Clewiston vice mayor says city hall raid is related to bid tampering

Clewiston city leaders found themselves in a heated back-and-forth Monday following a raid at City Hall that has sparked growing questions and few answers.

The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office executed a sealed search warrant at City Hall, prompting a last-minute special meeting that quickly turned tense. During the meeting, city officials made strong claims about the nature of the investigation, including allegations surrounding bid tampering. 

WINK Investigates is now delving into the comments and claims made by city leaders during the meeting. The Hendry County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a judge sealed the search warrant.

Details about the raid remain limited. The sheriff’s office has confirmed that the search warrant, along with any subpoenas, has been sealed by a judge. City leaders say they have not seen the documentation themselves.

“Yes, a search warrant was served on City Hall. To the best of my knowledge, that search warrant cited bid tampering,” said Clewiston Vice-Mayor Hillary Hyslope during the meeting.

Bid tampering, as defined under Florida Statute 838.22, involves an attempt by public officials to improperly influence the competitive solicitation process for public contracts.

Vice-Mayor Hyslope pushed back strongly on the implication that anything illegal had occurred within City Hall. 

“This situation centers on a benefits procurement process which does not follow the same competitive bid requirements as other city business,” she said. 

Sher went on to say, “To be clear, no bid tampering occurred.”

The Clewiston city attorney told city leaders during the special meeting, "For all I know, the investigation is targeting people who either don't work for the city or vendors outside the city that may be involved in other investigations." 

Hyslope said that bid tampering is a civil matter, not a criminal one. She expressed frustration over the escalation of the situation and suggested the investigation is political.

“It’s also becoming increasingly clear that these investigations did not appear out of thin air,” she said. “They are being stirred by a former disgruntled employee... and most troubling of all, there are strong indications that at least one individual on this very dais has chosen to contribute to this chaos.”

Hyslope did not name any specific individuals. 

The Hendry County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed whether the raid is directly tied to bid tampering, but did state that a “substantial amount of evidence” was collected during the hours-long operation.

City leaders continue to maintain that no criminal activity has taken place and that it’s “business as usual” at City Hall. But without access to the warrant or further details from investigators, uncertainty remains.

WINK Investigates is continuing to press for answers from the HCSO and Clewiston city officials.