Rizzo Gets 5 ½ years in Prison for Bribing Officials

PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) - A rogue trash hauler who bribed public officials to protect his business in suburban Detroit has been sentenced to 5 ½ years in federal prison.

Chuck Rizzo paid off officials in Macomb County and also stole $900,000 from the company, formerly known as Rizzo Environmental Services, when it was controlled by out-of-state investors.

Rizzo was sentenced Monday in federal court in Port Huron. He's been in custody since February for violating his bond conditions.

Prosecutors called Rizzo the "epitome of a ruthless CEO" thirsting for business. His lawyers acknowledged that he committed crimes but said it was corrupt officials who "deliberately pursued" him for cash. One carried a gun.

Rizzo was cooperating with federal investigators when authorities learned that he was taking money in an embezzlement scheme with an employee.

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