Airport cab stand workers accused of corruption

BOSTON -- Five Logan Airport cab stand workers have been charged with taking bribes for allowing taxi drivers to jump ahead in line.

Prosecutors alleged the men took more than $1,000 between November 2012 and January, generally getting $20 to $40 for allowing cab drivers to cut in line.

They were arraigned Wednesday in East Boston District Court.

The arrests were announced by Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley, State Police Col. Timothy Alben and Massport CEO Thomas Glynn on Tuesday.

Cabs operating legally at the airport report to a taxi pool where they are dispatched to terminal cab stands in order.

The cab stand workers are accused of allowing some drivers to skip that process and also steering longer-distance fares to some. Some of the drivers told investigators they were able to nearly double their daily earnings.

One suspect told 7News that he would take a $20 now and then, but mostly cigarettes and cookies to let a driver cut in. He said he and the other suspects were just being nice guys. He added there was no organized ring.

The official investigation began four months ago. Police said they have video and audio of the suspects allegedly taking money.

If the cab stand workers are convicted they could lose their pensions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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