Longwood’s former police chief was in court Friday on charges he hired a convicted felon and took bribes. Court documents said Thomas Jackson used his position to hire convicted felon Samer Majzoub.
Jackon pleaded not guilty on the fraud and bribery charges.
He was most recently the embattled chief of the Belle Isle Police Department until he abruptly retired.
Investigators also said Jackson took bribes to help Majzoub get guns and ammunition, which violated Majzoub’s probation.
Federal prosecutors said Majzoub paid Jackson more than $30,000 for the title, guns and ammunition, which the convicted felon cannot legally have.
Jackson is also accused of going to great lengths to cover up the illegal hire.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement records show Majzoub completed police training at Seminole State College in 2008.
FDLE records also show Majzoub passed his officer certification exam and said Jackson asked FDLE to certify Majzoub as an officer in 2009.
In 1993, Mazjoub pleaded guilty to securities and mail fraud.
According to FDLE, the agency refused to certify Majzoub because of his felony record.
