The lawyer for former Florida House Speaker Ray Sansom denied today all ethics accusations that a special investigator has made against his client.
Richard Coates also requested that a special House committee tasked with looking into the matter delay taking action until Sansom's criminal charges are resolved, according to a letter sent to panel chairman Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton.
Sansom, R-Destin, is facing trial later this year on charges of official misconduct and perjury. He is accused of funneling millions to a state college that gave him a $110,000 job and lying to a grand jury.
Galvano's committee is examining an ethics complaint stemming from the same allegations. It could expel Sansom, who already has given up his speakership and the college job.
Galvano had asked Sansom to respond to House investigator Steve Kahn's findings that the lawmaker eroded public faith and confidence in the chamber. Sansom denied the allegations, according to Coates' one-sentence response in the letter.
The response was sufficient, Galvano said. He said he just wanted a guilty or not guilty response similar to a plea at an arraignment.
The committee will hold an organizational meeting on Aug. 4 and will decide whether to delay its proceedings, Galvano said.
One factor that would have to be considered is the likelihood Sansom would refuse to testify by invoking his Fifth Amendment right against being forced to make self-incriminating statements, Galvano said.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement