James Mazzariello used an unusual strategy to grow his tow truck business – bribing Buffalo police officers.

Mazzariello, a prominent figure in the Buffalo tow truck industry for three decades, admitted operating a pay-to-play scheme Tuesday as part of a federal plea deal that could send him to prison for two years.

The 62-year-old owner of Jim Mazz Auto appeared in Buffalo federal court and admitted using bribes to gain an advantage over competitors at accident scenes in the city.

His son Adam, 35, also pleaded guilty to taking part in the bribery conspiracy.

"The facts of this case are the reason the FBI's public corruption program exists," said Adam S. Cohen, special agent in charge of the FBI in Buffalo. "Not only did the Mazzariellos engage in this corrupt activity in their regular course of business, but they then went on to profit significantly as a result of those bribes."

The bribes ranged from $20 to $50 for each accident and the government believes their use was far more widespread than the 19 bribe payments totaling $500 that are detailed in the Mazzariellos' plea agreements.