Chicago building inspector charged with attempted extortion

CHICAGO -- A Chicago building inspector faces a federal attempted extortion charge for allegedly demanding a $300 bribe from a building owner and asking, "How quickly can you get me my money to keep my mouth shut?"

Prosecutors said Tuesday the owner cooperated and secretly recorded 55-year-old Roberto Uribe boasting that a word from him could stop the renovation.

The complaint quotes Uribe as saying: "What's happening now is you're gonna give me some appreciation. ...That appreciation is gonna be $300."

Uribe allegedly warned halting the renovation would cost the owner $3,500, adding: "I'm looking out for you, we're looking out for each other."

Agents arrested Uribe on Tuesday. A judge released him on a personal-appearance bond. Court records didn't name a defense attorney.

Attempted extortion carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.