November 6, 2008
For more information contact:
Supervisory AUSA Karen Rhew
(850) 942-8430
CROSS CITY SUPERINTENDENT AND COUNCILMAN
INDICTED FOR BRIBERY, FALSE STATEMENTS
Gainesville, Florida - Thomas F. Kirwin, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced today the indictment of Cross City Superintendent Johnny Miller Green (61), and town councilman, Marcellus Dawson (73) for solicitation of bribes, conspiracy to commit that offense, and making false statements during the course of a federal investigation in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 371, 666(a)(1)(B), and 1001(a).
The indictment alleges that during the fall of 2007, while Green was serving as superintendent and a member of the city water board, and Dawson was serving as city councilman, the men conspired to accept things of value with the intent to be influenced and rewarded in connection with transactions pending before the Cross City town council. Specifically, the indictment alleges that the conspirators offered their approval for developments within Cross City in exchange for money and other inducements, and attempted to influence members of the town council and water board to approve these developments.
Both men are also charged with making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If convicted, Green and Dawson face a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy (Count One), and a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for the substantive offense of soliciting bribes (Count Two), and a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment for making false statements during the course of a federal investigation.
Trial is scheduled for December 8, 2008, in the United States District Court in Gainesville, before the Honorable Stephan P. Mickle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. McMahon.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.