Former L&I Official Dominic Verdi Charged With Extortion By Feds
The writing has been on the wall for a long, long time for former L&I Deputy Commissioner Dominic Verdi, who resigned way back in February 2011 amid an FBI investigation into his activities. That multi-year investigation has now resulted in charges, with United States Attorney Zane David Memeger announcing on Tuesday that Verdi has been charged with extortion.
According to an indictment (below) filed in the case, Verdi used his power to get Philadelphia bars and restaurants to buy from a beer distributor he co-owned in South Philadelphia. Buy your beer from Verdi’s company, and you’d get special treatment from L&I, the theory goes. Verdi also allegedly lied to the city’s Inspector General when asked if he had any ownership interest in the beer distributor.
The indictment specifically mentions La Stanza, Club 360, Fireside Tavern, Catholic War Veterans, and Cescaphe as establishments that Verdi allegedly targeted.
If convicted, Verdi could face up to 140 years in prison and a fine of as much as $1.75 million.
According to Verdi’s LinkedIn profile, he has been working in realty with Long & Foster since 2011.
Verdi did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
Below is a full copy of the indictment.
PHOTO: LinkedIn
