An NYPD whistleblower lost his pension for exposing corruption.
They silenced him. They fired him. They stripped his pension. He kept the truth. Help restore it.
2 Years short of the 20-year pension line
0 Pensions lost by the officers he helped convict
Help restore what was taken.
Recognition from the Queens District Attorney
On November 28, 2018, James M. Liander, Bureau Chief of the Integrity Bureau of the Queens County District Attorney's office, wrote: “This letter is to acknowledge your work performed during an investigation into corruption in the 109th Precinct. Your undercover work and testimony resulted in the arrest and conviction of two ranking members of NYPD: Det. Yat Yu Yam and Lt. Robert Sung.”
Whistleblowers defend the truth — often at great personal cost. This letter stands as proof that Steven told the truth, and that the truth matters.
His Story at a Glance
1. The Whistleblower — NYPD Sergeant Steven Lee spent 18 months undercover for Internal Affairs in the 109th Precinct, exposing a karaoke-bar protection racket from the inside.
2. The Convictions — His undercover work and testimony resulted in the arrest and conviction of two ranking NYPD members: Detective Yat Yu Yam and Lieutenant Robert Sung.
3. The Price — Instead of being honored, Steven faced a departmental trial and was dismissed effective November 1, 2022 — losing the pension he earned over nearly 18 years of service.
4. The Fight Now — Steven is fighting for whistleblower protection, the restoration of his pension, and real police accountability in New York City. When truth is under threat, whistleblowers are the best defense.
Demand Justice: Add Your Name
Steven told the truth about NYPD corruption — and lost everything for it. Now he needs your voice. Sign the petition to demand whistleblower protection and the restoration of his pension. Every signature brings his case closer to the leaders who can act.
A Call to New York's Elected Officials
To Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and members of the New York City Council:
Steven Lee's case is exactly the kind of police-accountability cause you champion. He told the truth about corruption inside the NYPD at tremendous personal cost — 18 months undercover, testimony that convicted two ranking officers — and lost his pension for it.
We respectfully invite you to stand with whistleblowers: support stronger whistleblower protections for officers who report corruption, and help right the wrong done to Steven Lee by supporting the restoration of the pension he earned over nearly 18 years of service.
Accountability begins with protecting those brave enough to tell the truth.