Opinion ID: 3011502
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Extortion of Westside Check Cashing

Text: On December 22, 1994, L&I closed for zoning violations one of Westside Check Cashing's stores, located at 5th and Lehigh Avenues in Philadelphia. The controller of the check 4 cashing business met with Antico the next day to discuss reopening the business. Antico explained that Westside had to file a new application for a zoning and/or use registration permit and make other changes. Several days later, Antico called the controller and the owner of the business and told them he wanted a piece of jewelry to give to his wife for their anniversary. They selected some items, including a diamond pendant appraised at $3,275, and sent them to Antico's office by courier. The owner and his controller testified that they decided to send the jewelry to Antico and not bill him for it because of Antico's position with L&I. The zoning issue that led to the store closing on December 22 was still pending and they were concerned that Antico would use his position with L&I to keep the business closed. They understood from their conversation with Antico that he did not intend, nor did he ever offer, to pay for the jewelry. Once the conditions of the permit were satisfied, Antico permitted the store to reopen.