A former Miami police officer has surrendered to federal authorities after being accused of accepting cash bribes for providing tow-truck operators with information about traffic accidents.
The Miami Herald reports that 42-year-old Julio Ruiz pleaded not guilty Monday in Miami federal court to misusing his position.
Ruiz was among three Miami police officers and two public service aides relieved of duty in December stemming from a probe in which FBI investigators say the five people participated in bribery schemes between local law enforcement agencies and towing companies.
Ruiz has charged with three counts of accepting bribes totaling $1,800 between April 2013 and June 2013. He was released on a $200,000 bond.
The other two officers relieved of duty have not been charged.
It is unclear if Ruiz has an attorney.
