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FORT MYERS — Lee County Commissioner Tammy Hall agreed with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to one count of wire fraud and resigned from the county's board of county commissioners.
According to a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney, Hall diverted and embezzled $33,756 from her election-campaign fund. She spent the money on undisclosed personal items from Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Club Monaco and jewelry store Mark Loren Designs as well as on her mortgage.
Hall, 53, of Cape Coral, is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Frazier Oct. 3. She faces as long as 20 years in prison, though her cooperation likely means she'll face less time than the maximum.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's office, Hall stole from her 2010 election fund by transferring money to her personal account electronically and depositing donor checks directly to her personal account. Hall failed to disclose to state election officials that she used the funds for personal expenses.
Lee County Board of County Commissioner Chairman Cecil Pendergrass says he will request Gov. Rick Scott appoint someone to Hall's now-vacant seat until the general election in November 2014.
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