A former high-ranking New York Police Department official has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly accepting $35,000 in cash, luxury travel, and other bribes from a Florida businessman. The businessman was seeking to sell panic alert systems to the city's public schools and police force.
Details of the Bribery Scheme
Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment on Thursday, charging Kevin Taylor, the former commanding officer of the NYPD's School Safety Division. Taylor is accused of attempting to steer an $11 million contract toward SaferWatch, a company that markets a "mobile panic alert system" designed for emergencies like mass shootings.
Lavish Gifts and Cash Payments
In exchange for his influence, prosecutors allege that SaferWatch's founder, Gene Roefaro, provided Taylor and his romantic partner with a series of extravagant gifts. These included luxury hotel stays, airfare to destinations such as the Bahamas and Las Vegas, helicopter tours, tickets to Broadway musicals, and even a "medieval-themed dinner theater" experience. Multiple cash payments were also part of the alleged bribery package.
Taylor pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery and wire fraud on Thursday. His attorney did not respond to an emailed inquiry regarding the case. Roefaro is also facing similar charges, including bribery and wire fraud, and has not yet entered a plea.
Defense Claims Extortion
An attorney representing Roefaro issued a statement calling the charges "puzzling and deeply concerning." The defense argues that Roefaro was actually the victim of an "extortionate shakedown," rather than a willing participant in a bribery scheme.
Broader Corruption Probe
These charges represent the latest in a series of corruption allegations involving officials appointed by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Adams himself faced indictment in a separate bribery case that also involved luxury travel gifts, although that case was later abandoned by the Trump administration.
However, several investigations into Adams's inner circle remain active, including an ongoing bribery case targeting his former chief advisor. In recent weeks, federal prosecutors have announced bribery charges against two other NYPD officers and a former housing official from the Adams administration.
Connection to Consulting Firm
The investigation into SaferWatch first emerged in September 2024 as part of a wide-ranging federal probe into the Adams administration. The company was among several that hired a consulting firm operated by the brother of two top Adams officials. Both of those officials resigned after federal authorities searched their homes.
Contract Struggles and Frustration
According to the indictment, Taylor helped secure a no-bid contract in 2023 to pilot Roefaro's products within the NYPD's school safety division command center. However, as Taylor encountered difficulties in expanding the program, Roefaro allegedly grew increasingly frustrated.
Text messages cited in the indictment show Roefaro describing himself as a "sugar daddy" who had "made a MAJOR investment and zero return." In late 2023, he allegedly texted Taylor, "It's been fun, but it's not fun or funny anymore. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year."
Attempted Press Conference
Days after that text exchange, prosecutors say Taylor tried to organize a press conference to announce that his division would be procuring a tip line from Roefaro's company. However, that event was ultimately cancelled.
Additional Bribery Allegations
During roughly the same period, Taylor was also allegedly attempting to solicit $75,000 in bribes from two businessmen involved in a company that sold bullet-resistant vests to police. According to the indictment, both men declined his solicitations.
The case continues to unfold as federal authorities pursue their investigation into corruption within New York City's public safety and administrative circles.
