Publication Date: 08/09/09
St. Augustine attorney George McClure and Bruce Robbins, an Atlantic Beach developer consultant, in the face of threats and demands for money from suspended St. Johns County Commissioner Tom Manuel, took steps to end that illegal pressure.
They blew the whistle to the FBI.
The federal bribery case against Manuel began with an FBI investigation in 2007 but court documents show McClure and Robbins were first approached by him in November 2006, shortly after his election to the county commission. In early 2007, concerned about what had transpired, they went to the FBI. They became confidential informants. Manuel was indicted in June 2008. Their identities were revealed in December in pre-trial documents.
After several delays in his trial, Manuel on July 31, entered a plea of guilty to one charge of bribery for accepting $10,000. A second charge of bribery based on his taped acceptance of $50,000 was dropped. He is awaiting sentencing which could include some prison time and up to $250,000 in fines.
McClure's practice focuses on business and corporate law with an emphasis on real estate development and land use. Robbins was his client representing Falcone Group, LLC and its Twin Creeks project in the northwest county.
A whistleblower lives in two worlds simultaneously. For about 20 months, McClure worked with other clients, and Robbins continued to represent Falcone and to respond to Manuel under FBI watch.
Manuel told Robbins, according to court documents, that Falcone's future business before the County Commission would be in jeopardy, if the company did not contribute to certain charitable organizations and to Manuel's own fund, "Committee of Continuing Excellence." Court documents said he accepted $10,000 in cash on April 10, 2008 and was recorded on tape accepting another $50,000 on June 5, 2008, the night he was arrested by the FBI outside a Jacksonville Beach restaurant.
McClure and Robbins put their careers in great jeopardy. Some people tend to be skeptical of someone's future actions after learning the person was a confidential informant. McClure and Robbins carry that heavy burden now with the support and thanks of many in St. Johns County.
What if they had not gone to the FBI?
We can't believe they were the only developer representative and attorney sought out by Manuel for contributions in exchange for votes when this county is prized by developers. How many others quietly complied fearing Manuel's influence?
McClure and Robbins raised the bar for others confronted with the same situation. They've put elected officials on notice, too, that shakedowns won't be tolerated. They acted courageously to ensure county government isn't tainted again.
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