Former NYPD Official Indicted in Bribery Scheme, Raising Questions About Adams-Era Contracts

A former high-ranking New York Police Department official has been indicted on bribery charges, sparking calls for a review of contracts awarded during the administration of former Mayor Eric Adams. The case centers around allegations that Kevin Taylor, whereas serving as commanding officer of the NYPD’s School Safety Division, accepted bribes from a Florida businessman in exchange for steering a lucrative contract to his company.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

Federal prosecutors accuse Kevin Taylor of soliciting bribes in two schemes. In one, Geno Roefaro, the head of Saferwatch, a Florida-based tech company, allegedly provided Taylor with tens of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts in an attempt to secure an $11 million contract to install a “mobile panic alert system” in city schools and police facilities . The indictment details lavish gifts, including luxury hotels, airfare to the Bahamas and Las Vegas, helicopter tours, and tickets to Broadway shows.

While the $11 million contract was never awarded, Taylor allegedly secured a smaller pilot program for Saferwatch through a noncompetitive purchase of $19,830 . This type of procurement, known as a “micropurchase,” has drawn scrutiny for its lack of transparency.

Concerns Over Micropurchases

Advocates and lawmakers are raising concerns that micropurchases, which bypass competitive bidding, City Council oversight, and extensive documentation, are vulnerable to abuse . Eleni Manis, research director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, explained, “That means they can fly under the radar — there’s less of a record to scrutinize.”

Cynthia Conti-Cook, a civil rights attorney, added that these types of contracts can influence policy decisions and public interaction with technology without adequate public knowledge.

Calls for Contract Review

Following Taylor’s indictment, Councilmember Jennifer Gutierrez, former chair of the Council’s Committee on Technology, is calling for a comprehensive review of contracts signed during the Adams administration . Gutierrez stated, “It’s important not just to look forward, but to carefully review past contracts and the processes that led to this. It is not the only one.”

Neither the Comptroller’s office nor City Hall have immediately responded to requests for comment regarding a potential review of past contracts.

Charges and Legal Responses

Taylor and Roefaro both face federal charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday. Roefaro’s attorney, Danya Perry, stated that her client was the victim of a shakedown and expressed concerns about the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s actions .