Auto-body shop co-owner gets probation in tow-truck bribery scheme

THE CO-OWNER of a Frankford auto-body shop who pleaded guilty to bribing a police dispatcher for information in the tow-truck business was sentenced yesterday to three years of probation.

William Cheeseman, 43, of Delran, N.J., was ordered by U.S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno to spend the first six months under electronically monitored home confinement. The judge said Cheeseman may leave his home to go to work, for medical appointments or for religious reasons.

Robreno also barred Cheeseman from the towing business in Philadelphia during his probation, but did not prohibit him from doing other work.