NYC Sheriff Under Investigation: Smoke Shops, Cash Seizures & Potential Pay-to-Play Scheme

NYC Sheriff Under Investigation: Smoke Shops, Cash Seizures & Potential Pay-to-Play Scheme

The New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) is currently looking into the office of Sheriff Anthony Miranda. The probe focuses on the sheriff's office's enforcement of illegal smoke shops and the handling of cash seized during these operations.

<figure> <img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2024/09/GettyImages-2164235384.jpg?quality=85&amp;strip=all&amp;resize=320%2C180" alt="NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – 2024/07/31: City Sheriff Anthony Miranda speaks during the press briefing by mayor Eric Adams on cannabis and public safety announcement in the Bronx borough of New York. Mayor, governor and police commissioner announced closure of more than 750 illegal shops since April of 2024 after the state legislature passed new laws to crack down on the unsanctioned shops. Briefing was held in the warehouse where confiscated illegal products were kept until they were destroyed. (Photo by Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)"> <figcaption>City Sheriff Anthony Miranda at a press briefing on cannabis and public safety.</figcaption> </figure>

Investigators are also examining whether businesses were pressured to make donations to the National Latino Officers Association (NLOA), an organization where Miranda serves as an officer.

Mayor Eric Adams, who appointed Miranda, defended the sheriff's actions, highlighting his success in shutting down numerous illegal smoke shops. However, the investigation adds to the growing list of federal probes surrounding New York City government.

This is not the first time Miranda has been the subject of scrutiny. He previously faced accusations of corruption and nepotism. This new investigation will likely bring further scrutiny to the sheriff's office and its practices.