U.S. Postal Service VMF manager charged with extorting bribes in exchange for work contracts

bribery_uspsCLEVELAND, Ohio  —  Federal charges were filed Thursday against the manager of the U.S. Postal Service’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility, accusing him of extorting more than $19,000 in bribes and free vehicle repairs, and of stealing postal service property.

Hood_Ohio_VMFKevin R. Hood, 46, of Richmond Heights, was charged in a two-count criminal information with extortion and theft of government property.

Federal agents arrested Hood in March on charges that he shook down a contractor in exchange for business and contracts.

As manager of the Vehicle Maintenance Facility at 1801 Broadway, Hood was responsible for awarding and monitoring contracts for the Postal Service.

The owner of a Cleveland company that works with the agency accused Hood of demanding bribes to get work and contracts. In 2011, the man said he paid Hood in cash, and believed he had to keep paying Hood if he wanted to receive work, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case.

“Public service and employment is an honor which carries a deep public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach. “This defendant violated that trust. This office has zero tolerance for public corruption at any level.”

via U.S. Postal Service manager charged with extorting bribes in exchange for work contracts | cleveland.com.

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