Former NYPD Official Charged with Bribery in School Safety Tech Deal

Kevin Taylor allegedly took $35,000 in cash and luxury perks from company selling 'panic button' to NYC schools

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department, Kevin Taylor, has been charged with accepting $35,000 in cash, luxury travel, and other bribes from a Florida businessman seeking to sell a 'mobile panic alert system' to the city's public schools and police department. Taylor is accused of trying to steer an $11 million contract to the company, SaferWatch, while he was the commanding officer of the NYPD's School Safety Division.

Why it matters

The charges against Taylor are the latest in a series of corruption allegations involving officials appointed by former New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The investigation into SaferWatch's dealings with the NYPD emerged as part of a broader federal probe into Adams' administration, which has already resulted in bribery charges against other NYPD officers and a former housing official.

The details

According to the indictment, Taylor accepted cash payments, luxury hotels and airfare, helicopter tours, Broadway tickets, and other perks from SaferWatch founder Gene Roefaro in exchange for helping the company secure a no-bid contract to pilot its products within the NYPD's school safety division. As Taylor struggled to expand the program, Roefaro grew frustrated and at times described himself as a 'sugar daddy' who had 'made a MAJOR investment and zero return.' Taylor also allegedly tried to solicit $75,000 in bribes from two businessmen involved in selling bullet-resistant vests to the NYPD, but those men declined.

  • In 2023, Taylor helped SaferWatch secure a no-bid contract to pilot its products within the NYPD's school safety division.
  • In late 2023, Roefaro grew frustrated with the lack of progress and described himself as a 'sugar daddy' who had 'made a MAJOR investment and zero return'.
  • Days later, Taylor tried to put together a press conference to announce his division would be procuring a tip line from Roefaro's company, but the event was later cancelled.

The players

Kevin Taylor

A former high-ranking official in the New York Police Department who served as the commanding officer of the NYPD's School Safety Division.

Gene Roefaro

The founder of SaferWatch, a Florida-based company that markets a 'mobile panic alert system' for use in mass shootings and other emergencies.

Eric Adams

The former mayor of New York City, whose administration has faced a series of corruption allegations, including the charges against Taylor.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Kevin Taylor to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and favor-trading within the Adams administration, as federal prosecutors continue to uncover alleged bribery schemes involving city officials and private companies seeking lucrative contracts.