FORT LAUDERDALE (AP) _ The trial of a former Miramar city commissioner on mail-fraud, extortion and bribery charges began Monday, March 22.
Fitzroy Salesman faces 20 years or more in prison and up to $1.5 million in fines.
Salesman was one of three prominent politicians in Broward County arrested in September on federal corruption charges, accused of accepting thousands of dollars in cash from undercover FBI agents posing as businessmen seeking illegal favors.
Salesman declined to comment at a pretrial hearing Friday. His attorneys argued that the investigation targeted black politicians and entrapped their client.
Salesman was convicted last year of a misdemeanor charge after drawing a pistol in a grocery store during an argument with another shopper.
Jury selection in the trial took place on Monday, and opening arguments began on Tuesday.
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Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com
Pictured above is Fitzroy Salesman.
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