New Jersey ? FBI agents arrested 11 public officials in towns across New Jersey on Thursday on charges of taking bribes in exchange for influencing the awarding of public contracts, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Two of those arrested are state lawmakers, two are mayors, three are city councilmen, and several served on the school board in Pleasantville, where the scandal began.

All 11, plus a private individual, are accused of taking cash payments of $1,500 to $17,500 to influence who received public contracts, according to criminal complaints.

All 12 suspects, wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, made initial court appearances Thursday afternoon. The charges against them were explained, they were advised of their rights and a $200,000 unsecured bond – to be paid only if they miss a court appearance – was set for each.