FORT PIERCE — A local man was arrested Wednesday in an ongoing state investigation for his alleged involvement in fixing property auctions in Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Richard Keith Woodin, 45, was arrested on felony charges of extortion and hate crime battery for allegedly beating up a man last January in order to fix a St. Lucie County auction of foreclosed property. Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators arrested another man — Brandon William Cox, 28, of Vero Beach — earlier this month for his part in the incident.

Witnesses say Woodin and Cox were part of a group that rigged the Jan. 20, 2006, auction by not bidding, which left the sale price artificially low. After the auction, the man who won the property had to pay the other conspirators.

Woodin and Cox attacked a bidder who protested the after-auction payments, according to arrest reports.

Martin County sheriff's deputies told state investigators about the fixed auctions eight months ago, Agent Mike Driscoll said. According to reports, the men could be rigging auctions in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Palm Beach counties.

State law officials still are investigating the auctions, Driscoll said.

Cox and Woodin both were released from St. Lucie County jail on bond.

Anyone with information about this case should call FDLE at (561) 640-2840.

By HILLARY COPSEY