Lee County Sheriff's deputies are telling NBC2 they felt pressured to give thousands of dollars to help re-elect two county commissioners and the sheriff himself.
We discovered earlier this month that more than 180 deputies who gave to the election campaigns of two commissioners since then deputies have reached out to NBC2 saying they felt pressured to donate.
Both active and retired deputies have been contacting us saying they gave to the political campaigns of the sheriffs and commissioners because they were pressured to do so.
The deputies we spoke with felt not giving could ultimately cost them their jobs and titles.
A total of 188 deputies gave to the campaigns of commissioners Mike Greenwell and Kevin Ruane. Their donations totaled over $44,000.
NBC2 Investigator Dave Elias met behind closed doors with two retired deputies who did not want to go on camera fearing retaliation, however, both confirmed deputies felt pressured to give to local campaigns.
“Yes, all employees felt the need to donate to the sheriff as well as the county commissioners. It was essentially a fear of retaliation if they didn't,” said Deputy #1.
He confirmed that many deputies felt that not giving could mean trouble for them.
“I know 1000% that if deputies did not contribute they felt they would be retaliated against or their assignments would be changed,” Deputy #1 insisted.
Another deputy provided county emails asking people to attend the sheriff's fundraiser and text messages asking how many planned to attend and if they weren't going high ranking officials wanted an explanation on why.
NBC2 went to extra lengths to alter their voices to protect their identities.
Deputy #2 said promotions and positions within units were either promised as incentives or used as threats against those who refused to contribute or participate.
Another deputy said in text messages that his job was threatened if he didn’t give.
“Deputies were pressured by high-ranking members to contribute to the sheriff's campaign and asked to support the county commissioners in securing the sheriff's budget approval,” said Deputy #2.
When asked about the claims on Tuesday the sheriff’s office responded by simply saying, “We expeditiously and thoroughly investigate any complaint.”
Commissioner Kevin Ruane previously said, “I am not aware of any evidence that people may have been pressured to give to my campaign."
Ruane said he believes and hopes officers gave of their own free will because of his stance on law and order.
Commissioner Mike Greenwell previously 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.”
The allegations of coercion to give to the campaigns come on the heels of an FBI investigation we're told began back in May.
The grand jury reportedly began hearing evidence of money laundering against Sheriff Marceno earlier this month.
Marceno won re-election in November and is scheduled to be sworn into office again on Tuesday, January 7.