The Florida Department of State forwarded information on Broward School Board candidate Rod Velez to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) last week. A top attorney for the Department of State, Broward County officials and the FDLE were listed on an email entitled “Question about a Broward County candidate with a felony record.” A screenshot of the email was included in a court document filed by Velez opponent Marie Murray Martin.

Martin, and others, believe Velez cannot hold office due to a felony conviction. Records show Velez never sought to have his right to hold office restored by a State clemency board.

On the November 14th email, the chief deputy counsel for the Department of State wrote, “Please see the below complaint alleging the false swearing of an oath, which is a third degree felony.” The attorney refers to campaign paperwork where a candidate swears they possess the legal right to hold office.

The attorney forwarded the email to someone with an FDLE address. Attorneys for Broward Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott were copied on the email.

Velez is set to take the oath of office Tuesday morning.