Florida parking officer accused of demanding cash from valet company to ignore violations

Zirio was later released on bail.

According to investigators, Zirio demanded the money from APS Parking LLC, the newspaper reported. On Saturday, Zirio accepted $750 from the company’s owner, Freddy Diaz, in a conversation that was recorded on camera by Miami Beach Police.

According to an arrest affidavit, Zirio admitted he demanded the money from Diaz's company and also said he sought $400 from a nightclub owner for not issuing parking citations, WTVJ reported.

“We will not tolerate any act of bribery or pubic corruption in the City of Miami Beach. It is a sad day when a public official engages in such behavior, but thanks to the swift action of all involved, we were able to identify and arrest the perpetrator quickly," Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales said in a statement. "Although we believe this parking attendant acted alone, I have directed our police department to launch an internal investigation.”

Zirio is a member of the Communication Workers of America, the Herald reported. He participates in the City of Miami Beach Employees Retirement System, but may lose his pension benefit if convicted of a criminal charge, according to Florida law, the newspaper reported.