BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – The investigation into Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony has lasted years and the result: the recommendation by the Florida Commission on Ethics is public censure and reprimand.
The years-long investigation stems from Tony failing to mention his license had been previously suspended during a 2019 driver’s license renewal.
Tony was also accused of lying on law enforcement application paperwork about an arrest when he was 14 years old.
In 1993, Tony killed an 18-year-old man in Philadelphia. He was acquitted because he acted in self-defense.
The decision to issue a reprimand is the lowest level of correction.
Representatives from both sides spoke at the commission hearing Friday.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not pursue all allegations brought against Tony.
Steven Webster, an attorney for Sheriff Tony, says the state wasted thousands of dollars investigating his life.
“As soon as Sheriff Tony was appointed by Gov. DeSantis his detractors have been coming at him relentlessly,” he said.
Webster says Tony did not use his office for any corrupt reasons.
Tony will have to assure the commission that he has learned his lesson.