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A jury of Joe Martinez’s peers found him guilty of political corruption, agreeing with prosecutors that he misused his office for personal gain.
Martinez, who won five terms on the County Commission after a nearly two-decade policing career, was convicted on felony improper compensation charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
At issue were $15,000 in payments from the owner of a supermarket prosecutors say Martinez took in exchange for filing legislation that would end fines the owner received for having too many on-site storage containers.
Martinez maintains he is innocent. He’s due to be sentenced after Dec. 20.
– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics