Fort Pierce, Fla. – In a press conference in St. Lucie County, Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier pledged a sweeping crackdown on public corruption after a jury found former Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas Mimms guilty of official misconduct.
Conviction details
A St. Lucie County jury convicted Mimms of official misconduct, a third‑degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, while acquitting him of bid‑tampering charges. The case centered on two vacant, city‑owned parcels and a nonprofit linked to Mimms’s niece. Prosecutors said Mimms used his position to steer a $500,000 grant from a Catholic charitable organization to the nonprofit, which never built the promised community center.
Attorney General’s response
Uthmeier told reporters, “We want to ensure the public that we are protecting their trust, that we are protecting taxpayers and that we are going to hold public officials to the oaths that they take.” She added that the evidence showed “shenanigans took place” to guarantee the nonprofit received the award and that Mimms later covered up his involvement. “He will be punished for abusing his office,” Uthmeier said.
The Attorney General’s Public Corruption Unit currently has more than 25 active investigations or cases underway. She described the Mimms case as the first of many public‑corruption matters the state expects to announce in the coming months.
Law enforcement support
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Larry Keefe echoed the AG’s stance, saying his agency is making public‑corruption investigations a priority. “No one is too big, no one is too powerful to be held accountable,” Keefe said.
Next steps for Mimms
Uthmeier declined to comment on the specific sentence Mimms should receive. He is scheduled for sentencing on Dec. 11. The conviction underscores the state’s commitment to rooting out corruption at every level of government, from municipal officials to state agencies.
Implications for local government
City officials in Fort Pierce and across Florida are watching the case closely. The conviction sends a clear message that misuse of public office for personal or familial gain will not be tolerated. Residents and taxpayers can expect increased scrutiny of city contracts, grant awards, and any potential conflicts of interest involving public servants.
Uthmeier urged citizens to report suspected wrongdoing and promised that the Attorney General’s office will continue to pursue cases that threaten the integrity of Florida’s government.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
