Osceola County commissioner candidate sues to have election invalidated
An Osceola County commissioner candidate who lost an election in August is suing to have the vote declared invalid, arguing that the third-place finisher was a “ghost candidate” who was bribed to siphon off Hispanic votes.
Jackie Espinosa filed the lawsuit in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Sept. 8, naming two other candidates in the District 4 commission race – incumbent Cheryl Grieb and Carlos Irizarry Sr. – as defendants.
“This election contest is based upon misconduct on the part of defendant Irizarry and others where he was given or offered a bribe or reward in money, property or any other thing of value for the purpose of procuring the successful candidate’s election for District 4 Osceola County commission” in violation of state law, Espinosa’s legal complaint states.