Mayor accused of molestation loses election

The mayor of Mascotte lost a bid for re-election Tuesday, hours after he was released from custody on molestation charges, the Associated Press reports.

Jeff Krull, 66, received 31.64 percent of the votes, compared to the 68.36 percent challenger Feliciano ''Felix'' Ramirez received, according to the Lake County Supervisor of Elections.

A message left for Krull by the Associated Press on Tuesday night was not immediately returned.

Krull was charged Monday with six counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and one count of showing lewd and lascivious material to a minor. It's believed the alleged victims went to Krull's house to use his computer, police Chief Steve Allen said.

After his arrest, Krull complained of chest pains and was taken to South Lake Hospital, where he spent the night in the intensive care unit.

''What happened with my opponent is a very unfortunate situation, but I believe that that didn't have any impact on the outcome,'' Ramirez told the Associated Press. "I do know everywhere I went, I had a positive and encouraging response.''

Sgt. John Herrell said Krull was able to post $65,000 bail while he was still at the hospital.

''I fully expect to be exonerated of the false accusations,'' Krull said. "They are contrived allegations against the mayor to break on the day before elections so that he would be discredited in the eyes of the people. I feel it is an attempt of an adversary to discredit me.''

City Manager Marge Strausbaugh said Krull would remain mayor for at least two more weeks.

Krull was elected to the City Council in 2002 and became mayor in 2006, according to the city's Web site.

Mascotte, a city of about 5,000, is about 35 miles west of Orlando.