BRADENTON, Fla. — After reviewing multiple complaints, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office has recommended that criminal charges be filed against former County Administrator Dr. Scott Hopes.
Deputies said they launched an investigation after Hopes was the subject of multiple complaints they received in February — the same month Hopes resigned from his position. The sheriff's office did not detail exactly what Hopes is accused of but said the complaints allege violations of Florida’s public records, theft and notary laws.
Charges have been recommended and investigation materials have been forwarded to the state attorney's office for review.
Manatee County deputies confirmed to WWSB that the complaints were in reference to Hopes' county-issued cell phone and tablet, the news station reports.
Hopes was officially hired as the Manatee County administrator in April 2021 and led the county through its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, he took a leadership role in the county's handling of the wastewater emergency at the former Piney Point phosphate plant. Hopes also helped prepare Manatee County for the arrival of Hurricane Ian back in September 2022.
The former Manatee County administrator abruptly resigned from his position in February of 2023. There was no reason given for his departure, but the separation agreement said Hopes left "in good standing in all relevant respects," according to WWSB.
Hopes received a severance payment worth 120 days of pay, six months of health benefits and a year of deferred compensation, according to prior reporting from Florida Politics. He earned $215,000 a year as county administrator.
10 Tampa Bay has reached out to the state attorney's office for comment and is waiting to hear back.