Chicago cop pleads guilty to towing shakedown

[January 22, 2009]  CHICAGO (AP) -- A former Chicago police officer has admitted he shook down tow truck operators by charging up to $400 per vehicle in exchange for steering towing business to them.

Michael Ciancio pleaded guilty Wednesday to one federal count of extortion, which carries a maximum 20-year sentence. His sentencing is set for May 13.

FBI agents said in arresting the 56-year-old Ciancio in August 2007 that witnesses told them he expected $100 for each tow and at times got as much as $400.

Federal prosecutors are asking the court to order Ciancio to forfeit $1,380. The 26-year police veteran also will lose his police pension.

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.