PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Philadelphia Mayor John Street's brother has been charged with fraud and tax evasion for allegedly selling his presumed influence to an airport contractor.
Milton Street and two employees of Philadelphia Airport Services were charged in a lengthy federal indictment. The company was a joint venture formed to bid on a maintenance contract at Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Meehan said that the company hired Street in 2002, paying him $30,000 a month, because executives believed he would help the company keep its contract, NBC10 reported.
"Milton Street wanted the IRS to believe he was a humble street vendor selling hot dogs and soda," said Meehan. "What he didn't tell them was that he was making millions on nothing more than his last name."
John Street, who leaves office next year, has not been charged. He defended his brother in a statement.
"My brother is allowed to do business with the city of Philadelphia just like any person is allowed to," Street said. "As far as I know, he has played by the rules."
Street said he believed most of his brother's legal problems involved his tax returns.
