In the largest single-day bribery takedown in Justice Department history, 70 current and former NYCHA employees were charged in a corruption scheme that saw them pocketing $2 million in bribes over 10 years. The charges, brought by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, mark the largest number of federal bribery charges in a single day in Department of Justice history.
Some of the NYCHA workers charged include Dwarka Rupnarain, who allegedly took over $80,000 in bribes and enjoyed lavish vacations; Rigoberto Charriez, who pocketed $70,000 in bribes and was part of NYCHA’s Coaching and Mentorship Leadership Academy; Nymiah Branch, who allegedly took about $3,000 in bribes and was named a NYCHA “hero” by an administrator; and Alex Tolozano, who allegedly took at least $41,000 in bribes and was suspended for appearing naked during a work-related video call.
The bribery and extortion crimes were committed in about a third of NYCHA’s 35 developments, with typical kickbacks ranging between $500 and $2,000. The bust was the largest number of federal bribery arrests in Department of Justice history. Other notable individuals charged include Elizabeth Tapia, Henry McPhatter, Juan Mercado, and more. This widespread corruption scandal has exposed the dirty dealings of NYCHA employees and highlights the need for accountability and transparency within the organization.
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