Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) agents interviewed School Board candidate Rod Velez regarding questions of his eligibility to hold public office, a source tells REDBROWARD. According to the longtime source, Velez discussed an oath he signed months ago affirming he could hold public office. Velez, a convicted felon, admits he never sought restoration of his civil rights before running for office.

According to the source, Velez claimed he relied upon the advice of his campaign manager Barabra Miller. Velez was allegedly told taking the oath of office to join the Broward School Board on Tuesday would constitute perjury, a third degree felony.

Velez was not sworn into office at today’s ceremony.

Velez did attend the board meeting later in the day. REDBROWARD reached Velez at the meeting.

When asked about the FDLE interview, Velez said, “Let me check with my attorney.” As of press time, neither Velez nor his attorney contacted REDBROWARD.

The path for Velez to take a seat on the Broward School Board continues to narrow. Earlier today, Velez told WLRN, “The state has everything they need to hit the reset button and process everything.”

While Velez may have finally submitted his application to the state, it will not be heard until next year. REDBROWARD learned the December 14, 2022 clemency board meeting was cancelled yesterday. The December Cabinet meeting was cancelled as well.

The next clemency board meeting is set for January 2023.

According to a rights restoration expert, Velez may be out of luck even if he gets a hearing and his rights restored. The expert said the restoration is effective on the day it is granted. It is not retroactive.

We will update the story if Velez provides comment.