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FBI: Police Sergeant Arrested for Trying to Extort Liquor Store Worker

By DNAinfo Staff on June 24, 2013 5:26pm

 A Chicago police patch.
A Chicago police patch.
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CHICAGO — A Chicago Police sergeant was arrested Monday morning for allegedly trying to extort an employee of a local liquor store, according to the FBI.

Ray M. Ramirez, 49, of the 900 block of North Wood Street, was charged with a felony charge of attempted extortion under color of official right in federal court.

The liquor store worker told the FBI that Ramirez, a sergeant in the Near West district, 1412 S. Blue Island Ave., had on several occasions taken items on from the store without paying, demanded money from store employees, and offered to sell police reports and information to the worker.

Ramirez had also offered to speak to the local alderman on behalf of the worker, according to the complaint.

At the direction of the FBI, the worker requested a criminal background check on a new store employee, as well as a license plate check, in exchange for money.

Ramirez was paid $200 for each check, according to the complaint.

The FBI worked with the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Internal Affairs during the investigation.

Ramirez faces up to 20 years in prison and is due in court again Friday.