Former Police Chief Convicted Of Conspiracy And Bribery

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Thomas S. Jackson (58, Longwood) guilty of one count of conspiracy and three counts of bribery of an agent of a local government receiving federal funds. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each bribery count. His sentencing hearing has been set for January 11, 2016.

According to the evidence introduced at trial, from 1997 to May 28, 2010, Jackson was the Chief of Police of the Longwood Police Department (LPD). Between October 2007, and Jackson’s retirement on May 28, 2010, Samer Majzoub (54, Heathrow, FL), a convicted felon, paid Jackson more than $30,000 in bribes. In return, Jackson appointed Majzoub as an officer with the LPD. He also gave Majzoub the supervisory titles of commander, lieutenant, and sergeant. Jackson provided Majzoub with badges and credentials that represented Majzoub as an officer of LPD, and also assisted Majzoub in possessing firearms and ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Majzoub was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

Majzoub has been charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy and three counts of bribery of an agent of a local government receiving federal funds. He has not been arrested and is a fugitive.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roger B. Handberg and James D. Mandolfo.