accountability will be the main course in this unfolding saga.
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