PHILADELPHIA—Rocco Martinez, 30, of
Philadelphia, pleaded guilty today to extortion using interstate communications
in connection with an effort to extort Philadelphia’s Parking Authority (PPA).
Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2012.
On September 13, 2011, Martinez e-mailed
the PPA that he had footage of a PPA officer offering to remove a parking
ticket in exchange for a gift. The PPA’s Executive Director Vince Fenerty spoke
to Martinez and then contacted the Philadelphia Inspector General. In their
first conversation, Martinez described the video’s contents, and, when Fenerty
requested a copy so he could investigate the allegations, Martinez indicated he
wanted money in return. Martinez said that media outlets had offered to pay him
for the video. Fenerty repeatedly told Martinez that a government agency could
not pay for evidence, because it would be illegal. The conversation eventually
ended without any resolution of the matter.
In a follow-up discussion, which was
recorded by the FBI, Fenerty confirmed that Martinez wanted something in return
for allowing the PPA to view the video. They agreed to meet in person, and
Martinez showed Fenerty the video. After some negotiating, Martinez provided
Fenerty with the video, allegedly erased it from his laptop’s hard drive, and
agreed to stop all communication with the media and postings in exchange for
$500 cash.
Martinez faces a maximum possible
sentence of two years in prison, one year of supervised release, a $250,000
fine, and a $100 special assessment.
The case was investigated by the Federal
Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Office of Inspector General. It is
being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony J. Wzorek.
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