RELATED STORIES

• Ethics commission: Complaint against Rambosk not worth investigating
• Sheriff defends undersheriff after ethics complaint come political rival
• Ethics complaint filed against Collier undersheriff by political rival

Related Links

• PDF: View Sheriff Don Hunter's letter to Mr. Ortino

More Local news

• Collier public schools' superintendent set for 'Open Mic' on Monday
• Fight between 'friends' ends with arrest, deputies say
• Old Naples business victim of champagne scam

Tell us about it

• What would you add to this story? Tell us what we missed.
• Do you have photos from this event? Documents we need to see? Share with us.
• Upload photos & videos
• More ways to get your stuff online and in the paper.

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

Share and Enjoy [?]

Statement from Sheriff Don Hunter on the ethics complaint filed by a candidate for Collier County Sheriff:

"I have become aware of a complaint proposed by Mr. Ortino, alleging a problem with the conduct of Undersheriff Kevin Rambosk of our Agency. I have performed an initial review of the complaint, conducted informal interviews and formed an impression. My initial review leads me to a conclusion that this is a frivolous complaint designed to sully the reputation of Undersheriff Rambosk.

To date, there is no evidence that has been provided to me that would lead anyone to a conclusion that there is reason to believe the complaint is true. Undersheriff Rambosk appears to have exercised due care in performing his duties well within the law and Agency policy.

One element of the complaint questions whether the Undersheriffs of the various Sheriff's Offices of the State of Florida would be permitted to appear in uniform at a political function or a function that may become political by his/her mere presence. According to the State Elections Office, such a full time, 24/7 member of a Sheriff's Office may unequivocally appear in uniform, with the approval of the Sheriff. Such attire permits the member to be prepared to carry out the many and various duties of the Office of Sheriff within our jurisdiction. I have already responded to this complaint (I have attached my letter addressing that complaint) and I construe the complaint and this attempt to allude to the previous complaint as frivolous. This attempt to mislead the public with distortion can't continue.

Undersheriff Rambosk has sought advice on what is permissible, both from me and from the state Elections Office. He has been extraordinarily careful, which is his nature.

The complaint has also alleged that members of the Agency attended a meeting in Golden Gate in uniform and while operating Agency vehicles. I was told prior to this meeting that the meeting was billed as a community association meeting to meet the candidates. I am unaware of any member attending that meeting in uniform other than perhaps the district lieutenant assigned to that district whom I require to attend such meetings. His attendance is limited to answering any questions that may arise from homeowners / community members that are specific to his duties. He is not authorized to nor is there any evidence that has been offered to suggest that he acted in any political fashion. Fortunately, there was a digital record (audio and video) made of this meeting that has been provided to me for my review. This review of the record did not disclose ANY violation as suggested by Mr. Ortino. Instead the video suggests that there were many supporters present for Undersheriff Rambosk, but it appears that members were off-duty and not in Agency uniforms.

The sign violation that is complained on appears to be in relation to a code violation that was reported by the Agency. Recording the violation digitally or taking evidence of the violation is a part of the investigative process. The complaint by Mr. Ortino that he was singled out for violation seems to be rebutted by evidence. Our enforcement action appears to be consistent with our regular duty performance as provided by law. I understand that only Mr. Ortino's signs were left in a condition of violation after the event. All other candidates had removed their signs once the event ended. Such Agency action is consistent with our practices.

Finally, there is no evidence known nor offered to substantiate that members of the Agency have been pressured to support a particular candidate. I have been a candidate in five political campaigns and in each one such false allegations were alluded to without substantiation and on the premise that to document the alleged pressure would expose members of the Agency to retribution. There is no reason to suspect that Mr. Ortino's suggestions are true. He has the burden of proving such an allegation and this can only be accomplished under oath. Floating such conspiracy theories without substantiation is a scurrilous tactic that I had hoped had lost its appeal with today's candidates who seek the public's trust.

I thank the Undersheriff for being meticulous and careful about the manner he conducts his campaign. I encourage him to continue to do so. I believe that Undersheriff Rambosk and my fellow Agency members are fully compliant with both the spirit and intent of the law and I will continue to hold this position unless convinced there is sufficient evidence to the contrary. I would encourage the public to do the same."

Don Hunter, Sheriff, Collier County