CITIZENS FOR SUNSHINE FILES SUIT AGAINST CIVIL SERVICE BOARD



In late April 2010, Citizens authorized its General Counsel, attorney Andrea Flynn Mogensen, to file litigation against the City of Sarasota Civil Service Board relating to violations of the Sunshine Law by at least two board members. On the same day the lawsuit was filed, a circuit court judge granted Citizens a temporary injunction halting all proceedings of the board.



The proceedings of the Civil Service Board stem from the scandal at the Sarasota Police Department involving the June 26, 2009 arrest of Juan Perez and the release of a videotape showing former officer Christopher Childers kicking a handcuffed Perez. Childers was fired by the City for his role in the case but is seeking reinstatement with the board.



The lawsuit alleges that two of the board members violated Florida's Government-in-the-Sunshine Law by having discussions relating to board proceedings without notice to the public. Board members Frederic Bigio and Don Major were named in the lawsuit. Major admitted he had discussed the case with Bigio outside of the board proceedings and was disqualified from continuing as a board member.



Meanwhile, fallout from the Perez incident continues to take a toll on the Sarasota Police Department. Yesterday, Chief Peter Abbott, who played a central role in the Perez incident that netted him a two-week suspension and four-month placement on administrative leave, resigned his position at the department.



Citizens will continue to pursue transparency in the activities of the Sarasota Police Department.