Miami Beach official guilty in extortion scheme

MIAMI (AP) -- A former top code compliance official in Miami Beach has pleaded guilty to an extortion scheme involving cash payments made by a nightclub owner.

Jose L. Alberto pleaded guilty Monday to a federal extortion conspiracy charge that carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. Alberto's sentencing date is Nov. 2.

Prosecutors say Alberto accepted at least 22 cash payoffs totaling $16,600 from the club owner in exchange for not enforcing a larger penalty for a code violation. The club owner contacted the FBI, which launched an undercover investigation with an agent posing as the club's manager.

Two other Miami Beach code officers have pleaded guilty in the scheme. They are awaiting sentencing.

Alberto was the city's second-ranking code compliance official and supervised all other officers.

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