Former Miami police officer accused of taking bribes for cash

Prosecutors say Julio Ruiz accepted cash payments in exchange for information on traffic crashes

MIAMI – A former Miami police officer is accused of accepting cash bribes in exchange for providing information about traffic crashes in the city.

Julio Ruiz is charged with three counts of affecting commerce by extortion under color of official right.

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The FBI, Miami Police Department and federal prosecutors made the announcement Monday.

Prosecutors said Ruiz accepted cash payments on three occasions between April and June 2013 for $1,800 in cash and a cellphone.

In exchange for the bribe payments, Ruiz used his position to provide information about crashes to those who paid him, prosecutors said.

Ruiz could face up to 20 years in prison and pay a $250,000 fine if convicted.

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