Governor DeSantis signed an executive order Thursday suspending Patty Cummings from her position as city councilwoman of Cape Coral.

Cummings was arrested on Tuesday after turning herself in to the Lee County Jail amidst an investigation into whether she lied about where she was living during her campaign and election to city office.  

The State Attorney’s Office is charging Cummings with three third-degree felonies, including one count of fraudulent application for a driver’s license and two counts of false swearing in connection with/or arising out of voting or elections.  

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Cape Coral City Councilwoman Patty Cummings arrested following residency fraud investigation

Cummings won the seat for Cape Coral City Council District 4 back in November of 2022. A whistleblower questioning Cumming’s legitimacy prompted an investigation into Cummings’ claims of residency during the 2022 election.  

Cummings claimed to have lived on Palm Tree Boulevard. However, the investigation found that she was not living in District 4 and didn’t move until March 2023.  

After bailing out of jail Tuesday evening, Cummings attended a Cape Coral city council meeting on Wednesday where she ultimately announced she won’t be stepping down anytime soon.

PREVIOUS STORY: Cape Coral City Councilwoman says she won’t step down, plans to fight charges in court

Cummings is due in court on December 18 and said she will be pleading not guilty.