Former expressway authority member found guilty in bribery trial

Scott Batterson found guilty of soliciting unlawful compensation, bribery

ORLANDO, Fla. – A jury on Wednesday found a former Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority member guilty of bribery charges.

17577078

Scott Batterson was found guilty on both charges of soliciting unlawful compensation and bribery.

According to testimony, he offered a businessman with an engineering firm a contract worth five million dollars a year, if the firm would agree to hire his friends.

"This was not a casual conversation. We made that clear with the evidence we presented," state prosecutor Deborah Barra told Local 6.

Batterson was indicted on bribery charges in April.

The defense rested without calling any witnesses, but did call into question the credibility of the states star witness Mark Callahan.

"He lied on the stand and he admitted he was a liar," Amy Tingley, Batterson's attorney said. "We're very disappointed."

She said they plan to appeal.  

Governor Rich Scott appointed Batterson to the expressway authority in 2011.

Batterson faces 30 years in prison.

Check back with Local 6 and ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.


Recommended Videos