Officer Pleads Guilty In Towing Extortion Scheme
BALTIMORE (AP) -- A Baltimore police officer has pleaded guilty to taking money to divert drivers at accident scenes to an unauthorized towing company and repair shop.
David Reeping, 41, of Arbutus pleaded guilty Wednesday in U.S. District Court to extortion under color of official right.
Reeping is one of 17 officers charged in February with conspiracy to commit extortion in the course of their official duties. They're accused of taking kickbacks to send customers to Majestic Auto Repair Shop in Rosedale, instead of arranging for a tow from a city-authorized company as required. Ten officers, the shop owner and his brother were later indicted. A total of 31 officers were suspended.
According to his plea, Reeping received about $1,000. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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