Lee Police Chief Charged With Extortion & Money Laundering

BOSTON (CBS) – A police chief in Massachusetts has been indicted by a federal grand jury for extortion and money laundering.

The indictment says Lee Police Chief Joseph Buffis extorted a $4,000 "donation" from two people facing prostitution-related charges.

The "donation" was made to a holiday toy fund that Buffis controlled.

Buffis allegedly withdrew the money from that account and moved it to a personal account.

Prosecutors allege he used the money to pay for various personal expenses.

If convicted, Buffis faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each count.