A former NYPD officer is facing legal proceedings after charges for bribery, narcotics, firearms, and robbery were unsealed earlier this week. The charges allege that Andrew Nguyen was involved with a drug trafficking operation.
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, provided details regarding Nguyen's arrest and the allegations against him. "The NYPD is the most professional and most effective police department in the world," Clayton said. "New Yorkers rely on and trust the women and men of the NYPD. As alleged, Andrew Nguyen not only breached that trust for profit, but he also committed crimes against his fellow New Yorkers." According to the Attorney’s office, Nguyen is accused of accepting over $30,000 in bribes and participating in the operations of a drug trafficking organization, while using resources provided to him as a police officer.
The U.S. Attorney's Office release outlines the allegations against Nguyen. He is accused of using his position from 2020 to 2023 to transport drugs, access NYPD databases for information on rival dealers, and conduct a staged car stop to resolve a drug-related debt for an acquaintance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. King and Jonathan Rebold are handling a case that includes charges of honest services wire fraud, bribery solicitation, narcotics distribution, and firearm possession during drug trafficking. "While the vast majority of our NYPD partners are deeply committed to honoring their duty to protect and serve, the FBI will never tolerate those who besmirch the badge for personal profit," Christopher G. Raia, the FBI Assistant Director in Charge, said in connection with Nguyen's arraignment, as per the press release.
Searches of Nguyen’s home reportedly recovered a Glock 19 pistol with hollow-point ammunition and several AR-15-style rifles. Nguyen, 41, faces potential sentences ranging from five years to life in prison, as determined by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres. The federal charges against him involve allegations of abuse of authority and criminal activity.
