Second search warrant for Clewiston City Hall raid shows investigation into “official misconduct”

CLEWISTON, Fla. (WINK) — Newly obtained court documents are shedding light on a high-stakes investigation into the City of Clewiston’s business practices, revealing that authorities are investigating potential "official misconduct" by public servants.

A second search warrant coversheet, just obtained by WINK Investigates, identifies the Clewiston Building and Zoning Office as a primary target for investigators. The warrant was issued following a sworn affidavit from Detective Darrin McNeil of the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, who asserted there is probable cause to believe state laws are being violated.

Investigation Targets "Official Misconduct"

While initial reports focused on allegations of bid tampering (Florida Statute 838.22), the new coversheet specifically cites "Official Misconduct" under Florida Statute 838.022.

Under Florida law, official misconduct is a third-degree felony that occurs when a public servant knowingly:

• Falsifies or causes another to falsify official records.
• Conceals, destroys, or alters official documents to obtain a benefit or cause harm.
• Obstructs the communication of information regarding a felony.

The warrant, signed by Honorable Darrell Hill, was ordered to be sealed and kept safely by the Sheriff of Hendry County until further notice but was released through a formal records request from the Sheriff’s Office.

A Timeline of Raids

The investigation has seen multiple law enforcement actions over the last several months:

• October 1, 2025: Detectives executed a raid at Clewiston City Hall, removing at least five bags of evidence for criminal analysis.
• November 19, 2025: A second raid took place at the Community Development Building, which houses the city’s building, planning, and zoning departments.

The Hendry County Sheriff's Office confirmed that both raids are connected to the same ongoing investigation into the city's business practices.

Local Response and Missing Pages

City officials have maintained that no illegal activity occurred. During a special meeting in October, Clewiston Vice-Mayor Hillary Hyslope pushed back against the allegations, stating the situation centered on a "benefits procurement process" that differs from standard competitive bid requirements. "To be clear, no bid tampering occurred," she said.

Despite the release of the coversheet, questions remain. Legal experts have noted that critical sections of the warrant—specifically pages two and three—remain missing. These pages would typically detail the specific items law enforcement were authorized to seize and the exact locations they were permitted to search.

At this time, no arrests have been made, and no formal charges have been filed. The Sheriff’s Office has stated that the criminal analysis of the seized evidence is expected to be a lengthy process.

WINK Investigates will stay on top of this story and bring you any new developments.