The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Sweetwater Mayor Manuel ‘‘Manny’’ Marono were taken into custody Tuesday at their offices.
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(Left) Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and (Right) Sweetwater Mayor Manny MaroƱo |
Marono became mayor in 2003 and played a role in Gov. Rick Scott’s transition team in 2011. An indictment claims Marono and lobbyist Jorge L. Forte were involved in a separate kickback and bribery scheme over federal grants for Sweetwater.
Both complaints charge the defendants with conspiracy to commit extortion.
Scott ordered both mayors to be suspended from office.