LAWRENCE (AP) - A Lawrence police officer has been indicted by federal authorities for an alleged kickback scheme with a towing company.
Officer P.J. Lopez was indicted Tuesday on charges of bribery, making false statements to a federal agent and obstruction of justice for allegedly making arrangements with a city towing contractor to have cars he ticketed towed in exchange for a "stream of benefits," including a $4,000 snow plow, then lying about it to investigators.
The 46-year-old Lopez is a 15-year veteran of the department.
His lawyer refused comment. He is awaiting arraignment.
The police chief tells The Eagle Tribune (http://bit.ly/UUPc3M ) that Lopez has been placed on leave and lost his license to carry a gun.
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Information from: Eagle Tribune (North Andover, Mass.), http://www.eagletribune.com
