MANATEE COUNTY — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office has referred the case related to allegations contained in a former Manatee County Administration Official’s whistleblower complaint to the office of State Attorney Ed Brodsky of the 12th Judicial Circuit.
Before his separation from the county in August, former Acting County Administrator Lee Washington alleged in a whistleblower complaint that he was witness to “sunshine, ethics, and malfeasance violations” committed by two county commissioners—former commissioner Vanessa Baugh and current Commissioner Mike Rahn.
Last week, TBT reported that MCSO had opened an investigation into the allegations following a criminal complaint having been submitted to its office on the matter.
After completing its review of the available information, the MCSO found “probable cause” that Florida’s meeting law was violated by the commissioners, and the case was forwarded to the state attorney’s office on Nov. 2.
Neither the MCSO nor the state attorney’s office were able to provide any further information or comment on Tuesday, citing an ongoing criminal investigation.
The allegations stem from a series of events that Washington alleged occurred during his short time serving in the acting position. Washington claimed that Commissioners Rahn and Baugh conspired to pressure him into hiring their close friend and associate, BIA President John Mast, as a deputy county administrator.
Washington further alleged that when he decided to close the open deputy position without hiring any applicants, Baugh requested Washington’s resignation. According to Washington, Baugh told him that "someone" would be making a motion for him to be relieved of duty, but if he would resign willingly, he could avoid a public dismissal by vote of the board. Washington declined.
A week later, Commissioner Rahn made a motion to remove Washington as acting administrator and to replace Washington with Jon Mast.
The three basic requirements of Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law are: (1) meetings of public boards or commissions must be open to the public; (2) reasonable notice of such meetings must be given; and (3) minutes of the meetings must be taken.
According to Florida State Statutes, Chapter 286.011, 3(b), “Any person who is a member of a board or commission or of any state agency or authority of any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision who knowingly violates the provisions of this section by attending a meeting not held in accordance with the provisions hereof is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree…”
Should the state attorney’s office find there is enough supporting evidence to seek prosecution in the case, such a violation can carry criminal penalties, including fines, up to 60 days imprisonment and possible suspension or removal from office.
6 comments on this item
Only paid subscribers can comment
Please log in to comment by clicking here.
Charlene
Perhaps this is why the astroturfing so-called Real Manatee County Conservatives was targeted. A warning shot to Brodsky to not do his job.
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Report this
Debann
What a surprise....WELCOME TO MANATEE COUNTY...Rahn is cocky and arrogant...no wonder him and Vanessa get along so well....Rahn basically DARED people to report it...Unfortunately it won't go anywhere with the state attorneys office..That department is part of the "good Ole boy"... district 4. you voted him in...REAP WHAT YOU SOW
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 Report this
WTF
It appears to be violation, too many variables to be more than a coincidence. The first and most obvious is that two commissioners both knowingly knew that Jon Mast was going to be at the luncheon. This should have been a red flag to all parties involved. No precautions were taking such as meeting with each elected official separately with Jon Mast, that did not happen. Even to suggest that Lee Washington to hire Jon Mast without going through the proper protocols and procedures in itself should set off alarm bells. To do did it openly and out in public shows lack of integrity of all parties involved. Interesting enough that after Jon mast was rejected, he could have went into the pool of candidates to apply for the job properly, he did not. His involvement with the building industry and our large developers is even a larger red flag to this concerned citizen. Both elected officials took training from the county Attorney on sunshine laws. They did not air on the side of caution in this situation when they should of. On the surface this is an open and shut case guilty as charged. In the muddy, corrupt waters of the manatee political arena probably a little or nothing will become of it. Integrity and moral values have become lost with the entire board.
What we allow…..will continue
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Report this
Cwright
Cocky, arrogant, shady, and CORRUPT! CORRUPT! CORRUPT!
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Report this
Cat L
My understanding is that the Governor has not signed any of the ethics violations that have made it to his desk. Sadly, not surprising... It would be so nice if we could have some governing, rather than sanctioned crime (as far as I'm concerned)
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Report this
David Daniels
In the run up to Rahn's 2022 election, his 2020-21 Twitter account was available. His comments were vile and disgusting - like those of a angry, late night bully who had been drinking. I wrote at the time that anyone who would make such vile posts is unfit for office. We saw that same angry tone after a citizen spoke about his sunshine violations during public comments at a recent BoCC meeting. He challenged the member of public like a bully and dared him to go up to the "6th floor" and report the crime. This is the real Rahn. Not to mention he votes for every development like a rubber stamp - no matter how damaging to our environment, water supply, rural communities and traffic flow. VOTE THEM OUT!
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Report this