By Sascha Cordner
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-991276.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – A former spokeswoman for Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll is facing felony charges for illegally taping a conversation in Carroll's office. As Sascha Cordner reports, the case has now been turned over to the State Attorney's office, after a month-long investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
An investigation into a recording of two staffers at the Lieutenant Governor's Office show 48-year-old Carletha Cole taped a conversation between herself and Carroll's chief of Staff John Konkus without his knowledge, which is against the law. State Attorney for the 2nd Judicial Court Willie Meggs says now his office is looking at their options:
"We will continue to look at it and if nothing changes we'll probably file an information, charging her with that crime that she's been arrested for and then she'll have an arraignment date. We may resolve it or it may go to our trial division. We can make an offer but she has to accept it."
Cole was arrested last week and is currently facing third degree felony charges. The maximum punishment for a third degree felony is a 5-thousand dollar fine and/or five years in prison. But, Meggs says Cole may not serve any jail time.