Ethics Commission finds probable cause on Panama City mayor for sexual harassment, power misuse

Owen Girard contributed to this report.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause for a hearing regarding two allegations filed against Panama City Mayor Michael Rohan related to unlawful use of position of power, as well as a sexual harassment allegation against him.

In the initial complaint, the commission identified probable cause on two counts. These included accusations of violating the constitutional amendment against the abuse of office for undue advantage and allegations of misusing his position to sexually harass a city employee, according to the commission.

The second complaint alleged that Rohan breached the constitutional amendment prohibiting the abuse of office for undue advantage and misused his position by attempting to divert a legislative appropriation awarded to the city for sidewalks, despite being informed by legislative officials that such repurposing was not permissible.