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Former Cop Charged in Extortion Ring
A former Newark police officer was charged with allegedly soliciting and accepting cash payments from brothel owners in exchange for protection and lying on his tax returns, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Julio Rivera, 49, of Old Bridge, is accused of taking over $100,000 in cash from three brothel owners in Newark between 2011 and 2016. Rivera allegedly approached each of the owners while in uniform and instead of arresting them, solicited and received regular cash payments in exchange for protection and declining to arrest them for prostitution.
The indictment also alleges that Rivera lied on his tax returns by withholding information about the cash payments he received, causing his returns to understate his total income.
Rivera faces 14 counts, including three counts of extortion under color of official right, six counts of bribery, and five counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Each count carries a maximum term of imprisonment of up to 20 years for extortion, 10 years for bribery, and three years for tax counts.
The charges against Rivera are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation was led by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cari Fais and Karen D. Stringer of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division.
Rivera’s maximum potential fine for each count is up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.
Key Facts
- State: New Jersey
- Category: Public Corruption|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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