Bronson charges pest control operator in bribery attempt.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Department Press Release
07-28-2004
Liz Compton
(850) 251-5693
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson has charged a Broward County pest control operator with a second degree felony for trying to bribe a department inspector.
Larry Kravitsky has been charged with Unlawful Compensation or Reward to a Public Official, a second degree felony. He is accused of offering money to an inspector with the Department’s Division of Agricultural Environmental Services (AES) on three separate occasions between April 20, 2004 and June 16, 2004.
The Department’s Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement launched the investigation when the department employee reported the attempted bribe. Investigators say Kravitsky tried to bribe the inspector who was performing routine fumigation inspections of the Broward County based Ship Shape Pest Control company. The company was in the process of attempting to be sold and investigators say Kravitsky did not want any potential violations to impede the possible sale. He offered the inspector money to try and persuade him to delay filing reports which reflected violations against the company.
The Department’s inspector went to the program supervisors with the information and an undercover investigation was conducted. Kravitsky delivered an envelope with $700 to the inspector. He later offered additional money if the inspector would continue to withhold the reports. The case was presented to the Broward State Attorneys Office and arrest warrants were issued. Investigators with Agricultural Law Enforcement and with the assistance of the Broward Sheriff’s Office arrested Kravitsky.
“This Department is in the business of protecting consumers from improper business practices and I think this case sends a message that our Department employees take their responsibilities very seriously,” Bronson said. “I am pleased that the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement with the help of our employee was able to take decisive action.”
The violation is punishable by a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years and/or a fine not exceeding $10,000.
July 30 2004 | Bribes | No Comments »