Lee County Sheriff Embroiled in Controversy Amid Allegations of Misused Funds and Money Laundering
A leaked recording has surfaced, alleging that Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno misused funds to purchase a Mercedes for his father, sparking a federal grand jury investigation.
The recording, released by Lee County Sheriff candidate Michael Hollow, accuses Marceno of misusing taxpayer dollars to buy the luxury vehicle. The allegations have raised questions about Marceno’s handling of county funds and his integrity as a public official.
Meanwhile, the Lee County Building & Permitting Services offices have been subpoenaed to testify or turn over documents related to the investigation. A partial copy of the subpoena, dated November 16, was reviewed by The News-Press/Naples Daily News, revealing that the grand jury is seeking information about two addresses: the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Marceno’s Fort Myers home.
The subpoena requests a range of documents, including permit applications, supporting documents, notice of rejection or approval, contract information, and payment records. The county has been instructed to contact an FBI agent if employees have any questions, and they have the option to provide the requested documents instead of testifying in person.
The federal grand jury investigation is a significant development in the case, as it suggests that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has presented sufficient evidence to warrant an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are secret to protect witnesses from stigma or reprisal, ensuring their cooperation.
Marceno’s financial disclosures have also raised eyebrows, with his real property valued at $900,000, more than triple the value since he took office in 2018. However, he has not itemized his property or properties on the forms, despite instructions to do so.
The FBI has declined to comment on the investigation, citing its policy of not confirming the existence or status of any investigative work. Marceno has not been charged with a crime and has denied accusations of money laundering, labeling them "baseless" and "politically motivated."
In a statement, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said it was "working cooperatively with law enforcement partners," but did not respond to questions about the subpoena. Marceno’s attorney, Donald Day, claimed that neither he nor Marceno had been contacted by the FBI and were unaware of the subpoena.
The accusations against Marceno have been ongoing, with his political rival, Mike Hollow, releasing a recording of a former sheriff’s department contractor accusing the sheriff of laundering money through him. Hollow has been cooperating with the FBI investigation and has provided evidence of alleged wrongdoing.
The contractor, Ken Romano, a Bonita Springs jeweler, was paid over $30,000 in 2022 as a contractor for the sheriff’s office. He claimed to have passed $1,700 in cash to Marceno’s father on a monthly basis in 2022 and often paid off Marceno’s gambling debts. Marceno reported over $400,000 in gambling income on his annual financial disclosure forms.
Marceno won reelection on November 5 with 90% of the vote, despite the allegations of wrongdoing. The ongoing investigation has raised concerns about his leadership and the integrity of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The News-Press/Naples Daily News will continue to investigate this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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