A Florida city official has been fired after allegedly cashing in a $20,000 lottery ticket won by his employee—three years after his wife resigned as police chief following a controversial attempt to use her position to help him avoid a traffic stop.
Tampa Code Enforcement Director Keith O’Connor was dismissed Tuesday following a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation that found he may have colluded with employee Aubrey Pierce, according to WFLA.
Authorities believe O’Connor cashed the ticket on Pierce’s behalf because Pierce, a services attendant in code enforcement, was behind on child support and risked having the winnings seized if he redeemed it himself. The investigation into the lottery ticket began after officials discovered text messages and phone records between the two men during a separate probe into Pierce, who was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for allowing illegal dumping on city property.
Pierce, hired by the city in February 2023, was arrested in August and charged with multiple felonies, including bribery by a public servant, unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, grand theft, and violation of Florida litter laws, according to court records. He has pleaded not guilty to the bribery and litter charges.
O’Connor was placed on paid administrative leave at the start of the investigation in September. The FDLE later referred its findings to prosecutors, who decided not to pursue charges against O’Connor, citing insufficient evidence. Despite this, city officials terminated O’Connor due to his actions.
“Our organization is built on professionalism, accountability, and integrity,” Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said. “The community we serve expects and deserves the highest standards from all City employees, especially those in leadership positions.”
Pierce remains employed by the city but is currently suspended and awaiting the results of a disciplinary hearing. Reports indicate he had a criminal record prior to his city employment, including charges for grand theft and burglary.
Notably, in 2013, Pierce wrote a letter to a judge requesting release from jail to take a government job, referencing the support of then-Major Keith O’Connor of the Tampa Police Department.
The O’Connors’ controversy first came to public attention in 2020 when Mary O’Connor resigned as Tampa Police Chief after attempting to use her authority to help her husband avoid a ticket for operating an unregistered golf cart. Bodycam footage showed her flashing her badge and asking a Pinellas County deputy to “just let us go.” She served as police chief for 10 months before being placed on leave and subsequently resigning.
“I never want my personal mistake to stand in the way of the progress I have made in mending relationships between the police department and the community, so for that reason, I am resigning,” her resignation letter stated, according to Fox 13 News.