NYC Sheriff’s Deputies Involved in Alleged COVID-19 Evidence Scandal Still Employed

Employees of the Recent York City Sheriff’s Office who were part of an alleged corruption scandal during the COVID-19 pandemic remain on the department’s payroll, with some reportedly on track for promotions, according to an internal investigation that has resurfaced in recent reports.

The allegations center on the misconduct of deputies, sergeants, and an investigator who were accused of stealing liquor and tobacco confiscated as evidence during pandemic-related enforcement actions. These items were seized from businesses violating emergency public health orders under former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, led at the time by Sheriff Joseph Fucito.

According to an anonymous source speaking to amNewYork, workers were observed on video removing bottles of alcohol from evidence storage between 2020 and 2021, with several seen stashing the contraband in their personal vehicles. The investigation was triggered after fellow employees reported a so-called “man cave” at a Sheriff’s Office facility where staff allegedly engaged in frat boy–like behavior, including consuming confiscated alcohol, cigars, and cigarettes.

The scandal also ties into a separate incident in February 2021, when the Sheriff’s Office raided a Brooklyn party attended by over 200 people, many of whom were not wearing masks, in violation of COVID-19 regulations.

Despite the allegations, the employees involved have not been terminated and continue to serve in the agency. The ongoing nature of the internal review has raised concerns about accountability within the department, particularly as some individuals implicated are said to be advancing toward leadership roles.

The NYC Sheriff’s Office has not issued a public statement detailing disciplinary actions taken in response to the investigation. The Department of Investigation has previously examined the office in connection with other matters, including a September 2024 search related to unvouchered cash, which occurred shortly after Mayor Eric Adams was indicted on federal corruption charges.

As of April 2022, no criminal charges have been filed against the deputies in connection with the evidence scandal, and the administrative status of those involved remains unchanged.