Orange leaders broke law in 'textgate' scandal, Ashton says
Orange County leaders, including Mayor Teresa Jacobs, violated state law by deleting text messages about the paid sick-time debate that clearly were public record, a report released by State Attorney Jeff Ashton says today.
Jacobs and commissioners Scott Boyd, Fred Brummer, Jennifer Thompson and former Commissioner John Martinez each face $500 civil fines, which Ashton said could settle the issue. If they don't agree to the fine, Ashton said he would file charges against them.
"These text messages were public records and could only lawfully be disposed of pursuant to statute," Ashton's report says in his six-page summary of the investigation. "The statutory procedures in this case were not followed and, therefore, all of the officials who deleted text messages related to this issue violated Florida law."
A spokeswoman said Jacobs plans to pay the fine. "She absolutely intends to comply, and will be paying the fine," said aide Lisa Nason.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-textgate-jeff-ashton-investigation-20130827,0,2789458.story
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