City officials have confirmed that a veteran Code Compliance officer is under criminal investigation following allegations of using his position to extort homeowners and small-business operators in exchange for leniency on violations. A Code Compliance Officer at the Center of Extortion Investigation

This case has raised significant concerns regarding oversight, transparency, and the vulnerability of residents who depend on municipal departments to act with integrity.

According to a statement from the City Manager’s Office, the employee, whose name has not been disclosed pending formal charges, was placed on administrative leave two weeks ago after a resident filed a complaint alleging that the officer demanded cash to “make a citation disappear.”

This initial complaint prompted a broader internal review, which investigators reported revealed “patterns of irregular conduct” over several months.

City spokesperson Elena Ruiz described the allegations as “deeply troubling” and emphasized that the city is cooperating fully with law enforcement. “We take any claim of misconduct seriously,”

Ruiz stated. “Our residents deserve to trust that Code Compliance operates fairly, consistently, and without personal gain influencing decisions.”

The Police Department’s Public Integrity Unit, which specializes in cases involving government employees, is leading the investigation. Detectives have reportedly interviewed more than a dozen residents and business owners who interacted with the officer during routine inspections.

Several individuals described similar encounters in which the officer allegedly suggested that citations, fines, or follow-up inspections could be avoided in exchange for cash or gift cards.

One business owner, who requested anonymity due to fear of retaliation, reported that the officer pressured him during a surprise inspection of his auto repair shop. “He told me the violations were serious and could shut me down,” the owner stated.

“Then he said he could ‘help me out’ if I helped him out. I didn’t know what to do. It felt like I didn’t have a choice.”

City records indicate that the officer had served in the department for nearly nine years without prior disciplinary history. Investigators are currently reviewing his inspection logs, citation patterns, and complaint records to determine whether any previous incidents were overlooked or unreported.

Legal experts note that extortion cases involving municipal employees are often difficult to prosecute because victims may fear retaliation or believe that reporting misconduct could worsen their situation.

“There’s an inherent power imbalance,” explained a municipal ethics expert. “When someone controls your ability to operate a business or avoid fines, even subtle pressure can feel coercive.”

The city has begun implementing temporary safeguards, such as requiring two officers to be present during certain inspections and expanding the use of body-worn cameras for field personnel. Ruiz stated that these measures are intended to restore public confidence during the ongoing investigation.

Community leaders are calling for a comprehensive review of the department’s practices. Neighborhood association president Carla Mendoza noted that residents have long expressed concerns about inconsistent enforcement.

“Most officers do their jobs with professionalism,” she stated, “but when even one abuses their authority, it damages trust across the entire system.”

If charges are filed, the officer may face felony counts of bribery, coercion, or abuse of official capacity. The city has also indicated that confirmed misconduct could result in termination and potential civil liability.

Investigators are urging anyone who may have had similar encounters to come forward. Police Chief Marcus Hill stated that his department is committed to protecting whistleblowers. “We want residents to know they will be heard,” Hill said. “Accountability is essential to maintaining the integrity of public service.”

As the investigation continues, city officials have expressed hope that the case, regardless of its outcome, will result in stronger safeguards and renewed trust between residents and the departments that serve them.

by: Staff