NLPC cited evidence that Brown accepted a secret $10,000 payment while a candidate for Congress, in violation of election law. In a defense similar to that of Jon Fox, Brown claimed the money was for non-campaign expenses.
The funds came from Rev. Henry J. Lyons, President of the National Baptist Convention USA. Lyons has been charged with racketeering and grand theft in conjunction with allegations that he extorted money from a Canadian company by threatening to instigate a Congressional black Caucus investigation of the firms dealings with black customers.
Robert Bauer, a lawyer for Brown, promised the St. Petersburg Times that there would be retaliation against NLPC. NLPC Chairman Ken Boehm responded, “Retaliation would be illegal. If it occurs, the U.S. Attorney in St. Petersburg and the FBI will be the first to know.”
EW