Breaking: Former Arizona Corporation Commissioner Gary Pierce and Utility owner George Johnson, indicted on fraud charges

Former Arizona Corporation Commission member Gary Pierce, utility owner and developer George Johnson and two others were indicted by a federal grand jury Tuesday on bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges.

Johnson, a San Tan Valley developer, is accused of giving money and and property to Pierce and his wife in exchange for actions benefiting Johnson and Johnson Utilities LLC on matters pending before the Arizona Corporation Commission, which regulates utilities in the state.

Pierce and his wife, Sherry Ann Pierce, are accused of unlawfully receiving $31,500 from Johnson through Johnson's lobbyist, James Franklin Norton, in exchange for Pierce's actions on matters before the commission.

Each defendant faces eight charges, according to the indictment filed in U.S. District Court.

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