Fitzroy Salesman

( Lou Toman, Sun Sentinel / November 29, 2012 )

 

Salesman is charged with mail fraud by depriving citizens of his honest services, extortion under color of official right and bribery in connection with a program receiving more than $10,000 in federal money; Salesman is accused of accepting a total of $5,840 from undercover agents, including $3,340 while he was a commissioner.

The Federal Complaint accuses Fitzroy Salesman of the following: fraud, extortion, bribery. A breakdown:

• In 2005, Salesman meets with two undercover agents posing as construction contractors and quasi lobbyists

• After the agent said he wants to break into the construction business, Salesman tells him "I'll hook him up with some people from the county and they can sit down and talk…."

• In 2006 and 2007, the construction company wins projects for constructing two gazebos and a project renovation of a gym floor. The city had received two bids for the gym floor renovation: one for $847 and another for $28,475 proposed by the undercover agents. The city went with the $28,475 bid.

• Salesman tells a Miramar city official to "keep these guys busy."

• Salesman accepts at least $3,000 from the undercover agent.