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NYPD Supervisor Indicted on Bribery Charges

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. nypd-supervisor-indicted-on-bribery-charges.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 16:21 GMT by Associated Press
      Locales: New York, UNITED STATES

New York, NY - February 13th, 2026 - William Aubin Jr., a former supervisor within the New York Police Department's License and Permit Division, was formally indicted today on charges of bribery, fraud, and making false statements. The indictment stems from a long-running investigation into allegations that Aubin accepted over $14,000 in bribes to expedite the processing of gun permit applications. This case, while specific to Aubin's alleged actions, shines a harsh spotlight on a potentially systemic issue: the vulnerability of firearms permitting processes to corruption and the implications for public safety.

The investigation, initiated in 2019 by a joint task force comprised of the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau and the FBI, uncovered evidence suggesting Aubin leveraged his position of authority to prioritize applications from individuals willing to make illicit payments. While the amount - $14,000 - may seem relatively modest, the principle involved is profoundly damaging to public trust in law enforcement and the integrity of the gun permitting system.

This isn't an isolated incident. Across the United States, concerns about the potential for corruption within gun permitting processes have been bubbling under the surface for years. The sheer volume of applications, coupled with the often-complex and subjective criteria for approval, creates opportunities for abuse. Individuals seeking permits legally may face lengthy delays, while those willing to circumvent the system through bribery can potentially obtain firearms more quickly, raising serious questions about who is being armed and why.

Experts in law enforcement ethics point to several factors contributing to this vulnerability. Firstly, the role of discretion held by licensing officials. While some level of subjective assessment is necessary - evaluating character, temperament, and justification for needing a firearm - it also opens the door to bias, favoritism, and, as alleged in Aubin's case, bribery. Without robust oversight and clear, consistently applied standards, this discretion can be exploited.

Secondly, the increasing demand for firearms, particularly in recent years, has placed immense pressure on licensing departments. Understaffing and inadequate resources exacerbate the problem, potentially leading to shortcuts and a decrease in thorough vetting procedures. This creates a fertile ground for corruption to flourish.

Finally, the lack of comprehensive, centralized databases tracking gun permit applicants and their backgrounds hinders effective oversight. While many states maintain records, interoperability between systems is often limited, making it difficult to identify patterns of suspicious activity or to flag individuals with prior criminal records who are attempting to obtain permits through fraudulent means.

The repercussions of a compromised gun permitting system are far-reaching. A firearm obtained through bribery could end up in the hands of someone legally prohibited from owning one, such as a convicted felon or an individual with a history of domestic violence. This poses a direct threat to public safety and can contribute to gun violence.

Furthermore, this type of corruption erodes public trust in law enforcement. When citizens believe that those entrusted with upholding the law are susceptible to bribery, it undermines the entire justice system and fosters cynicism.

Following Aubin's arraignment today, calls for increased transparency and accountability within the NYPD's License and Permit Division are growing louder. Advocates are urging the department to implement stricter vetting procedures for licensing officials, establish independent oversight mechanisms, and invest in technology to streamline the permitting process and improve data tracking. Some are even proposing the creation of a dedicated anti-corruption unit focused specifically on gun permitting.

The FBI's involvement in the investigation highlights the federal government's growing concern over this issue. Expect further scrutiny of gun permitting processes nationwide, and potentially, the development of new federal regulations aimed at preventing corruption and ensuring the responsible issuance of firearms permits. The Aubin case is a stark reminder that safeguarding the integrity of this system is paramount to protecting both individual rights and public safety. The focus now shifts to the court proceedings and whether prosecutors can prove their case against the former NYPD supervisor, and more broadly, to addressing the systemic issues that allowed this alleged scheme to occur.