Good news everyone! The state announced they are dropping the charges this morning (April 1) and it was no joke!
They state in the closing documents, "Based on the evidence reviewed, even if it could be determined that a battery had occurred, conflicts in the witness's testimony, the lack of physical or corroborative evidence make it impossible to prove a battery, beyond a reasonable doubt. In addition, when determining whether an assault or battery has occurred one must also review Fla. Stat. §776.012(1), to determine if the conduct alleged was the result defense of self or others. In relevant part the statute reads, "A person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other's imminent use of unlawful force. A person who uses or threatens to use force in accordance with this subsection does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force". Fla. Stat. §776.012(1) 2014."
In other words, former Vice Mayor Jeff Rose was the aggressor, and even if he was pushed, the law permits us to defend ourselves in the scenario that Jeff Rose created.
Want to learn more? Take a look at WPLG's report on the dropped charges.
With the retirement/resignation of Chief Marciante, and the resignation of the town attorneys, that leaves the Town Manager...rumors have it he resigned last Friday. We'll see...
#JusticeForJoshuaEpstein