BROOKLYN, NY — A retired NYPD officer has been indicted in a sweeping bribery and misconduct case after allegedly using his law enforcement access to run unauthorized searches and funnel confidential information to a friend linked to a burglary ring, Brooklyn prosecutors announced Monday.
Richard Arce, 54, of Yonkers, was arraigned on a 114-count indictment that includes charges of bribe receiving, conspiracy, unauthorized computer use, and official misconduct. Arce allegedly searched NYPD databases for sensitive information on criminal suspects — including his associate Raymond Ramos, 42, of the Bronx — in exchange for cash payments ranging from $25 to $50 per search, according to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.
Key Points
- Retired NYPD officer Richard Arce indicted on 114 counts for alleged bribery and database misuse
- Arce is accused of sending sensitive law enforcement info to Raymond Ramos, linked to ATM burglary ring
- Ramos and Arce both allegedly exchanged information for cash; both face conspiracy and bribery charges
Searches tied to ATM burglary ring suspects
The DA said Arce performed more than 70 unauthorized searches between March 2021 and February 2023 while stationed at Brooklyn Criminal Court. The data included arrest warrants, police reports, and vehicle registration details linked to Ramos, Alexander Torres, Jesus Cedeno, and others connected to an ATM burglary ring.
“Don’t forget the $25 cuz,” Arce texted Ramos after sending screenshots of Ramos’ own bench warrant on October 24, 2022, according to the indictment. Prosecutors also cited a November 2022 exchange where Arce allegedly declined to share further information, replying, “Nope. No $. No Honey.”
Torres and Cedeno, both recipients of Arce’s data searches, were later indicted and have since pleaded guilty to multiple ATM burglaries.
Retired officer arrested abroad, faces May court date
Arce, who served in the NYPD from 2008 until his retirement in 2023, was arrested last week by U.S. Marshals in the Dominican Republic. He appeared in Brooklyn Supreme Court Monday and was released without bail. He is scheduled to return on May 7. Ramos, arraigned earlier this year, also remains free ahead of further proceedings.
District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly betrayed his badge when he provided confidential information to people accused of crimes.”
Investigators said Arce used his department-issued cell phone to transmit the screenshots and search results by text, in direct violation of NYPD protocols that prohibit officers from using database access for non-official purposes.
The alleged misconduct occurred while Arce was assigned to the NYPD Transit Bureau in the Bronx and later, to the Brooklyn Criminal Court section at 120 Schermerhorn Street.
The Brooklyn DA’s Office said the case highlights the risks of internal corruption in law enforcement and the potential public safety consequences when sensitive information is misused.