NYPD Detective 'Venom' Helped Violent Robbery Crew That Hit Westchester Homes: DOJ

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A former cop who took bribes from a violent crew of home invaders has been convicted of federal charges.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI, Christopher G. Raia, and Commissioner of the NYPD, Jessica S. Tisch, announced that 33-year-old Saul Arismeny De La Cruz, a/k/a "Nene," a/k/a "Venom," pleaded guilty on Friday to racketeering conspiracy related to his participation in a violent theft crew.

While a member of the NYPD, De La Cruz accepted bribes for providing crew members with confidential police information about potential victims and current investigations. When he found out that the FBI was planning to arrest crew members, he tipped them off, allowing them to flee.

The Queens man faces up to 20 years in prison, when sentenced in January.

"The NYPD is the best police department in the world and, sadly, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz turned his back on his colleagues and the people of New York," Clayton said. "The NYPD and the people of New York deserve better, and we will pursue a sentence that matches the seriousness of De La Cruz's conduct."

According to court documents unsealed in White Plains federal court, De La Cruz was one of several defendants charge for participation in the violent theft crew led by fugitive Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, a/k/a "Pito."

Between 2017 and 2022, Soto-Ramirez assembled a crew that committed residential burglaries and home invasion robberies, repeatedly targeting small business owners. Most of the targeted victims were Asian American. Armed with guns and other weapons, members of the crew stole cash, jewelry, and other property from several homes across the country, including in Westchester County.

Other members took part in a criminal scheme, which included the use of false identification, bank fraud, and laundering theft proceeds.

In addition, Soto-Ramirez and other conspiracy members bribed De La Cruz, first an officer and later a detective of the NYPD, who helped members of the crew escape arrest.

"Saul De La Cruz, a former NYPD detective, provided confidential law enforcement information —including updates in active investigations — to a ring of thieves in exchange for monetary kickbacks," FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said. "His actions violated his oath to protect this city by enabling criminals to continue wreaking havoc on our local residents and ultimately evade arrest. While the vast majority of NYPD officers uphold their sworn dedication to serve, the FBI will continue to hold accountable those who prioritize personal financial enrichment over their duty to others, especially to further the operations of illicit enterprises."

Clayton praised the investigative work of the FBI, the Westchester County Joint Organized Crime Task Force, the New York Public Corruption Task Force, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the NYPD, the Nassau County Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Fort Lee Police Department. He added that the investigation is ongoing.

"The NYPD holds its officers to the highest standards, and it's an affront to our entire department when someone so blatantly violates them and abuses the public’s trust," NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said. "Saul De La Cruz's actions were not only highly illegal, but they put our officers at great risk and jeopardized our public safety work. We will continue to work with our partners in the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office to root out any misconduct and ensure justice is always served."

The case is being handled by the Office's White Plains Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz and Jeffrey C. Coffman in charge of the prosecution.

Soto-Ramirez (pictured below) remains a fugitive. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.