Spence-Jones Files Suit Against Miami's Mayor, State Attorney
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones, who was acquitted of corruption charges last year, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against those who accused her of wrongdoing.
The suit names Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado, State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Assistant State Attorney Richard Scruggs, and an SAO investigator.
In the 106-page complaint, there are sixteen claims of fabrication and concealment of evidence, false arrest, malicious prosecution, civil rights conspiracy, and violations of the First Amendment, Fourth Amendment.
The suit also alleges that Regalado, Rundle and others conspired against her which is a violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
"For nearly two long, lonely years, Michelle fought to defend her liberty and her good name," said Spence-Jones legal counsel Ilann M. Maazel in a statement. "Now we can finally begin the road to accountability and justice."
Spence-Jones was suspended from office in 2009 following allegations of grand theft and corruption.
Earlier this year, Spence-Jones was acquitted at trial on charges that she had solicited a $25,000 bribe from a prominent developer. Five months after the acquittal, unrelated grand theft charges were dropped against her.
