Florida Governor suspends Hialeah Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco over federal fraud charges
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hialeah Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco on Tuesday.
- Pacheco was suspended following her arrest and federal fraud indictment.
- The councilwoman called for an investigation into the situation.
In a recent development, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken the decision to suspend Hialeah Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco following her arrest and indictment on federal fraud charges. The suspension comes after Pacheco claimed she was not informed by either the governor's office or the city about the decision. She has alleged that the move to suspend her is a tactic by Mayor Esteban Bovo to silence her, placing blame on the Hialeah government for any consequences she may face. Angelica Pacheco, who currently serves as a member of the City Council of Hialeah, Florida representing Group IV, was indicted by a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida on June 18, 2024, for Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud. The Florida Constitution and relevant statutes empower the Governor to suspend any elected municipal officer indicted for a federal felony, leading to the immediate suspension of Pacheco from her public office as City of Hialeah City Councilmember, Group IV. Governor DeSantis, in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, issued an Executive Order citing the indictment of Angelica Pacheco on federal felonies as the basis for her suspension from office. The order highlights the necessity of the suspension in the best interests of the residents of Hialeah and the citizens of Florida. The decision to suspend Pacheco underscores the legal framework allowing for such actions in cases of elected officials facing serious criminal charges. The suspension of Angelica Pacheco marks a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding her federal fraud charges. As the situation unfolds, questions arise regarding the implications for the City of Hialeah and its governance, with the suspended councilwoman's allegations of political motives adding a layer of complexity to the case. The impact of this suspension on local politics and the future of Pacheco's role in public office remains to be seen as the legal process continues.