Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi Indicted for Official Misconduct, Faces Felony Charge

The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office today announced that a grand jury has issued an indictment against County Administrator Roman Gastesi, on one count of Official Misconduct. The charge stems from alleged actions that took place between August 11 and November 17, 2022, during which Mr. Gastesi is accused of knowingly and intentionally obstructing, delaying, or preventing the communication of information relating to the commission of a felony that directly affected the government entity he served. This charge is classified as a third-degree felony under Florida Statute 838.022(1)(c). If convicted, Mr. Gastesi could face up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.

Judge Mark Wilson has signed a Capias for Mr. Gastesi’s arrest and set bond at $25,000.

This latest indictment adds to a growing number of cases involving public officials in Monroe County, including last week’s indictments of Dr. Sandra L. Schwemmer and Andrea A. Thompson. Both Schwemmer and Thompson were charged with multiple counts, including official misconduct, providing false information to law enforcement, tampering with physical evidence, and altering patient records. These cases, alongside Mr. Gastesi’s indictment signals an ongoing effort by the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office to address misconduct within local government and protect public trust.

State Attorney Dennis Ward commented on the seriousness of the latest charges, stating, “This case, like the recent indictments of Dr. Schwemmer and Andrea Thompson, demonstrates our office’s unwavering commitment to holding public servants accountable for their actions. Mr. Gastesi’s alleged actions reflect a pattern of misconduct that affects our community’s trust in government, and we are fully committed to ensuring justice is served.”

The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases where public servants violate the law. These ongoing legal actions highlight the importance of maintaining integrity and accountability within local government.

**Note to Editors:** This press release provides an overview of the legal actions taken against Mr. Gastesi, Clerk of Courts Case number 2024-CF-917-A-K. The details contained herein are based on official documents and are subject to change as legal proceedings continue. Investigations into related matters are ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

This release contains two attachments; The Grand Jury Indictment and the Capias.

For more information, please contact Steve Torrence, Public Information Officer, at the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office.

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