Sheriff Al Lamberti Hit With Ethics Complaint Over Super Bowl

• Nice work JAD. I would love to have you on the team as we go about exposing the BSO execs for inexcusable and corrupt behavior across the board.

• Me too. Don't see it used much lately. Seems so appropriate for these events.

• He Drew 1st Blood -- You may want to read Bob Norman’s article, dated January 20, 2011, titled “UPDATED: Sheriff Lamberti Needs to Come Clean on Son’s Super Bowl Dream,” which contained information and a link that referred the reader to an Elgin Jones article with more information. What was revealed in the articles is that the Broward County Auditor (a position arranged under art. IV of the Broward County Charter), in the person of Evan A. Lukic, conducted an audit, in March of that Super Bowl year, of the BSO’s Office of Special Detail, which normally handles ALL off-duty work assignments for deputies -- however, the county’s auditing office had not been informed of any separate operations or the VIP detail operation -- and so, without knowledge of the scheme, the county auditor never audited the Broward County Sheriff’s scheme involving the Super Bowl detail (even though recognition of spending general treasury funds for law enforcement had been registered under sec. 5.01 of the Broward County Charter). Also, while the county auditor did not discover problems (due to the lack of integrity & incomplete nature of the information provided by BSO), a BSO internal audit of the “regular off-duty work program” uncovered numerous problems with that (Form 45) program. What the BSO audit discovered were glaring examples of “double-dipping” -- when some deputies (were paid extra income while they) worked details even though they had been scheduled and were paid to be on their regular jobs, when some deputies (were paid extra income while they) worked details on sick leave, and when some deputies (were paid extra income while they) worked details while they were receiving worker’s compensation pay-outs for disabling injuries that these deputies had verified were incurred on-the-job. In addition, there seemed to be problems in the payments made for pension contributions. You failed to mention that the Super Bowl VIP detail (WAS NOT MANAGED BY THE OFFICE OF SPECIAL DETAIL, but) had been organized & managed by (David Boies’ daughter’s husband & special friend of Circuit Court Judge Gisele Pollack) Executive Director of BSO’s Department of Law Enforcement Colonel Rick Frey. Maybe there are other schemes that you may not be able to relate that Rick Frey managed to keep off the public’s books. Who knows how much money has been skimmed in an operation that even the county auditor can not figure!!! The information you gave about Captain Robert Schnakenberg’s reliance on using the blame game reminded me of Ron Book. Jim DeFede documented the scheme in a New Times article, dated November 9, 1995, titled “The continuing success of lobbyist Ron Book: Perverse proof of how much lawmakers need lawbreakers.” Jim DeFede did an excellent job in showing certain foibles & acts of criminality of Ron Book. He was also able to reveal how some of his schemes operated. This is the way that the scheme (Schnakenberg has engaged) operated, when Ron Book used it: First, the charge (made by an assistant state attorney who was handling a separate Opa-locka bribery investigation against Ron Book) was said to be “Book was also charged with misdemeanor perjury for filing a sworn statement he knew to be false.” Then, “As a defense against the misdemeanor perjury charge, for instance, Book contended that his secretary had violated the rules governing her status as a notary public by failing to swear him in before he filled out and signed the claim. If he hadn’t been duly sworn in, Book reasoned, he couldn’t have committed perjury on the claim form.” Does this tripe work????? Is this going to be the Schnakenberg defense??? Will the Ron Book defense, used in Dade County, work in the same way for Schnakenberg, in Broward County? It may well depend on the State Attorney in the jurisdiction to see if charges are brought, and if a State Attorney dismisses the charges or the assigned judge gives the case special treatment. Schnakenberg may be using the ploy that is supposed to work (because it is supposed to be assumed that no-one has ever seen this defense before and so his position must be given a wide leeway). Back in 1986 – 1988, there was some definite legal wrangling going on (with Circuit Court Judge Ralph Person in the 11th circuit as well as Janet Reno’s Dade County State Attorney’s office) to dismiss all the charges (and eventually the outcome of the prosecution’s case) brought against Ron Book. However, there was a lone prosecutor who could see through all of the b*llsh*t. This gentleman is the same individual who stands with John Gillies today -- his name is Larry LaVecchio. This is what transpired, after Ron Book used his defense to try to blame his secretary -- “The move infuriated investigators, who saw it as a cowardly attempt by Book to protect himself by endangering his secretary, who could have been criminally charged with misuse of a notary seal. Instead of arresting the secretary, however, prosecutor LaVecchio filed a new charge against Book -- “uttering a forged instrument.” In his hasty effort to avoid responsibility, prosecutors argued, Book had admitted he sent the insurance company an affidavit he knew hadn’t been properly sworn. Moreover, the new charge wasn’t a misdemeanor, it was a felony.” That move by the ASA prosecuting the case should have sealed the deal, and it probably would have if his boss would have been a man named Gillies instead of a man named Reno. Although the case brought by then Assistant State Attorney Larry LaVecchio had been hamstrung, this stellar attorney accomplished what he had set out to do, which was to prove the criminality of (another lawyer) Ron Book and to expose Ron Book’s deception in a role where this licensed-lawyer-Book (with knowledge of the manner to misuse the law -- but where-oh-where was the Florida bar?) could get away with putting the blame on his own secretary for his own crimes. The ASA had to accept what was done to his case by his superior and the esquired lawyer now titled “Your Honor.” So, “On December 5, 1988, Book finally pleaded no contest to a single misdemeanor count of submitting a falsely notarized affidavit. Judge Person withheld formal adjudication, which meant Book would have no criminal record from the affair.” Btw -- the New Times Jim DeFede article had documented another scheme, that authorities started investigating around 1994. That particular scheme was an enterprise which was the exact same as that which Scott Rothstein (of the law firm Rothstein Rosenfeeldt & Adler) got many in his law firm to participate. In that 1995 article, (Florida-bar-licensed-lawyer) Ron Book’s role in the enterprise was described as “The attorney had asked Stipp to write a bunch of checks to various political candidates, and then the attorney reimbursed her . . . Stipp then told investigators this practice had been going on for years, and that she wasn’t the only one Book had asked to write checks; she provided the names of five other secretaries in the office.” With this matter, the State Attorney, that was supposed to properly handle the matter, was the democrat, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, and the circuit court judge was Catherine Pooler. Again, the paid mouthpieces lawyering for Ron Book, also a lawyer, were allowed to stage a coup against what were being treated as simpleton investigators, by using the influence of a higher authority. However, it didn’t go down lightly. “FDLE officials were upset because, they claim, they had not been properly notified in advance that a deal was being cut. If they had been notified, they would have objected to the charges and penalties as being too lenient. FDLE Commissioner Tim Moore says he has asked the U.S. Attorney’s Office to review the evidence to determine if any federal charges might be applied. According to law enforcement sources familiar with Book’s case, the federal prosecutor who has been assigned to review the material is none other than Larry LaVecchio.” OK. FDLE was played. Lavecchio knows that he also has been played. Now, they have another bite of the apple -- but this time it is in Broward County, not Dade County (although the corruption is probably much more ingrained in Broward). What’s that Rick Scott saying. Oh yeah -- “LET’S GET TO WORK.” Maybe, just maybe, the second time around will be the charm.

