By AP/KWMU
St. Louis – Federal prosecutors say a St. Louis city inspector took money from an unqualified contractor in exchange for a plumbing license.
U.S. Attorney James Martin says authorities suspected that licenses for drain layers and plumbers could be obtained by paying bribes.
Assistant chief plumbing inspector Albert Carothers was charged Wednesday with mail fraud, conspiracy and aiding and abetting.
Valon Booker and Lawrence Davison are facing the same charges.
Prosecutors say a police witness wearing a recording device paid $6,500 to the three men.
Carothers allegedly provided the witness with the answers to the drain layer's exam.