OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — There are more twists in the months-long 9 Investigation into the turmoil at Turnberry Reserve in Kissimmee.
Channel 9 first reported in November when a now-former community security guard was arrested for allegedly shoving Osceola County Commissioner Fred Hawkins. Charges against Ailyn DePena were later dropped.
Now, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing DePena’s body camera video from that night. Community members have raised questions about whether Hawkins was within his rights to display a badge given to him as an Osceola County Sheriff’s Office special deputy during the incident.
9 Investigates spoke to Hawkins about the incident earlier in the week before FDLE confirmed its review. He said he did nothing wrong and that the sheriff’s office agreed with him.
Hawkins, who is running to serve Florida House District 42 in Tallahassee, was wearing a campaign polo during the incident. FDLE has not opened a formal investigation.
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