TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Former City Manager Rick Fernandez is set to appear in a hearing Friday morning before the Florida Ethics Commission.
Prosecutors have recommended that he be charged with violating state ethics laws, but first they would have to prove probable cause.
WTXL ABC 27's Karah Bailey offered a recap of what led to today's events and what we can expect from the hearing.
Fernandez will appear before the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee at 10 a.m. to determine probable cause for complaints from last year.
Erwin Jackson filed complaints against the then-city manager in 2017, stating that Fernandez accepted a nearly $5,000 discount from a city-backed restaurant to help pay for his daughter's wedding.
Jackson's complaint states that Fernandez arranged city employment for the employee who helped secure the discount.
Additionally, it alleges he also asked for and accepted Florida State football tickets from lobbyist Adam Corey.
The Tallahassee City Independent Ethics Board reprimanded Fernandez for his decisions.
Jackson will be called to speak at 10 a.m.
The ethics board will decide the case by majority rule.
If the board finds no probable cause, the case will be dismissed.
If they determine probable cause, Fernandez can fight the charges with an administrative law judge or enter into a settlement agreement.
Probable cause hearings are usually closed to the public.
