The lead NYPD Internal Affairs detective in the bombshell ticket-fixing case was slapped with administrative charges today for leaking inside information about the probe to a lieutenant who is now under criminal indictment, The Post has learned.
Detective Randy Katakofsky also was charged with trying — without the prior approval of his IAB bosses — to snare the lieutenant, Jennara Everleth-Cobb, into leaking the information that he was feeding her, according to Katakofsky's lawyer.
The departmental charges against Katakofsky threaten to wreck the Bronx District Attorney's criminal prosecution against 16 cops, including Everleth-Cobb. The indicted officers are accused of fixing everything from traffic tickets to felonies and leaking information about the investigation that Katakofsky spear-headed.
Katakofsky has not been placed on modified duty, according to his lawyer Raye Koshetz. He was summoned to One Police Plaza today and appeared in the Police Department's advocate's office to be formally charged.
NYPD rules ban the leaking of information about an ongoing IAB probe. They also prohibit investigators from conducting, without the prior approval of their superiors, so-called "integrity tests" -- tests designed to see if officers will take bribes, leak confidential information or otherwise violate department rules.
Isn't it obvious why this IAB detective is being charged? The ticket fixing he has uprooted has been a way of life for some of his superiors alike. This investigation begs for federal oversight. The Commissioner needs to open his eyes. Enforcement of the law should be done equally for all, regardless of a person's employment, etc.. What a shame that one of their best is being persecuted for a job well done.
ReplyDelete