PORT HURON, Mich. (AP) - A rogue trash hauler who bribed public officials to protect his business in suburban Detroit has been sentenced to 5 1/2 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 says, "I have let many people down."
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.
Rizzo was cooperating with federal investigators when authorities learned that he was taking money in an embezzlement scheme with an employee.
