Indicted --- FBI says Manuel accepted two bribes totaling $60,000; if convicted, faces 20 years

Indicted

FBI says Manuel accepted two bribes totaling $60,000; if convicted, faces 20 years

By PETER GUINTA
peter.guinta@staugustine.com
Publication Date: 10/17/08


St. Johns County Commission Chairman Tom Manuel was indicted in U.S. District Court Thursday in Jacksonville on two counts of bribery.

Manuel, 63, turned himself in at the courthouse, was arraigned and then released on $50,000 bond.

Documents filed in federal court in Jacksonville said Manuel "did knowingly and corruptly solicit, demand and agree to accept" in excess of $10,000 on April 8 in Jacksonville and in excess of $50,000 on June 5, also in Jacksonville, in return for his influence in connection with public business.

However, the exact nature of that business was not revealed in the indictment.

Manuel was approached by FBI agents outside Giovanni's Restaurant in Jacksonville Beach on June 5, which is mentioned in the indictment as the same day that he allegedly accepted the second of the two bribes. A June 13 story in the Ponte Vedra Leader reported that on June 5 Manuel was detained, questioned by agents and released at Giovanni's.

The indictment language suggests that the alleged bribes were connected to a wide basket of federal programs "involving a grant, contract, subsidy, loan guarantee, insurance and other form of federal assistance."

Manuel did not return phone calls requesting comment. According to the U.S. Attorney, he pleaded not guilty.

Vice Chair Cyndi Stevenson, Manuel's likely successor if he steps down or is removed by Gov. Charlie Crist, said late Thursday that the board's focus will remain where it has been -- serving the people of St. Johns County.

"I've never been through this kind of thing before," Stevenson said. "But right now we can't afford to divert our attention with so many planning and budget issues to confront. I've had to serve in (the chairman's) role and that's fine. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

County Manager Michael Wanchick said in a prepared statement that he was saddened by this situation.

"I assure residents and businesses that the county remains committed to serving our residents," he said. "County operations will continue to function normally, and the county will move forward and take any appropriate future actions once more information becomes available."

Manuel is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton and Asst. U.S. Attorney Julie H. Savell in front of U.S. Magistrate Howard Snyder.

His attorney, Bill Sheppard of Sheppard White & Thomas, Jacksonville, was not available for comment.

The indictment said Manuel could forfeit any property "derived directly" from the offenses he is accused of committing.

If that property could not be located or was damaged or devalued, the government "shall be entitled to forfeiture of substitute property." That could mean any real estate or valued possessions Manuel owns are liable for seizure.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Special Agent Jeff Westcott of the FBI said Thursday that Manuel probably wouldn't receive that much time.

"The actual sentence is determined by a judge, and that takes into account (federal) sentencing guidelines," he said.

Manuel has said on several occasions that he was cooperating fully with the FBI. He had been waiting for the federal grand jury to either return a "no true bill" or issue an indictment since June, when he was told he was a target of a year-long federal corruption investigation.

At that time, he angrily dismissed those allegations as "a political hatchet job."

Later, he remorsefully admitted to friends that he had made errors of judgment and expressed a profound regret that the result of this case -- and his possible absence in prison -- would do grievous harm his wife and children.


TIMELINE:

2001 -- Tom Manuel, a U.S. Navy veteran and retired businessman with six children, moves to St. Johns County

2004 -- School Board appoints Manuel to county Planning & Zoning Commission.

July 2006 -- Manuel runs for the District 4 County Commission seat against incumbent Commissioner Bruce Maguire.

August 2006 -- Maguire and former St. Johns County Sheriff Neil Perry accuse Manuel of having "long-term association with people in organized crime." Manuel denies those charges.

September 2006 -- Manuel defeats Maguire in Republican primary, goes on to win general election.

November 2007 -- Elected chairman of the County Commission.

June 2008 -- Approached by FBI agents outside restaurant in Jacksonville Beach.

October 2008 -- Indictment read, $50,000 bond posted.


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