DALLAS, July 25 (UPI) -- John Wiley Price, who has been a Dallas County commissioner for almost 30 years, was arrested Friday on federal charges that include bribery conspiracy.
A lengthy indictment was unsealed that charged Price with taking bribes from businesses in exchange for helping them win county contracts and with illegally transferring campaign contributions to a personal bank account. Dapheny Fain, who has been one of Price's top aides for many years, political consultant Kathy Nealy and Christian Lloyd Campbell, one of Nealy's associates, were also charged.
The investigation began at least three years ago when FBI agents searched Price's home and offices. Properties associated with the other defendants were also searched.
Prosecutors charged that Price would "corruptly solicit and demand for the benefit of any person, and accept and agree to accept things of value through a stream of financial benefits, directly and indirectly, from Nealy and Campbell and others ... intending to be influenced and rewarded in connection with ... Dallas County business."
Nealy allegedly obtained contracts with businesses based on her influence with Price.
Price, who campaigned as "Our Man Downtown," has been on the county commission since 1985.
