Orange County man accepts plea deal in bribery case

An Orange County resident accepted a plea deal in a bribery case Friday.

WFTV broke the story of a man who, prosecutors say, tried to bribe a county worker.

Gamel Badreg lives in a lavish $1.7 million mansion in Doctor Phillips.

The 10,000 square foot home is the biggest on his block. The house has an elevator, two fountains, wall decor shipped from Brazil and even a prayer room.

Prosecutors say a secretly recorded meeting at a Panera restaurant, and telephone conversations, prove Badreg tried to bribe an Orange County property appraiser to get out of paying his $29,000 tax bill.

• Raw Video: Undercover video of alleged bribe

• Raw Video: Man accused of bribery arrested

On the DVD prosecutors released, Badreg sounds like a man desperate to get a break on his taxes, even though he claims to have many homes in Orlando, Miami and even other countries.

“I'm pleading with you now, whatever you can do! Even if you can see the next year, if you can get a smaller bill, do it,” Badreg is heard saying during a recorded conversation.

According to investigators, the bribes started when Badreg complained that his tax bill was too high. So, the appraiser agreed to reassess the value, but told investigators they found no reason to change the bill.

During an interview with prosecutors the appraiser said the he found an elevator in the house that wasn’t on the plan. When asked if that would have added more value to the house, he replied “Yes.”

Badreg insisted the bill was still too high. Investigators say he slipped the appraiser an envelope with $500 cash, and promised more when he fixed the tax bill.

The appraiser and his supervisor got the State's Attorney’s Office involved, and set up another meeting, this one was recorded.

During the meeting the appraiser told Badreg that he had proof of what he had done.  Badreg replied, “So, I’ll give you installment.” He was arrested on the spot.

Badreg said he had a reason for giving the appraiser another $500.

 “I said to him you're under consultation, not bribing,” Badreg said while being recorded.

In exchange for his plea Badreg was sentenced to one year of probation and must pay a $5,000 fine.

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Investigators: Undercover video shows man trying to bribe property appraiser