Florida Ethics Commission Recommends Public Reprimand for Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony

The Florida Commission on Ethics has concluded its extensive investigation into Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony, recommending a public censure and reprimand—the mildest form of discipline available.

Background of the Investigation

Sheriff Tony faced allegations of providing false information on official documents, including failing to disclose a prior driver’s license suspension and a juvenile arrest for a 1993 shooting incident in Philadelphia, which resulted in an acquittal. His attorneys successfully argued that, under Pennsylvania law, his juvenile detention did not equate to a criminal arrest, leading investigators to find insufficient evidence to prove intentional misrepresentation.

Commission’s Decision

In a 3-2 vote, the Ethics Commission accepted a joint agreement between Tony and the commission’s advocate, recommending a public censure and reprimand. This decision concludes the years-long investigation, with the commission determining that the evidence supported only the minor infraction related to the driver’s license renewal.

Next Steps

The commission’s recommendation now awaits approval from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who holds the authority to enforce the suggested disciplinary action.

Reactions to the Outcome

Sheriff Tony’s attorney, Stephen Webster, expressed satisfaction with the resolution, stating that Tony has led the Broward Sheriff’s Office with “absolute dignity and integrity” despite ongoing challenges. Conversely, Jerald Fuller, a former Sheriff’s Office employee who filed the initial ethics complaint, criticized the outcome, asserting that Tony “has no business being in law enforcement.”

This development marks the conclusion of a prolonged period of scrutiny for Sheriff Tony, as the Ethics Commission’s recommendation brings closure to the investigations into his past conduct.