TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The State Attorney's Office has finished its review into sexual misconduct allegations against former Senator Jack Latvala.
In a letter released Thursday, State Attorney Jack Campbell writes that the office has finished its review of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's investigative reports concerning the allegations.
Campbell writes that his office agreed with FDLE's findings that there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Latvala was unlawfully compensated or rewarded as a Florida senator.
"Since criminal charges are not warranted," Campbell wrote, "this office will take no further action on the matter."
You can view the full statement here:
"Dear Inspector Riddick,This office has reviewed the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigative reports and exhibits concerning allegations against former Senator Jack Latvala. Specifically, whether actions during his relationship with former lobbyist L.M. violated section 838.016, Florida Statutes. This statute prohibits unlawful compensation or reward for official behavior. The law and facts established were reviewed by a team of our senior prosecutors. We agree with FDLE's conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Latvala was unlawfully compensated or rewarded for his official behavior as a Florida senator. Since criminal charges are not warranted, this office will take no further action on the matter.
Sincerely,
Jack Campbell
FDLE began its investigation after complaints that Latvala inappropriately touched a female Florida lobbyist on several occasions and may have broken the law by offering his support for legislation in exchange for sex acts.
Reports say that on December 19, 2017, the Florida lobbyist in question provided the Tallahassee Police Department with allegations of criminal activity against Latvala. The complaint included an investigation by former Judge Ronald Swanson who recommended that the allegations be investigated by law enforcement.
The next day, TPD referred the reports to FDLE and the Office of Executive Investigations (OEI) for further investigation.
The lobbyist claimed that she and Latvala had a sexual relationship and claimed he let her know multiple times that if he allowed her to touch her in a sexual manner, he would support particular legislative items that she was lobbying.
According to the investigative documents, the lobbyist claimed she and Latvala started their relationship in early 1998 and continued for three years. The lobbyist claimed the last time Latvala "accosted" her was in 2017.
When FDLE interviewed Latvala in April 2018, he described his affair with the lobbyist as a "very casual relationship" that had gone on for the "last twenty years." He said they met in 1995.
However, Latvala denied having sex with the lobbyist in his Senate office during his last eight years of serving as a legislator. He said that he didn't force himself on her at any point, noting that she never told him that they "shouldn't do this."
He also denied ever helping the lobbyist in her lobbying endeavors in return for sexual favors.
In the end, FDLE found no evidence to indicate that Latvala used his influence as a Florida Senator to aid the lobbyist in exchange for a continuing sexual relationship.
