A former NYPD detective who sold out his badge for cash is heading to federal prison after helping a violent burglary crew terrorize homes and small businesses across the New York area.
Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, 33, of Queens, was sentenced Friday to 75 months in federal prison after admitting he took bribes to help a burglary ring dodge law enforcement. U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román handed down the sentence after prosecutors said De La Cruz fed the thieves confidential NYPD intelligence that helped them pick targets and stay one step ahead of arrest. The case has reignited concerns about how insider help can supercharge organized, racially targeted thefts around the region.
According to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, De La Cruz was sentenced to 75 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $100,000 and pay $219,459 in restitution to victims. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, "The NYPD is the greatest police department in the world," and added that De La Cruz betrayed both his colleagues and the New Yorkers he was sworn to protect.
De La Cruz pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in September 2025, admitting he accepted kickbacks and passed along confidential law enforcement information, including warnings about planned arrests, to members of the crew. That plea and the roots of the investigation were detailed in prior coverage that reported he admitted aiding the violent theft ring and in earlier filings by federal prosecutors.
How prosecutors say the crew operated
Prosecutors say the ring was led by fugitive Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, also known as "Pito," and specialized in residential burglaries and armed home invasions between roughly 2017 and 2022. The operation repeatedly went after small business owners, with most of the victims described as Asian American. The scheme allegedly involved fake identification documents, bank fraud and laundering of stolen proceeds, according to a 2023 unsealing described by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Victims and penalties
Federal prosecutors say crew members stole cash, jewelry and other valuables from scores of homes, including in Westchester County, before the ring was finally disrupted. Five men were charged in 2023 in connection with the operation.
Local reporting by Daily Voice notes that De La Cruz was ordered to forfeit $100,000 and pay $219,459 in restitution, money that is intended to help compensate the residents and business owners whose homes and livelihoods were ransacked.
Leader remains at large
Even with De La Cruz sentenced, the alleged ringleader is still missing. Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez remains a fugitive and is listed by the FBI, which is urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips via the FBI's wanted page. That entry includes a downloadable wanted poster and reward information for tips that lead to his arrest.
