Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Police Chief Allegedly Harassed Detective With "Twilight" Texts
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 18, 2010
Modified Apr 18, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jaya Saxena
Published Apr 18, 2010
Modified Apr 18, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Though any texts involving the vampire romance "Twilight" should probably count as torture, one NYPD detective took his obsession to the level of sexual harassment. Detective Dawn DelValle-Sanchez has accused Bronx Deputy Chief Michael Gabriel of sexual harassment in the form of unwanted comments about her body, touching her inappropriately and sending her "Twilight" themed text messages.
The harassment allegedly began after Gabriel made comments about Sanchez's breasts and her married life. He also came up behind her in the office one day and started massaging her back. Sanchez told the Daily News she recoiled in pain and shock. Things apparently got weirder after Gabriel attempted to apologize. He texted her on his NYPD-issued blackberry, saying "I ask for ur forgiveness and another chance (Think Bella forgiving Jacob)," and "I will accept any penalty; hard labor, probation, a time out. ... Do werewolves kill humans just like vampires?" Gabriel also allegedly asked Sanchez to throw things at him and call him names for penance. "I believe there's something wrong with him," said Sanchez.
Sanchez initially did not complain to the Internal Affairs Bureau because she feared they would take Gabriels side, as he is her superior. She said, "He's a chief. I don't think they will take it seriously." However, she hired a lawyer because she fears retaliation from Gabriel. Her lawyer plans to file a suit next week, saying, "Certain male executive-level, police management personnel believe that female subordinates are their chattel to be used and abused." You mean like Bella used Jacob?!
Tagged
detective
nypd
sexual harassment
texts
Twilight
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NJ early voting begins Saturday. Here's everything you need to know.
Our 2026 New Jersey voter’s guide for this year’s midterm elections.
By
Mike Hayes
Published Oct 23, 2026 at 11:01 a.m. ET
Countdown clocks are coming to an NYC bus stop near you
New York City bus service isn't exactly reliable, but new digital countdown clocks will give riders a better sense of how long they have to wait.
By
Stephen Nessen
News
Countdown clocks are coming to an NYC bus stop near you
New York City bus service isn't exactly reliable, but new digital countdown clocks will give riders a better sense of how long they have to wait.
By
Stephen Nessen
Are NJ schools unconstitutionally segregated? It's back to the courts to decide.
By
Colleen O'Dea
Early Addition: New Jersey considering a ban on chewing gum because of microplastics
By
James Ramsay
Queens mother charged with murdering her son after failed suicide attempt, NYPD says
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .