LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A former Lee County Sheriff has written to Governor Ron DeSantis, asking for a second investigation into current Lee County Sheriff, Carmine Marceno.
Former Sheriff Rod Shoap says he can find no evidence that appointed Sheriff Marceno met minimum requirements to sit for the Florida State Police Officer's exam.
Shoap points to a Fox 4 report showing Marceno only worked part-time and seasonally in New York, before he sought a law enforcement position in Florida.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement statute requires that officers either attend police academy in Florida, or work full-time for 12 full months in another state to be eligible to take the police officer exam.
In his letter, Shoap asks for an executive investigation to be conducted to clear up any information in question regarding Sherriff Marceno.
Shoap points out if the information found turns out to be true, then-Sheriff Marceno could face repercussions.
During the Fox 4 investigation, which you can read in full here, anchor Jane Monreal made several requests to Sheriff Marceno, asking him to explain whether he had other experience to meet the FDLE requirement. Marceno declined all requests for an interview. He has since told Jane Monreal he is willing to sit down with her.
Former Sheriff Rodney Shoap is also requesting an ethics investigation into Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Shoap claims that Marceno used his position in the Lee County Sheriff's Office to pursue women. Shoap says Marceno tried to pressure women into sexual relationships.
Sheriff Marceno points out that Shoap has endorsed Jim Leavens. Leavens is running for sheriff against Marceno in next year's election.
In a statement, Marceno said, "Rod Shoap has allied himself with my opponent. These allegations are politically motivated and have been previously proven false. I am disappointed that my opponent continues to stoop to this level. As always, my primary focus is the safety and security of the residents of Lee County.
