. .

Investigative Summary
FDLE Case Number: EI-32-0086

Subject(s): Ken Mascara, Kevin C. Carter,

Adam Fetterman, Bryan Beaty & Keith Pearson

Judicial Circuit: Nineteenth Judicial Circuit

County: Saint Lucie

Case Agent: Keith B. Riddick

Phone: (850) 410-8249

Email: [email protected]
 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EI-32-0086

I. Investigative Summary
nn. Investigative Reports

Ill. Related Items (see attached folder)

Iv. Witness List

V. Investigative Cost Affidavit

 () OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE INVESTIGATIONS
N CORRUPTION UNIT
PUBLIC INVESTIGATIVE SUMMARY
CASE NUMBER: EI-32-0086 DATE: March 29, 2023
CASE AGENT: Inspector Keith B. Riddick
Ken Mascara
Kevin C. Carter
SUBJECT(s): «Adam Fetterman
«Bryan Beaty
«Keith Pearson
INCIDENT DATE(S): Between May 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020
INCIDENT
OCRHONG): St. Lucie3 County, Florida
;
FS. 104.071(1)(©): Election Code ~ Renumeration by candidate
for services, support, etc.; a Third-Degree Felony
+ FS.5. 104.091(1): Election Code— Aiding, abetting, advising, or
conspiring in violationofthe code; a Third-Degree Felony
+ FSS. 106.08(5)(@): Election Code — Contributions; limitations
on; a Third-Degree Felony
+ ESS. 106.09@2)(b): Cash Contributions and Contribution by
ALLEGATIONS)! Cashier's Checks; a Third-Degree Felony
CHARGE(S): + ESS. 817.155: Matters within Jurisdiction of Department of
State, Fictitious, or Fraudulent Acts, Statements, and
Representations; a Third-Degree Felony
« E.S.S. 777.011: Principal in First Degree;a Third-Degree Felony
and a First-Degree Misdemeanor
+ FS.S. 934.215: Unlawful Use ofa Two-Way Communications
Device;a Third-Degree Felony

INVESTIGATIVE PREDICATE:
On August 4, 2021, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Office of Executive Investigations.
(OEI) received allegations of election fraud by St. Lucie County Sheriff, Ken Mascara. Per the allegations,
SheriffMascara ordered and collaborated with St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office (SLCSO) members to recruit,
facilitate the campaign of, and ultimately pay former SLCSO Deputy Sheriff Kevin C. Carter for registering as a
Republican candidate in the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff election race. Per the allegations, Carter's “straw
candidacy” was created by Sheriff Mascara in order to assist in his own re-election, by taking votes from Rich
Williams, who was a registered Republican candidate in the Sheriffs Office election's race.
 HART SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION
BACKGROUND OF 2020 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF’s OFFICE ELECTION RACE

The following is a general timeline of events related to the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office election:
«Ken Mascara, a perennial Democrat, was first elected as the Sheriff
ofSt. Lucie County in November of
2000, taking office in January, 2001. Mascara officially declared his intent to run for 2020 re-election on
January 17, 2018, SLCSO, per documents filed with the St. Lucie County Supervisorof Elections Office
(SOE), again as a Democrat.
«Rich Williams, a former Florida Highway Patrol Trooper, first challenged Mascara in 2016, but lost to
him by approximately 62.50%ofthe votes cast in the August Democratic Primary. According to subjects.
interviewed, Williams’ campaign contained a substantial amountof “mudslinging” and personal attacks
on Mascara and his family, part ofwhich allegedly resulted in Mascara’s daughter losing her job.
On March 22, 2018, Williams filed a “Statement of Candidate” with the SOE as a precursor for his bid
forSheriff in the 2020 clection. On August 2, 2018, Williams filed an “Appointment of Campaign
Treasurer and Designation of Campaign Depository for Candidates form with the SOE that indicated he
was then running as a Republican, having changed political parties sometime after his 2016 election
campaign.
© On May 19,2020, Kevin Carter filed to run for SLCSO as a Republican.
«On August 18, 2020, Carter won the Republican Primary, making him the candidate to run against Sheriff
Mascara.

«On November 3, 2020,Sheriff Mascara won re-election for St. Lucie County Sheriff.
KEVIN CARTER’S 2020 CAMPAIGN FOR ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF

Pursuant to the investigation, OI conducted multiple swom interviews, reviewed bank records, phone records,
elections documents, and documents provided by witnesses. As a resultofthe investigation, the following facts
were established:

SLCSO Captain William “Bill” Hardman (Retired!

