Florida Gov. Suspends Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones

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November 13, 2009 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today suspended Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, who was charged today with grand theft, a second degree felony. Last month, Governor Crist petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to impanel a Statewide Grand Jury to investigate criminal activity committed by public officials while acting in their official capacity.

Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the State Attorney for the 11th Circuit Court, informed Governor Crist of the impending arrests.

“I am grateful to Florida’s State Attorneys for their tireless work to uncover corruption and bring those who abuse their position of public trust to justice,” Governor Crist said.

“Today’s events further demonstrate the need for a Statewide Grand Jury to identify necessary changes in current law and provide specific recommendations to combat corruption in our state.”

In a separate case, Miami Commissioner Angel Gonzalez was charged today with a misdemeanor count of exploitation of public position and resigned today, effective Monday, November 16, 2009. Governor Crist cited the arrest as further evidence that a Statewide Grand Jury is needed.

Governor Crist deems it to be in the best interest of the public for a Statewide Grand Jury to review criminal activity committed by public officials while acting in their official capacity. Since taking office in January 2007, Governor Crist has suspended 32 public officials, including today’s suspension.

Source: Florida Governor