Arrest of ex-Palm Bay official Isnardi could have political implications in city, county government

Fallout from Friday's arrest of former Palm Bay Deputy City Manager Dave Isnardi has the potential to shake up the political landscape of the city and the county.

While Isnardi was not an elected official, others mentioned in the arrest warrants for Isnardi and a second defendant in the case are current and former members of the Palm Bay City Council. They have not been charged in the case, but some of the allegations mentioned in the warrants are salacious, including ones involving drugs and prostitutes.

"It certainly has the potential of being pretty disruptive of normal city business," said Aubrey Jewett, a political science professor at the University of Central Florida in Orlando.

More:Former Palm Bay deputy manager Dave Isnardi arrested, charged with racketeering, other felonies

More:Isnardi, Aguiar denied bond for charges of racketeering, other felonies

The political fallout potentially could spread to county government as well. Isnardi's wife is Brevard County Commission Chair Kristine Isnardi, who would be up for re-election as District 5 commissioner in 2020, if she decides to seek a second term. 

Dave Isnardi, 59, faces charges related to racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit extortion and conspiracy to possess controlled substances, including oxycodone.

The other defendant arrested Friday, Jose Aguiar, 48, a local businessman, was charged with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering.

Warrants detail allegations of plans to plant drugs in the car of a Palm Bay City Council member in hopes that council member would be arrested; and of using a hidden camera to produce a video of council members having sex with prostitutes. The warrants allege that this was part of a scheme designed to get favorable votes on the City Council, partly related to business interests of the defendants.  

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said in a statement that FDLE agents in 2017 "found that Aguiar and Isnardi had an ongoing pattern of criminal activities. Agents determined that Aguiar … sought to control Palm Bay’s city government and influence votes for his benefit."

"That's not a flattering picture to paint of city officials," Jewett said.

Political leaders react

Brevard Republican Executive Committee Chair Rick Lacey said he believes the allegations will have "a major effect on local politics" and on future elections involving people tied to the case.

"The voters will probably take a close look at the evidence," as the case plays out, Lacey said.

Lacey said the county Republican committee doesn't "tolerate any form of corruption or shenanigans in government."

In responding to the arrests, Brevard Democratic Executive Committee Chair Stacey Patel said she hoped "our law enforcement and judicial systems are able to get to the bottom of this matter quickly and impartially. Given the many connections between the defendants and local government officials, it is especially important to avoid both real and perceived conflicts of interest, as these cases move forward." 

Patel said the allegations, if true, represent "a dangerous break of public trust and confidence in our government that must be addressed."

Florida Rep. Randy Fine had requested a top-to-bottom financial audit of Palm Bay's city finances in the summer of 2017. The audit was approved by the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee in late 2017, and the audit by Florida's Auditor General began in early 2018. 

Fine said he expects the audit to be completed this summer, and judging by the length of time it has taken, he expects significant findings.

In commenting Saturday on the latest developments in Palm Bay, Fine said: "I think the whole thing is very sad and very disturbing."

Florida Sen. Debbie Mayfield on Saturday said the allegations raised in the warrants trouble her. Mayfield said she will ask Florida officials if the state could assume any additional role in getting to the bottom of what's going on in Palm Bay government.

She wants to assure that business dealings in Palm Bay government are aboveboard.

Additionally, Mayfield said, she hopes this case will help persuade voters to more carefully examine political candidates to be sure they are not tied to special interests and to make sure to consider "character issues" when casting their ballots.

Fine's House district and Mayfield's Senate district both includes Palm Bay, Brevard County's most populous city.

Susan MacManus, a distinguished professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Florida in Tampa, said, should the allegations be true, "it just re-enforces the negative image people have about elected officials. Trust in government is a big issue."

Seeking to stay focused

Palm Bay City Manager Lisa Morrell issued a statement Friday afternoon to city employees that urged them to remain committed to their work on behalf of the city.

"In light of recent allegations surrounding Palm Bay, I want to remind employees of the term 'steadfast.'" Morrell said in her statement. "We, as employees, must remain focused and firm in our mission and goals in the service of our residents, constituents, partners and local businesses."

Morrell said she had "complete confidence in the ability of Palm Bay’s employees to remain steadfast in the service of our community." She indicated to employees that "your work and commitment is valued, and that your expertise is needed as we work together to ensure Palm Bay continues to grow and thrive."

Tom Gaume, who ran unsuccessfully for Palm Bay City Council in 2018 and plans to run for Palm Bay mayor in 2020, said he believes the allegations made in the affidavits indicate that "we have a leadership problem" in city government.

Gaume plans to bring up the issue at the next City Council meeting, adding that council members "owe the public an explanation."

The current mayor, William Capote, who cannot seek re-election in 2020 because of term limits, said it is "too premature" to determine what impact the case might have on city government.

But Capote added that Palm Bay has "a totally different administration" than the City Hall leadership team when Isnardi was employed by the city.

Capote said he wants to move the city forward, under the leadership of Morrell.

Morrell became city manager after the firing of then-City Manager Gregg Lynk in November, by a 3-2 vote of the City Council.

Palm Bay City Councilman Kenny Johnson, who was elected in November, said: “I’ll let the justice system focus on what they have to do, and I’ll just focus on the city. … All the allegations surprised me.”

His fellow councilman, Brian Anderson, said: “At this point, I’m just waiting for all the facts to come in.” 

Anderson declined to comment on what the potential political fallout might be in the city from the allegations against current city officials.

“It’s too early for any of that,” Anderson said.

County connections

At the county level, meanwhile, County Commission Chair Kristine Isnardi has not been implicated or mentioned in the arrest warrants.

Her husband's attorney for the initial court action was Bryan Lober, who is the vice chair of the County Commission, although Lober indicated in court documents that his participation will be limited to the preliminary stage of the case.

Lober has advised the Isnardis not to discuss the case with the news media.

Lober contends that the case "should have no impact whatsoever" on county government.

"My helping Dave is utterly separate and distinct from my service on the County Commission," Lober said. "Moreover, Kristine was never alleged to have even so much as known about the supposed actions of Dave — let alone have had any involvement. I am sure there are those who will seek to weaponize this against Kristine, but there is no legitimate basis whatsoever to do so."

Asked about the potential impact on Kristine Isnardi's role as County Commission chair, Lober said it is "not my place to speak as to Kristine's political inclinations, and, frankly, I don't plan on even asking her about that, as this matter is wholly unrelated to my service on the County Commission."

County Commissioner Curt Smith would not speculate on the potential impact on county government.

"Right now, my head is still swimming, trying to grasp the events of the last two days," Smith said.

Smith said Kristine Isnardi understandably is going through a difficult time now.

"It's a traumatic event in her life," Smith said.

FLORIDA TODAY staff writer Jim Waymer contributed to this report.

Dave Berman is government editor at FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Berman at 321-242-3649

or dberman@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @bydaveberman

Facebook:  /dave.berman.54

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