Lee County Sheriff Marceno embezzled funds, leaked audio claims

In a recording leaked by an election observer, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno is accused, among other things, of misusing county funds to finance a Mercedes for his father.

Michael Hollow, Marceno's challenger in the upcoming election, told the News-Press that he recorded a phone call between himself and Lee County Honorary Deputy Ken Romano. Hollow said Romano was aware that the call was being recorded for the purpose of turning it over to authorities.

In the phone call, Marceno is accused of a money laundering scheme through which he allegedly stole high-value items, including his father's car.

Hollow said he met with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office in May. The FBI would not confirm or deny whether it was investigating the case, which Florida Trident originally reported on.

What you should know:

Marceno is said to have diverted money from the salary of an honorary MP to finance his father's Mercedes

Marceno reportedly appointed Ken Romano, a Fort Myers jeweler, as an honorary deputy and hired him as a department consultant. Romano received $4,000 a month, without work, starting in January 2022.