• Snakenberg is the worst of the worst and unfortunately has been supported by his 2 upper bosses because it was convenient to have a fool in their grasp. His wise mouth, lack of true talent and committment has devestated CID and he thinks it is funny or a sign of his personal power. He insults women and demeans the men who he thinks won't instantly knock his teeth out. Every word out of his mouth is a lie or a bragging bit of BS about his fondness for anal sex porn sites. Fact: He can only feel good about himself when demeaning others. He married some money, like his immediate superior, and thinks it bought him class and smarts and experience and immunity. Wrong on all counts.His value to his ranking buddies has only been that he is always willing and corrupt enough to do the things all the decent cops would never do. Such as giving plum assignments to the colonel's kid, and arranging false LEO credentials for the sheriff. He will trash peoples careers and lives unless he senses that they will play ball with him in his own reckless lifestyle. At this very moment he is trying to sell the idea that he did not do anything wrong and that he did not sign the credential document that was fed to the Feds. He states that his former secretary (now IAD Sgt.) did the paperwork and forged his name on it! Do you get that? That's why he has to get a private lawyer to help again with more big lies. His pals can't and won't help him with this. Rick Riley is too drunk and lazy. Rick Frey is tired and looking for the highest paying way out. Snake is on his own for the first time and is folding like the punk he is. Too bad he couldn't keep his wise ass mouth shut some months ago.

