FORMER NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICER IS CONVICTED OF ATTEMPTING TO FILE A FRAUDULENT ACCIDENT REPORT IN CONNECTION WITH A SCAM TO DEFRAUD AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a former NYC Police Officer, 37, has been convicted of official misconduct for attempting to file a fraudulent accident report in 2002 in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance companies.

A jury found Irvin Maldonado, of the Bronx, guilty of one count of Official Misconduct, a class “A” misdemeanor offense. Maldonado faces a term of up to one year in jail when he appears before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Peter J. Benitez for sentencing on Friday June 10, 2005, in Part T3.

According to testimony, Maldonado, a thirteen year veteran, assigned to the New York City Housing Police section PSA6, prepared and attempted to file a fraudulent accident report between November 1, 2002 and November 6, 2002.

Three other former police officers were also convicted on various charges in connection with the automobile insurance scam. Trinidad Martinez, 32, pled guilty to one count of Grand larceny in the 2nd degree on March 15, 2005. Julian Martinez, 32, pled guilty to once count of Bribe receiving in the 3rd degree on January 26, 2005 and Ernesto Colon, 35, pled guilty to one count of Grand larceny in the 3rd degree on October 19, 2004. All three defendants were sentenced to five years probation.

The four former police officers, along with twelve civilians, were charged following a joint investigation by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau and the New York State Department of Insurance.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Larry Hartsetin, and Assistant District Attorney Gregory Cho, of the Investigations Division.