Former NYPD Sgt. Steven Lee, known for his role in uncovering a karaoke-bar corruption scandal in a Queens precinct, was transferred from Rikers Island to Westchester County Jail after being sentenced to six months for his involvement in an off-duty brawl at a Chelsea nightclub. Lee was found guilty of two counts of misdemeanor assault and has been placed in solitary confinement at the Westchester jail to protect him from other inmates.
Lee expressed frustration over the lack of support for whistleblowers within the NYPD, noting that cops are often hesitant to speak out against corruption within the department due to fear of retaliation. He cited his own experience as an example of the potential consequences for officers who break the “blue wall of silence,” highlighting the risks of being targeted, arrested, and maliciously prosecuted by the criminal justice system.
During the brawl at the nightclub, Lee admitted to striking a man but claimed that he was trying to protect a woman who was being sexually assaulted. Another person in his group severely injured someone during the fight and was also charged. Some of the officers who arrested Lee that night were ones he had previously helped investigate, including a detective he had arrested in the past.
Despite his efforts to uphold his oath and show integrity during his 18 years with the NYPD, Lee was ultimately fired from the department following a trial. He expressed disappointment over the lack of public outrage at the treatment of whistleblowers within the NYPD, highlighting the challenges faced by those who speak out against corruption and misconduct within the department.
The Post’s coverage of Lee’s situation at Rikers Island, where he was detained alongside a cop killer and a murderous drug dealer, brought attention to the risks and challenges faced by whistleblowers within law enforcement. Lee’s experience sheds light on the fears of retaliation, targeting, and prosecution that prevent many officers from speaking out against corruption and misconduct within the NYPD.
Lee’s transfer to Westchester County Jail and placement in solitary confinement underscore the difficulties faced by whistleblowers within the criminal justice system. Despite his efforts to expose corruption and uphold his oath, Lee’s experience highlights the hardships and consequences of speaking out against wrongdoing within law enforcement, serving as a cautionary tale for those considering taking similar action.
