Michael Moline
The Florida Supreme Court has declined to hear former Florida House member David Rivera’s appeal of a recommendation he pay nearly $60,000 in penalties for alleged ethical violations.
Chief Justice Jorge Larbarga and justices Barbara Pariente, Peggy Quince and James E.C. Perry signed an order dated Tuesday declining to hear the case. Justice Fred Lewis voted to consider the appeal.
Justices Charles Canady and Ricky Polston did not participate.
Rivera, of Miami, left the Legislature in 2010 and served one term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He lost an attempt to win re-election to the Florida House this year.
Also in 2010, the Florida Commission on Ethics received complaints that Rivera had charged taxpayers for travel expenses already paid by his campaign account and failed to properly disclose his income.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted a separate investigation, but never filed charges, according to court records.
The commission ultimately recommended that Rivera pay $16,500 in civil penalties and more than $41,000 in restitution. It was up to the House speaker to impose any penalties.
On appeal, Rivera argued that, because he no longer serves in the House, the speaker and the House no longer enjoy jurisdiction over him.
The 1st District Court of Appeal ruled in July that Rivera’s appeal would have to await the imposition of any sanctions. That ruling did not preclude an appeal if, and when, that happens.
One comment
Frank Smekar
December 7, 2016 at 8:56 am
How can you write an article about someone who has served in political office and not identify their political affiliation? Maybe because you are providing cover for another correct elected official of the corrupt Republican Party? Is Michael Moline a Republican? Hopefully this is just sloppy reporting on his part.
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