NYPD Cop Arrested for Helping Drug Dealers

Pension was in accused NYPD cop Emmanuel Tavarez's sights
The New York Daily News by John Marzulli - May 12, 2010

NYPD cop may have been just days away from scoring a tax-free disability pension when he was busted.

NYPD Officer Tavarez sold out badge to crime crew that posed as cops, feds charge
When NYPD cop Emmanuel Tavarez was busted for helping drug dealers last week, he may have been just days away from scoring a tax-free disability pension. The eight-year veteran had been approved for the pension by a panel of doctors for a line-of-duty knee injury, sources said. The case was on the board's calendar for this morning, but Tavarez won't be there - he's in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. Federal drug agents arrested him last week on charges of outfitting robbery crew members with NYPD raid jackets and other police paraphernalia so they looked like real cops. He allegedly took part in stickups of drug dealers. His defense lawyer Lisa Scolari said in court yesterday that Tavarez was originally injured chasing a perp on a bicycle but decided not to retire. He later reinjured his knee, Scolari said - without telling the judge he was seeking a tax-free pension. Scolari said the cop had been a "phenomenal athlete" and was scouted by professional baseball teams. Magistrate Robert Levy approved a $1.8 million bail package but federal prosecutors are appealing the decision. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Meyer argued Tavarez may flee to the Dominican Republic because he faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted of the robbery conspiracy charges. jmarzulli@nydailynews.com