A civilian supervisor of the New York City Police Department illegally used access to a private police database to provide attorneys with the names of crash victims in exchange for thousands of dollars in cash and gifts, federal officials said Friday.
Authorities say Pamela Dillard, 48, a department communications technician, pursued ambulances for lawyers who conspired with her while soliciting and receiving more than $17,000 in bribes, court records show.
“The NYPD is the gold standard among police departments,” Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said in a statement. “The NYPD will not tolerate those who compromise the integrity of the department for personal gain.”
For nearly three years, Dillard combed through private databases and accessed records of 911 calls made during crashes, officials said. Dillard also supervises other communications technicians and takes names from their schedules.
Officials said her co-conspirators owned and operated a call center that referred accident victims to attorneys and doctors. In return for the name and contact information of the accident victim, she received money and other items of value.
“Former NYPD civilian employee Pamela Dillard abused her supervisory position within the highly regarded police department and access to sensitive information to obtain illicit income,” FBI Assistant Director James Barnacle said in a statement.
“While the vast majority of our local law enforcement partners are committed to protecting the communities they serve, the FBI will not tolerate those who choose to betray that trust at the expense of New Yorkers,” he said.
Dillard admitted participating in a conspiracy to solicit and receive bribes. prosecutor said
She faces at least five years in prison when she is sentenced on July 1.
