Monroe County Former Administrator Indicted

An arrest warrant is out for Monroe County's former Administrator Roman Gastesi.

The State Attorney's Office says the official misconduct charge stems from an ongoing investigation into drugs stolen from the county's air rescue service called Trauma Star.

He's accused of "knowingly and intentionally obstructing, delaying, or preventing the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony."

He faces up to five years in prison, if convicted.

In a statement from Monroe County spokesperson Kristen Livengood she says, "The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners was made aware this morning of a grand jury indictment issued against Monroe County’s former County Administrator Roman Gastesi. Gastesi has been volunteering with the County since his retirement in February 2024. His volunteer position was terminated as of this morning."

Acting County Administrator Kevin Wilson added, “County operations will continue as they have for the past six months. These are serious criminal charges, and we are taking these allegations very seriously... We will follow due process while we await formal court proceedings. Our first priority is to ensure that the County’s services continue for our residents and visitors without interruptions.”

The head of the air ambulance program, Fire Rescue captain Andrea Thompson, and county medical director Dr. Sandra Schwemmer have already been charged.

Trauma Star Chief Flight Nurse Lynda Rusinowski was arrested earlier this month for grand theft of controlled substances and official misconduct.

The County Commission is set to discuss the indictments during their Wednesday meeting.