Fake Inspectors Convicted for Extorting NYC Builders

Two men have been convicted of posing as inspectors — complete with hardhats with an official-sounding name — to shake down New York City builders for tens of thousands of dollars by threatening to report bogus building violations.

Kyle Correll and Anthony Lewis were convicted Thursday of racketeering and other charges. Each faces up to 25 years in prison.

The Manhattan District Attorney's office says the two implied they were working for a government agency as they arrived at job sites with clipboards, video cameras and hardhats emblazoned with "Committee on Contract Compliance."

Correll lawyer Arnold Levine says the men ran a legitimate business and were paid for work helping builders with security, permits and other tasks. He says Correll plans to appeal.

Lewis' lawyer didn't immediately return a call.