It took several days but it was strong and clear. Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno issued a statement on Monday calling the allegations of money laundering and misappropriating funds made by his political opponent all lies.
Former deputy Mike Hollow, who’s running against Marceno for Lee County Sheriff, is pushing the allegations. On his Facebook page, Hollow played a recording of a local jeweler who claims he was paid thousands of dollars every month by Marceno to be an honorary deputy. The jeweler, Ken Romano, claimed on the recording that he would use some of the money to help pay off Marceno’s father’s new car.
Marceno batted down the claims in a statement Monday afternoon: “It’s unfortunate that politics have reached this level. These politically-motivated and baseless claims from a disgruntled former employee are obviously untrue. It’s sad that some people would engage in such vicious personal attacks for political purposes. I’m proud to be the Sheriff of Lee County. We provide an outstanding level of service to the great residents of the county and will continue to do so.”
Marceno is expected to win the upcoming election in a landslide.
Only true answer is a freedom of information act request for payroll records .
$300+K in gambling gains over 3 years sounds like a high roller for someone with a $170K/yr salary. Add to that a Ferrari? The sheriff is doing very well for himself.
I hope he doesn’t have an addiction to gambling. I like the guy and what he’s done for our county
The issue is whether or not Lee county taxpayers monies were paid to jeweler Romano. Why was a jeweler paid $4,000 a month? Sheriff, reply please.
Was $1700 a month added to pay of Romano? yes no Sheriff, reply please.
I will not vote for Marceno until all these questions are answered.
Marceno is asking for a $30 million budget increase. Why? To put slot machines in at the sheriff’s office?
Come on, man.
I agree with you.
Departments can hire outside help. It’s legit and legal. It’s the other stuff at issue.
Don’t you think it’s funny that a disgruntled employee who was fired back in 2022 suddenly has an issue just before an election? Come on man use your head
Well he’s there for the cameras and I’ve noticed some expenses I feel are more political than office related. Those items make me a bit leary but it’s all hearsay until it’s throughly investigated. My theory: if it could possibly be considered inappropriate, take the high road, don’t do it and eliminate questions and investigations
Why is it that anyone in a position of authority or leadership is assumed to be guilty when some political garbage like this is alleged? Sheriff Marceno is doing a great job in keeping us safe; whenever a crime is committed against man or beast, he and his deputies are on top of it immediately. Coming from a family of blue bloods, has taught me to always judge the man or woman in authority by their actions while executing their official duties. As far as I’m concerned, what the Sheriff does with his free time and money is his business; he’s doing a great job as the chief law enforcement officer of Lee County.
The allegation is that he used Lee county taxpayer funds.
Consultants are legitimate and normal on the payroll.
He was terminated and now 2 years later, just before an election, he is coming out with these allegations?
I bet the write in has an upcoming big opportunity for this guy!
Sheriff Marceno has done an outstanding job keeping Lee County a safe place to live and raise a family..
Over 400k in gambling income in three years. Hmmm. Why even have a day job? Everybody else loses when gambling, he makes a profit every year. Really smells like a laundromat.
Because you only report the wins, not the losses. He could have won a $400,000 jackpot and lost $800,000 overall, but still had to report that $400,000 jackpot. It’s deceiving how they make you report.
Stella, do you have a source where I can fact-check that?
Cheryl, you can find the regulations on the IRS website.
Report all gambling winnings as taxable income on your tax return. If you itemize deductions, you can offset your winnings by deducting gambling losses. Casinos send a W-2G form to the IRS for winnings above specific thresholds ($600 or more for most games).
Marceno seems to be out on the front lines when there are problems. I think he is doing a great job as sheriff. What he does with his private life and private money, is his business, as long as it is legal and legit. This is the the time of year for digging up dirt wherever they can..
Did he use Lee county taxpayers funds to pay the jeweler $4,000 month?
yes no
Did he add $1700 month in addition to $4,000 month paycheck to pay for his father’s car?
yes no Sheriff, please reply with details.
Yes, yes, no. In that order
Agreed, that phone recording is no proof at all and might just be libel.
At the same time – look at Marcenos form 6 filings: hundreds of thousands in “gambling income”. Seriously? How much time is he supposed spend in front of gambling machines in order to make that kind of money? Looks very weird…
He is definitely out on the front lines when there are cameras. And it only libel if it is false.
Legal note: you cannot libel a public figure. It’s political discourse on issues.