Ashton concludes investigation into O’Connell death

Earlier today, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office reported to Historic City News that they had received the 70 page investigative findings from the Ninth Judicial Circuit, regarding the death of Michelle O’Connell, and it is currently reviewing those findings.

While the Ninth Circuit Press Release states that, “the findings conclude the evidence does not support probable cause a homicide occurred in connection with Ms. O’Connell’s death,” the Sheriff’s Office will not be commenting specifically on those findings.

At this time, a criminal investigation of FDLE Agent Rusty Rodgers is still under review by the Eighth Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

Sheriff Shoar stated, “It would not be prudent to discuss the Ninth Circuit’s findings in any great detail, while the ongoing criminal investigation into the FDLE Agent’s alleged official misconduct is still being considered.”

At the conclusion of the Eighth Circuit’s investigation, Sheriff Shoar indicated that he will publish a video discussing and reflecting on some of the nuances of this case especially the conduct of some of the individuals involved. He will also talk at great length with members of the media who are interested.

He added however, that even a cursory review of the Ninth Circuit’s investigation should “shock the conscience” of anyone who reads it in relation to the conduct of some of those involved in this case especially Agent Rodgers.

Based on the case review conducted by our Sheriff’s Office and the investigation conducted by the Ninth Circuit, Sheriff Shoar is in the process of authoring a letter to Governor Rick Scott to ask that he appoint a small group of experienced investigators along with a special prosecutor to review other cases Agent Rodgers has been involved with over the past fifteen years that resulted in a citizen being imprisoned.

Based on Agent Rodgers’ conduct in this case there is a very strong possibility that a citizen(s) may be currently imprisoned for a crime they never committed.

“As hard as we work to arrest those that commit crime, we will work harder to free innocent men and women who may have been imprisoned because of the actions of a rogue law enforcement officer,” Shoar said. “I have stated in the past, in light of what Rodgers did during this investigation involving a law enforcement officer where he had to know there would be a high level of scrutiny, what happened to other citizens who had the unfortunate experience of being investigated by him?”

“In keeping with our transparency in this case, the released documents from the Ninth Circuit have been added to our website along with many other documents related to this case,” Commander Chuck Mulligan told Historic City News.