WOBURN, Mass.—A Lowell police officer has been accused of trying to get out of a $5,000 gambling debt by using his job to threaten a local bookie.
Officer David Annis of Dracut faces charges including extortion in an indictment handed down Thursday.
The Middlesex District Attorney's office said Annis ran up the debt gambling on sports on a Web site run by a Westford bookie.
In September, the bookmaker arranged to meet Annis to collect his debt. Annis allegedly showed the bookie his badge and indicated he might be investigating gambling cases.
Prosecutors said Annis then told the bookie he wouldn't be arrested and "things could go smoothly" for him.
He then allegedly never paid his debt.
The 33-year-old Annis, a 10-year veteran, is on upaid administrative leave. No arraignment date has been set.
He could not be reached for comment.
