Federal trial begins for NYPD officer who allgedly led robbery gang
Used NYPD equipment to rip off drug dealers, others
The trial of a New York City police officer, who allegedly was an active member of a violent robbery gang, began in Brooklyn’s federal court Monday. Officer Jose Tejada has been charged with several counts of robbery, drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession and obstruction of justice
Tejada, a 16-year veteran of the force, allegedly assisted a robbery crew known for earning money by ripping off drug dealers.
The charging papers assert that Tejada and members of his crew would pose as police officers equipped with fake arrest and search warrants, then forcibly take drugs and money from the drug traffickers.
While Tejada’s supposed primary role was to provide the crew with NYPD paraphernalia and equipment — including, in one instance, the use of an NYPD squad car — Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents allege that Tejada participated in a number of the armed robberies while on duty and wearing his NYPD uniform.