Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Tallahassee area business man and property developer John Thomas “JT” Burnette is currently on trial in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee on charges that he attempted to bribe Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox. Although he lives in Tallahassee, Burnette is a Monticello native.
An indictment dated Oct. 2, 2019, alleges that “Burnette bribed Maddox to take official actions favorable to Burnette's business interests and assisted Governance [a lobbying firm with which Maddox was involved, along with Maddox's former chief of staff, Janice Paige Carter-Smith] with obtaining bribes from a new client that sought to develop projects in the City of Tallahassee.
The indictment states that both Maddox and Carter-Smith controlled and operated another business called “Enterprise.” The indictment also alleges that “Maddox was the leader of the Enterprise and directed other members and associates of the Enterprise in carrying out the unlawful activities and other activities in furtherance of the Enterprise's affairs.” The indictment further states that, “Under the direction of Maddox, Carter-Smith was a member of the Enterprise and directed associates of the Enterprise in carrying out the unlawful activities and other activities in furtherance of the Enterprise's affairs.” The indictment further alleges that, “Burnette associated with the enterprise and participated in the operation of its affairs, including bribing Maddox and convincing other individuals to make bribe payments to the Enterprise for projects needing approval in the City of Tallahassee or Leon County.”
According to a report in the Tallahassee Democrat, both Maddox and Carter-Smith pleaded guilty last August to fraud and tax evasion charges. The two may be cooperating with prosecutors in order to reduce possible prison time. Both Maddox and Carter-Smith could face up to 45 years in prison, which could provide incentive for cooperation with prosecutors.
So far, the trial has included testimony from Maddox and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent referred to as “Sweets.” One-time friend of Maddox, former employee of the Governance firm, Gary Yordon has also taken the stand during the trial. On Tuesday, July 27, Burnette spent much of the day on the stand testifying in his own defense.