TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – An administrative hearing in Tallahassee Tuesday could ultimately determine if Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony will be allowed to keep his police certification.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement filed the complaint against Tony in June 2022, claiming he made false statements when applying for a Florida driver’s license, having failed to disclose that his license had been suspended in Pennsylvania in 1993 and 1998.
The FDLE is trying to convince a judge that by lying on his Florida driver’s license applications, he is in violation of a state statute that requires that law enforcement officers have “good moral character.”
If the judge agrees, possible disciplinary action for Tony includes revocation of certification.
“Is it your testimony that every single time you renewed your license in person that those questions were not asked?” FDLE Attorney Natalie Bielby asked.
“I can’t recall,” Tony replied.
Tony’s attorney maintains the sheriff did nothing wrong.
“There is no reliable competent evidence that Sheriff Gregory Tony ever falsely answered any question or falsely made any assertion any driver’s license application,” his attorney said during the hearing.
Tony himself said he was distracted at the DMV at the time of his appointment by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2019. He said he dealt with a security detail and requests for selfies from the public.
“I was the first African-American sheriff in the history of this county so there were a lot of pictures, a lot of hugs and kisses and it was somewhat distracting for me as well as the employees there,” Tony said.
The hearing wrapped up Tuesday evening and the judge is expected to issue his recommendation within 30 days, which can be appealed.
Local 10 News previously explored the question of what would happen if Tony loses his law enforcement certification.
If that happens, Tony would lose his ability to make arrests or otherwise act as a police officer in Florida. But he would be allowed to remain in office.
That’s because Florida sheriffs are elected officials and are not required to be certified law enforcement officers.
It’s not certain whether Tony would continue to wear a uniform or what the political fallout would be. Tony, a Democrat, has filed for re-election in 2024.
According to Broward Supervisor of Elections data, four other candidates have filed in that race: former Plantation police Capt. Steven Geller, former Pembroke Park police Chief David Howard, retired Broward Sheriff’s Office Col. Al Pollock and retired BSO Deputy Charles Whatley.
All except Whatley, running as an independent candidate, are Democrats.
Read the complaint: