Statewide prosecutors appear to be conducting an investigation related to Broward County’s review of whether the Sheriff’s Office should remain the law enforcement agency at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
The South Florida Sun Sentinel obtained a copy of the email sent by acting County Attorney Annika Ashton to the County Commission on Wednesday afternoon. She said subpoenas went out to all members of the commission as well as some members of County Administration, the County Attorney’s Office and the Broward County Aviation Department “regarding an apparent investigation by the Office of Statewide Prosecution relating to the Jensen Hughes feasibility study,” Ashton wrote.
Broward Sheriff’s deputies served subpoenas on the current and former mayors of the County Commission on Wednesday afternoon. Mayor Mark Bogen confirmed that he and Commissioner Beam Furr received the subpoenas and forwarded them to the county attorney’s office.
The nature of the investigation was not clear Wednesday. The Office of Statewide Prosecution, which is an arm of the office of Attorney General James Uthmeier, is often tasked with investigating crimes without clear geographic boundaries.
Jensen Hughes is the consulting firm the county hired to examine whether it should continue contracting with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to provide law enforcement service at the airport and port in Fort Lauderdale. In both cases, the consultants found it would be “feasible” for the county to cut ties with the Sheriff’s Office. And in both cases, they recommended further study before making such a decision.
The consultant also was asked to weigh the pros and cons of ending the 23-year merger between the Sheriff’s Office and Broward County Fire-Rescue. The commission has scheduled a vote for later this month in a step toward potentially separating the two agencies, bringing fire-rescue back under the county administration.
Jensen Hughes could not be reached after business hours Wednesday for comment.
The Broward County Commission’s next regular meeting, with an agenda full of items, is set for 10 a.m. Thursday.
Rafael Olmeda can be reached at rolmeda@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4457.