Statement-Regarding-Arrest-of-Former-Employee
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2018
Statement from Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy L. Morales
— Regarding Former Employee Mariano Fernandez —
Miami Beach, FL – Today, I was made aware that former employee Mariano Fernandez
surrendered to face charges of unlawful compensation and conspiracy to commit
unlawful compensation by the State Attorney’s Office.
In August 2017, I suspended Mr. Fernandez without pay, pending investigation into the
allegations of potential criminal actions in his public duties. Subsequently, on November
9, 2017, upon being made aware that the State Attorney’s Office would likely bring
charges against Mr. Fernandez, I terminated his employment, effective immediately.
Since my appointment as City Manager in 2013, I have worked tirelessly to promote a
culture of high ethical standards in Miami Beach. I made it clear that I would not tolerate
any unethical or criminal behavior. I set high standards of honesty and integrity for all
city employees, especially my management team. When Mr. Fernandez was appointed
as the Building Director in May 2013, I had extensive discussions regarding my
expectations in regards to ethics.
As City Manager, I can provide all of the tools needed for an employee to make the right
decision when faced with an ethical dilemma. Ultimately it is up to each individual
employee to make the right decision themselves. It angers me to see something like this
happen in a City that has made such important strides in making employees feel like
they have the tools to handle these types of situations.
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