NEW ROCHELLE, NY (March 18, 2026) — The disciplinary proceeding against Lieutenant Sean Kane has been resolved following an internal affairs investigation and disciplinary hearing, according to a statement issued by New Rochelle Police Commissioner Neil K. Reynolds.
“After consideration and full review of the matter, Kane has been demoted two ranks to the position of Police Officer,” Reynolds said.
Police Officer Kane is currently assigned to “re-training, re-orientation, and review of all department rules, regulations, policies and procedures,” the statement said. Upon completion of that process, his future assignment will be determined at the discretion of the police commissioner.
“The New Rochelle Police Department maintains the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. The resolution of this case is consistent with those principles,” Reynolds said.
The city indicated it would not provide additional details.
“This is a personnel matter; the City will have no further statement,” the commissioner said.
Kane’s demotion follows an internal affairs investigation and disciplinary process tied to a narcotics arrest in which department officials determined he had tampered with evidence, according to prior reporting.
The case involved the 2023 arrest of Ivin Harper, whose charges were later dismissed after questions arose about how drugs were recovered.
Harper, a fitness trainer and aspiring actor, was arrested in New Rochelle. He on has alleged that evidence was planted and has filed a notice of claim against the city, a precursor to a potential lawsuit. He has said the incident derailed his career.
“The system is not broken,” said Harper. It’s working exactly as it’s supposed to.
“Now we understand it’s not just one bad apple the whole apple tree is rotten to the core.”
The New Rochelle Police Department suspended Kane and referred the matter to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for investigation.
Video from Kane’s body-worn camera became central to the case. Reporting on the footage described Kane appearing to possess a bag of suspected narcotics before later claiming to have recovered drugs at the scene.
Harper alleged that Kane planted drugs to justify the arrest. Prosecutors later moved to dismiss the charges against him.
A Westchester County grand jury ultimately declined to indict Kane, returning a “no true bill,” meaning jurors did not find sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.
Despite the grand jury’s decision, the case prompted continued internal review by the police department. Prior reporting indicates the internal affairs investigation concluded that Kane had tampered with evidence, leading to disciplinary proceedings that resulted in his demotion.
During the early stages of the case, the Police Benevolent Association announced the creation of a legal defense fund for Kane and solicited donations on his behalf, describing him as “a highly decorated Lieutenant” with “18 years of noble and dedicated police work.”
Harper and his attorney, David Fischer, have been contacted for comment and are expected to issue a statement.
The city’s statement announcing the outcome does not detail the specific findings of the disciplinary hearing.
Kane had previously been recognized by the department, including being named Police Officer of the Year, according to earlier reports.
RELATED
No Charges for New Rochelle Cop Allegedly Seen on Body Worn Camera Planting Drugs (12/13/2024)
New Rochelle PBA Announces Legal Defense Fund for Lieutenant Accused of Evidence Tampering (8/6/2024)
New Rochelle Police Lt. Sean Kane’s Disciplinary Record Among the Worst (8/3/2024)
Senior New Rochelle Police Officer Suspended; Investigation by DA for Evidence Tampering (Drugs) (8/1/2024)
Police Officer Sean Kane Named Police Officer of the Year by New Rochelle Police Department (6/19/2012)
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools under the direction and editing of Robert Cox.
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