Michael Harrington, a 52-year-old former NYPD Deputy Chief from Staten Island, has pleaded guilty to illegally diverting police resources for the personal benefit of private citizens, including businessman Jeremy Reichberg and his associates. Harrington admitted to abusing his authority by deploying officers, vehicles, and even air and sea units meant for public safety to serve private interests across New York City.
The guilty plea, entered before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, charges Harrington with misapplication and conversion of property belonging to a program receiving federal funds—a felony carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence. As Executive Officer in the NYPD’s Chief of Department’s Office and later as Deputy Chief in the Housing Bureau, Harrington wielded sweeping control over operational assets, which he exploited from 2011 through June 2016.
Harrington facilitated police escorts for non-official events, arranged helicopter flyovers at private gatherings, dispatched officers to intervene in civil disputes, and secured use of NYPD boats for exclusive private parties. Many of these favors benefited Reichberg and Jona Rechnitz, a cooperating witness who has already pleaded guilty in the widening corruption probe.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman slammed the betrayal: “Michael Harrington, a former high-ranking officer in the NYPD, occupied powerful positions within the department, from which he controlled officers and resources meant to keep New York safe. But as he admitted today, Harrington allowed those resources to be used for the benefit of well-connected private citizens.”
Reichberg and former NYPD Deputy Inspector James Grant remain under indictment on charges of honest services fraud, bribery, and conspiracy. They are scheduled to stand trial before Judge Woods on April 30, 2018, in what prosecutors describe as a broader scheme to trade luxury perks for official police favors.
Harrington is set for sentencing on June 11, 2018. The FBI and NYPD’s Internal Affairs Division led the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office Public Corruption Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Martin S. Bell, Jessica Lonergan, and Kimberly J. Ravener at the helm.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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