Integrity Florida calls for federal investigation into Baileygate

Today, nonpartisan government watchdog group Integrity Florida called on federal authorities to investigate potential violations of the civil rights conspiracy statute by state government officials in Florida.

According to a recent Tampa Bay Times/Miami Herald report, former Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey alleged that Gov. Rick Scott and his top advisers conspired to falsely name Colleen Reilly, then-acting clerk of court in Orange County, the target of a criminal inquiry.

Integrity Florida requested a federal investigation in a letter sent Wednesday to Michelle Klimt, special agent in charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Pamela March, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“The allegations made by former Commissioner Bailey are troubling,” said Dan Krassner, executive director of the nonpartisan government watchdog group Integrity Florida.  “While the public should not rush to judgment, this is a serious matter that merits a federal investigation.”

“A political agenda should never interfere with the authority and responsibility of FDLE to protect and serve the public trust,” said Krassner.  “Floridians deserve answers about whether Gov. Scott and his top aides attempted to abuse the authority of FDLE.  Integrity Florida is encouraged by the bipartisan concerns raised by top state officials about the questionable removal of Commissioner Bailey.  In addition to the need for a federal investigation, alleged violations of state laws should also be reviewed by the appropriate oversight agencies and legislative committees.”