Broward Jury Finds Former Official Guilty of Misconduct

Local 10 reports that a Broward County jury returned its verdict Wednesday morning in the trial of suspended Deerfield Beach Commissioner Sylvia Poitier. Poitier, 76, was convicted of four charges of falsifying public records.

The allegations against her regarded a vote to give city tax dollars to a nonprofit housing group that also would have financially benefited her brother.

She had only been charged with misdemeanors, so she is not facing any prison time. She was, however, originally charged with 5 misdemeanor counts. During trial, the judge dismissed one of the counts upon a defense motion. In trial, judges have the opportunity to dismiss charges if the statutory elements are not met.

The jury deliberated and returned their verdict this morning. The former elected official was not taken into custody after the verdict, but will be back in court in a few weeks for sentencing. She could receive as little as probation, as much as 4 years in jail if sentenced consecutively.

Eric Matheny can be reached at (305) 777-3855. He handles criminal defense matters in Miami-Dade and Broward.