Hardman was interviewed pursuant to an Investigative Subpoena generated by the Florida 18" Judicial Circuit
State Attorney's Office. As part ofhis intervier, Hardman provided the following:
+ Documents which he called a “Timeline”ofhis knowledge pertaining to Carter's campaign.
= Copiesofemails and text exchanged betweenhimselfand Sheriff Mascara, related to Carter's campaign.
«Cellphone, which he alleged was provided bySheriff Mascara to use as the phone line for Carter's.
campaign.
OF Investigative Summary E132:0086 Page 2022
 Hardman advised that on April 30, 2020, while employed at SLCSO, he engaged in the following email
conversation withSheriff Mascara, regarding the potential of having him run for Sheriff in the 2020 Republican
primaries against Williams:
DATE TIME FROM __TO MESSAGE

4302020| 18:16 [Hardman[Mascara| Onsomanylevels |

Yes If we went and filed you tomorrow and you sent an email out
47302020| 18:17 | Mascara| Hardman| to get petitions signed electronically you think you can get 2000 in
10 days.

43072020| 18:18 | Mascara| Hardman| "£0 © beat him lkea red headed step child but just don't
want to go thru with it!!! Ugghbh
4/30/2020| 1519 |Haraman| vase | What do I do after beat him. Goto Gertrude and withdraw?
4/302020| 18:19 Let me think about it tonight
Twould have to ask what would happen. I don't know. If you
EA in en ‘withdraw they might put him back on ballot
[4302020| 18:22 [Hardman|Mascara| Weneedtoknowthat |
47302020
would definitely do it and we could reach out thru social media to
4302020| 1827 | Hardman| Mascara| get the signatures but I want it end when he's out. No interest in
November
nano ley He still thinks crazy idea and makes me look weak. I told him I'm
not weak just tired!!!
Per Hardman, on May 9, 2020, Sheriff Mascara called and again asked him to run against Williams in the 2020
St. Lucie County SherifFs race. Per Hardman, SheriffMascara wanted him to defeat Williams in the Republican
primary, soSheriffMascara “wouldn't have to be bothered with him (Williams) any longer.” Hardman acquiesced
to Sheriff Mascara’s request, but later found out, via SLCSO General Counsel (GC) Adam Fetterman, that in
order to run in the Sheriff elections, he would have to resign from the SLCSO. Per Hardman, when it was
determined that he couldn't run in the Republican primary, SheriffMascara advised him that they would have to
find a candidate to run against Williams.
Hardman relayed that he contacted a local individual named Billy "Dell and asked him to run for Sheriff in the
Republican primary, but he refused. Hardman added that at Sheriff Mascara’s direction, he also asked SLCSO
DeputyJim Buchheit to run in the same race. Per Hardman, Buchheit initiallysaid he would run in the Republican
OF Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 30722
primary, but on May 15, 2020, Buchheit came to Hardman’s office and retracted his agreement. Hardman further
advised that Buchheit was told of Sheriff Mascara’s reasons for asking him to run. Hardman stated that sometime
between May 15, 2020, and May 18, 2020, Sheriff Mascara called him and advised that Kevin Carter had agreed
to run against Williams. Per a review of the texts provided by Hardman, the following conversation occurred
with Sheriff Mascara:
DATE TIME FROM TO MESSAGE
5/15/2020|16:54|Mascara
|Hardman| He wants to talk to someone in R party Itold him you would call
5/15/2020| 16:54 Hardman | [VCARD)] (This details that a contact # was sent)
5162020| 9:51 |Mascara[Hardman [| — isheamiltaryvet |
5/16/2020| 10:46 Hardman | Gez This guy is a Home run. He might beat ME
5/16/2020| 16:50 |Mascara
|Hardman| Is there a way to get his personnel file over weekend.
5/16/2020| 18:18 ‘Hardman | Ok Thx
“This is what's in the 3rd email
Safe driver award
20082011 2012
Commendation 2012
5/16/2020 | 18:19. Mascara High school transcript 1976
Basic Recruit Academy 1990
Affidavit of separation (retirement) stating Ieft NOT under
investigation or involving misconduct July 2012
Ifyou need any of this sent to you let me know.
5/16/2020| 18:26 Looks great. Thx
Per email records provided by Hardman, the following email from account [email protected] to
billhardman(@om.me, on May 16, 2020, at 16:28, acknowledges the receiptofCarter's SLCSO personnel records:
ReKevin Carter thyarensparate fsdet lesize ;
oe sean martin fy
Wo

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 40i22

Hardman advised that the individuals that agreed to Sheriff Mascara’s request to run against Williams, including
himself, did soonly to benefit his reclection campaign and were not, at first, offered any money for being willing
to assist.
According to Hardman, on May 18, 2020, Carter went to Hardman’s office around lunchtime and announced “so
T guess I'm running for Sheriff.” Hardman said he told Carter at that ime, “We've got the paperwork, we've gotta.
get it filed out, blah, blah, blah. We'll handle it. You don't have to do anything. We'l take care of this.”
Hardman advised that on the same date, he contacted Barbara Finster,a local accountant and friend, who agreed
to be the campaign treasurer. Per Hardman, he gave Public InformationOfficer (PIO) Bryan Beaty the campaign
documents, which PIO Beaty returned to Hardman in order for Finster to complete the campaign treasurer
sections. Finster and Carter setup a bank account for his campaign at Seacoast Bank in Ft. Pierce. It should be
noted that per Hardman, Finster was not awareofthe true reasons for Carter running against Williams.
Hardman advised that he, Sheriff Mascara, SLCSO's Public Information Officer (PIO) Bryan Beaty, and GC
Fetterman, were the primary agents in developing/managing Carter's campaign against Williams. ~ Hardman
explained that although GC Fetterman initially advised Sheriff Mascara to not introduce a candidate to run against
Williams; once Carter agreed to run, GC Fetterman acted as the “advisor” for Carter's campaign. According to
Hardman, the majority of the discussion and planning for Carter's campaign took place within the confinesofthe
SLCSO Headquarters in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Hardman advised that on May 20, 2020, Sheriff Mascara provided Hardman with a telephone to be used in the
‘campaign. Hardman provided the OF! Inspectors with the cellular phone (772-480-5890), and the receipt for
its purchase, which he advised wereoriginally provided tohim by Sheriff Mascara. Hardman described the phone
as being a “bumer phone”, one that service is bought on an as needed basis, that does not have a contract
Hardman said that afier the campaign, SheriffMascara told him he wanted the phone back, but then told him to
“getrid of it”. Hardman described the conversation as; "You want meto take it down and drop it in the ocean or
the river.” To which SheriffMascara had replied, "That'd be good." Per a review of the aforementioned phone,
it was activated on May 19, 2020, under the name of “Tom Thomas” but the “Billing Details” section of the
record was blank without a listed name, address, or other identifying information. A review of the phone’ call
log identified completed calls to the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections Office and Seacoast Bank, while
other calls were made to such persons as Gertrude Walker, the St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections, Andrew
Nail an associateof Kenny Nail the Chairman of the St. Lucie County Republican Party, Kevin Carter, Bill
Greenlee, a member of the local news media, and GC Fetterman. The records also detailed that GC Fetterman
called the campaign phone at approximately 2:02 PM on July 16, 2020, which appeared to be via call forwarding,
‘and was called from the campaign phone on the same day at approximately 2:09 PM where a conversation ensued
for approximately four minutes.
Per Hardman, on May 21, 2020, Hardman escorted Carter to PIO Beaty’s office where, with Carter's input, PIO
Beaty completed the remaining supervisor of election's office paperwork for the campaign. Per Hardman, PIO
Beaty also set up and managed Carter's campaign email account in and from his office at the SLCSO
Headquarters. Hardman explained that he rented a post office box for the campaign using his personal money.
Hardman commented that the post office box was needed because they couldn't use Carter's residential address,
as he planned to be in Pittsburgh during the majority of the campaign period. Per Hardman, only he and PIO
Beaty had the keys to the post office box. Hardman relayed that GC Fetterman, orchestrated two “mailers” for
the campaign. GC Fetterman created the mailers using contacts he developed in his previous political career as a
member of the Florida House of Representatives. Per Hardman, GC Fetterman sent emails outlining the mailers
and paid for them with money from the Carter campaign account. Hardman provided the OEI Inspectors with
printed copiesof those emails, which detailed Fetterman’s business email address, FettermanFirm(@ gmail.com.
OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page S0i22
Per texts provided by Hardman, on May 28, 2020, the following conversation occurred between him and Sherif
Mascara regarding PIO Beaty’s assistance with documentation related to Carter's “ghost” candidacy for 2020 St.
Lucie County Sheriff
PT CE) EY
5/28/2020| 16:45 Mascara | ‘What is wrong

Fm [Fort | Nears Oya Baty Om Fe led ap a ough Ted

582000 | 16:48 Hardman Nope
5/28/2020| 16:48 Mascara | Tl call him right now
29202 Tdon't have it

Per exis provided by Hardman, on July 12, 2020, the following conversation occurred between him and Sherif
Mascara
DATE I) MESSAGE
en 12:51 | Mascara| Hardman| "1 €ome to your office I lef something in
there for you
According to Hardman, after he received the aforementioned text, he went back to his office and found a bottle
of liquor and $10,000 in US currency inside his desk drawer. Hardman described the money as being “big bills,
100 and 50's.” Hardman said that he received instructions from Sheriff Mascara, “to go find ten people to donate:
$1000 or however ~ whatever denomination's possible to get that 10,000 in the (Carter campaign) account”.
Hardman advised he was able to do what Mascara requested with the helpof several of his friends. It should be
noted that the fist entry on Carter's campaign finance report,of money received fromone ofthe “enlisted donors”
as delineated above, was dated May 28, 2020.
Per texts provided by Hardman, on July 9, 2020, the following conversation occurred between him and Sheriff
Mascara regarding obtaining votes for Carter's “ghost” candidacy for 2020 St. Lucie County Sheri:
DATE TIME FROM TO PSs
7192020| 15:35
I'm reaching out to all of my Republican friends and getting
7/9/2020| 15:36 | Hardman| Mascara them on board. Its easy to do when
I'm not asking for any money just a vote:

