Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
A former New York City Police Department detective, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in federal court on Friday. The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
De La Cruz admitted to his role in a violent theft crew led by fugitive Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez. According to court documents, while serving as an NYPD officer and later as a detective, De La Cruz accepted bribes from the crew in exchange for confidential police information about potential victims and ongoing investigations. He also warned the group when he learned that the FBI planned to arrest them, allowing members to escape.
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 said: “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 added: “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.”
Between 2017 and 2022, Soto-Ramirez organized a group that carried out residential burglaries and home invasion robberies across several states, mainly targeting small business owners who were Asian American. Members used firearms and other weapons during these crimes and stole cash, jewelry, and property from numerous homes nationwide. The criminal scheme also involved using false identification documents, bank fraud activities, and laundering stolen proceeds.
De La Cruz is scheduled for sentencing on January 8, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román. He faces up to 20 years in prison; however, sentencing will be determined by the judge based on statutory guidelines.
Authorities noted that Soto-Ramirez remains at large and encouraged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Jay Clayton acknowledged investigative 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.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josiah Pertz and Jeffrey C. Coffman from the White Plains Division.
