Several members of the New York City Sheriff's Office who were named in a Department of Investigation probe into mishandled COVID-era seizures are still on the city payroll and, despite the fallout, are reportedly moving toward promotions. Investigators found alcohol, tobacco and other seized items piled in a Long Island City garage, and flagged serious gaps in record-keeping and voucher controls. City officials say they have tightened evidence tracking since then, but the episode has reignited questions about accountability before anyone climbs the career ladder.
As reported by amNewYork, some of the employees accused in the probe remain employed by the sheriff’s office and are on track for promotions, and the Queens district attorney declined to bring criminal charges, citing a lack of evidence. A Department of Finance spokesperson told the paper that “appropriate disciplinary action was taken at the time,” although reporting notes that several workers resigned before their administrative trials wrapped up.
What the DOI found
According to a DOI closing memo, investigators determined that evidence from sheriff operations was stored in a disorganized fashion, with missing vouchers, unclear labels and a weak chain-of-custody system. The memo recommended an automated property management system, routine internal inventories and clearer disposal records, all aimed at preventing future gaps in accountability.
Administrative rulings and resignations
The Department of Finance brought internal disciplinary charges against roughly a dozen sheriff's office staffers. Seven resigned before their cases reached the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings, and three cases went before administrative law judges. As reported by THE CITY, one administrative judge recommended firing in at least one case, while other judges recommended that charges be dismissed in separate matters, and some employees were later reinstated and reimbursed for suspended pay.
Agency response and reforms
The Department of Finance and the sheriff’s office say they have been working to put DOI’s suggestions into practice. amNewYork reports that the agency has adopted many of the recommended changes and that evidence tracking has improved since 2022. Still, current and former employees familiar with the unit told reporters that lingering gaps in paperwork and vouchering made it difficult for prosecutors to build a criminal case.
Why it matters
The case highlights the gap between internal discipline and criminal liability. The Queens district attorney’s decision not to bring charges reflects the higher standard of proof required in criminal court, while OATH rulings rely on a lower preponderance-of-evidence standard and can be challenged through civil service appeals. Community advocates and oversight voices say the key test now is whether the reforms hold up over time and whether promotions move forward before the department proves consistent, verifiable compliance with its new evidence controls, as noted by THE CITY.