Hardman provided the following July 11, 2020, email between himself ([email protected]), GC Fetterman
(fettermanfiim(@smail.com), and Sheriff Mascara (kenmascara(@gmail.com). Per the email, it appears that the
three are discussing the design and content ofa Carter campaign website (carterforsheriff.com) and mailers lo be
sent out to voters. It should be noted that the email contained an attachment titled “45612 Mascara Carter
Diversion_6X...", which was later found to be a mailer created and/or designed by Mark Zubaly ofDirect Mail
OF Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page60722
Systems, Inc. The attachments for the email provided by Hardman included a brief biography for Carter (to use
in the website) and a mailer sample for the Carter campaign.

Per texts provided by Hardman, on July 12, 2020, the following conversation occurred between him and Sheriff
Mascara, in which they appear to further discuss the information contained in the aforementioned email
PT To] 10 MESSAGE
InsteadofSheriffs race explained.
7122020 | 13:03 Headline
Elections 101
7/12/2020

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 70122

Per emails provided by Hardman ([email protected]), from July 16, 2020, at 10:15 hours and July
18, 2020, at 19:42 hours, the following communications occurred between GC Fetterman
(fettermanfirm(@gmail.com) and Carter ([email protected]), in a stringof emails with the subject line “Carter
Take 3”. The emails pertainto Carter's biographical information.
ct eT

ne ema Caested

Per emails provided by Hardman (billhardman@ protonmail.com), on July 18, 2020, at 19:48 hours, the following
communication occurred, where Hardman instructed PIO Beaty ([email protected]) to forward an edited
versionofCarter's biographical information to GC Fetterman. Per the message, PIO Beaty was to forward the
message to GC Fetterman using Carter’s campaign email, to make it appear the Carter had approved the
information.
osubiect

|
eyor tecou om

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 PageBor22

eremit provided by Hardman (billarian(@protonmsil on), on July 15,2020, t 19:54 ours, the lowing
communication occurred, where PIO Beaty (btbeaty681 @gmail.com) advised Hardman that he complied with
nto to Toward ade ert ofComers boa nora singCarn compagh emai
Re: (No Subject)

Per emails provided by Hardman ([email protected]),

on July 20, 2020, at 22:54 hours, the following
Commmtemion scotch wher GO Fo ea Mase nk Pama ot Cone campos
website (www.carterforsheriff.com) was functional. In the email, Fetterman also details how they would expend
funds from Carter's campaign to “push traffic to the site”
J.

Per texts provided by Hardman, on August 12, 2020, the following conversation occurred between him and Sheriff
Mascara, in which they appear to discuss residual funds in the Carter campaign account:
EET rr
All campaign expenses are paid and we have $475 left. Adam
8/12/2020 Hardman Mascara said no place to spend it so we can
just leave it there for now. Any suggestions?

im| wil
On August 20, 2020, per SOE records from Carter's campaign account, a S375 check was expended ata Ft. Pierce
restaurant named Moonswiner's Barbecue (it should be noted that Moonswiner’s Barbecue is owned by Danny
and Tia Adkins, twoofthe people that Hardman asked to donate partof the $10,000 given to him by Mascara to
Kick offthe campaign.) Per Hardman, Sheriff Mascara had him provide a check in the amount of $375.00 from
Carter’s campaign account, at Moonswiner’s Barbecue, in return for cash in the same amount, Per Hardman,
Sheriff Mascara instructed him to have the campaign treasurer list the aforementioned check in the SOE.
documents as a payment for a campaign volunteer lunch. Hardman advised that the volunteer lunch never took
place (which was confirmed by Kelly Flood, a managerial employee at Moonswiner’s Barbecue) and instead,
Sheriff Mascara had him use the money to pay individuals that were waving signs for the Carter campaign.
Hardman said Sheriff Mascara instructed him to deliver the cash to a female named Laurie (later identified as
Laurie Strang) who was waving signs at a certain intersection in St. Lucie County. Hardman advised that he
found Laurie and handed her the money, which was contained in a red solo cup, saying “Here, Sheriff Mascara
told me to give youa drink.” Per Hardman, she looked in the cup and she said, “T'm very thirsty, thank you.” It
should be noted that OEI Inspectors interviewed Strang, who stated that the aforementioned money was payment
for her waving signs and coordinating the scheme that involved the sign-wavers, as described above.
Additionally, on the same date, per texts provided by Hardman, the following conversation occurred between him
andSheriff Mascara, in which they appear to discuss recruited voters for the Carter campaign
DATE TIME FROM TO RI
Carter officially filed and appeared on the ballot May 21
In 89 days we convinced 12341 people to vote for himas a complete.
unknown candidate. That's a total of 138 new voters convinced every
8202020 single day for 89 straight days. In 4 years rw convinced 7098 people
0 votefor him. That's 4.8 per day. That puts in an astonishing
perspective. He should considerhimselfvery lucky we didn't start 4
years ago.

