Mount Vernon Suspends Officer In Ongoing Corruption Probe

MOUNT VERNON, NY — As the probe into allegations of corruption in the Mount Vernon Police Department continues, city officials announced Thursday one officer had been suspended and another one cleared.

The investigation concerns allegations against several Mount Vernon police officers brought by a whistleblower and his attorney. Officer Murashea 'Mike' Bovell produced hours of recordings that he said were of fellow officers discussing misconduct, from framing people to beating local residents to collaborating with drug dealers. News of the recordings broke last year in a WNYC/Gothamist report.

Then-DA Anthony A. Scarpino, Jr. said in June that the Westchester District Attorney's Office and the FBI had looked into the tapes and found nothing that could be prosecuted. In August, at the direction of Mount Vernon Police Commissioner Glenn Scott, the department transcribed the tapes and began its own internal investigation.

Scott also disbanded the narcotics unit.

"Since day one, I’ve been committed to changing the culture and direction of this department," Scott said in the statement. "We have embraced reform, eliminated outdated policies, and instituted new procedures that emphasize transparency and accountability. The department has acknowledged the lack of trust expressed by the alleged victims of misconduct and has forwarded the investigation to the Westchester County DA so that it may conduct an independent review. Our department remains committed to doing good police work and protecting and serving this community."

City officials announced the investigation had cleared Sgt. Sean Fegan of all charges of misconduct. Officer John Campo has been suspended pending further investigation. The investigation into Detective Antonini is still ongoing.

City officials also announced that as an extension of the administration’s efforts around police reform, attorney William O. Wagstaff III will serve as a special prosecutor for further investigations into Campo and Officer Ryan Hughes.

"It has been a difficult year," said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard in the announcement. “It’s been a year of challenge, learning, and growth and we are committed to working with the PBA, law enforcement partners, and the community to improve communication, transparency, and trust. We are excited about the work of the Police Reform commission and look forward to implementing our CCRB and enhancing the community’s understanding of procedural justice. We continue to take steps towards chartering a new future in policing for Mount Vernon."