Three Broward elected officials arrested in federal probe

Three Broward County officials were arrested today by the FBI in a federal corruption investigation. Jeff Sloman, acting U.S. Attorney  for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement today during a press

Joseph Eggelletion

conference. Josephus Eggelletion, current Broward County commissioner, school board member Beverly Gallagher and former Miramar commissioner Fitzroy Salesman are currently in federal court upon being arrested on these charges.

Gallagher, through meetings, emails and phone calls arranged for a construction company (undercover FBI) to guarantee contracts. Gallagher has been charged with depriving citizens of honest service, bribery and extortion under color of right and bribery in connection with a program receiving more than $10,000 in federal funds.

“FBI undercover purported to represent two companies… sought do business with the Broward County  School District and she promised to steer board in exchange (for money),” said Slomon. “She  allegedly misused her  influence and position to steer school board agents and got $12,500.”

Beverly Gallagher

Fitzroy, while in office, got undercover quasi-lobbyists two contracts for construction firms and got $3,340 in exchange.

Eggelletion, along with two local businessmen Joel Williams, of North Miami and Ronald Owens, of Hallandale Beach, and attorney Sidney Cambridge, 45, of Nassau, Bahamas were arrested. The group are charged with money laundering after they schemed with FBI undercover agents to launder money, close to a million dollars through the Bahamas of which Eggelletion received $23,000.

“Our charges outline efforts by (these three) to direct municipal contacts on various terms…without revealing to county, school board or Miramar commission that they stood to benefit,” said Sloman at the end of the conference. “I have mixed feelings—on one hand, I am proud of the agents and prosecutors—on the other hand deeply saddened to see continue to be those who treat their position of trust as way to enrich themselves at the expense of the public.”

Representatives from the governor’s office said a resignation for Gallagher or Eggelletion have not been received, but that it is expected the two will be suspended from public office.