FORT PIERCE, Fla. — Former Fort Pierce city manager Nick Mimms was found guilty of a third-degree felony of official misconduct and not guilty of a second-degree felony of bid tampering on Thursday.
Mimms was arrested in 2024 on charges of bid tampering and official misconduct.
WATCH BELOW: Former Fort Pierce city manager found guilty of official misconduct
Former Fort Pierce city manager found guilty of official misconduct
According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Mimms was accused of rigging the bidding process for two vacant parcels of land along Avenue D, adjacent to the Lincoln Theater, in favor of a local nonprofit, Lincoln Park Young Professionals.
Among that nonprofit’s board was Caleta Scott, Mimms’ niece, and also a city employee.
The nonprofit had been awarded a $500,000 grant from Allegheny Franciscan Ministries for a community center project, but nothing was ever built.
Johnathan Bridges, special assistant state attorney and Brandon White, major crimes attorney for the 19th Circuit, said there was a mountain of evidence, including emails and city documents that incriminated Mimms.
“What we learned is millions of dollars have been wasted by this city hall under the leadership of Nick Mimms, and for too long, it went unchecked,” said White. “The people of Ft. Pierce deserve better, and I think this verdict shows the corruption that was happening under Nick Mimms. It’s about time someone was held accountable.”
WPTV pressed Mimms and his attorney for comment as they left the courtroom but did not get a response.
Mimms was granted a pre-sentencing investigation and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 11 at the St. Lucie County Courthouse.
Prosecutors said he could face a maximum of five years in prison.
WPTV