BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say the manager of a Buffalo vehicle towing service has pleaded guilty to bribing city police officers in exchange for notification of accidents.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that Christopher Mahoney pleaded guilty in federal court in Buffalo for conspiring to pay bribes to Buffalo cops. He faces up to five years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both when he’s sentenced Oct. 20.
Prosecutors say Mahoney was part of a “pay to play” scheme operated by his employers, Jim Mazz Auto and National Towing.
Officials say the companies’ owner, James Mazzariello Jr., and his had his tow truck drivers bribe police officers for their assistance in towing vehicles involved in accidents. Prosecutors say the drivers were then reimbursed by the Mazzariellos and Mahoney.
The FBI has been investigating Buffalo’s towing businesses.
