Worthington man faces bribery charges following Jackson County encounter

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JACKSON — A man who offered a law enforcement officer $500 to let him go is now facing a felony-level bribery charge as a result, according to Jackson County District Court documents.

The complaint states Irene Vicente Lopez Ramos, 22, of Worthington, is charged with bribery, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years incarceration and/or $20,000 in fines.

At 11:13 a.m. Friday, Jackson County Dispatch received a 911 call regarding two males trying to hitch a ride on Interstate 90.

A Jackson County Deputy and a Lakefield Police Officer responded to the call, with the officer reaching the suspects first in a location just west of the Minnesota 86 ramp.

A deputy spoke with one of the men and located a wallet with Ramos’ name on a Guatemala Consulate identification. Behind the ID card was a work ID with the same person’s picture, but a different name.

The deputy asked Ramos if he spoke English, and the man allegedly said he did not.

Since Ramos was looking at the ground at the time, the deputy asked him to look at him and Ramos complied. The deputy asked again if Ramos spoke English, and Ramos said, “No comprende.”

The deputy told Ramos he was a suspect in a car accident from earlier in the day and asked if he was hurt. Ramos did not respond. After noting Ramos’ muddy shoes and pants, the deputy stated Ramos was obviously the person involved in the car accident and he believed Ramos understood every word he said.

When asked again if he was involved, Ramos hung his head, then allegedly offered the deputy $500 in cash if he would let him go.

Ramos was then arrested for bribery.

Bond was set at $15,000, and an application for a public defender was approved. Ramos is scheduled to make a court appearance Monday.

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