Three separate federal probes in Broward County involving alleged payoffs of more than $40,000 have led to the arrests Wednesday of two leading political figures and a former Miramar city official.
Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion Jr., School Board member Beverly Gallagher and former Miramar Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman were arrested Wednesday on a variety of charges including bribery, fraud and money laundering.
FBI agents are interviewing other witnesses and could bring additional charges against other people.
"Our work in Broward County will continue," Jeffrey Sloman, acting U.S. attorney, said at a noon press conference. "We are not done."
Sloman declined to elaborate on reporters' questions related to any continuing investigation.
Officials would not say how the investigations started, but it is apparent from the criminal complaints that Salesman, while under investigation, led undercover agents to Eggelletion.
All three appeared during an afternoon hearing before federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow and were granted personal surety bonds. They were in the process of being released.
Gov. Charlie Crist issued an executive order Wednesday afternoon suspending Eggelletion and Gallagher.
So far, no resignation letter from either official had been received by Crist.
Crist will solicit applications and interview candidates and make interim appointments sometime in the next several weeks.
Read more at MiamiHerald.com