June 19, 2012

Maurice Langston filed his intent to seek the Wakulla County Sheriff's seat back in August of 2011. A woman from Wakulla County, who doesn't want to be identified, says Langston, who served as undersheriff with the WCSO, wasn't playing by the rules. It's something she says is not uncommon in Wakulla.

"We're either in the news because we don't do things we're supposed to do, or we end up with individuals in office that violate certain laws," said the woman.

The Hatch Act prohibits anyone running for office in a partisan election from being employed in a position that deals with federal grant money. During his time as Undersheriff with the WCSO the woman claims Langston dealt with federal funds on a regular basis. She says Langston traveled to Washington back in January to lobby for the funds.

"Wakulla County Sheriff's Office has earned over thirty two million dollars over the years by renting bed space to I-C-E for federal detainees," she said.

She filed the 73 page complaint with the Office of Special Council on Tuesday. She has spent hours compiling paperwork and comparing dates.Qualifying papers are dated June 4, 2012. Langston was reassigned from his position as Undersheriff on June 13, 2012.

It will be up to the Office of Special Council to decide if Langston is or was in violation when he sought candidacy.

"All of us, as citizens, whether we choose to run for public office or not, at a minimum, should abide by not only state laws but federal laws," said the woman.

WCTV reached out to the WCSO for comment on Langston's role with the ICE funds. They have yet to respond.