Husband Of Former Broward Commissioner Expected To Change Plea
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - The husband of former Broward Commissioner Diana Wasserman-Rubin is expected to change his plea in federal court in Ft. Lauderdale on Wednesday.
Richard Rubin, 65, is accused of not reporting a $100 thousand commission he received on a 2004 land deal, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
Originally he pleaded not guilty, but his attorney, Dave Bogenschutz, scheduled a change of plea hearing before U.S. District Judge William Zloch who has a policy of not accepting pleas of 'no contest'.
The maximum penalty Rubin is facing is up to five years in prison and up to $250 thousand in fines. Bogenschutz said they hope to avoid jail time. Rubin's wife has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Last July, she resigned her post on the commission shortly before she was charged with seven counts of unlawful compensation.
According to investigators, Wasserman-Rubin voted at least 15 times to support of fund grants prepared by her husband on behalf of the Town of Southwest Ranches. In addition to his normal compensation, Rubin reportedly received three $15,000 bonuses for his work on successful grants that were supported by his wife.
Under Florida law, elected officials are not allowed to vote on matters that could benefit them or their spouse.
Source: The Sun-Sentinel
