Prince George's County Building Inspector Charged With Extortion

CLINTON, Md. (AP) -- Prince George's County Police have arrested a county building inspector they say tried to get a restaurant owner to pay his band to play at the business.

John Cleveland Brown, 52, of Clinton was arrested Thursday and charged with extortion and harassment. Police say they arrested Brown when an officer posed as the entertainment manager of the restaurant.

Officers say Brown approached the restaurant owner in March and tried to get the owner to pay $1,000 a week for his band to play. Police say Brown threatened to take away the restaurant's permits unless the owner complied.

Authorities say a police officer, posing as the entertainment manager, met with Brown Thursday at the restaurant. Police say Brown was arrested when he demanded money from the undercover officer.

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