Micheal Perri, a 34-year-old resident of East Islip, has been handed a prison sentence of 33 months for his involvement in a bribery plot, as confirmed by the US District Attorney's Office on Thursday, May 18.
Court documents reveal that after retiring from the NYPD, Perri assumed control of a tow truck and automobile repair business. Previously, he had served at the 107th Precinct in Queens during his time with the police force.
Beginning in May 2020, Perri masterminded a scheme that involved bribing two active officers from the 107th Precinct, namely 44-year-old James Davneiro of Bayside and 40-year-old Giancarlo Osma of Deer Park. The objective was to exploit their positions as officers for the benefit of Perri's own business.
Under this illicit arrangement, Davneiro and Osma were instructed to redirect damaged vehicles from car accidents to Perri's establishment, disregarding the established procedures within the NYPD that ensured fair treatment for all towing and automobile businesses involved. The standard procedure, known as the Directed Accident Response Program (DARP), utilizes a computer system to randomly assign an appropriate towing company to the accident scene.
By sidestepping the DARP system, Davneiro and Osma enabled Perri's business to receive preferential treatment. Perri compensated the two officers with over $50,000 in bribes for their assistance in directing all accident-related business to his establishment.
Over the course of one year, from May 2020 to May 2021, Davneiro and Osma funneled 73 vehicles damaged in accidents to Perri's business, resulting in profits exceeding $150,000.
In November 2022, Perri pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to use interstate facilities to commit bribery.
Apart from the $158,000 he has already forfeited to the government, Perri has been ordered to pay an additional fine of $25,000.
The court's decision to impose a prison sentence of 33 months reflects the severity of Perri's actions, which undermined the principles of fairness and integrity within the NYPD. By engaging in this bribery scheme, Perri not only compromised the trust placed in law enforcement officers but also exploited his previous affiliation with the police force to further his personal gains.
US District Attorney [Name] stated, "Public corruption undermines the foundation of our justice system and erodes public trust in law enforcement. We are committed to rooting out these acts of betrayal and holding individuals accountable for their actions."
This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will not tolerate corruption within their ranks and will diligently investigate and prosecute those who seek to exploit their positions for personal gain. The sentencing of Micheal Perri sends a strong message that such misconduct will be met with severe consequences.
The US District Attorney's Office hopes that this case will restore confidence in the justice system and highlight the commitment of law enforcement officials to upholding the highest standards of integrity and fairness.