Tampa Mayor Responds to FDLE Investigation of Code Enforcement Head Keith O'Connor

FDLE Investigation into Keith O'Connor

• 🔍 Keith O'Connor, head of Tampa's code enforcement and husband of former TPD chief Mary O'Conor, is under an FDLE investigation.
• 📧 The investigation stems from messages O'Connor allegedly sent to an employee regarding the improper collection of lottery winnings.
• 💰 O'Connor is accused of coordinating to cash a winning lottery ticket for Aubrey Pierce, who reportedly wished to hide the winnings from child support payments.
• ⚠️ Pierce is a felon with multiple convictions, including for grand theft.

Mayor Castor's Response and Defense

• 💬 Mayor Jane Castor stated that she has known the O'Connors for decades and believes one mistake should not define a career.
• ⚖️ She expressed that she is not yet ready to question O'Connor's judgment, despite his involvement in urging the city to hire Pierce.
• 🤝 Castor defended the city's ban the box program, emphasizing its importance in providing second chances and opportunities for employment.
• 📈 She acknowledged that hiring involves calculated risks and not every situation will work out perfectly.

O'Connor's Role in Hiring Pierce

• ✉️ A jailhouse letter from Pierce indicates that then Deputy Chief O'Connor had a city job lined up for him.
• 📝 An email from O'Connor to a judge shows he urged Pierce to apply to a city division that allows felons to be hired.
• 🏛️ Pierce was hired with the blessings of O'Connor and city chief of staff John Bennett.
• ⚠️ Pierce is also accused of accepting bribes to allow illegal dumping on city property, two years after being hired.

Mayor's Stance on Judgment and Second Chances

• 🌟 Mayor Castor highlighted the distinguished service of the O'Connors to the community.
• ❓ She stated that hiring managers consider the timing of past issues, the applicant's efforts to address behavior, and may refer cases for recommendations.
• ✅ The mayor reiterated that individuals under investigation should be presumed innocent until the investigation concludes.
• 🗣️ She will base her decisions on the findings of the FDLE investigation.