Tt should be noted that per SOE records, Joe Edge, through his business The Tax Shoppeof SLC, Inc., his wife
Maria Edge, and his brother Richard Edge, each donated $1,000 to the Carter campaign.
Regarding payments made to Carter for his participation as a “ghost” candidate in the 2020 St Lucie County
Sheriffrace, Hardman informed the OEI Inspectors that Carter was given between $4,400 and $4,600 dollars as
compensation. Hardman said the money originated from the Carter campaign account as two checks cashed at
Moonswiner's Barbecue (at the direction of Sheriff Mascara) in the same manner as the referenced above and six
checks written to individuals that were listed on the Carter campaign Financial Report as “Poll Watchers”.
Hardman advised thatSheriffMascara provided him the names of the poll watchers. Hardman then arranged for
Finster (Carter's Campaign Treasurer) to obtain the counter checks from the bank, which Hardman provided to
Sheriff Mascara to distribute to the poll watchers. Per Hardman, the poll watchers had the instructions that they
were to cash the checks, and return the money to SheriffMascara. Hardman advised that once Sheriff Mascara
had collected all the cash from the poll watchers, he gave it to Hardman who in tum provided it to Carter. In
corroborationofthis account, the following text conversation between Hardman and Mascara was identified from
the text provided by Hardman:

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 100122

 DATE TIME FROM TO pes
y | Mascara| Hardman
10/14/2020| 17:29 Lond What'seres
up!!! cachet!

202 Tl call hr tonight

1071412020 17:29 590 each, right? (referring to the campaign treasurer)

OFI Inspectors interviewed allofthe listed “poll watchers” who advised that they waved signs for the Carter
campaign. Laurie Strang admitted to having enlisted her daughter Jessica, boyfriend Dugan and family friends,
Przekop and Brown. to wave signs. Additionally, Strang stated that they cashed the checks and she collected the
funds. Dugan, Jessica Strang, and Przekop corroborated Strang that the checks were cashed and the money
returned to her. Laurie Strang further testified that she, accompanied by Dugan, took the cash from the checks to
Sheriff Mascara. Dugan admittedto taking the money to SheriffMascara with Laurie Strang. Brown could not
remember anything to do with the checks, reportedly due to his alcoholism, and Rogers (Sheriff Mascara’s son's
ex-girlftiend). denied cashing the check and returning the money to Sheriff Mascara. The following transactions
were identified in corroboration to Hardman’s statement and via copies ofthe “counter checks” that were obtained
via a subpoena to Seacoast Bank. The financial records for Carters campaign detailing the transactions, were
filed with the SOE on October 30, 2020.
TTT Te fe [IY
10/18/20| Matthew J. Przekop | $595.00 | Poll Watcher
10/1820 $595.00 | Poll Watcher
10/1820 $595.00 | Poll Watcher
Expense| 10/18/20 5595.00 | Poll Watcher
10/18120 $595.00 | Poll Watcher
10/1820 $500.00 | Poll Watcher
10/28/20| Moonswiner's Bar-B-Q| $602.97
Expense| 10/29/20| Moonswiners Bar-B-Q| $400.00 | Promotional BBQ
[1 Troma saammor| |
Regarding Carter's participation in his own campaign, Hardman reiterated that Carter himself had very little to
do with the campaign. Hardman estimated that Carter was only in St. Lucie County between 15% and 20% of
the time from when he agreed to “run 10 the genera election in November. Hardman stated that Carter may have
talked to the media “once or twice” and had “a couple”ofpictures taken for campaign material
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING KEVIN CARTER'S 2020 CAMPAIGN FINANCE
REPORT REVIEW
As part of this investigation, OE] Investigators reviewed the St. Lucie County SOE records Carter's campaign.
Per the reviewed records, Carter's campaign received a total of $23,550 in contributions. Per Hardman, the
contributions originated from the $10,000 provided by Sheriff Mascara, contributors that the Sheriff provided
additional funds to donate, and from legitimate donations. Regarding the manner in which the $10,000 provided
by Mascara were able to be deposited into Carter's campaign, Hardman identified the following 11 individuals
as “straw donors” to whom he provided cash funds. Per Hardman, the individuals were to donate to the Carter
OF Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 110122
‘campaign fromtheir own accounts in the same amount that Hardman had provided. Per SOE records, the “straw”
contributions were made as follows:
DATE [SONI PRYTO

LL
[Tow [| si00000 |
OFI Inspectors interviewed ten of the eleven donors listed above (Gosser died prior to this investigation) and all
but Danny and Tia Adkins corroborated Hardman’s statement that he had given them the funds to donate to
Carter's campaign. Hardman advised that he knew some of the other contributors to Carter” campaign. but he
had not provided them with the funds for donations. Per Hardman, Sheriff Mascara had given him several checks
from individuals donating (0 the Carter campaign that Hardman in tun deposited into the campaign account.
Tt should be noted that per SOE records, the campaign account was closed on December 31, 2020.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING KEVIN CARTER'S 2020 CAMPAIGN WEBSITE AND
PROPAGANDA
Aspreviouslydetailed in this Investigative Summary, Hardman advised that GC Fetterman was tasked with and/or
was responsible for all, or part of, Carter campaign's advertising. Per records provided by Hardman, OE]
Inspectors determined that the companies Impressive Click, The Firefly Group, and Direct Mail Systems Inc
conducted work on Carter's campaign. OEI Inspectors obtained and reviewed records from the aforementioned
‘companies related to Carter's 2020 St. Lucie CountySheriff campaign. Per the reviewed records, Impressive
Click was hired by GC Fetterman to build Carter's campaign website. Additionally, it was determined that the
‘company Direct Mail Systems Inc. was contracted by GC Fetterman to produce and deliver campaign mailers.
Stacy Weller Rainieri
Stacy Weller Rainieri advised she owned and operated the company The Firefly Group. Weller stated that she
was contacted by GC Fetterman, who asked her to create a website for Carter's campaign. Weller further advised
“since it was just website work, I passed it on to Andrew (identified as Andrew Webster), who is my web
developer for all of my clients’ websites through the company Impressive Click. Weller advised that she knew
GC Fetterman, as she had previously met him when he was running for a State Representative seat several years
ago, and from her company having worked on his re-election campaign. Weller further stated that she recognized
the email address “Fettermanfim@gmail. com” as belonging to GC Fetterman.

OF Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 120122

Andrew Webster
Andrew Webster advised that he owned and operated the company Impressive Click. Webster sated that he knew
GC Fetterman from previous website work he performed for him, and his wife, through Weller and from GC
Fetterman being his parent's neighbor. Webster also advised that he recognized the email address
“fettermanfirm(@gmail.com” from his previous dealings with GC Fetterman. Webster advised that he did not
have direct contact with GC Fetterman related to Carter's campaign and that the interactions occurred by email,
through Weller
OI Inspectors located an archived copyofCarter’s campaign website created by Webster. The homepageofthe
website consisted ofa photoofCarter, a logo for his campaign and a written statement titled “A Lifeof Service
To Country and Community”, all of which were present in emails related to GC Fetterman regarding Carter's
campaign.” Per reviewed records provided by Webster, the statement titled “A Life of Service To Country and
Community” was almost verbatim to a Word document sent to Rainieri by GC Fetterman. Also, the website's
page, titled “About My Opponent”, was taken from an email sent to Rainieri by GC Fetterman on July 16, 2020
at7:32 PM in which GC Fetterman notes that he had previously sent her an FHP intemal affairs report regarding
Carter's opponent (Rich Williams). The email also stated that it contained a letter from Indian River County
Sheriff Deryl Loar, which was also located on Carter's campaign website.
Mark Zubaly
Zubaly advised that he owned and operated the company Direct Mail Systems Inc. Per Zubaly, he first worked
with GC Fetterman in 2016 regarding Sheriff Mascara’s re-election campaign. Zubaly stated that during the
summer of 2020, he was contacted by GC Fetterman, who asked him to work on the Carter campaign. Zubaly
advised that he was contracted by GC Fetterman to produce direct mail for the Carter Campaign in order to help
Carter win the primary. Zubaly commented that they used some of the same material in Carter’s campaign that
they had used in Mascaras 2016 campaign; materials that had been supplied by Mascara’s campaign personnel.
Zubaly understood that GC Fetterman, and others, believed that Carter was the “betterof two evils” over the other
Republican candidate, Rich Williams. Zubaly also said that he was given the impression, by GC Fetterman, that
Carter “would be done after winning the primary.” Zubaly stated that his sole contact, with the Carter campaign,
was Adam Fetterman.
19th Judicial Circuit State Attomey Investigator Daniel Jones
According to Jones, Carter told him thatSheriffMascara, personally approached him (Carter) and “asked him to
run for Sheriff to kinda do away with the competition.” Jones also advised that he became involved in Sheriff
Mascara’ election in 2020, he believed after the primary, and went to St. Lucie County SherifP’s Lieutenant Keith
Pearson's home to pick up some Mascara campaign signs. While he was there, Pearson told him “there's the
same assembly line where they made all the Carter signs, put ‘em all together, distributed in the same way that
they were doing Mascara's signs.” Pearson also told Jones that he, and unknown other persons, had placed and
taken down, various Carter campaign signs. Jones also sated that Pearson informed him that he (Pearson) had
written the campaign biographical letter used in the St. Lucie County SupervisorsofElections” website for Carte.
SLCSO Lieutenant Scott Wells
Wells advised that during oneofhis night shifts, he was patrolling in the areaof Midway Road and Melville Road
in Ft. Pierce, Florida when he observed a suspicious vehicle parked on the side ofMelville Road. Wells described
the vehicle as a white “Sprinter type van” similar to one that the Sheriff's office had previously seized during an
investigation. Wells stated that when he stopped behind the vehicle, he heard the sound similar to that ofa weed
OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 130122
cater being run. Wells advised that he then observed Sheriff Mascara standing off to his right. Per Wells, he
askedSheriff Mascaraifhe was doing some late-night yard work, to whichSheriffMascara replicd “"No, we're
just out putting up some signs." Well then noticed two other subjects, who he identified as SLCSO Lieutenant
Keith Pearson, who appeared to be carrying a chainsaw, and a subject named John O'Neil who is a local
businessman and long-time supporterof Sheriff Mascara. Wells stated that after the short conversation with
Mascara he resumed his patrol, only to return a short time later to see that a Kevin Carter campaign sign was now
standing where they had been working. According to Lt. Wells, the sign was located at 701 Midway Road, Ft.
Pierce.
Linda and James Crist

Linda and James owned the aforementioned property where the Carter campaign sign was placed (701 Midway
Road, Ft. Pierce). Both Linda and James Crist stated that they did not remember who asked to erect the sign
described in Lt, Wells statement, but did remember the Carter sign being at that location.
SLCSO Lieutenant Richard Ziarkowski

Lt. Ziarkowski advised that when he heard that Carter was running for Sheriff, he called Carter and asked him for
campaign paraphernalia, such as shirts and signs. Lt. Ziarkowski sated that he did so because it was obvious, 0
him, that Carter was a ghost candidate and thatif him supporting Carter was going to help his boss,SheriffKen
Mascara, he would help.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING KEVIN CARTERS 2020 CAMPAIGN
Based on a reviewofthe documents provided by Hardman, OEI Inspectors identified email communications
betweenSheriff Mascara, GC Fetterman, PIO Beaty, Carter, and Hardman, in which different aspects and actions
(media, propaganda and financial) of Carter's 2020 “ghost” campaign for 2020 St. Lucie CountySheriff were
discussed. The reviewed documents included multiple emails sent from Carter campaign email account. It should
be noted that per reviewed documents and statements, Hardman, PIO Beaty, and GC Fetterman had access and
appeared to have used the account o send emails as Carter. The following table details the identified emails,
which were atached to this Investigative Summary as “Appendix A”
DATE TIME SENDER RECIPIENT Se

5/16/2020| 18:28 | Mascara Hardman Kevin Carter - they are in separate files due to file size
6/182020| 1220[Fetterman| Wardman| Sendmepis |
6/23/2020| 15:49 (No Subject)
6242020|11:26|Hardman| Fetterman| Sendmepies |
6/30/2020 (No Subject)
7/11/2020| 15:59 | Fetterman| Mascara / Hardman status - DO NOT FORWARD OR SHARE
7/16/2020|10:15|Fetterman| CarterCampaign | FWD: Carter Take 3
7/182020
7/182020| 19:48 [Hardman| Beaty | (No Subject)
OF Investigative Summary E132-0086 Page 140122
[77182020]1954|Beaty| Wardman| (NoSubjee |

