Miami Beach Parking Enforcement Officer Solicited Bribes: Cops

MIAMI BEACH, FL — A Miami Beach parking enforcement officer is facing criminal charges after allegedly accepting more than $1,000 in bribes from two businesses to look the other way on parking violations.

Fifty-seven-year-old Dante Zirio was charged with two counts of unlawful compensation/public official, two counts of bribery and two counts of extortion, Miami Beach city officials said on Monday.

Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy L. Morales said officials believe Zirio acted alone but that Miami Beach police have been directed to launch an internal investigation into ticketing practices.

“We will not tolerate any act of bribery or pubic corruption in the City of Miami Beach,” Morales declared. “It is a sad day when a public official engages in such behavior, but thanks to the swift action of all involved, we were able to identify and arrest the perpetrator quickly."

Court documents said Freddy Diaz, who owns a valet company called APS Parking LLC, claims to have been approached multiple times by Zirio.

"The victim stated the defendant advised he would not enforce any parking violations if he paid him $1,000 per month," court documents said.

Diaz allegedly paid $750 to Zirio.

"Post Miranda per form, the defendant admitted demanding $750 from the victim in exchange for not issuing the victim any parking citations," court documents said of Zirio.

Zirio allegedly also admitted to asking for money from Mr. Jones Nightclub.

"The defendant stated he received a total of $400" from the nightclub "for not issuing parking citations."

The city's Melissa Berthier said the city's parking director initially reached out to the police department about possible illegal activity after receiving a tip.

"Internal Affairs division quickly conducted an investigation that resulted in the arrest of parking enforcement officer Zirio," Berthier added.