Key West Official Faces New Felony Fraud Charge Amid Expanding Corruption Probe

Key West Official Faces New Felony Fraud Charge Amid Expanding Corruption Probe

KEY WEST, FL – The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, May 7, that additional criminal charges have been filed against Rajindhar “Raj” Ramsingh, 56, Chief Building Official for the City of Key West. The latest indictment, issued by a grand jury, charges Ramsingh with one count of organized fraud — a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in Florida state prison.

According to prosecutors, Ramsingh engaged in a calculated, two-year scheme to defraud victims of more than $50,000 while serving in his official capacity with the Key West Building Department. The indictment accuses him of systematically using his position to deceive individuals and unlawfully obtain funds through false promises and misrepresentations.

Monroe County Circuit Judge Mark Wilson set Ramsingh’s bond at $50,000.

This marks the third indictment filed against Ramsingh in recent weeks and comes as part of a broader public corruption investigation involving high-ranking former city officials. Earlier indictments charged him with tampering with evidence and seven counts of official misconduct related to falsified building permit records between 2021 and 2024.

The case has also implicated former Key West City Attorney Ron Ramsingh and retired Code Compliance Director James Young, both of whom were previously indicted on felony charges stemming from the same investigation.

The City of Key West has placed Raj Ramsingh on paid administrative leave while the legal proceedings unfold.

“The investigation is ongoing,” the Monroe County State Attorney’s Office stated, “and continues to examine potential misconduct within Key West government.”

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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