Meter Fixers Plead Guilty in $200K Scam

Two parking meter maintenance men in Buffalo, New York have pleaded guilty in a massive quarter-stealing operation that lined their pockets to the tune of more than 200 thousand bucks.

According to an FBI press release, James Bagarozzo, who is now retired, along with Lawrence Charles pleaded guilty to felony charges of theft and conversion of federal funds. Bagarazzo admitted to stealing 210 thousand dollars himself over eight years; when the FBI raided his house, agents recovered tens of thousands of dollars in quarters stashed throughout the home. Charles reportedly stole 15 thousand dollars in quarters.

As part of their plea bargains which could see them behind bars for 10 years. they were ordered to pay restitution for what they swiped from the meters they rigged.