AG claims Extortion and Larcenous Schemes Were Used to Take Money for Personal Use
A former RMV Employee has been indicted this month in connection with claims that he took more than $30,000 dollars from multiple inspection stations.
“We allege that this defendant abused his position of authority to extort, threaten and steal tens of thousands of dollars from hardworking business owners,” AG Coakley said. “He allegedly exploited these victims to illegally take money for his own personal use.”
The investigation into Mr. King began in February 2014 after the matter was referred to the AG’s Office by the RMV. According to the results of the investigation, from October 2006 until October 2012, Mr. King was assigned to oversee various stations and garages licensed to do vehicle inspections. As a field inspector of the RMV, King was charged with the responsibility of ensuring that inspection stations complied with all RMV rules and regulations.
In reality, however, authorities allege that rather than inspect stations, Mr. King extorted more than $30,000 from multiple inspection stations via various schemes involving extortion and larceny. For example, in one instance, it is alleged that Mr. King threatened station owners with violations or with closure of their inspection machines until a certain quantity of money was paid over to him. In another instance, Mr. King allegedly told station owners that he needed money in exchange for assistance in completing the application process for an inspection license
As a result of these actions, a Norfolk Grand Jury indicted Steven J. King, 47, of Marshfield on six counts of Attempted Extortion, eight counts of Larceny by False Pretense and three counts of Unwarranted Use of Privilege. He will be arraigned by in Norfolk County Court at a later date.
