Ramapo cabbie accused of trying to bribe police officer

RAMAPO - A cabdriver was accused yesterday of trying to avoid a potential $155 ticket by offering an officer $50, police said.

Abe Deen, 31, of 23 Washington Ave., New Square, has a traffic summons and is facing a felony bribery charge, police said.

Officer Christopher Franklin stopped an Emunah Transportation car at 10:33 a.m. yesterday on Union Road, said Sgt. Robert Lancia of the Ramapo police.

Franklin observed Deen make an illegal left turn onto Union from Old West Eckerson Road, Lancia said. Franklin was patrolling with the department canine, Shea.

Franklin approached the vehicle to get a license and other documents from the driver.

Sometime after that, Lancia said, Deen offered the officer $50 to not issue him a ticket.

Lancia, an officer since 1993, said he was shocked and surprised by the alleged offer.

"This is the first time in my career that I have heard of someone being offered a bribe," Lancia said. "Quite frankly, I am disgusted."

Franklin immediately arrested Deen, police said.

"He took the proper steps to make sure this was done correctly," Lancia said. "You can't buy a man's integrity."

Deen was charged with third-degree bribery, a felony, and failure to obey a traffic control device, a violation, Lancia said.

The felony bribery charge carries a potential state prison term.

The alleged traffic violation carries a potential $155 fine and two points on a license.

Deen was being held in the Ramapo police lockup pending arraignment in Ramapo Town Court on the felony charge.

JN