Ex City Inspector Sentenced to Federal Prison

One of two ex-Los Angeles building inspectors caught taking bribes in a government sting, Raoul Joseph Germain, 59, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison on Monday September 19, 2011 for accepting thousands of dollars for signing off on construction work he never inspected. The Judge also ordered Germain to pay $6000 in restitution.

Germain and the second ex-inspector, Hugo Joel Gonzales, 49, both pleaded guilty in federal court in May of 2011 to bribery. Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced next month.

When the FBI began an undercover investigation of the inspectors last year after an informant came forward claiming that city of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety inspectors took cash bribes in exchange for permits.

The informant, who was then an undercover agent, posed as a residential contractor gave cash to Gonzales last year and Gonzales allegedly said that he would drive by once in a while to take a look, and would not even stop or get out of his car.

Germain received the low end of the sentencing but it does not always work this way and that is why if you or someone you know is being charged with a federal crime, an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is essential.

Our Los Angeles federal defense lawyers have the skill, knowledge, and expertise to effectively defend you in any federal matter. We are familiar and comfortable with the federal system and we know how the prosecutors act and think. Our  lawyers in L.A. use all our knowledge fully to your advantage.

If you or someone you know is being charged with a federal crime, contact our federal defense attorneys immediately for a free face to face case evaluation.