Commissioners, candidate say trackers found on cars

HALLANDALE BEACH — State investigators are looking into a complaint that illegal tracking devices were placed on the cars of two commissioners and a commission candidate — the latest in a series of allegations in one of Broward County’s nastiest elections.

Commissioners Keith London and Michele Lazarow and commission candidate Anabelle Taub have filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which has not decided whether to open a criminal case.

“We have received a complaint and are reviewing it to see if we will investigate,” said FDLE spokesman Phil Kiracofe.

The two women and London, who is helping them campaign, accuse their political rivals of spying on them. The complaint follows a series of clashes among commissioners that include accusations of possible opengovernment violations and behind-the-scenes deals with developers.

In the latest matter, London said he suspected for weeks that he was being followed. On Friday, he discovered a GPS tracker under the rear bumper of his car, he said. He then called Lazarow and Taub and found similar devices under their cars.

London said he filed a complaint with the FDLE because he didn’t think Hallandale Beach Police could handle the case. He said he turned over all three tracking devices to investigators, hoping they can trace them to their source or sources.

During a news conference Monday, London, Lazarow and Taub all said they’ve been followed in recent weeks, and London has a recording he took last week of what he says is a private investigator following him.

The recording, released to reporters, is shot from London’s car. The recording shows the man walking to London’s window, and London asks why he is following him. The man denies it and walks away.

The episode follows a recent city meeting where London publicly accused Mayor Joy Cooper of having him followed, an allegation she denies.

“These people have lost their minds,” Cooper said Monday. “I would never do anything illegal.”

Under state law, anyone caught installing a tracking device on someone’s vehicle without a court order can face second-degree misdemeanor charges. But Brian Silber, Lazarow’s attorney, said it is not illegal to follow someone unless it becomes harassment or intimidation.

Separately, the Broward State Attorney’s Office is investigating a complaint filed by Cooper accusing London and Lazarow of breaking the state’s open-government law by discussing public business in private.

State prosecutors also are investigating Commissioner Bill Julian, who stands accused of accepting favors from a developer. Julian was caught on a recording saying the developer’s attorney promised to get him 300 campaign workers and a van for the Hallandale Food Pantry, one of his pet charities.

Julian could not be reached for comment Monday despite three calls to his cellphone.

Taub is challenging Julian in the Nov. 8 election. Lazarow is facing two opponents: former commissioner Alex Lewy and retired secretary Ann Henigson.

Lewy said he was not behind any alleged spying campaign and both he and Cooper questioned whether the trackers were a political stunt.

London said he would not file a false crime complaint as a political stunt.

Lazarow’s attorney, Brian Silber, also scoffed at the claim.

“A crime has been reported,” Silber said. “Evidence has been disclosed and they are reviewing this matter to determine if a violation of criminal law has occurred and who committed the crime.”