Prosecutors have indicted an Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) inspector on extortion and bribery charges for allegedly taking money from a restaurant owner trying to get a liquor license for a new restaurant in Everett, according to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

Arthur Hitchman, 39, of Melrose, allegedly contacted the new restaurant owner because he knew the restaurateur had a previous criminal conviction. According to prosecutors, Hitchman, while working as an ABCC inspector, told the restaurant owner that if he paid him $3,000, he could ensure the license would still be approved. State Police were alerted, and, in May, a trooper posing as a family member of the restaurant owner met Hitchman, and paid him $3,000, according to prosecutors.