SAN FRANCISCO—Former San Francisco police officer, Paul Makaveckas, 69, was convicted on Monday, July 20, for accepting approximately $25,000 in bribes that took place between 2007 and 2009.
In the two year span of his conviction, Makaveckas was serving in the city’s taxi detail, where had been stationed for 20 years to administer and grade the SFPD’s taxi cab examination for prospective drivers. Prosecutors have stated that Makaveckas arranged a deal with William Hancock, owner of Flag-A-Cab taxi school.
Makaveckas used Hancock to collect $100 bribes from taxi cab driver applicants in exchange for a guaranteed passing score. Hancock would administer the test on Thursdays, and collect the money during the test’s lunch break at the Hall of Justice. Everything collected by Hancock was given to Makaveckas.
In March 2009, an investigation took place. FBI agents placed hidden microphones on Hancock and found Makaveckas accepting $500 worth of bribes in one transaction.
Makaveckas pleaded guilty, and has been charged with four counts of bribery. He was released on bail until he was remanded into custody on July 16, when the jury found him guilty on two counts of accepting bribes from Hancock, and accepting bribes from prospective drivers through Hancock.
According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, Makaveckas will lose his pension, and could face five years in state prison. Makaveckas will be sentenced on Monday, August 3.
