Jacob Ogles
Former congressional candidate Jackie Toledo has dropped her lawsuit against consultant Fred Piccolo.
The Tampa Republican last fall alleged Piccolo, a fixture in Florida GOP politics, had sent her a number of lewd and inappropriate texts.
But on Friday, Toledo filed a voluntary dismissal of the case with prejudice, ending the matter and stating she will not bring the action back to court again. The dismissal indicates both sides will be responsible for their own legal costs. She was pursuing $30,000.
Piccolo served as a Campaign Manager for Toledo’s failed congressional campaign last year in Florida’s 15th Congressional District. She lost the Republican Primary, coming in third place. Laurel Lee secured the nomination and later won the open congressional seat. To run for the seat, Toledo had to forgo seeking a fourth term in the Florida House.
When the lawsuit was filed, Piccolo notably served as a spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Office in the 13th Judicial Circuit. He previously served as Communications Director for Gov. Ron DeSantis and for the Florida House Speaker’s Office.
Piccolo had denied wrongdoing, and accused Toledo of steering conversations into sexual territory and acting suggestively in person. The two had known each other for a decade before the congressional campaign.
Piccolo also said he and Toledo had a dispute over payment, with Toledo saying he had abandoned her campaign in the final stretch and Piccolo saying the candidate was refusing to compensate him properly. Piccolo took his job with the State Attorney’s Office when he was still committed to helping her campaign, she said.
Piccolo said he never stopped doing his job.
7 comments
Mercury Shampoo Ed 🖕
April 24, 2023 at 12:39 pm
Republican groomers always with the perverted stuff while they accuse the other side of that which they are guilty. On a side note, who would send that woman nasty texts? Just not the best material..and maybe even a holy roller. Not very bright.
Frank DiBella
April 24, 2023 at 1:43 pm
Wow this is misleading ! First the 5 pictures sent by Mr Piccolo which have appeared partially on News reports you failed to mention . Second Mr Piccolo. Not only failed at his job he actively recruited staff to leave with him . One day I hope you actually deliver facts other than distortion . Piccolo should never be involved in any campaign
If you are looking for someone who doesn’t know who endorsed you then piccolo is your man . Ms Toledo did not send these pictures to herself . So congratulations for continuing the Harassment perpetrated by Mr Piccolo .
Crystal Barnjum
April 24, 2023 at 10:19 pm
Frank, aren’t you Jackie’s Dad?
Frank DiBella
April 25, 2023 at 7:26 pm
Crystal
I am Jackie’s Dad ! Very proud of our Daughter . So I know what Mr Piccolo did and did not do during her campaign . I challenged him almost weekly in his decision making . Unfortunately Jackie attempted to handle this situation on her own . Mr Piccolo or anyone from his office should never be near any candidate in the future . So yes maybe I should count my Blessings I wasn’t any anywhere near their office . I am being a Dad . Actually the article in Tampa Bay times is almost accurate. This reporter misrepresented the actual facts . Of course since he got his information from a professional Communicator . He just did what bullies do and continued to harass my Daughter . Channel 8 posted some of the pictures Mr Piccolo at one time said we’re meant for his wife . Any sane person can acknowledge Jackie didn’t send these to herself . Candidates beware before signing with anyone . Do your due diligence particularly in Florida
Very Proud Dad with many facts regarding this situation .
Crystal Barnjum
April 27, 2023 at 9:38 pm
Frank, get a life.
Crystal Barnjum
April 27, 2023 at 9:38 pm
Jackie wanted it anyway. She is fast a lose.
Frank DiBella
April 28, 2023 at 11:52 am
crystal This is not Twitter ! Opinion is one thing misinformation is another . You asked a question which I answered . Here is my Question are you Piccolo ‘s Mom ?
Comments are closed.