Man Arrested, Charged For Shaking Down Businesses
Posted: 11:27 am PST November 26, 2009Updated: 6:39 am PST November 27, 2009
OAKLAND, Calif. -- A man is facing charges of theft, extortion and impersonating a state officer for allegedly pretending to be a Labor Department inspector and charging small businesses hundreds of dollars.Michael Bolanos pleaded not guilty on Friday. He is free on bail, and expected in court in December. He allegedly visited businesses across the San Francisco Bay Area, flashing a badge and official-looking documents. Oakland police officers say he would investigate the premises, and list various trumped-up violations costing the owner thousands of dollars. Then he would offer to not report the infractions if he was paid a few hundred dollars on the spot. He was arrested Nov.4. Ten victims have identified him so far but investigators believe there might be dozens of others.
Copyright 2009 by KTVU.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Tahoe Days, Reno Nights 
Access The Diamond Certified Directory
Bay Area Crime Reports 
Healthy Snacks That Control Hunger
Earthquake Reports 
Celebrity Gossip 
The 15 Biggest Tech Flops
