Extortion by the police isn’t anything new, and it happens all over the world. We’ve all seen the dirty cop movie where they take bribes to look the other way or dismiss a ticket. Some of us may have even been on the receiving end of a little palm-lining for a favor.
However, it’s very illegal, and not a practice that any self-respecting police precinct wants to be known for. And so, if any of their deputies are found to be taking handouts of any kind for leniency, they’re out on their ear.
This is known as extortion, and the payouts come in many shapes and sizes. Former suburban Chicago police officer Antoine Larry, 50, was specifically targeting known drug dealers to solicit drugs and cash from them.
The report states that Larry and his partner would track down known offenders and pull them over. After searching their vehicles and finding what they needed, they would then threaten them with action such as tickets, having their cars towed, or other charges.
You Scratch My Back…
The report states that the pair would offer to let them off easy provided they paid out in cash. According to the release, “If the motorist was at risk of being detained or having their car towed and the officers believed they wouldn’t report corruption, Larry and his partner solicited cash bribes in exchange for reduced charges, not towing the car, or letting the individual go without citations.”
The officers then falsified police reports to disguise their extortion, pocketing the extra cash, and letting the criminals go about their business. This went on between the years of 2020 and 2022. However, the investigation uncovered their corruption, and the pair are now being forced to pay for their crimes.
Pay Their Dues
Antoine Larry admitted to his crimes and has now been sentenced to more than 5 years and 3 months in prison. He has been charged with conspiracy, extortion, and attempted extortion. His partner, also involved in the corruption, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge before trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ramon Villalpando made a statement about the conduct of the former Chicago police officer. “When law enforcement officers commit crimes—especially the type committed by defendant— public confidence in law enforcement as an institution is undermined.”
For a little extra cash, these two cops abused their power and let criminals continue on their way. Now they will have to face the consequences of their actions.