Rick Scott Accused of Breaking State Elections Law

A former Florida policeman says Gov. Rick Scott violated state law during a Tampa campaign event Monday.

Jeff Marano, president of the Broward County chapter of the Florida Police Benevolent Association, alleges Scott violated state elections law by having law enforcement stand with him during a campaign event.

"Rick Scott's political campaign facilitated the violation of (law) by soliciting the assistance of on-duty law enforcement officers — under the false pretense of security — only to repeatedly feature them as props in the background of campaign events," says Marano in his complaint to the state elections board, according to The Miami Herald.

Florida elections law bars on-duty law enforcement officers from participating in campaign events that may imply endorsement of a particular candidate. Violating the law is a misdemeanor under the statute.

The Associated Press reports officers at the Monday event were unclear as to whether they were there to provide security or a show of support in his gubernatorial bid.

But the Scott campaign is indifferent to the charges.

"This is just another sad distraction from Charlie Crist's numerous ethical problems,” said Greg Blair of the Rick Scott campaign, as reported by ABC Miami affiliate Local 10.

The Florida Police Benevolent Association endorses Charlie Crist in his bid for governor.