Detectives Seize Evidence From Clewiston City Hall After Tips Received

CLEWISTON, FL. -- On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Hendry County Sheriff’s Office, Special Investigations Unit executed a Search Warrant at the Clewiston City Hall, located at 725 Central Avenue, Clewiston after receiving several tips regarding the business practices within Clewiston City Hall

Detectives removed a substantial amount of evidence for criminal analysis. It is uncertain how long this process will take.

Additional releases will be provided as information is made available.

UPDATE: A recent case brought against the City of Clewiston may have or may have not any relevance to the investigation underway currently. Any relevance might be in the sloppiness of the City to respond to complaints and some might speculate in attempting to hide documents. 

In searching legal actions against the City of Clewiston, court records indicate On May 27, 2025, Plaintiff Brian Sullivan Contractor, Inc. by it's attorney Steven Ramunni, filed a Complaint against Defendant, the City of Clewiston in the Hendry Circuit Court asking for a release of documents from the city pertaining to all new construction permits and new construction permits that were denied by the city. The city apparently did not respond at all.

The city later responded to it's lack of action saying, On May 7, 2025, the City issued a Request for Letters of Interest for firms to respond and potentially contract to provide municipal legal services to the City. 

Between May 7, 2025, and June 16, 2025, the City went through the process of receiving letters of interest, interviewing firms, and negotiating a contract to be approved by the Board. The City ultimately made the decision to contract with a firm, who had not previously provided legal services to the City. 

 Meanwhile, Plaintiff Brian Sullivan Contractor filed a Motion for Default for failure by the City to respond to the law suit and on July 3, 2025, a Clerk's Default was entered against the city on the same day.

 The City's says it's counsel was made aware of this action and the Motion for Default on July 25, 2025, and they then took steps to remedy the default, including communicating with Plaintiff's counsel regarding the default and the City's desire to defend this action on the merits. 

 Defendant's counsel filed its Notice of Appearance on July 30, 2025 after the Default had already been entered, and has been in communication with Plaintiff's counsel.. Plaintiff's counsel indicated that he did not have opposition to setting aside the default. No more action has been taken by the court so far.