Ongoing Public Servant Misconduct Scandal Expands with New Indictments in Monroe County

Monroe County, FL – The Monroe County Grand Jury has handed down multiple new indictments over the last few weeks, further expanding a growing scandal involving public officials across the county. The latest charges come in connection with ongoing investigations into misconduct, fraud, and abuse of authority by high-ranking public servants in Monroe County. The most recent developments include additional charges against Andrea Thompson, former Division Chief of EMS & Trauma Star, and a fresh indictment an against former County Administrator Roman Gastesi. These cases are part of a broader investigation that has also ensnared Dr. Sandra Schwemmer, Lynda Rusinowski, and Andy Newman.

Roman Gastesi Indictment

On this past Thursday, the grand jury issued a new indictment against former County Administrator Roman Gastesi. He is charged with one count of ‘Official Misconduct’, accused of knowingly obstructing, delaying, or preventing the communication of information related to a felony between August 11 and November 17, 2022. This charge is classified as a third-degree felony and carries penalties of up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of $5,000.

Mr. Gastesi allegedly engaged in actions that compromised the integrity of the local government by obstructing a felony investigation. A Capias for Mr. Gastesi’s arrest was signed by Judge Mark Wilson, with bond set at $25,000.

Andrea Thompson’s Expanding Legal Troubles

Also on Thursday, the Monroe County Grand Jury added two more charges against Ms. Thompson, former Division Chief of EMS & Trauma Star. These new charges include two additional counts of providing false information to law enforcement officers, bringing Ms. Thompson’s total number of charges to eleven.

Ms. Thompson now faces a combination of official misconduct, falsifying patient records, and providing false information to law enforcement. The charges stem from her alleged efforts to mislead investigators, tamper with critical evidence, and alter patient records between July and October of 2022. The grand jury’s additional indictments last Thursday point to escalating concerns about Ms. Thompson’s alleged role in covering up key information related to Monroe County’s Emergency Medical Services; her bond remains set at $250,000.

State Attorney Dennis Ward responded to the new charges, saying, “These additional indictments reflect the gravity of Ms. Thompson’s actions. Our office will continue to pursue justice and accountability for those in positions of authority who abuse their power.”

Dr. Sandra Schwemmer & Lynda Rusinowski Indictments

The investigation into Monroe County’s Emergency Medical Services also implicated Dr. Sandra Schwemmer, former Medical Director of Monroe County Fire Rescue and Trauma Star. Dr. Schwemmer faces three charges: one count of official misconduct, one count of providing false information to law enforcement, and one count of altering patient records. She allegedly instructed medical records to be altered and provided misleading information to law enforcement officers. Dr. Schwemmer’s bond was set at $100,000.

Meanwhile, Lynda Rusinowski, the former Chief Flight Nurse for Monroe County Fire Rescue, faces 36 counts of grand theft of controlled substances and official misconduct. Ms. Rusinowski is accused of illegally obtaining medical-grade narcotics such as Fentanyl, Dilaudid, Versed, and Morphine, while falsifying official records to conceal her actions. The investigation revealed missing narcotics and tampered records dating back to mid-2022. Ms. Rusinowski’s actions, if proven, mark a severe breach of trust and endanger the integrity of Monroe County’s emergency medical services.

Andy Newman

In addition to the ongoing Emergency Medical  Services investigation, the State Attorney’s Office Direct Filed charges on Andy Newman, who faces fourteen counts of perjury and fourteen counts of making false official statements. Mr. Newman is accused of fabricating financial records and making false declarations under oath. The charges arise from a forensic audit investigation conducted by the State Attorney’s Office into false payments claimed by Stuart Newman Enterprises to a fictitious company, Graphics 71.

Mr. Newman allegedly submitted false certifications to the Clerk of Court’s office, leading to these serious charges. Each count of perjury and making false statements carries potential jail time and financial penalties. “This case highlights the importance of transparency and honesty in all public matters, and we are dedicated to seeing justice served,” State Attorney Ward stated.

A Broader Investigation Unfolds

The flurry of new indictments underscores a broader pattern of misconduct among public officials in Monroe County. The charges against Mr. Gastesi, Ms. Thompson, Dr. Schwemmer, Ms. Rusinowski, and Mr. Newman are part of a wider investigation aimed at addressing systemic abuses of power and restoring public trust in county institutions. The Monroe County State Attorney’s Office, in partnership with law enforcement, is continuing its efforts to investigate and prosecute all individuals involved in criminal activities within public service.

State Attorney Dennis Ward emphasized the importance of accountability in his latest statement: “The public deserves to know that their officials are acting in good faith and with integrity and transparency. The series of indictments handed down by the grand jury highlights our commitment to holding public servants accountable and ensuring justice for the community. My Office remains laser-focused in pursuing these cases and ensuring that the public officials are held accountable for their actions and that the rule of law is upheld and applies to all”.

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