CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Cape Coral City Councilwoman Patty Cummings was arrested Tuesday after an investigation into whether she lived in the district she was running to represent.
Patty Cummings won the seat for Cape Coral City Council District 4 back in November of 2022. An investigator hired by the City of Cape Coral stated she was not living there when she ran — and did not live in District 4 until March 2023.
GET MORE COVERAGE: City of Cape Coral investigates Councilwoman Patty Cummings’ alleged residency fraud
According to the State Attorney’s Office, Cummings is facing three third-degree felonies: fraudulent application for a driver’s license and two counts of false swearing in with voting of elections.
Cummings’ warrant was released by the State Attorney’s Office and reads as the following:
- On or about May 9, 2022, in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and knowingly make a false statement, knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit fraud in an application for a driver’s license or identification card, contrary to Florida Statute 322.212(5)(a)
- On or about June 14, 2022 in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida Statute 104.011(1)
- On or about November 18, 2022 in Lee County, Florida, did unlawfully and willfully swear or affirm falsely to an oath or affirmation in connection with or arising out of voting or elections, contrary to Florida Statute 104.011(1)
Cummings turned herself in at the Lee County Jail, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office.
The City of Cape Coral released the following statement:
The State Attorney’s Office (SAO) concluded its investigation surrounding allegation(s) regarding Councilmember Patty Cummings and the residency requirement(s) needed for elective office. The investigation determined the District 4 Councilmember violated several Florida laws.
This is an ongoing legal process, and as such, there will be no further comment from City Management on this matter.
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