Prince George's County police officer accused of demanding money from people he pulled over
Cpl. Radames Gonzalez
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - A Prince George's County police officer has been indicted for extortion, misconduct in office and other related charges, the state's attorney office announced Tuesday.
According to Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha N. Braveboy, 49-year-old Cpl. Radames Gonzalez is accused of demanding money from two people he pulled over during traffic stops in Temple Hills on October 8, 2018, and October 17, 2018.
Officials say Gonzalez allegedly demanded the payments in order to overlook motor vehicle violations.
In Nov. 2018, officials say Gonzalez was suspended after one resident came forward, saying "he paid an officer cash during a traffic stop at the officer's demand in lieu of receiving a citation."
Police Chief Hank Stawinksi immediately launched an internal investigation into the resident's claims. Early in the investigation, a second resident came forward, according to officials.
Gonzalez, who has been with the department for 14 years, faces 11 charges, which include extortion, false imprisonment and misconduct in office.
Gonzalez's arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 11, 2019.