Chicago building inspector charged

CHICAGO, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. officials say they arrested a Chicago building inspector Monday on charges of allegedly accepting a $1,000 bribe.

Jose Hernandez, 46, of Chicago was charged with accepting the bribe from a contractor to approve an inspection at a residential construction site. The U.S. Justice Department said the contractor was cooperating with investigators.

A criminal complaint unsealed Monday said Hernandez allegedly solicited cash bribes totaling tens of thousands of dollars from contractors, developers and homeowners since 2005, the department said in a statement.

Hernandez has been an inspector in Chicago's Department of Buildings since 1988.

If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.