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In a shocking revelation, an NYPD lieutenant has been accused of dodging tolls and congestion pricing, potentially costing taxpayers around $20,000. The allegations against Lt. Joseph Abdelmessih, who serves as an operations coordinator in the department’s Community Outreach Division, have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about accountability within the police force.
Details of the allegations
According to a complaint filed with the city Department of Investigation, Abdelmessih has been using a city-owned vehicle to commute to his actual office in downtown Manhattan while leaving his personal Mercedes Benz at a department outpost on Staten Island.
This practice reportedly began in August 2022, allowing him to evade tolls on the Verrazano Bridge and Hugh Carey Tunnel, as well as the recently implemented congestion pricing.
The complaint details how Abdelmessih would sign in at the Youth Strategies Division office, creating the illusion of being present for work, before switching to the department-owned Ford Taurus for his commute.
This maneuver not only allowed him to avoid tolls but also raised questions about his work hours, as he was allegedly commuting while on the clock.
Implications for the NYPD
The implications of these allegations are significant. A police source indicated that Abdelmessih’s actions could be part of a larger issue within the department, suggesting that an internal audit may be necessary to determine if other officers are engaging in similar misconduct.
The source described the lieutenant’s actions as “alarming,” emphasizing the need for greater oversight and accountability within the NYPD.
Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Abdelmessih’s supervisor, Deputy Chief Victoria Perry, was aware of the misconduct but failed to take appropriate action.
After becoming aware of the situation, Perry reportedly issued a memo to all supervisors prohibiting the practice of signing into work at different locations, highlighting a potential failure in leadership and oversight.
Union response and ongoing investigation
In response to the allegations, the Lieutenant Benevolent Association has defended Abdelmessih, claiming that he had permission to use the city vehicle due to his dual roles in Staten Island and lower Manhattan.
Union President Lou Turco stated, “This was all authorized by his boss,” suggesting that the department was aware of his actions.
Despite this defense, the NYPD has confirmed that Abdelmessih’s actions are currently under investigation. An NYPD spokesperson stated, “We are aware and it is under internal review,” indicating that the department is taking the allegations seriously and is committed to addressing any misconduct.
As this situation unfolds, it raises critical questions about transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The public is left to wonder how many more cases of misconduct may be lurking beneath the surface and what measures will be taken to ensure that officers uphold the law they are sworn to protect.
