A Worcester housing official has been arrested and charged with soliciting two $1,500 bribes from a contractor in exchange for rigging bids to favor the contractor.

Gabriel Cortes was being held pending a custody hearing in U.S. District Court on Friday.

Prosecutors say the 50-year-old Cortes worked for the Oak Hill Community Development Corp. through May, and then the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corp. He worked as a construction coordinator, soliciting bids from contractors for lead paint removal and other rehabilitation projects.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that prosecutors say a contractor told federal agents that Cortes had offered to fix the bidding process for lead paint removal and revitalization projects in exchange for cash.

Cortes could not be reached for comment. (AP)

Worcester Housing Official Accused Of Bid Rigging

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