Saying that cops have “lost everything” as a result of the Bronx ticket-fixing scandal, the last NYPD officer to plead guilty in the scam vented to a judge Thursday as he pleaded guilty, claiming that union bosses were targeted.
“As I said, I take full responsibility for my actions, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out the fact that 600 cops, over 600 cops were reported to the DA and had been internally disciplined on these very charges, and 10 were arrested, and eight lost everything,” said Bronx PBA trustee Joe Anthony.
Judge Steven Barrett tried to console Anthony by pointing out that he had spent most of his time serving the community despite pleading guilty – and losing his job – as a result of the sweeping scandal.
“Nothing that has happened today because of this plea can take away from the fact that you were a member of service and the presence of a member of service of distinction will carry you onwards for the rest of your life,” Barrett said, pointing out that “there were literally hundreds of people we picked up on the wire.”
Anthony, who will still receive his pension, has pointed out repeatedly that only union reps were arrested. The others were dealt with departmentally.