Former NYPD Detective Among Four Arrested in New York Drug Case

The arrests followed a six-month investigation into an alleged network supplying drugs from Upper Manhattan to Staten Island. Prosecutors identified the defendants as Shanta Sawyer, his wife Sophia Abinacer, Michael Giordano and Pietrunti, a retired NYPD detective. Investigators said a wiretap began on May 13 and intercepted conversations about drug sales.

In Washington Heights, officers searching Sawyer and Abinacer’s home found fentanyl, crack cocaine and heroin in a backpack and a bedroom safe, along with a pill-pressing machine. Two young children were in the apartment during the search.

At Giordano’s Great Kills home, police found crack cocaine, about 40 envelopes of heroin and scales. A search of Pietrunti’s Eltingville home turned up 13 unlicensed firearms, including AR-style rifles, and ammunition for each weapon.

Prosecutors allege the intercepted calls included discussions of cocaine sales, a planned meeting at a Wendy’s for cocaine and Xanax, and arrangements for Abinacer to meet a buyer on Staten Island. Investigators also said Sawyer and Giordano planned transactions from Giordano’s home. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the arrests had stopped the alleged pipeline.

The four were arraigned on November 6. Sawyer was held on $250,000 bail and Pietrunti on $100,000; Abinacer and Giordano left under personal promises to appear. The defendants face allegations, not established findings of guilt.