8.17 Receiving Illegal Gratuity by Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(B)) is a federal offense where a public official receives a gratuity or reward for the performance of their official duties. A gratuity is defined as a payment or something of monetary value given without expectation of return. Public officials are strictly prohibited from receiving any gratuity for anything related to their duties. This crime is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. There are two types of 8.17 Receiving Illegal Gratuity by Public Official (18 U.S.C. Sec. 201(c)(1)(B)): 1. Direct Gratuity: This is when a public official takes a direct gratuity from someone in exchange for performing an official duty. 2. Indirect Gratuity: This is when a public official receives a gratuity from someone in exchange for influencing a third party to perform an official duty.