A Vermont man is facing federal charges in Florida after allegedly claiming in text messages he could sway a jury considering DUI manslaughter charges against a prominent polo mogul.
James Perron of Tinmouth, Vermont, made his initial court appearance Thursday in West Palm Beach but did not enter a plea and did not immediately have a lawyer. A judge set arraignment for Dec. 1.
Perron is charged with wire fraud after allegedly sending messages to a polo player who was friends with John Goodman, founder of the International Polo Club. Goodman was on trial for a 2010 crash that killed 23-year-old Scott Wilson.
The FBI says Perron claimed a relative could sway the Goodman jury in return for up to $1 million for an acquittal.
Goodman was convicted in October.