Michael Ciancio, a former Chicago police officer, plead guilty today in federal court to a single count of extortion.  The 56 year old Ciancio was busted by the FBI in August of 2007, and was charged last summer during an on-going investigation of tow trucking company shakedowns in possibly 5 police districts.

The shakedown brought Ciancio between $600 and $800 a week as the cop extorted tow truck companies that he steered to accident scenes to the tune of $100 to $400 per car towed.  Part of the indictment alledged that he thwarted other tow truck businesses from towing the accident vehicles away.

One of the drivers of a tow truck cooperated with federal law enforcement by wearing a wire when conversing with Ciancio.  Ciancio was a 26 year veteran who worked in the Jefferson Park District.  He notified the preferred tow truck companies be cell phone when he was working as an officer at accident scenes in that district.

Joseph Roddy, Ciancio’s attorney, said “”We’ve all made mistakes. He just wants out and to go on with his life.”  The maximum sentence for the extortion charge is 20 years in prison, but his guilty plea should bring him far less.  His sentencing is May 13, 2009.

Federal prosecutors are asking that Ciancio forfeit $1,380.  He will also lose his police pension.

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