Jan.30, 2010

Two Florida men, including a Tallahassee lobbyist, have been indicted on federal public-corruption charges, according to the FBI.

Tony Devaughan Nelson, 50, of Jacksonville, and Frank S. Bernardino, 45, of Tallahassee, were both named in the 44-count indictment.

According to an FBI news release, Nelson, who was serving as a Jacksonville Port Authority board member, demanded more than $100,000 from Subaqueous Services Inc., a company doing business with the authority. Nelson promised to use his position to influence the board in exchange for the money, the FBI said.

Bernardino acted as a conduit between an official with the company and Nelson to hid and conceal the nature of the bribe payments, the FBI said.

The indictment says both Nelson and Bernardino committed conspiracy to commit mail fraud; bribery concerning programs receiving federal money; and money laundering. Nelson was named in all 44 counts, and Bernardino in 36 counts.

Nelson also was indicted in connection with allegations of fraud involving a 2005 Jaxport dredging contract. And he was indicted on a charge of making a false statement to the FBI.

If convicted, Nelson faces up to 715 years in prison and $13.5 million in fines, and Bernardino faces up to 575 years in prison and $11.5 million in fines.