By Villij News Staff | It Takes a Villij
POMPANO BEACH, FL — A federal indictment unsealed in Manhattan this week names a Pompano Beach technology executive in an alleged bribery scheme involving one of the nation’s largest police departments.
Geno Roefaro, founder of the safety app company SaferWatch, is accused alongside Kevin Taylor, the former commanding officer of the NYPD’s School Safety Division.
According to prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, Roefaro provided Taylor with cash payments, airfare, luxury hotel stays, high-end meals, Broadway tickets and a helicopter tour while seeking influence over public safety contracts potentially worth millions of dollars.
Federal authorities allege the relationship intensified as year-end contract approvals stalled. In one message cited in the indictment, Roefaro wrote:
“It’s been fun, but it’s not fun or funny anymore. Our company (ME) needs to report something real and significant that is in place prior to end of year. And we need full announcement and launch first 2 weeks of the year. If not, I’m f—ked. And you don’t want me to be f—ked. I’m both your whore and your sugar daddy all in one.”
Prosecutors say the message reflected mounting pressure tied to efforts to secure a public announcement and contract approval before the close of the year.
The indictment also outlines a separate alleged scheme involving a School Safety Division holiday party. Taylor allegedly signed a contract that made him personally liable for more than $100,000 for the event. Prosecutors say he later sought up to $75,000 from another vendor — not tied to SaferWatch — and leveraged his position to secure payment.
The charges include conspiracy, honest services wire fraud, bribery and extortion-related offenses.
Public Safety, Public Dollars, Local Stakes
Roefaro resides in Pompano Beach and has promoted SaferWatch as a school and community safety technology platform across Florida and nationally.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has publicly promoted SaferWatch as a community reporting tool. Publicly accessible procurement databases reviewed by Villij News do not clearly list total contract amounts paid locally to the company. Villij News will seek those records through formal public records requests.
While the alleged conduct centers on New York City, the case raises broader questions about how public safety technology contracts are pursued and awarded — particularly when taxpayer funds are involved.
An indictment is a formal accusation. Roefaro and Taylor are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Villij News will continue to report as additional information becomes available.
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