Broward School Board member Beverly Gallagher appears in court

Suspended Broward School Board member Beverly Gallagher briefly appeared in federal court in Fort Lauderdale Friday morning.

Her attorney, David Bogenschutz, indicated it is possible a resolution in the case could take place before Gallagher's next court appearance, scheduled for Nov. 20 before federal Magistrate Judge Lurana Snow.

``Certainly those conversations are always entered into with the government,'' Bogenschutz said after Gallagher waived her right to a preliminary hearing, which could be a sign that plea negotiations are under way.

Gallagher, 51, pleaded not guilty last month after being arrested as part of a corruption sting that also resulted in the arrests of suspended Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion and former Miramar City Commissioner Fitzroy Salesman in separate cases.

Gallagher is accused of extortion, bribery and wire fraud for allegedly accepting $12,500 from FBI agents posing as consultants for contractors who were trying to break into the school district's construction business.

On Friday, Gallagher appeared before Magistrate Judge Robin Rosenbaum but did not talk to the press. Gallagher was accompanied by one of her grown daughters, Annie.

Bogenschutz said he has talked with Gallagher about the case for more than eight hours since she hired him last week. The change of attorney was also made official in court Friday.

``There is a tremendous amount of information we've already been provided by the government and by her,'' Bogenschutz said. ``We're not dragging our feet on this. It's just a question of getting up to speed.''

Gallagher is the latest high-profile elected officials who called on Bogenschutz after running into trouble with the law. Others include former Sheriff Ken Jenne and former Deerfield Beach Mayor Al Capellini