FDLE INVESTIGSATION FOLLOWS LAMBERTI

Published on Wednesday, 24 October 2012 13:57

FDLE INVESTIGSATION FOLLOWS LAMBERTI

BY NORM ROBERTS

Four years ago Fort Lauderdale political consultant Judy Stern was blamed by many for the loss of her candidate for Sheriff Democrat Scott Israel to Republican Al Lamberti. Lamberti, whose campaign and several coordinating Electioneering Communication Organizations were funded by Ponzi scammer Scott Rothstein and then-Republican Charlie Crist and Republican Party of Florida Chairman, Jim Greer won that race.



When the race appeared close, Stern did manage to convince Rothstein to give Israel’s campaign $3,500. Stern also convinced Rothstein to funnel $100,000 into an Electioneering Communication Organization controlled by former BSO Chief of Staff, Todd Wilder. Rothstein funneled the money through law partner Stuart Rosenfeld and Rothstein Rosenfeld Adler attorney David Boden.



Contacted by the Grind, Israel said he was unaware of the ECO contributions by Rothstein’s associates and that the $3500 that went directly to his campaign came from Rothstein controlled corporations who he did not recognize as being controlled by the ponzi scammer until after the election.





This pales compared to the $250,000 Rothstein put into efforts to derail Israel in the Democratic Primary and destroy Israel with devastating negative ads in the General Election.



Lamberti won by 15,000 votes at the same time Democrat Barack Obama was sweeping Broward County by almost a 400,000 margin. Neither Lamberti or Israel’s campaign ever pointed out that Lamberti is a Republican



Now Stern and her daughter, Fort Lauderdale attorney Barbara Stern ,are supporting Republican Lamberti. Barbra Stern has gone so far as to urge the Broward County Gwen Cherry Chapter of the Women’s Political Caucus to support the Tea Party backed Republican Sheriff, not surprising given Barbra Stern’s appointment to the County Elections Board by Republican Governor Rick Scott. Stern’s appointment has never been confirmed by the State Senate as required by law. A spokesman for Senate President Don Gaetz said Stern’s appointment was unlikely to be confirmed.



Broward County Fire Chief Neal de Jesus has told intimates that Stern has secured a commitment from Lamberti to support him for Sheriff if Lamberti is removed from office due to a pending state investigation into whether Lamberti rigged bids for a multi-million dollar no-bid BSO contract awarded to Republican moneyman Michael Maroone and his auto dealerships. “ That fat load of sh*t (de Jesus) will never be Sheriff” one veteran BSO officer told the Grind.



Maroone and his associated companies have contributed $20,000 to Lamberti’s campaign. Maroone has also given $30,800 to the Republican National Committee, and has supported Congressman David Rivera as well as giving the maximum allowable to Republican Mitt Romney.



Lamberti ended the practice of purchasing automobiles through the Florida Sheriff’s Association, delivering a no-bid contract to Maroone for up to 200 cars a year in which Broward County taxpayers paid more per car than the Sheriff’s Association negotiated price.



Lamberti then gave another no-bid contract to Adam Black, a former BSO officer fired for corruption, increasing the cost per vehicle even further through the installation of lights and a siren, both of which were standard equipment on the cars available through the Sheriff’s Association. This of course increased the cost on a per vehicle basis even more.



Incredibly, when BSO financial officer Larry Strain turned over documents regarding the Maroone car contract to investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Lamberti fired the whistle blower.



“Al Lamberti is leaving the Sheriff’s office,” said one FDLE official. “Either he will be defeated or he’ll be arrested and charged early in his second term for rigging bids to benefit his single largest campaign contributor, Michael Maroone,” he said. “Lamberti is going where Ken Jenne went, only he’s going away for longer.”

Wow! I wonder if they used the Sole Source exeption to get around the bid process. It's been used way too much lately.
Scott's going to win guys. Might as well try to help him make good changes in January.

Wow! This is big! If the news is citing directly from an official source at FDLE:

“Al Lamberti is leaving the Sheriff’s office,” said one FDLE official. “Either he will be defeated or he’ll be arrested and charged early in his second term for rigging bids to benefit his single largest campaign contributor, Michael Maroone,” he said. “Lamberti is going where Ken Jenne went, only he’s going away for longer.”

You don't simply overlook this. It doesn't equate into an Israel win, but it certainly supports the allegations of chaos and corruption that goes on in which Lamberti is gaining favors (money) in exchange for contracts. This is so easy to follow. The money says it all.

Thats why Adam Black cried like a baby when AL won!

Wow!

Except "The Grind" doesn't exist and neither does the reporter. So if neither of them exist, does the story? I can't wait until this election is over and Israel loses again. Hey guys do you think your ECO's and PAC's will come up with money again in 2016?

It's a spoof newspaper along with made up reporter. Not written or endorsed by Israel team probably some disgruntled employee attempting to be funny.

It's a spoof newspaper along with made up reporter. Not written or endorsed by Israel team probably some disgruntled employee attempting to be funny.

Totally agree. I searched the web and found nothing. This story is a hoax.

It's a spoof newspaper along with made up reporter. Not written or endorsed by Israel team probably some disgruntled employee attempting to be funny.

Totally agree. I searched the web and found nothing. This story is a hoax.

I got routed to the Bags Benjamin's escort, Lamberti / Lewis commercial somehow when I googled it.

Hey I like that three stooges moniker! Lamberti, Lewis and Benjamin with guest not appearing Under Sheriff Fatty Arbuckle!

Statewide Prosecutor met with Satz Friday

there will be nothing done :devil: