Citizen tip leads to possible election code charges against Sheriff Keith Pearson

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, Fla. — As an investigation into St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson moves forward, the state attorney who successfully requested the governor to be recused from the case explains how it began.

"My office was contacted by FDLE in Tallahassee roughly two and a half, three months ago, I would say. And they indicated that they were working an investigation that had been provided to them by a citizen," said St. Lucie County State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl.

Bakkedahl said he asked to be recused by the governor from any possible prosecution against Pearson.

"And I did that because obviously, you know, I've taken sides in the sheriff's race. I've endorsed Sheriff Pierson's opponent, who is acting chief Richard Del Toro from the Port St. Lucie Police Department," Bakkedahl said.