A whistleblower is accusing high-ranking NYPD officials of improperly channeling department funds to a restaurant owned by the brother of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban. The Bronx eatery, Con Sofrito, which is owned by Richard Caban, a retired NYPD lieutenant, reportedly benefited from these transactions, according to a complaint filed with the Department of Investigation (DOI).
The allegations focus on Deputy Chiefs Maximo Tolentino and Victoria Perry, who allegedly directed officers in the Community Affairs Bureau (CAB) to use Con Sofrito for events. The whistleblower claims the chiefs told subordinates to prioritize using the restaurant’s services to “make the big boss happy,” referring to then-Commissioner Caban.
According to sources, several community events were hosted at Con Sofrito between October 2022 and January 2023. These gatherings, including a “Winter Wonderland” event where officers distributed toys to children, reportedly cost the department between $5,000 and $8,000 each. The whistleblower alleges these funds were misused to benefit the Caban family.
Federal investigators have also been notified of the situation. Perry, who was recently promoted to deputy chief, saw her salary rise to $214,218 in 2023, while Tolentino earned $233,000. The complaint has led to rumors that investigators seized Perry’s electronics, though the NYPD has denied these claims.
Richard Caban’s twin brother, James Caban, is also under scrutiny by federal authorities for allegedly acting as a “fixer” for upscale restaurants and nightclubs in Manhattan. He is suspected of resolving issues between the businesses and local law enforcement.
The DOI and NYPD’s public information office have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the accusations. Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle is currently facing five separate investigations.
