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TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa’s code enforcement director remains suspended amid a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation involving his cashing of a lottery ticket.
Keith O’Connor was suspended with pay in October amid the ongoing investigation, a city spokesperson confirmed. O’Connor was a former deputy chief of the Tampa Police Department and is also the husband of the city’s former police chief, Mary O’Connor.
His wife stepped down after a separate controversy nearly three years ago regarding her handling of a golf cart traffic stop.
In the 2022 bodycam video, Mary O’Connor showed a deputy her credentials and told him she was the Tampa police chief, adding, “I’m hoping that you’ll just let us go tonight.”
Details surrounding allegations of wrongdoing in the current FDLE investigation remain unclear. O’Connor’s attorney, Ralph Fernandez, said the investigation does involve the cashing in of a lottery ticket.
Fernandez said the FDLE had seized O’Connor’s phone, so he was limited in commenting on the allegations.
O’Connor’s suspension comes after another city employee, Aubrey Pierce, was suspended. Fernandez confirmed that O’Connor and Pierce had maintained a personal and professional relationship for years.
Pierce has a number of arrests in his court records, including felonies. Most recently, he’s faced charges of bribery by a public servant, unlawful disposal of hazardous waste and grand theft.
“He absolutely didn’t do anything wrong,” Fernandez said of his client.
While behind bars more than a decade ago, Pierce wrote a letter to a judge asking for his release. In it, he wrote, “I have a good job waiting on me with the City of Tampa.”
The letter then references Major Keith O’Connor for the employment opportunity.
10 Tampa Bay News asked if the lottery ticket and the investigation are tied to Pierce. Fernandez did not confirm but reiterated that his client is innocent.
Fernandez argues this is more about O’Connor as a person and his past professional roles, especially since his wife was also involved in controversy.
A city spokesperson said O’Connor and Pierce are suspended with pay. O’Connor is currently not facing any charges.