Tag Archives: fdle

State Of Confusion:Broward State Attorney And FDLE Will Not Charge Broward School Board Candidate Rod Velez With Perjury

As expected, the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department Of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will not pursue perjury charges against Broward School Board candidate Rod Velez. A December 19, 2022 close out memorandum describes Velez’ confusion over which of his rights were restored by Amendment 4. Velez, a convicted felon, could vote when he signed campaign paperwork in June 2022.

The memo recounts a November 2022 interview with FDLE agents where Velez claims he did not know he was ineligible to hold office until October 2022. REDBROWARD previously reported Velez met twice with FDLE agents.

Due to this confusion, authorities believe Velez did not attempt willfully deceive officials or the public.

Rod Velez Attends Broward School Board Meeting A Week After Giving Statement To FDLE

After spending a few days in Tallahassee, Rod Velez attended a School Board of Broward County workshop Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale. Velez kept supporters abreast of his travels with photographs posted on social media. Judging by the comments, his supporters still believe he has a path to a seat on the School Board.

One meeting Velez did not document was another visit with representatives of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Last week, Velez provided a formal statement to FDLE.

Last month, REDBROWARD revealed FDLE received information regarding possible perjury committed by Rod Velez when he signed an oath in campaign paperwork. Sources told REDBROWARD that Velez subsequently met with FDLE agent’s who advised him that taking the oath for the School Board seat would constitute perjury. Velez attended the swearing in ceremony but did not take the oath of office.

Despite the encouragement to keep fighting, it appears Velez has no path to take office. As REDBROWARD previously reported, the December clemency board meeting was cancelled. Also, the Office of Offender Review, which reviews the clemency requests, is well aware of the FDLE perjury investigation. One source claims Velez’s application may have been rejected because of it.

It is becoming likely Governor Ron DeSantis will appoint someone to the District 1 seat in January.