Three members of Century Town Council charged with violating open meetings law
Three Century council members, Sandra McMurray Jackson, Ann Cofield Brooks and Luis Gomez, Jr., have been charged with noncriminal violations of the Florida Government in the Sunshine Law.
The indictments arose from an incident during on or about July 31, 2018 alleging that while each was a member of the Century Town Council did engage in a discussion or exchange of information with other members of the Century Town Council, regarding a matter which foreseeably could come before said board or commission for action outside of a public meeting, which violates the Sunshine Law.
According to a State Attorney's Office press release, a grand jury will be convened to review various matters regarding the operations and management of the town of Century.
“I didn't do anything wrong,” said Brooks. “Our auditor, Krista McAlister, with Warren Averett, scheduled the meeting. She invited me and I told her I was the only one that could be at the meeting, because it would otherwise be a Sunshine Law violation. She assured me that I was the only one who was going to be there, that each council member would have their own scheduled meeting with her. I made sure that would not happen. Council members Luis Gomez and Sandra Jackson-McMurray walked into a meeting they were not invited to.”
Councilwoman McMurray said she had no comment on the subject.
Councilman Gomez was not available for comment.
If found guilty of the charge, they face a civil fine of up to $500. They are scheduled for a court appearance on Jan. 24, 2019.
