Update: Hillsborough County's longtime tax collector has admitted to violating state ethics law and signed a proposed agreement on Dec. 20 to pay a $4,000 fine.
Doug Belden did not seek reelection because of health issues and retired this week. Democrat Nancy Millan was sworn in as his successor on Tuesday.
Alma Gonzalez, an attorney and state committeewoman with the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, filed the complaint in 2019.
In the signed agreement, dated Jan. 4, Belden admitted "to using email resources to secure a special favor for himself concerning his re-election bid."
In an emailed statement to the I-Team, Belden said in part, "I'm proud of my 22 years of public service to the people of this community."
The statement went on to say, "I treated every tax dollar entrusted to me as if it were my own."
Gonzalez told the I-Team she's grateful to the ethics commission.
"Their actions prove that no matter how powerful a man thinks he is, no one is above the law."
If the Florida Commission on Ethics adopts the settlement agreement when it meets March 5, it'll then go to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval.
Back on Sept. 16, the ethics commission issued an order making its ruling from the Sept. 13 probable cause hearing public:
The Florida Commission on Ethics ruled in a hearing on Friday that there is probable cause to move forward, rather than dismiss an ethics complaint lodged against Hillsborough County Tax Collector Doug Belden.
In June, the I-Team was the first to report on an investigation into the complaint against the elected official, accused of violating state ethics laws.
19154 Joint Stipulation by ABC Action News on Scribd
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Longtime Hillsborough Tax Collector under investigation for ethics violations
Alma Gonzalez, an attorney and state committee woman with the Hillsborough County Democratic Party, filed a complaint with the ethics commission last year.
The complaint alleges Belden violated two state statutes, including using his position to secure a political favor. The complaint also alleges Belden sent Gonzalez messages saying he could use his "influence" to help her obtain employment with a private law firm.
When Gonzalez spoke with the I-Team in June, she said the meetings Belden wanted to schedule came with a condition.
"To get me to agree that he would not have a Democratic opponent in his upcoming re-election bid, and when I did not submit to his will, then he resorted to threatening me and my family," said Gonzalez.
The complaint included an email Gonzalez said Belden sent her, saying in part, "I have helped people in Tampa and I have destroyed people in Tampa."
The message went on today, "Hopefully you understand what I am saying. As long as you try to run someone against me there is no reason to meet."
In June, Belden told ABC Action News as part of a statement, "While I regret that the complaint misconstrued my motives, I maintain that the complaint is without merit."
Since the time the complaint says emails were sent -- between July 22, 2019 and August 2019 -- Belden has announced he will not seek re-election, due to medical issues.
After Friday's hearing found probable cause, Belden told I-Team Investigator Kylie McGivern, “I am disappointed, however I am not angry or have ill feelings against anyone. The final conclusion has not been determined. The constituents of Hillsborough County know that I have run an exemplary office for 22 years and have helped many people in my life and have never asked for anything in return. That is the most important thing to me.”
When the commission finds probable cause to believe there is a violation of ethics laws, there are two options -- a settlement agreement or a hearing to present evidence.
If the commission determines someone broke state ethics laws, it may recommend civil penalties. This can include removing someone from office and fines up to $10,000 per violation.
The I-Team reached out to Gonzalez for comment, but has not yet heard back.
