OIG No. 21-07: Investigation of Complaint Regarding Food Distribution During Early VotingJoseph M. Centorino, Inspector General
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
File
Joseph Centorino, Inspector General
December 8, 2020
Complaint Regarding Commissioner Richardson's Food Distribution During Early
Voting
OIG No. 21-07
Allegations:
On Tuesday, October 20 2020, the second day of early voting, the OIG received a complaint
which alleged that the weekly free food distribution in North Beach, supported by Commissioner
Richardson, had been moved to a location within two blocks of an early voting site. The
complainant stated that for six months, the food distribution had taken place on Collins Avenue
and 87" Street. However, on October 6, 2020, it was moved to the North Shore Library, located
at 75" and Collins, which is the site of one of two early voting locations on Miami Beach. In support
of the allegation, the complainant provided copies of food distribution flyers for the events
occurring between May and October. The complainant also stated, "They decided that the 75"
St. location was really pushing it with perception, so the free food pickup location was officially
moved yesterday to the bandshell at 73° St., two short blocks from the polling place at 75...free
food for votes". The bandshell at 73° Street is the same location which prompted a similar
complaint to the OIG after the 2019 election.
Analysis:
Commissioner Richardson has been supporting the food distribution for many months. The events
regularly occur in South and North Beach locations which have not changed. In the South, drivers
receive food in the parking lot at 21 and Collins; in the North it is at 87 and Collins.
The walk-up food distributions started on July 14, 2020. These events also alternate between
South and North Beach locations. Since July 14th, they have occurred on the following dates:
July 21, 2020 @ 833 6" Street (South Shore Community Center)
July 28, 2020 @ 501 72° Street (North Shore Park)
August 4, 2020 @ 833 6" Street (South Shore Community Center)
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October 6, 2020 @ 75 and Collins (North Shore Library)
October 13, 2020 @ 833 6" Street (South Shore Community Center)
October 20, 2020 @ 73° and Collins (North Shore Bandshell)
Special Agent Singer contacted Commissioner Richardson's office to ask why the food distribution
was moved to the 73° and Collins location on October 20. (To be more specific, the actual
location was on 73° and Ocean Terrace, one block east of Collins.) Agent Singer spoke with Luis
Callejas, the aide to Commissioner Richardson. Mr. Callejas confirmed that they alternate the
walk-up food distributions between North and South Beach. He advised that in the North Beach
area, they had tried different locations and had the most success at the North Shore Library. Not
remembering that early voting would be occurring on October 20" at that location, Mr. Callejas
published a flyer announcing the food distribution at the North Shore Library on the same date.
When he realized his mistake, he quickly created a new flyer with the updated location, 73"° and
Collins.
Special Agent Singer asked Mr. Callejas why he selected 73" and Collins rather than North Shore
Park where they had previously distributed food. He advised that many of the residents who
come to the walk-up locations park their cars and walk to get their food. In anticipation of higher
than normal voter turnout, the North Shore Park parking lot, located a few blocks from the voting
site, was needed for voters and he did not want to take up spaces. He stated that they wanted a
location close to the library because that is where the public had originally been told to go, but far
enough away to comply with Resolution-31274. Resolution 2020-31274, which was adopted on
May 13, 2020, prohibits candidates, including incumbents seeking reelection, from hosting or
campaigning at charitable or not-for-profit food distributions. It further prohibits charitable or not-
for-profit food distributions from taking place within 200 feet of any polling place located within the
City during the voting period for any election, including early voting, beginning when the polls
open and ending when the polls close or the last voter has voted.
Mr. Callejas provided all the flyers as well as a picture from a resident which was posted on
Facebook showing the walkup location at 73° and Ocean Terrace. Similarly, Special Agent
Singer observed and photographed the walk-up location. While Special Agent Singer did not
measure the exact distance between the walk-up food distribution and voting site at 75" and
Collins, she noted that the voting site is two city blocks away from the charitable food event and
cannot be seen from the voting site. Neither the photograph provided by Mr. Callejas nor those
taken by Agent Singer show that any campaign activities were occurring at the food distribution
location. (All flyers and photos are part of the OIG file.)
There is nothing about the schedule that suggests the food event was intentionally moved to a
location near an early voting site in an effort to influence voters. There is no evidence that any
campaign materials were being distributed or that any other campaign activities were occurring
at the food distribution site while Agent Singer was observing. Commissioner Richardson is
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neither a candidate nor an incumbent seeking reelection at this time which is the prohibited status
pursuant to Resolution 2020-3127 4.
Finally, the regularly scheduled food distribution which would have occurred on election day has
been cancelled. Mr. Callejas sent Agent Singer a copy of the flyer announcing the cancellation
and confirmed that the public has been advised.
This allegation of free food for votes in this instance is unfounded.
/a//so
Date
OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL, City of Miami Beach
1130 Washington Avenue, 6" Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305.673.7020 • Fax: 305.587.2401 • Hotline: 786.897.11I
Email: CityofMiamiBeachOIG@miamibeachfl.gov
Website: www.mbinspectorgeneral.com
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