Three Florida government officials arrested for extortion
From Sunshine Review
September 24, 2009 Broward County Public School Board member Beverly Gallagher, County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion, Jr., and former Miramar Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman were arrested September 23, 2009 for unrelated fraud cases after FBI sting operations.[1]
[edit] Arrested
The agents slipped more than $40,000 in cash to the politicians while posing as corrupt businessmen. The FBI released hidden tape recorders entangling Commissioner Eggelletion, School Board member Gallagher and former Commissioner Salesman, but more arrests are expected.
Agents went public and questioned many people involved in Broward County's lucrative school building program, including lobbyists, school district employees and construction contractors.
"We are not done," said acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman.
[edit] More information on the arrest
Gallagher was arrested for extortion, wire fraud and bribery after undercover FBI agents passed $12,500 to her in return for making arrangements for them to get school construction contracts.[2]Gallagher is the only one charged with commiting recent, continuing crimes.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, who served eight years in the Florida House with Eggelletion, was dismayed over the arrests.
"It shakes the confidence of the public in their elected leaders, she said.
Along with two Broward businessmen and a Bahamian attorney, Eggelletion was charged with conspiring to launder money from a fraudulent investment scheme.
Salesman actually introduced FBI agents to Eggelletion and was charged with taking bribes for municipal projects.
Gallagher's relationship with lobbyist Neil Sterling and others who sought the School Board member's vote for school construction projects seems to be a main target for the whole investigation, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.
Following the arrest, Eggelletion, Salesman and Gallagher appeared before federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow when they were granted personal surety bonds and released.
Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order suspending Eggelletion and Gallagher for whose positions he will interview candidates and make interim appointments in the next several weeks.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ↑ "3 Broward politicians arrested in FBI public corruption stings," Miami Herald, September 24, 2009
- ↑ "Outlne of charges against Beverly Gallagher," Sun-Sentinel, September 23, 2009
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