State rep. accused of criminal mischief

Emily Slosberg faces allegations of theft, trespassing

State Rep. Emily Slosberg is facing an investigation involving allegations of trespassing and misdemeanor theft, according to an executive order released by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office.

The order — quietly posted on the governor’s website — states that the Democratic state legislator representing Boca Raton has been accused of petit theft, trespassing and criminal mischief.

It offered no additional details. Petit theft is defined in Florida law as the theft or attempted theft of property worth less than $300.

Reached Friday morning, Slosberg said she was shocked to learn of the allegations listed in the order and denied wrongdoing.

“I had no idea,” she said. “I just met with [the governor’s] people last week.”

The Broward County State Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and will determine whether to file criminal charges.

Officials offered few details, but a source with knowledge of the investigation said the case involves an allegation that Slosberg tried to change the locks at a home she had recently sold.

The Boca Raton Police Department released a Jan. 4 report of a burglary on Caliente Lane in Boca Raton when asked about any law enforcement incidents involving Slos-

berg and allegations of theft and trespassing.

Property records show Slosberg sold her home at the end of December to Diosaida Roman, 74, and William Herrera, 73, of Brooklyn, N.Y. for $369,000. Police listed Roman as the victim. Slosberg is not listed in the report.

A message left with Roman and Herrera was not immediately returned. The report did not provide further details of the incident.

DeSantis ordered the case transferred from Palm Beach County’s jurisdiction to Broward’s. Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg disqualified himself, citing his office’s “close working relationship” with Slosberg as the reason.

Slosberg worked as an assistant state attorney in Palm Beach County for about a month in 2013, according to the office. As a state representative, she works with the office on legislation.

Slosberg, 37, won election in 2016 to a seat previously held by her father, Irv Slosberg. She ran unopposed in 2018.

Republican House Speaker José Oliva has been made aware of the governor’s order, said Fred Piccolo, a spokesman. He did not have any additional information about the allegations.

The House can issue a variety of penalties to members found guilty of criminal offenses, spanning from a reprimand to expulsion.