A former New York City Police Department (NYPD) detective, Saul Arismendy De La Cruz, also known as “Nene” and “Venom,” has been sentenced to 75 months in prison for his role in a violent racketeering conspiracy. De La Cruz pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, admitting to accepting bribes and providing confidential police information to a theft crew.
U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román handed down the sentence, which also includes three years of supervised release, $100,000 in forfeiture, and $219,459 in restitution to victims. De La Cruz, 33, of Queens, New York, betrayed his oath by assisting a criminal enterprise.
The theft crew, led by fugitive Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, operated between 2017 and 2022, committing residential burglaries and home invasion robberies. The group frequently targeted Asian American small business owners, using firearms and other weapons to steal money, jewelry, and property across multiple states. The conspiracy also involved bank fraud and money laundering.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said, “The NYPD is the greatest police department in the world. Yet Saul Arismendy De La Cruz betrayed his colleagues and the New Yorkers he was sworn to protect. His selfish crimes cannot tarnish the NYPD but must be met with justice as they were today.”
Dagoberto Soto-Ramirez, also known as “Pito,” remains at large. The FBI is seeking information on his whereabouts and encourages anyone with details to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI.