Controversial corruption investigation

In 23 years in office, Charlie Wells became the most powerful figure in Manatee County as it bloomed into a popular bedroom community for many who work in Tampa and St. Petersburg. By the time he retired a year ago this week, Wells was among the most influential of the state's 67 sheriffs. And by far the richest.

His 2007 financial disclosure statement showed a net worth of $8-million — a long way from his days as a $425-a-month trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol.

The story on the feds' investigation of the politically connected Wells is here.

Comments

I was very disturbed by this article. If this guy is so bad he should be asked to resign from the Florida Supreme Court as well.

What political party does he belong to?

Read the story- Wells is a Republican and a good friend of former GOP Gov Jeb Bush. Another Republican office holder who got rich in office? SHOCKED I SAY!

He's also a friend of Charlie Crist!!!

[Clyde]

Yet another story of political corruption in Florida. Yawn.
Nothing is going to change as long as the oligarchs are running things.

I'm sure it's merely a coincidence that nothing happened at the state or federal level when the Bushes came into office.

All of the Jeb Bush tenured leaders are corrupt. Corrption flourished under jebs tenure. Every Jeb Bush tenured leader should be asked to resign immediately

what an embarassment

i'm waiting for the part where he kicked "colored' prisioners out of his squad car in a deserted area at midnight, made them run away from him and shot them in the back

"them boys was excapin'!

with their hands still cuffed behind them!

a la willis mccall, leading lake county REPIGLICAN law enforcement official of a few decades ago!!

"ah'm a lawnoder sherff!"

VOTE REPIGLICAN!!!!

SPT sensationalism!!! What does this article say?? Nothing except accusations. Sorry excuse for a newspaper.

...more like a sorry excuse for a Republican sheriff

Corruption at its worst!!. Everyone knows that like will all real corruption, its done with verbal aggrements so paper-trails are not usually existent, but the resulting action are obvious. This type of activity is what undermine Americas true democracy even more than any outside enemy ever can. People like the sheriff and his family should NOT be rewarded for this. This sends a destructive message to others. The State and Feds should step in here and seize this crooks assets, he should not be allowed to be on any contracts with his previous office, his son should either resign or be in a position that "fits" his experience and tenure and not be promoted above others better qualified and the Governors office should really take a closer look at who they appointed to replace this crooked sheriff if this person judgement is so flawed as to give the crooked sheriff a contract and over promote his son. This is DISGUSTING!!!.

Viva Ken Jenne!

.... This former Sheriff Charlie Wells is NOT the same as Justice Wells of the Fla. Supreme Court....

Those who post (10:16) should research a little further and be careful with direct accusations and calling for a resignation. A state Supreme Court Justice with the same name does not deserve such an ill-informed slam!!!

Viva all the corrupt Jebites!

I'm shocked! A long-term Sheriff profiting off his position.

This is neither new nor surprising. Look at the long-elected Sheriffs in north Florida and this'll look like child's play. Only different is the amount of money and that ain't much different.

Viva Bo Johnson

There was a story about Marco Rubio and his house note. Anyone pick up on that?

[Sally]

Adam - I double dog dare you ... explain to me how a PUBLIC servant earns a net worth of $8 million?

how is the real estate business in manatee? what's their tax rate? what other "business" was this guy doing while supposedly working for the public?

And as Sheriff, his patrols were giving crack to informants? come on Adam, you can do better than this.

And tell me what he does for Vern Buchanan again? make it easy for us to understand ... okay, Adam? we're counting on you.

There was a story about Marco Rubio and his house note. Anyone pick up on that?

Yeah, he bought a house at pre-construction prices... by the time the home was completed, he was able to get a home equity loan. Now he probably owes more than it is worth because of declining property values... like a lot of other people in Florida.

Eight million net worth after 23 years in office???

How much did the wife make selling the police records?

[ForLaw]

Interesting that the SPT chooses this time to print an article on something so stale. What motive could their be?

[Buzzard]

The main editorial in yesterday's (Sunday) Tampa paper should be required reading for everyone who thinks public employees aren't paid enough.

So where si the corruption? The ehadline is sooo misleading. The story did not connect the net worth with the public service OR his wife. How does the newspaper think the net worth occurred? it doesnt say!

EHAT A FRICKIN WASTE OF SPACE AND MY TIME! ADAM, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!!!

[Dander UP!]

So where is the corruption? The headline is sooo misleading. The story did not connect the net worth with the public servant OR his wife. How does the newspaper think the net worth occurred? it doesnt say!

WHAT A FRICKIN WASTE OF SPACE AND MY TIME! ADAM, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!!!

[Robby]

And Vern Buchanan hired this guy? Wonder what he's hiding in banks off the coast of Florida/USA?

After reading the other article ... why would anyone make the Wells couple "partners" without a bit of money put at stake? they made no investment.

What Did Vern and the Sheiff promise these "investors" and how many of those homes are occupied and not in foreclosure now?

What part does Vern Buchanan own in this "venture"?

[voxy]

Did he have his sheriffs run citizens off the interstate in pursuit of scaring them out of their VALUABLE property in the gambling district??

Is this what they are learning at those sheriff conventions they're always conveniently OUT OF TOWN FOR?

Did charlie show you the way, david gee???
Or was that your dumptruck developer friend???

[Don Mott]

Teflon Charlie did pretty well for himself.

[Todd]

I Think the Gov. Crist should re visit why he appt Brad Stuebe as the Sheriff's sucessor. This department is suffering alot of internal issues. I think Ex Col Pearson was forced out because of Charlie's plan with Steube. It also varifiable that Charlie did not conduct a proper investigation regarding Holland and Knight through his Attorney's. I think the only person to correct the inter office problem is someone who knows the problems. I will support Ken Pearson as sheriff and I will strongly advised Ken to have the FHP Former MAJOR who settled her discrimination law suit for 525,000 to be his second in command. We need people in this agency who are going to be known for doing the right thing at the right time for all the right reasons.

Charlie Wells and the "incestuous 1,000" have killed or made insane anyone who has gotten in their way of corruption. conspiracy, and drug dealing ....do the homework.....go back on people who have opposed him throughout Charlie Wells Career.

Charlie wells is a killer! He will kill anyone that goes on the record against him.... The FBI will not bring Wells to justice....why??????

"Bullet to the brain"...isnt that right Charlie Wells?

His organized crime unit is more dangerous than Fidel Castro in the mid 1960's and the DOJ pretends that nothing happened all those years...RIGHT!!!!

The FBI pretended the was no Italian Mafia just like the Department of Justice pretends Charlie Wells is a choir Boy....

[Fromer Bradentuckyian]

This article just touches the surface. CW's involvment in drugs and other crimes are well known on the streets of Bradenton. The FBI would love to get him, at least that is what one of the local agents told me, but they can not.