NYPD Officer with Six-Figure Income Accused of Stealing Cough Syrup from Target

The officer’s record includes allegations of misconduct and civil lawsuits that settled for a combined $161,000.

An NYPD sergeant with a six-figure income has been arrested and suspended without pay after allegedly shoplifting $15 worth of cough syrup and drops from a Target store on Long Island in two separate incidents.

Sgt. Rayna Madho, a 41-year-old NYPD veteran, has served in various units since joining the force in 2006, earning more than $200,000 in fiscal 2024, including overtime of about $55,000, NY Daily News reported.

During a citywide surge in retail theft, Madho allegedly failed to scan all her items at a self-checkout, prompting store employees to involve the police.

Madho faces two counts of petty larceny for thefts on Nov. 24 and Dec. 7 at the Target in Valley Stream, where she reportedly stole Zarbee’s Cough Syrup and Ricola Cough Drops.

Despite her decorated career and leadership in the Desi Society representing South Asian officers, her record includes allegations of misconduct and civil lawsuits that settled for a combined $161,000.

Currently suspended without pay, Madho is scheduled for a Dec. 27 court appearance, where she will decide whether to plead guilty or not guilty.

The Impact on the NYPD

The theft has drawn significant attention, especially given the officer’s high profile within the NYPD. Many are now questioning the actions and behavior of those in positions of power, particularly in light of the department’s ongoing efforts to maintain a positive image in the community.

The NYPD has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, but sources close to the department have indicated that the officer’s actions will be thoroughly investigated. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the officer could face disciplinary action within the department, in addition to legal consequences for the theft.

For the NYPD, this incident represents a significant blow to public trust, especially in a city where police accountability and transparency are frequent topics of conversation. The department will likely need to take swift action to address the situation and ensure that the officer is held accountable for their actions.

The news of the officer’s arrest has generated mixed reactions from the public. Some residents are shocked by the allegations, particularly given the officer’s status within the NYPD and their apparent financial stability. Others are less surprised, pointing out that the stress and pressures associated with law enforcement work can sometimes lead individuals to make irrational or illegal decisions.

Many have also expressed concerns over the larger implications of the incident, noting that it could further erode trust between the NYPD and the communities it serves. In a time when police misconduct and accountability are under close scrutiny, this event is seen by some as another example of an officer abusing their position of power.

Legal Consequences

The officer faces charges of petty larceny, which is a misdemeanor offense under New York state law. If convicted, the officer could face penalties including a fine, probation, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the case and the judge’s ruling.

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In addition to the criminal charges, the officer may also face internal disciplinary actions from the NYPD. These could range from suspension without pay to termination of employment, depending on the findings of the department’s internal investigation. The NYPD has a strict code of conduct, and any behavior that violates the public trust could result in severe consequences for the officer involved.

The case of the NYPD officer accused of stealing cough syrup from Target has left many questioning the motivations behind the crime and what it means for the officer’s future. While the officer’s high salary and long career with the NYPD might suggest they didn’t need to resort to theft, the incident highlights the complexities of human behavior and the potential for individuals, even those in positions of power, to make poor decisions.

The NYPD will likely take swift action to address the situation, but the incident also underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public trust and accountability. As the investigation continues, the outcome will likely have significant implications, not only for the officer involved but also for the reputation of the department as a whole.