Full Breakdown
NYPD School Safety Chief Indicted for Bribery Scheme
2/13/2026, 6:42:22 AM
Allegations of Corruption in School Safety Contracts
Kevin Taylor, the former head of the NYPD School Safety Bureau, has been indicted for allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribes from Gino Roefaro, the CEO of the Florida-based company Safewatch. The indictment, unsealed in Manhattan federal court, claims that Taylor facilitated a $19,830 contract for a pilot program of Safewatch's school shooting response app without soliciting competing bids. This contract was awarded in September 2023, shortly after Taylor was promoted to his position under Mayor Eric Adams.
The indictment details a series of extravagant perks allegedly provided by Roefaro to Taylor, including trips to Las Vegas and the Bahamas, where Roefaro covered expenses for lavish activities. Court documents reveal that Roefaro expressed frustration over Taylor's performance in delivering value for the bribes, stating in a text message, “It’s been fun, but it’s not fun or funny anymore…. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year.”
Background on the Indictment
Taylor, who joined the NYPD in 1996 and was appointed to lead the School Safety Bureau in June 2023, resigned from his position last year. The indictment also alleges that Roefaro attempted to leverage his relationship with Taylor to threaten another company into providing $75,000 in cash by suggesting he would withdraw a contract for bulletproof vests supplied to the bureau.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the indictment, Taylor was arrested and pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance, being released on a $600,000 bond secured by his home in Yonkers. Roefaro was arrested in Florida and also made his first court appearance that same day. Both individuals face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted. An NYPD spokesperson emphasized the department's commitment to integrity, stating, “The NYPD holds our officers to the highest standards, and it is unacceptable when those standards are violated by any member of this department.”
Criticism & Opposition
This case is part of a broader pattern of corruption allegations that have emerged during Mayor Eric Adams’ administration. Critics argue that these incidents reflect systemic issues within the NYPD and raise concerns about oversight and accountability in city contracts.
What's Next
The legal proceedings against Taylor and Roefaro will continue as both prepare for trial. The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding corruption within law enforcement and the management of public contracts in New York City.
