A letter targeting a state representative candidate and his supporters is fake, per the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.
Just last week, six supporters of current Islamorada councilman and state representative candidate Jim Mooney received a letter in an envelope that appeared to come from Florida Department of Law Enforcement. But it didn’t come from DLE, nor the Florida Ethics Commission and State Attorney’s Office, which were also named in the letter.
The letter states that a criminal investigation has been requested into connections between the person’s business activities and any official actions or favors that may have been undertaken by “Commissioner Mooney to benefit either your business or you personally.” The letter says that DLE and the State Attorney’s Office has been notified of the supporter’s efforts to provide and solicit contributions to Mooney.
The letter goes on to further state that they may face criminal exposure, have business assets seized and may be required to provide testimony as part of the criminal investigation.
“Any effort on your part to provide and/or solicit campaign contributions for Commissioner Mooney may be used as evidence on your participation as a co-conspirator in any scheme to reward Commissioner Mooney for his official actions on your behalf with campaign funds or participation in fundraising activities,” the letter reads.
Commenting on the fake letter, Mooney, who announced his run for state rep in May on the Republican side, says he will seek the fullest extent of the law for prosecution. Mooney said the letters were received by his friends and supporters this past weekend.
“It’s voter intimidation. It’s fraudulent,” Mooney said.
So far, five candidates have filed for the seat currently held by Holly Raschein. Republicans include Mooney, North Key Largo resident Rhonda Rebman Lopez, Key Largo resident Jose Felix Peixoto and Homestead attorney Alexandria Suarez. On the Democratic side, Homestead resident Roy David Walker has filed.
