Keith O'Connor, director of the City of Tampa Code Enforcement Department, was terminated on 2/12 after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) accused him of colluding with his subordinate, Aubrey Pierce, to evade legal obligations.

The investigation revealed that Pierce won a USD 20,000 lottery prize and asked O'Connor to collect it on his behalf. Pierce owed child support payments following his divorce and feared the winnings would be seized by authorities if he claimed them himself.

O'Connor's misconduct was discovered coincidentally during an investigation into Pierce for alleged bribery related to illegal dumping on public land. While examining Pierce's messages and phone history for that investigation, police found communications between the suspect and O'Connor regarding the winning lottery ticket.

Keith O'Connor at a press conference in downtown Tampa in 2016. Photo: Tampa Bay Times

Although the FDLE referred the case to prosecutors, they decided not to criminally charge O'Connor due to insufficient evidence for a conviction. Nevertheless, he was terminated for violating professional ethics. "Our organization is built on professionalism, accountability, and integrity. The community deserves the highest standards from city officials, especially those in leadership positions", Tampa Mayor Jane Castor stated.

Aubrey Pierce, hired by the City of Tampa Code Enforcement Department in 2/2023, was arrested in 8/2023 on multiple charges, including bribery, illegal hazardous waste disposal, and theft. Pierce had faced multiple theft allegations before joining the city government.

In 2013, Pierce wrote a letter to a judge requesting release, citing a job waiting for him in the city of Tampa "thanks to the help of Major Keith O'Connor", who was then working for the police department.

By Thanh Danh (According to NY Post, Tampa Bay Times)