FEDS CITE EX-CHIEF IN PAPERS
Uncharged ‘conspirator’
Former NYPD Chief of Department Philip Banks is among a slew of former and current cops named by the feds as “unindicted co-conspirators” in a pending police-corruption case.
The prosecution’s court papers say Banks “influenced” the 2014 promotion of former Deputy Inspector James Grant — who faces trial next month — as well as that of ex-Detective Michael Milici, who is also listed among the alleged co-conspirators.
The Friday filing says Banks (right) also influenced the transfers of about six other cops and helped arrange a police escort for a pal of Jona Rechnitz, a convicted former donor for Mayor de Blasio who has become a prosecution witness.
According to a previously filed FBI affidavit, Rechnitz was caught on a 2015 wiretap talking to fellow de Blasio donor and Grant co-defendant Jeremy Reichberg, who said that with Banks’ help, “we got Jimmy promoted.”
The allegations against Banks all involve a former subordinate, ex-Deputy Chief Michael Harrington, who had been scheduled to stand trial with Grant until he scored a sweetheart plea deal last month.
The claims also came days after The Post revealed that an FBI investigation found about $300,000 in “unexplained” cash deposits into Banks’ accounts between 2007 and 2013.
Banks, who said he retired rather than accept a promotion to first dep- uty commissioner amid the probe, was never charged in connection with the undeclared transactions or another $245,000 in rental income he didn’t report to the IRS.
“Unindicted co-conspirator” refers to someone prosecutors believe was involved in an illegal scheme but whom they have opted not to charge.
Grant is charged with providing official favors in exchange for gifts and other payoffs from Rechnitz and Reichberg, including a 2013 group trip to Las Vegas with a hooker dressed up like a flight attendant.
Sources have told The Post that Milici was among those aboard the private plane.
The filing alleges Milici and a third unindicted coconspirator, Lt. Michael Andreano, once went to Reichberg’s home “in order to reprimand a neighbor’s contractor.”
In addition to Andreano, two others on the list —- Deputy Chief James McCarthy and Inspector Brian McGinn — are still active-duty cops.
The list also includes three former high-ranking cops — including exDeputy Chiefs Andrew Capul, David Colon and Eric Rodriguez — who retired rather than face disciplinary charges.
Also named is Floral Park, LI, Police Commissioner Stephen McAllister, a retired NYPD cop.
Banks’ lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, said his client “has never been charged with any criminal offense, nor has he ever even been interviewed by either the government or the defense.”