FORT MYERS, Fla. – Just days after the local police union for the Fort Myers Police Department endorsed write-in candidate Mike Hollow for Lee County Sheriff, Hollow has now received the unprecedented endorsement of the entire international organization in another shocking turn of events.
“On behalf of the International Union of Police Associations, AFL-CIO, I am pleased to announce that we are joining the Fort Myers Police Association, Local 6065 in announcing our endorsement of your campaign to become the Sheriff of Lee County,” said the IUPA endorsement. “During your time serving as a Deputy Sheriff, and a leader as your career progressed, your abilities were recognized and lauded. We know that you are committed to enhancing public safety and the lives of the brave men and women who provide it.”
The IUPA represents more than 100,000 active duty law enforcement personnel in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, including 4,000 officers in Florida.
“I am so honored to receive the endorsement of the entirety of the IUPA, and to know that honest policing is a top priority among my fellow law enforcement officials,” said Hollow. “It is clearer than ever that national police groups are aware of my opponent’s serious allegations and legal woes, and that they recognize that we cannot have corrupt leadership in law enforement. Sheriff Marceno’s time in office has been marred by controversy, and the people of Lee County deserve much better. Even a hint of corruption tarnishes the name of law enforcement entities everywhere, and I will not allow it when I become sheriff.”
Hollow says he will open an internal investigation and financial audit inside the Lee County Sheriff’s Office on his first day as sheriff.
Hollow’s write-in campaign continues to gain momentum as the November election nears, after it was reported that his opponent, incumbent Sheriff Carmen Marceno, is under FBI investigation for alleged money laundering.
According to numerous southwest Florida media outlets, Marceno is reportedly under investigation for embezzlement, fraud and corruption after recordings surfaced where his friend, and honorary deputy, Ken Romano, says he was paid up to $5,700 per month, but did not have an official role in the sheriff’s office. That money, according to Romano’s recording, was used to pay off a loan on a Mercedes Benz belonging to Marceno’s father, along with paying for the car’s insurance.
Marceno is also the subject of an ethics complaint over his alleged non-disclosure of a cash purchase of a $600,000 condominium in Sarasota.
About Mike Hollow:
Mike Hollow began his law enforcement career as a Boston Police officer in the mid 2000s. After joining the Lee County Sheriff’s Office about 17 years ago as a sheriff’s deputy, he rose through the ranks from a patrol officer and K-9 patrol officer to a robbery and homicide detective with the Lee County Major Crimes unit. He later worked as the Commander of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs department, then as a Watch Commander for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. He holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Public Administration.
