Move to Suspend Broward Sheriff's Certification By Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

Broward Sheriff Gregory TonyPhoto byBroward Sheriff Gregory Tony Facebook Page

Broward County, FL - Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony faces a significant legal battle as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) seeks to suspend his law enforcement certification for a period of six months. The FDLE alleges that Tony's actions have compromised public trust by allegedly providing inaccurate information on driver's license applications.

In court records filed on Monday, Andrew Digby, assistant general counsel for FDLE, emphasized the pivotal role of law enforcement officers in upholding the law and maintaining public trust. "The position of an officer is one of great public trust and the Respondent’s calculated actions have broken that trust," stated Digby.

The FDLE, known as a leading statewide investigative law enforcement agency, has launched this action as part of ongoing investigations into Tony's conduct. One such investigation, now concluded, found Tony to have been "untruthful in his answers" during the process of obtaining a replacement license in Lauderdale Lakes in 2019, according to FDLE statements.

Digby underscored the seriousness of the allegations, noting that the offense of falsifying information on a driver's license application constitutes an act of moral turpitude, especially given Tony's authoritative role as the Sheriff of Broward County.

Responding to the FDLE's claims, Tony's attorney, Stephen Webster, filed a motion requesting the dismissal of the complaint. Webster contends that the FDLE has not presented sufficient evidence to demonstrate that Tony knowingly made false statements or committed fraud during the application process.

The decision on whether to suspend Tony's certification ultimately lies with Administrative Law Judge Robert Kilbride. However, it's important to clarify that any potential suspension would not affect Tony's status as an elected official, as civilians can hold the position of sheriff in Florida.

This legal ordeal began in July 2023 when FDLE's Director of Criminal Justice Professionalism, Dean Register, lodged a complaint against Tony, alleging multiple instances of false statements on driver's license applications. Additionally, another pending case with the state's Division of Administrative Hearings revolves around alleged misrepresentations on forms related to Tony's initial law enforcement job in Coral Springs, which paved the way for his appointment as sheriff.

Despite these legal challenges, Tony is actively seeking reelection. His legal team remains confident in his innocence, while the outcome of the ongoing investigations remains uncertain.

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WLRN

Miami Times