Clewiston City Hall raid: Search warrant says bid tampering involved

Authorities executed a raid at Clewiston City Hall in October amid an investigation into alleged bid tampering.

According to the search warrant for City Hall obtained by WINK Investigates, law enforcement were allowed to seize electronic devices and servers during the raid. 

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office said there was probable cause evidence inside the building and said the investigation surrounded looking into the city's business practices.

A second raid in November occurred at the Community Development Building. The sheriff's office said both raids were connected to the same investigation.

During a special meeting called in October, Clewiston Vice-Mayor Hillary 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. 

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.

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

WINK News will continue to seek answers and provide updates as more information becomes available.