Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino had the misdemeanor charge of soliciting a political contribution inside the Escambia Co. Office Complex dismissed today.
Email message from Valentino:
Dear Family, Friends and Supporters
My faith has been restored in the American Judicial System. It is with great relief that Maureen and I report to you; that at 10:30 am this morning, Saturday, August 14, 2010, we received a phone from Barry Beroset, our Attorney; stating that Judge Ward has decided to dismiss the States Attorney charges against me. This means that there will be no jury selection on Monday and not trial on Tues. Judge Ward went on to say that after careful review, there was no legal basis for the claim against me.
We can now get back to the work of the people, without distraction. This event shows that the charges against me were baseless, without merit, and politically motivated. What this event has also done is motivate me for 4 more years. Your ongoing and uncompromising support for me has re-energized me and given me the passion to serve you for 4 more years. I implore you to reach out to your family, friends and neighbors and assure them my good character and creditability has survived and remains uncompromised. I ask you to seek such support for our republican primary, Tuesday, August 24.
God bless you. Maureen and I thank you for your unbending faith and support which electrifies me for 4 more years!
Gene M. Valentino
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