Dennis Ostermann, Aiding and Assisting in Filing False Tax Return, New York 2025

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Table of Contents

Defendant in Spotlight: Dennis Ostermann, 68, Ex-NYPD Sergeant

A former Sergeant with the New York City Police Department, 68-year-old Dennis Ostermann, has pleaded guilty to a single count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false and fraudulent U.S. income tax return. Ostermann was charged by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

According to the charges, Ostermann served as Controller of a union that represents current and former sergeants of the NYPD. He also operated as a partner of HB Consultants Inc. (HBC). In 2018 and 2019, Ostermann paid $150,000 from HBC’s bank account to a third party on behalf of the former President of the Union. The payments were then misrepresented as ‘legal fees’ on HBC’s tax return, resulting in a reduced tax liability of $150,000.

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield, with sentencing set for August 29, 2025. Ostermann faces up to 3 years in prison for his crimes, as prescribed by Congress. The maximum sentence is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing will be determined by the judge.

U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commended the work of the IRS-CI and Federal Bureau of Investigation in the case. ‘At the direction of a senior union official, Ostermann reported payments as ‘legal fees’ when they were not,’ Clayton said. ‘We all share the responsibility for reporting income and expenses accurately on our tax returns, and no rank or position exempts any person or organization from these obligations.’

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution, which is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. The case marks another high-profile corruption case in the city, highlighting the need for accountability among public officials.

Ostermann’s guilty plea marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat public corruption in New York City. The case serves as a reminder that even in positions of power, individuals are not above the law and will be held accountable for their actions.