NYPD Cops Accused of Stealing $1 Million in Perfume

Federal prosecutors in Newark will arraign two NYPD officers and one former officer today in connection with an armed robbery of about $1 million of perfume from a New Jersey warehouse. According to the AP, the cops are among five people charged with robbing In Style USA’s warehouse, which distributes high-end fragrances, on February 9th. According to the complaint, the officers, Richard LeBlanca and Brian Checo, entered the warehouse brandishing guns and badges, yelling, "NYPD! Hands up!"

But they hadn't come to protect and serve, but to bind and steal. 11 employees were allegedly forced into an office and had their hands tied behind them; local police arrived a few hours later after receiving a 911 call. They were then able to track down two trucks and arrest the suspects, proving once and for all that no amount of fancy perfume can mask the foul stench of corruption. (Yes, that's the best we can do right now; it's lunchtime. Leave your own kicker in the comments.)

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By John Del Signore in News on March 5, 2010 12:00 PM

Comments [rss]

jgonzz

NYPD in NJ? Were they lost? Didn't notice the tunnel?

NannyState

From Serpico to Shalimar...

Snoopy

I believe the preferred essence was "Obsession" by Calvin Kline.

pinball29

It took the feds a month to arraign them when they were caught by the Newark police the day of the robbery? No perfume will cover up this stench.

jaycjay

Only two of the eight were arrested at the scene.

Felony cases generally have to go to a grand jury for indictment before arraignment, unless the accused person waives that right. There's nothing unusual, scandalous, or at all suspicious in such a case taking three to four weeks or even longer before arraignment.

JenChungsNewBra

Stop snitching on NYPD

ilovejapgirls

Too bad the cop show "The Shield" isn't around anymore - makes a good story

Wza

Perfume smells like bacon.

aprilnyc

that stinks.

theboneranger

another example of new york's "finest" at work. our "heros"

the nypd is a bunch of thugs, there is no denying that.

Snoopy

Something smells fishy here.

drewo

The NYPD continues to stink up the joint.

Guest

will someone kick the cops' asses for me? thanks. oh, and kick them until they can't make asses of themselves anymore.

valeriob

Heh, that last line sounds like something the dude from COPS could say in closing a scene.

"These corrupt officers though they could get out of jail free... but instead they are basking in the sweet smell of prison"

jaycjay

"entered the warehouse brandishing guns and badges, yelling, "NYPD! Hands up!"

Gee, how did they ever figure out who did it?

You'd think cops would realize that it's not a good idea to tell the people you're robbing where you work. Not quite as bad as giving away your home address, but a close second.

jaycjay

That's not COPS, which has no voiceovers. I know the guy you mean, though... I think he does a few different shows with different titles in the "most amazing police chases" vein.