Florida’s main law enforcement agency, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), conducted a comprehensive investigation into two former employees tied to a contentious battle over the handling of public records involving Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration.
FDLE Report Findings
The 129-page report, finalized in May and obtained by POLITICO, delves into allegations against the former FDLE employees, a chief of staff and a deputy chief of staff. The investigation looked into conflicts of interest, workplace harassment, misleading top officials about FDLE’s budget, and attempts to secure improper pay raises for other employees, including a relative. While a Tallahassee prosecutor declined to press charges, the report concluded that the two violated state rules on insubordination, ethics, and workplace conduct. Additionally, there was evidence suggesting an improper romantic relationship between them.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation paints a critical picture of FDLE under Commissioner Mark Glass, a DeSantis ally. The scrutiny largely centered on FDLE’s budget, particularly its capacity to protect DeSantis during his presidential campaign. However, the lawyer representing the former employees, Shane Desguin and Patricia Carpenter, claims the investigation is retaliatory. She argues that it followed their complaints about the handling of records sought by The Washington Post, which is currently suing to obtain the records and challenging a new law that shields the governor’s travel records.
Allegations and Reactions
FDLE spokesperson Gretl Plessinger accused the former employees of creating workplace chaos and acting dishonestly. Conversely, their lawyer, Marie Mattox, stated that the allegations were a smear campaign against her clients, who had accused both the FDLE Commissioner and the governor of obstructing the release of travel records. Mattox emphasized that Desguin had been given a clean bill of health upon his departure and criticized the investigation’s timing and motives.
The report’s release coincides with the former employees preparing to file lawsuits alleging illegal job termination. Mattox compared the accusations to a SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) suit, aimed at silencing critics.
Legal and Workplace Disputes
The dispute involves significant legal and workplace issues, including internal discussions about public record requests from The Washington Post. Carpenter had sent an email detailing a heated discussion where the governor’s office allegedly instructed FDLE not to release records, which reportedly led to demotions within FDLE for those who disagreed. This internal strife adds another layer to the ongoing legal battle over transparency and public access to government records.
FDLE’s Budget Concerns
A considerable part of the report focuses on whether FDLE had sufficient funds to provide security for DeSantis. Desguin and Carpenter raised concerns about budget shortfalls due to increased demands from DeSantis’ campaign. Measures like doubling up rooms and reducing rental cars were reportedly taken to mitigate costs. FDLE officials, however, disputed these claims, stating that there were no budgetary issues.
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