PBC commissioner resigns over extortion charges in Lake Worth project

Palm Beach County Commissioner Jeff Koons resigned from his post today after being arrested on charges of extortion, perjury and violation of public open meetings laws, the Palm Beach Post reported. Koons, who was yesterday reported to be the target of a state probe into his involvement in a project in the Lake Worth Lagoon, allegedly made threats against a family that opposed the project and subsequently tried to cover his tracks, according to State Attorney Michael McAuliffe. The controversial project, whose cost to the county is estimated to be between $2 million and $4 million, was supported by Koons and ultimately approved by West Palm Beach commissioners in June. Koons’ attorney said at a press conference that while Koons did not benefit financially from the project, it was “his misdirected passion that led him to make totally inappropriate and ultimately illegal decisions.” Koons was released shortly after the arrest. [Palm Beach Post]