Veteran NYPD Detective Faces Charges for Alleged Groping at Headquarters

A seasoned New York Police Department detective faces serious allegations after reportedly groping a fellow officer inside the department’s headquarters at 1 Police Plaza in Manhattan. Paul D’Amico, a 51-year-old officer with nearly three decades of service, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor offenses, raising questions about conduct within the NYPD’s ranks.

The incident allegedly occurred on February 5 at approximately 10:30 a.m. in a common area of the headquarters. The female officer reported feeling someone grab her buttocks, turning to find D’Amico as the only person nearby.

According to the complaint, D’Amico muttered an apology before quickly fleeing the scene. The officer promptly reported the incident, triggering an internal investigation by the NYPD.

D’Amico was arrested on April 10 and charged with forcible touching and third-degree sexual abuse. Both charges are misdemeanors, reflecting the non-consensual nature of the alleged act.

A Manhattan criminal court judge released D’Amico without bail, issuing a protective order barring him from contacting the officer. His next court appearance is scheduled for late May to address the charges.

D’Amico, previously assigned as a driver for senior NYPD officials, has been reassigned to the Medical Division pending the case’s outcome. This move limits his interactions with other officers while the investigation continues.

The NYPD has emphasized its commitment to maintaining a professional environment, condemning any behavior that undermines trust. Department leadership is reportedly reviewing protocols to prevent similar incidents.

The officer who reported the incident has not been publicly identified, respecting her privacy during the legal process. Her decision to come forward has been praised as a courageous step toward accountability.

D’Amico’s annual salary, exceeding $200,000, has drawn scrutiny given the allegations against him. Critics argue such incidents highlight the need for stricter oversight of veteran officers.

The case has sparked broader discussions about workplace culture within law enforcement agencies. Some advocates call for enhanced training to address inappropriate behavior and ensure officer safety.

D’Amico’s long tenure with the NYPD, including roles in high-trust positions, adds complexity to the public’s perception of the case. His personnel record shows no prior public allegations of this nature.

Community leaders have urged the NYPD to handle the case transparently to maintain public confidence. The department’s response will likely influence perceptions of its ability to police its own ranks effectively.