Pompano CRA volunteer wanted ‘contribution’
from 'developer' for community
Pompano Beach Northwest Community Redevelopment Agency member Vincent Thrower, 31, claimed he was a powerful player in Pompano Beach politics. But witnesses in the public corruption case against him told prosecutors he tried to shake down a city contractor in the northwest area where Thrower lives. Broward prosecutors have offered to let Thrower resolve the case with a sentence of 2 1/2 years in state prison.Thrower is also accused of failing to reveal he was paid more than $50,000 for consulting work he did to support three separate business deals involving the city. Prosecutors say that work was a conflict of interest for Thrower.
Thrower, 31, of Pompano Beach, pleaded not guilty to three counts of unlawful compensation and one of bribery. The four felony charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison each and fines of up to $40,000.
“Mr. Thrower has until Nov. 24 to make a decision on that plea offer,” Broward Assistant State Attorney David Schulson told reporters. Thrower is free on bond.
Contractor Lynn Allison complained to the State Attorney’s Office in September 2009 after she said Thrower began demanding that she make a $2,000-a-m month “contribution to the community.” The money was to be paid each month to Thrower — if she wanted to keep her $200,000 annual contract with the city.
Thrower claimed he was able to use his role on the CRA to create difficulties for her and her staff in keep the contract, witnesses told prosecutors in sworn statements.
Thrower was the chairman of the city’s advisory board for the northwest CRA and was also appointed to Broward County’s Small Business Advisory Board. He resigned from all of the boards in March.
Thrower, 31, of Pompano Beach, pleaded not guilty to three counts of unlawful compensation and one of bribery. The four felony charges carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison each and fines of up to $40,000.
“Mr. Thrower has until Nov. 24 to make a decision on that plea offer,” Broward Assistant State Attorney David Schulson told reporters. Thrower is free on bond.
Contractor Lynn Allison complained to the State Attorney’s Office in September 2009 after she said Thrower began demanding that she make a $2,000-a-m month “contribution to the community.” The money was to be paid each month to Thrower — if she wanted to keep her $200,000 annual contract with the city.
Thrower claimed he was able to use his role on the CRA to create difficulties for her and her staff in keep the contract, witnesses told prosecutors in sworn statements.
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