Two South Florida mayors arrested on public corruption charges have filed court papers seeking a delay in their indictments.
Former Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi and Sweetwater Mayor Manuel Marono are scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday in federal court.
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But Pizzi and Marono, along with a pair of lobbyists who are also facing charges related to the mayors' arrests, Richard Candia and Jorge Forte, have asked to delay their arraignment until Sept. 20, according to the Miami Herald.
Magistrate Judge Barry Garber is expected to grant their motions, the Herald reported.
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Pizzi, 51, and Marono, 41, were arrested on August 6 following an undercover FBI operation. Authorities say Candia introduced Pizzi to undercover FBI agents to help implement the plan that paid the mayors thousands of dollars in bribes under a federal grant scheme.
Pizzi is accused of backdating documents, misleading undercover agents and receiving cash payoffs in carrying out the scheme.
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Pizzi, who also served as Medley's town attorney, was suspended by Gov. Rick Scott following his arrest. He was later released on $50,000 bond. Marono was removed as head of the Florida League of Cities following the arrest. He has been released on $250,000 bond.
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Photo Credit: CityofSweetwater.fl.gov, MiamiLakes-fl.gov