It was a scene straight out of an old episode of Perry Mason. Sonia Colon, a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles employee, was testifying for the defense during an administrative law hearing into false statements by Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony. The Sheriff is accused of lying on applications for a Florida driver’s license. As a result, Tony could lose his law enforcement certification and his job as Sheriff.

Tony’s defense attorney Stephen Webster used Sonia Colon‘s testimony to cast doubt on whether Tony denied a previous suspension of his driver’s license. Although she had no firsthand knowledge, Colon seemed to make the case a Driver’s License employee could have used computer shortcuts to speed up Tony’s application for a new license. The defense appears to claim Tony was unaware the employee checked “NO” for whether his license was ever suspended.

Under cross examination by prosecutor Natalie Bielby, Colon admitted she has known Tony since she was eight years old.

Colon admitted she lived two blocks from Tony when they both grew up in Philadelphia.

Colon admitted she lived with Tony at two separate apartments in Tallahassee.

Colon admitted she served as a character reference for Tony when he sought a job with the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Colon admitted she arranged Tony’s visit to the Lauderdale Lakes Drivers License office where the alleged false statement occured.

Then, Colon admitted to have a longtime “romantic relationship” with Tony.

Colon said she did not believe her relationship with Tony was relevant.

What is going on at BSO?

Why would Tony’s lawyers call Colon to testify?

Why would Tony allow an old girlfriend to testify under oath only to see her credibility destroyed?