A now suspended North Charleston city councilman and three others pleaded not guilty in federal court in Charleston Tuesday for their alleged roles in a corruption case the FBI says resulted from a year-long investigation.
A judge set bond for Mike A. Brown and three associates on charges ranging from conspiracy, bribery, kickbacks and wire fraud.
Mike A. Brown
Authorities say Brown accepted bribes from a lobbyist in exchange for his vote to rezone property for a boat manufacturer.
Former, fellow councilman Jerome Heyward and a lobbyist for the boat maker, Aaron Hicks, have already pleaded guilty for their roles in the rezoning scheme and promised to cooperate with authorities.
Hason "Tory" Fields
Also, pleading not guilty, is another consultant for the boat company, Hason “Tory” Fields. Authorities say he paid a cash bribe to former councilman Sandino Moses in exchange for his support to rezone. Moses has already accepted a plea agreement.
Michelle Stent-Hilton
Nonprofit leader Michelle Stent-Hilton pleaded not guilty Tuesday in another scheme authorities say Heyward orchestrated, using his position to secure $100,00 grants for two nonprofits in exchange for kickbacks.
Rose Lorenzo
Hilton is charged with conspiracy, money laundering and wire fraud. She’s accused of funneling money through Rose Lorenzo who runs a financial business and has also pleaded not guilty.
The second nonprofit founder, Donavan Moten, has accepted responsibility, again in exchange for assisting in the investigation.
The FBI says in all eight people are involved. They've listened in on phone conversations as well as recorded conversations after an unnamed businessman turned Heyward in. Many of the charges carry a 20-year sentence.
Heyward and Moses resigned as part of their plea agreements. Brown was suspended by the governor after his indictment. A special election will be held May 27th to fill their now vacant North Charleston city council seats.