• whats up cunt

• Apparently Rosamelnavo you are concerned when so many are tired of Lamberti & his entourage that maybe, just maybe we are right & YOUR free ride will come to a grinding halt?? The term "posers" should be directed at Lamberti, Benjamin, Wheeler since none of them can be called competent. Just for you (given your limited ability to comprehend the truth) I am including the definition... com·pe·tent/ˈkämpətənt/ Adjective1. Having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. 2. (of a person) Efficient and capable

• Thank you so much for sharing that. It is good to hear that real estate has started to move some. Good luck with your next chapter.

• Listed for 18 months starting $1.7M and sold $1.4

• Wonder why you get pp-d on?? You don't have a life or a clue about whats real. But then again, not many here do. A bunch of jealous posers!! Sad.

• Well, zero intelligence, of that I am sure!

• Ok Lamberti: Please!!!!!!! step down!!!!! You are obviously, not qualified to make safe choices for the public, your own blood, and most importantly the deputies that are starving under your rule. For the sake of the county please resign!!!! I am sure "most" if not all agree!

• No big deal - anyone who keeps Benjamin on the payroll & allows Wheeler to continue as his "Under Sheriff" would assume he is entitled to take his son to the Super Bowl without having pay the price of admission. Why should us lowly peons question this behavior as unethical. As sheriff he is entitled to his dumbass decisions. Besides - Nick's father is "da Sheriff" therefore Nick can be listed as DLE for security purposes - it's all in the family & stupidity is hereditary.

• I'd like to know what you got for the property and how long it was listed on the market. (If I'm not being too inquisitive...)

• I like the term "elite deviance", KP. It's a keeper.

• Stick a fork in Lamberti ... he is done. Thank God!

• No racism here, check your facts. 8 armed robberies in quarter mile of my home in 9 months. YOU call that racism??? Fact: black armed MEN!! Problem: All the unethical conduct IS NOT ILLEGAL. THERE WILL BE NO CHARGES EVER... Call your realtors. You will be better served>>>

• Seems that some things never change unless it is for the worse. Free apple for the cop walking the beat, to invaluable freebies for the Sheriff. It is a big deal, when the people involved don't think it is a big deal. Elite deviance. They actually think rules aren't made for them.

• I still think you're an illiterate ignorant SLUG!

• Disgruntled former employee files lame ethics charges . . . waste of everyone's time. What next? Charges that sending a BSO officr to career day at a local school is some kind of payoff to the teachers' union to support a re-election bid? Once again: lame.

• Thank you for your racist thoughts. Miss you dingbat!

• My friend Rollo Tomasi has asked me to pass along this comment: Speaking of ethics, how long is New Times going to reap mega bucks from Florida's notorious infestation of pain clinics? I dunno.... Maybe it's time you dudes took a look in the two-by-four in your journalistic eyes spawned by the huge profits earned from deadly pill mills versus the stilly football freebie for Sheriff Al's kid.

