A former New York Police Department detective, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in connection with his role in a violent theft crew. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. De La Cruz admitted to accepting bribes and providing confidential police information to the group, which enabled them to target victims and evade law enforcement.
According to federal prosecutors, De La Cruz tipped off members of the theft crew about planned FBI arrests, allowing them to escape. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 8, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated: “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. 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.”
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia commented: “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. 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.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “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. 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.”
Federal documents allege that between 2017 and 2022, Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez led a group responsible for residential burglaries and home invasion robberies across several states targeting small business owners—most of whom were Asian American—and stealing money or valuables while armed with weapons such as guns.
Soto-Ramirez remains at large; authorities urge anyone with information about his location to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
De La Cruz faces up to 20 years in prison for racketeering conspiracy charges; however, actual sentencing will be determined by judicial discretion based on federal guidelines.
U.S. Attorney Clayton commended efforts by multiple agencies including the FBI; Westchester County Joint Organized Crime Task Force; New York Public Corruption Task Force; Westchester County Department of Public Safety; NYPD; Nassau County Police Department; New York State Police; and Fort Lee Police Department for their investigative work on this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz and Jeffrey C. Coffman are prosecuting.
