Brick Resident Indicted In Alleged Immigrant Shakedown

An Elizabeth police officer from Brick has been indicted in an alleged scheme to shake down illegal immigrants by threatening to turn them over to immigration authorities if they didn't give him money.

Rocco Malgieri  faces theft, attempted extortion, bribery and official misconduct charges. A 58-count indictment alleges the veteran Elizabeth police officer began targeting Hispanic men in February for unwarranted vehicle stops while he was on duty.

Union County prosecutors said Monday at least 12 people have reported Malgieri solicited payments from them ranging from $30 to $250.

The 43-year-old officer has been suspended from the Elizabeth police department without pay. A message left for his lawyer was not immediately returned.

He surrendered in March and remains free on a $20,000 bond.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)