NBC2 has uncovered documents that show dozens of Lee County sheriff's deputies who gave thousands of dollars to two county commissioners' election campaigns.
Many of those who donated recently received promotions. The news comes on the heels of an FBI investigation into the sheriff.
More than 180 deputies gave money to the campaigns of county commissioners Mike Greenwell and Kevin Ruane, totaling tens of thousands of dollars to help get them re-elected.
The big question is what inspired so many deputies to be so generous.
NBC2 saw the names of 188 deputies who donated to the campaigns all giving various amounts and some giving the maximum $1,000 donation.
The donations were given by captains, sergeants and majors, and many of them recently received promotions.
When the sheriff’s office was asked whether the sheriff or his command staff suggested or instructed deputies to give to the commissioners' campaigns, the sheriff’s office responded, “No statement.”
Commissioner Kevin Ruane responded to the comments.
"I am not aware of any evidence that people may have been pressured to give to my campaign,” Ruane said.
He said he believes and hopes officers gave of their own free will because of his stance on law and order.”
The 188 deputies donated a combined $44,000 to the commissioners.
Commissioner Mike Greenwell said, “I firmly believe and sincerely hope that their contributions were solely based on my principles and record as a county commissioner and that no one was coerced in any way to support me.”
After poring over public campaign donations for three days NBC2 did not find any other law enforcement officer who gave any money at all to the campaigns. At least they didn't list themselves as law enforcement on campaign finance forms.
We’re continuing to investigate what inspired those deputies to contribute.