Auxiliary Deputy Inspector Charged With Hacking Into NYPD Database Is Released On Bond

A rogue auxiliary cop who recently hacked into the NYPD database has been charged and released on bond. Yehuda Katz was seeking confidential information on traffic accidents. After accessing the private information, the cop posed as an ambulance-chasing attorney and contacted victims.

How he did it

The now demoted cop came up with a highly elaborate plan in the 70^th Precinct stationhouse. Inside the stationhouse in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Katz not only managed to gain entry to law enforcement databases from an unknown remote location, but went ahead to install a secret camera. The hidden camera was installed inside a cable TV box within the traffic safety office. According to authorities, Yehuda took all these steps to make sure he was not found out.

Late last August, NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau commenced a probe after the precinct cops found a camera inside the clerical office that houses copies of vehicle summons and car accident reports. This is according to a complaint at the Brooklyn Federal Court.

What investigators found out

The investigators conducting the investigations discovered that an electronic device attached to a computer was logging in to the NYPD database using passwords of three cops who were enjoying their off days.

According to the investigators, there were queries to more than 6,400 license plate numbers for vehicles involved in an array of accidents.

One of the complaints indicated that Katz claimed to be a respected “legal counselor at the Katz and Katz law firm.” The complaint further stated that the auxiliary cop said, “I can advise you with 100% confidence that I can resolve this claim in your favor. My fee is 14% only when you collect. And I know you will collect.”

Authorities were quick to spell out that Katz does not work with any law firm.

Prosecutors did not reveal information on how the auxiliary cop benefited from his scheme. However, his cell phone had countless calls associated with chiropractors, law firms and medical clinics. This suggested that the cop was receiving some substantial amounts of kickbacks for referrals.

State attorney’s sentiments

Katz accessed personal information of many citizens in order “to enrich himself through fraud.” This is according to Loretta Lynch, the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney.

The surveillance camera installed by the cop was able to broadcast live feeds of the precinct office on the internet. The investigators carrying the investigations suspected that Katz could activate the particular device from an unknown remote location to ensure there was no one using a computer so that he could gain access to the database.

Cop released on bond

The court released the 45-year-old auxiliary cop on a $75,000 bond.

Outside court, after his release, Katz signed a form resigning his position in the force with immediate effect. The form was presented to him by a lieutenant at the Internal Affairs Bureau.

The accused did not comment on the matter after emerging from a modest black Cadillac sedan outside his home. The car had a license plate “KATZILAC”.