OPA-LOCKA, Fla. ā Federal authorities arrested a Miami-Dade County man Friday in connection withĀ a municipal corruption scheme involvingĀ several former Opa-LockaĀ city officials.
Dante Starks, 55, faces a number of charges, including extortion,bribery and failingĀ to file tax returns.
Starks was described by oneĀ former vice mayor as āthe unofficial mayor of Opa-Locka" andĀ more powerful than long time Mayor Myra TaylorĀ with whom he has a close relationship.
Authorities said Starks, although not a Opa-Locka city employee, conspired with formerĀ Opa-Locka City Commissioner Luis Santiago, former Opa-Locka City Manager David Chiverton, and former Opa-Locka Assistant Public Works Director Gregory Harris, to use their positions to obtain money from businesses in return for special treatment from the city.
āFor the public to have confidence in their government, they must be certain that officials -- either elected or appointed -- will not use their position for personal gain,ā said Robert Lasky, a special agent in charge at theĀ FBI's Miami office.Ā
Authorities said Starks used his connections with city officialsĀ to ensueĀ he could affect the outcome of occupational licenses, code enforcement citations and fines, liens, water service and billing, zoning, and city contracting.
Authorities said Starks and others received a $10,000Ā bribe in 2015Ā from a towing company to ensureĀ that that company would be selected to provide services to Opa-Locka.
Santiago, Harris and Chiverton have previously pleaded guilty to charges of bribery and extortion.
Vice Mayor Terrance PinderĀ was also implicated in the corruption scandal, but heĀ committed suicide a day before turning himself in on bribery charges in 2016.Ā Ā