Testimony begins in trial for former Fort Pierce city manager accused of bid tampering
FORT PIERCE, Fla. —
Opening statements began Tuesday in the trial of former Fort Pierce City Manager Nick Mimms, who faces charges of bid tampering and official misconduct involving city-owned properties and a nonprofit linked to his niece.
Prosecutors told jurors they would present emails, witness testimony, and city documents to support their case.
“So, it’s May 26, 2020. The defendant Nicolas Mimms just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar,” Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Jonathan Bridges said.
They alleged Mimms used his position to influence the bidding process for the development of city-owned properties.
“Mr. Mimms carefully, skillfully steered the bid for the development of this property so that it would end up in the hands of two city employees. And one of those employees was Mr. Mimms’ niece,” Bridges said.
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Mimms is accused of helping Lincoln Park Young Professionals, a nonprofit founded by his niece, secure a lease to develop two city-owned properties.
The defense attorney Donald Murrell described Mimms’ relationship with his niece as distant.
“The state puts a lot of emphasis on the fact that she is my client’s niece, and she is, but she can fairly be called a distant niece if that’s at all possible,” Murrell said.
The defense argued that Mimms did not conspire to commit the crime.
“If you follow the law, you follow the facts, and we’re comfortable at the end of this case you will find that Mr. Mimms is not guilty,” Murrell said.
The state also called its first witness, and several city officials, including the mayor, are expected to testify.
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