THE LOOP — A former Chicago police officer traded private government information for cash and "shook down" employees at a liquor store, according to prosecutors.
Ray M. Ramirez, 52, who was a sergeant for the 12th district on the Near West Side, said in a plea agreement that he took cash payments of $150 to $200 from a liquor store clerk in exchange for information, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Ramirez conducted a background check on a prospective employee, conducted a vehicle registration check and reviewed incidents that involved police in and around the store, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He told the clerk to "forget" about the license place check because Ramirez "could lose his job and be fired," according to the plea agreement.
At other times, Ramirez, wearing his police uniform and driving a police car, "shook down" the clerk and other employees of the store, getting payments of $70 to $200, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Ramirez pleaded guilty to intentionally accessing a Police Department computer and exceeding his authorized access, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. He faces up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000 and mandatory restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. His sentencing is scheduled for March 16.
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