Melissa Ross
News that the FDLE will investigate red light camera firm Redflex is getting a major green light from activists lobbying against the company.
“I’m ecstatic,” said Paul Henry, a retired Florida state trooper who has been lobbying against red light cameras in the state via the Liberty First Network. Henry made his remarks during an appearance on WJCT’s First Coast Connect.
“Two years ago I filed a complaint with the Attorney General and the Governor over some apparent financial misconduct with this firm, to the tune of several million dollars, and it was never investigated. So I’m just very pleased that this alleged misconduct that took place in other cities will be investigated here in Florida.”
The Chicago Tribune reported June 19 that the former CEO of RedFlex had pleaded guilty in a federal bribery investigation in Ohio. The Tribune also found evidence of wrongdoing in a Chicago contract, with allegations involving bribes paid to a politically connected former city official.
Senate Transportation Chairman Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said Thursday that Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen has taken up Brandes’ request for an investigation into contracts between Redflex and Florida municipalities using the company’s red light cameras. Redflex has contracts in Clearwater, South Miami, Jacksonville, Kissimmee and Pinecrest.
“The investigation starts out with a strike against Redflex right at the beginning,” said Mark Seiden, attorney and professor with Florida Coastal School of Law. “I think the cameras are nothing more than income generation for Redflex and the city, and their safety value is quite dubious,” he said.
While Brandes has said it’s prudent for the FDLE to look into Redflex contracts in Florida for any evidence of bribery, Redflex representative Tilden Katz said that the company has taken action to address corruption in other states.