• Hey you have to be kidding me more super bowl bs it was no big deal,no fouls at all, the only foul i see is that scott lost and the best man one and thats that,i know scott from years ago hitting on girls all over ft laud beach,back in the 80's aresting them one day and trying to date them later,thats right you heard me,he's no good and he lost and he will never win,so get over it.hey scott if your reading this do you remember ellen,selling timesharing on ft laud beach,we'll i'll tell you something keep up the super bowl shit and everyone will hear about what you did back then.you lost scott move on.

• What is Benjamin's current position? Has anyone checked his finances, associates, intelligence level?

• Come on guys-- Lambo wasn't there for security, he was there to watch the game with his son and schmooze with the high rollers in the boxes. He had plenty of Sgts., Lts. and Captains to deal with his duties. If you think he made one law enforcement managment decision that day you are right ---- he decided he was taking the day off with his son to watch a free superbowl. I would love to see even one law enforcement document with his signature relative to the "daily security" at the superbowl. You know if same existed, BSO would be placing them in the public to show Lambo actually did some work. Next year, maybe he will sign some duty rousters and initial some security check lists....(for the records of course). I can't believe this guy thinks this is no big deal. I guess when you do stuff that is so much worse and don't get punished, this does seem quite trivial.

• Obermann hit the nail on the head. Depose Lamberti and ask him one question? In the event of an attack on the grounds, what would he had done first? Immobilize his personnel, or find his son? Of course, Lamberti would have been focused on his son first, as all parents would That's why his lack of judgment requires him to be removed from office. He should be given an opportunity to resign with dignity, or else legally removed from office. This was not a small thing he did. Jeopardizing the event he was responsible for securing, falsifying documents. He is our Sheriff, for God's sake. I applaud DiPerna for speaking up. This town is never going to improve unless we have people like DiPerna, The Pulp, etc. making it so. It was not take your son to work day. You may recall two pilots who let their kids at the wheel of a jet on their watch. Those guys lost their jobs. Lamberti needs to, as well.

• Good to hear you are" Clean like Charlie Sheen " The Blog has a new antiTroll called DISQUS which has pretty much eliminated the Dingbats Wicked Witches Dimwits Anon Troublemakers etc.God Bless you and my sympathy to your new neighbors!!! LOL

• I agree my comment when this first came out was as you said where is Lambertis mind if a deadly biological or chemical agent was set off...His priority would be the safety of his son not on doing his job!!!

• I'm Thankful Al isn't a surgeon and he didn't bring his 15 year old in to help with surgery. Dr. Nick Jr. (Complimentary Dr. initials for the day)

• What would happen to the common taxpayer if he/she falsfied legal documents, gave away a gift that was, to many, perhaps priceless. More important, what about any taxpayer liability that may have come from this kid taking away a position that should have been filled with a professionally trained law enforcement official? Why is law enforcement paid $$$$$$ to be present? Because, in these times of terrorists, there is a clear and present danger that an event as high profile as the Super Bowl could result in horrible terrorist activity. No time or place for a rookie, let alone a 15-year old kid. And, to bring it down to an emotional level...if there had been a serious incident, would the crises have had Sheriff Al's complete attention? Like any loving parent, Al would have been focused on protecting his son. Lamberti needs to resign over this. It was dumb and dangerous, and simply not acceptable.

• Nicky Boy Lamberti will one day make it to the rank of Bad Lieutenant.

• Sold my house on the ICW & relocated to Sarasota, Florida. My mental, emotional health instantly improved by simply removing myself from the horror that is Broward County. In a mere 3 weeks. And my property taxes are half what I paid in BC for twice the house. Good luck fighting for change that will never be.....third world movement in Broward cannot be stopped. Good Luck.

• I'm not sure who had a worse Super Bowl that night , the Lambertis or Peyton Manning.

• wow 2nd

• It was Fraud. Nick was not qualified to run security at a Superbowl. He's a child. Christy BSO0000

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