Philly Limousine Operator Nabbed In Cop Bribery Sting
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia limousine company owner and his friend have been charged with trying to bribe a city police officer for various illegal favors after, investigators say, they were caught in a sting.
Federal authorities allege that business owner Bassam Salaheldein conspired to pay bribes to police for himself and others. Federal prosecutor Joe Khan says Salaheldein wanted a gun permit, among other things.
"One defendant spoke about having a prior conviction that would stop him from getting a gun permit," notes Khan. "The other defendant had a pending aggravated assault charges and he wanted that case to go away. And to try to accomplish these things, both these men tried to bribe a Philadelphia police officer."
But in this case the officer was actually a Philadelphia police officer working under cover as part of a federal investigation.
The complaint and warrant also allege that co-defendant Khaleel Eid wanted to pay to have a man beaten. And authorities say they recorded many of these conversations.
Salaheldein's attorneys say he maintains his innocence. Eid doesn't have an attorney.
Reported by Tony Hanson, KYW Newsradio 1060.
