Another Chicago officer charged in towing scam

A Chicago police officer became the 10th member of the force to be charged in what federal authorities say was a scheme to steer work to tow truck drivers in exchange for bribes.

Federal prosecutors said Friday that a grand jury has indicted 44-year-old Gregory Garibay. He is charged with mail fraud and attempted extortion.

Authorities allege Garibay defrauded two insurance companies by making a false police report of an accident and staging an accident. Prosecutors say he obtained extortion payments totaling $2,200 from a cooperating tow truck driver in 2008.

Federal officials say the FBI’s “Operation Tow Scam” has led to convictions of seven officers and three civilians — including two tow truck drivers. Besides Garibay, charges are pending against two other officers.

Garibay said he had no comment.