An administrative listening to in Tallahassee on Tuesday may decide the destiny of Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony’s police certification.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) introduced forth a grievance towards Tony in 2022, alleging that he made false statements on his Florida driver’s license functions by failing to reveal previous license suspensions in Pennsylvania in 1993 and 1998.
Tony’s driver’s license had been suspended 5 occasions when he lived in Pennsylvania, Florida Division of Regulation Enforcement Assistant Normal Counsel Natalie Bielby instructed Administrative Regulation Choose Robert L. Kilbride.
On the coronary heart of the matter is whether or not Tony’s actions represent a violation of the state statute requiring legislation enforcement officers to own “good ethical character.”
The case is being heard by the state Felony Justice Requirements and Coaching Fee, which has the facility to pursue a case if the alleged “misconduct violates state officer requirements.”
– Commercial –
FDLE vs Sheriff Tony
The FDLE seeks to persuade a decide that Tony’s alleged dishonesty warrants disciplinary motion, probably together with the revocation of his certification.
Tony’s authorized staff is predicted to have a chance to cross-examine a key FDLE inspector later within the proceedings.
Tony’s legal professionals argue in courtroom filings that he “didn’t commit the misconduct alleged and has not violated officer requirements.” Additionally they argue the state “can’t show the alleged felony offenses by clear and convincing proof.”
– Commercial –
If the decide guidelines in favor of the FDLE’s argument, the Broward Sheriff may lose his authority to make arrests or carry out legislation enforcement duties in Florida, though he would nonetheless be permitted to retain his place as sheriff, as elected officers in Florida aren’t mandated to carry legislation enforcement certifications.
The potential ramifications lengthen past Tony’s legislation enforcement powers. Questions come up about whether or not he would proceed to put on a uniform and what political implications could come up, particularly given Tony’s reelection bid in 2024 as a Democrat.
Tony’s listening to is scheduled to final two days and there’s no jury. The decide will overview the proof.
