Three Century Council Members Charged With Sunshine Violations; Grand Jury To Review Other Items

January 3, 2019

Three Century Town Council members are facing noncriminal charges, and a grand jury will look into additional matters involving the town.

Sandra McMurray Jackson, Ann Cofield Brooks, and Luis Gomez, Jr. — have been charged with noncriminal violations of the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law, according to the State Attorney’s Office. Brooks is council president.

If found guilty of the charge, they face a civil fine of up to $500. They are scheduled for a court appearance on January 24.

Last summer, three council members allegedly attended at least some portion of a closed door meeting with CPA Robert Hudson, Town Clerk Kim Godwin and the town’s auditors. The meeting was not advertised as a public meeting, which would forbid more than one council member from taking part under Florida’s Sunshine Laws.

The State Attorney also announced that a grand jury will be convened to review various matters regarding the operations and management of the Town of Century. Because of the nature of Grand Jury proceedings, no further information regarding these issues can be released at this time.

Pictured top: Century Council members (L-R) Luis Gomez, Jr., Ann Cofield Brooks and Sandra McMurray Jackson at the council’s most recent meeting on December 17, 2018. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

7 Responses to “Three Century Council Members Charged With Sunshine Violations; Grand Jury To Review Other Items”

  1. Just me on January 4th, 2019 12:34 am

    Been watching these stories a while and I honestly think mostly what has been going on is people stepped up to serve and didn’t really know what to do and that there were some that took advantage of things. I think the best course of action from within and also without is to find a way to gracefully bow out.

  2. Clueless Bob on January 3rd, 2019 8:05 pm

    That had to be one interesting meeting. I wonder if the audit was ever completed or if this diversion or distraction prevented that from occurring. Seems like a few of the council members got real anxious to know what would be reflected in the auditor’s report. Who would have an interest in that?? A thorough financial audit will lead right to the bread crumbs and also give clues as to who has been eating them for years.

    Let’s see how this one unfolds.

  3. Tom on January 3rd, 2019 7:29 pm

    Bookem dan o! Clean house. Start with complete clean slate!

  4. Bama on January 3rd, 2019 7:12 pm

    And the hits keep coming. This is better than Rowen and Martins “Laugh In”

  5. Bob on January 3rd, 2019 5:09 pm

    Chickens coming home to roost?

    Time will tell…

  6. Resident on January 3rd, 2019 4:02 pm

    The meeting should have been advertised and I think the Century government needs a good lookover. I hope the Grand Jury is knowledgeable.

    I think it may be time to revoke the charter and ensure services such as running water and sewer are provided as well as other services to the people who live, work and shop here.

    i hope they are given a comprehensive and detailed inspection (investigation) and a positive out come is in the works for the people in the area.

    Perhaps the State delegates need to be involved and a full non criminal operational audit could be ordered. It doesn’t need to come as a shock or surprise if the municipality (incorporation) has reached its demise

    The past audits certainly tell the tale for any one with a good handle on the situation.

    Thank you for your service those who stepped up to the plate.

  7. Oversight on January 3rd, 2019 3:00 pm

    What time will the “appearance” in court on the 24th occur, and where will these cases be heard? The pubic might want to attend.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Archive