Sanworker's Bribe To 'Buy' Water Meters Spurs $11G Soaking

A Sanitation Worker has agreed to a 44-day suspension after the Conflicts of Interest Board found him guilty of trying to bribe a Security Guard to enter a Department of Environmental Protection storage facility and take 100 used water meters.

Manuel Salgado, an 18-year veteran, acknowledged his conduct violated the city's Conflicts of Interest Law that prohibits a public servant from using or attempting to use his or her position to obtain any financial gain, contract, license or privilege for any non-city purpose. Wearing his city uniform, Mr. Salgado drove a DSNY vehicle to the Brooklyn storage facility, where he approached a DEP Security Guard to buy water meters. He subsequently gave him $20 and promised him an additional $180 once he sold the meters.

The Sanitation Worker's suspension will cost him $11,020 in salary. The water meters he wanted to take were worth about $1,000 total. He waived his right to appeal.

The Conflict of Interest Board reminds public servants that they are prohibited from using city resources for any non-city purpose, particularly any outside business or financial activities. Public servants who have any questions about the city's Conflicts of Interest Law are urged to contact the board at 212-442-1400.