ST. JOHNS COUNTY BRIBERY: Florida Governor Charles Crist Suspends Indicted Republican St. Johns County Commission Chairman THOMAS G. MANUEL

Governor suspends indicted commission chairman

The Associated Press


Published: Friday, October 17, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, October 17, 2008 at 4:53 p.m.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- Gov. Charlie Crist has suspended the chairman of the St. Johns County Commission, who has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two bribery charges.

Sixty-three-year-old Tom Manuel turned himself in Thursday and was released on $50,000 bond after making his initial appearance. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.

Crist issued an executive order Friday suspending Manuel, who faces up to 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if convicted.

The indictment accuses Manuel of soliciting and agreeing to accept $10,000 and $50,000 in April and June in exchange for influencing business before the commission.

A telephone message left at the office of Manuel's attorney was not immediately returned.