ro y
rr te |Op) Re: Fw: Fwd: They had a retired Judgedo the

[7247020[1459 [Fetterman| Wardman |” FWDistaws |

Furthermore, the following individuals provided sworn statements regarding their knowledge ofCarter's 2020 St.
Lucie County Sheriff campaign:
SLCSO Administrative Assistant (AA) Melissa Reuther
AA Reuther was interviewed in relation to this investigation because she served as Hardman’s SLCSO
administrative assistant during the time of the 2020 election. AA Reuther advised that she was Hardman’s
assistant from “May or Juneof 2020 until August-ish of 2020.” AA Reuther advised that, on one day, during the
2020 elections period, Hardman handed her a cell phone and asked her to record a voice mail greeting message
on it. AA Reuther stated that, using verbiage supplied by Hardman, she attempted to record a message that said
something to the effectof “This is the Kevin Carter campaign. Sorry we didn't reach you.” Reuther advised that
she was unable to successfully record the message and gave the phone back to Hardman. Reuther also relayed
that sometime in June or July of 2020, Hardman asked her to come into his SLCSO office, where he showed her
“thousands ofdollars”in U.S. Currency thatwere inHardman’sdesk drawer.
SLCSO Detective Andrew Bolonka
Det. Bolonka advised that he heard, from early on in the campaign, that Carter running forSheriffwas a sham,
that people had been given money, via Hardman from Sheriff Mascara, to donate to Carter's campaign, and that
SLCSO Deputy Jim Buchheit and St. Lucie County business man Jamie Hannan had also been asked to run by
Mascara. Per Det. Bolonka, he also later spoke with former SLCSO Detective Scott Young who had told him
that Mascara had asked him to run for Sheriff to “take out Williams.”
Det. Bolonka recalled a conversation he had with Carter before the primary election in 2020 ata local
establishment. Per Det. Bolonka, Carter stated that "Well, things are pretty messed up right now. All the rumors
are starting to fly." Per Det. Bolonka, Carter sated this regarding, "Oh, you know. Like, you know, the election
Stuff. Im supposed to be up in Pennsylvania laying low.” I'm not even supposed to be around here. But now
because all these rumors have started about the sham election, I'm kindofhere now, you know, showing my face."
Additionally, per Det. Bolonka, Carter added "Yeah. Oh, they got me wrapped up in this. Now it i’ tured in
— tumed into kind ofa mess s0 now I'm stuck and I have to se it all the way through." Det. Bolonka advised
that Carter never mentioned any names in reference to the conversation.
Det. Bolonka also recalled he had a conversation with SLCSO Lieutenant (Lt) Scott Wells. According to Det.
Bolonka, Lt. Wells informed him that while he was on patrol one nigh, he observed three suspicious persons. Lt.
Wells stopped to check on them, and found the three individuals to be Sheriff Mascara, Lt. Pearson, and John
ONeill, a local businessman. Per Det. Bolonka, Lt. Wells advised that he left the area fora short time and when
he drove back by the same area, he observed a Carter campaign sign where the three aforementioned individuals
had been standing.

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 150122

 Former SLCSO Chief Deputy Garry Wilson
Wilson advised that he heard GC Fetterman make a comment, to the effect of, “We may have stepped over the
line”, in reference to the scheme to have Carter run as a Republican candidate in order to keep Rich Williams
from reaching the elections.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE SOLICITATION OF “GHOST” CANDIDATES
IN THE 2020 ST. LUCIE COUNTY SHERIFF RACE
As stated previously in this Investigative Summary, Hardman advised that the following individuals were
approached either by himselfor Sheriff Mascara in order to convince them to enter the 2020 St. Lucie County
Sheriffrace against Williams.
William “Billy” O'Dell
O°Dell advised that Bill Hardman asked him to enter the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff race. Per O'Dell,
Hardman also advised him that “they” would raise the money needed for registration as a candidate. O’Dell
subsequently declined the invitation to run.
SLCSO Reserve Deputy James Buchheit
Buchheit advised that it was “joked about for years”, that he was going to run for Sheriff, but he had not, that he
could remember, been asked to run by current Sheriff Mascara, or anyone in the SherifF’s command staff.
SLCSO Detective Scott Young, Retired
Young advised that on May 15, 2020, SheriffMascara came to se him at his barber shop in Vero Beach, Florida.
Young knew the date because Sheriff Mascara brought him a laminated copy of a newspaper article that
announced the openingof the barbershop which he posted on the business’ Facebook page that day. Young stated
that Sheriff Mascara asked him to step outside, and when they did, Sheriff Mascara said “have a proposition for
you” Per Young,Sheriff Mascara said, "You know, this guy running against me, Rick Williams, we need to get
tid of him. So how would you like to be Sheriff?" Young thought Sheriff Mascara was kidding, but Sheriff
Mascara then said “No, really. How'd you like to be Sheriff? Youre a Republican, right?” To which Young
replied that he was. Per Young, Sheriff Mascara then stated “Here's what I'm proposing. You're gonna run for
Sheriff. And Sheriff's office is gonna back you and support you. And you'll win. And then you will run against
me. And then,ofcourse, you will concede, and I will become Sheriff.” Young advised that he ultimately told
SheriffMascara that he was not willing to run for Sheriff
Young advised that he later heard about Carter running, so Young met with Sheriff Mascara and told him “I'm
hearing a lot of rumors about fraud.” Young said that Sheriff Mascara got “really offended” and commented "I
don't know what -- that -- that's bullshit. I can support whoever I wanna support and back -- I" ~ what.” Young
further advised that he later spoke with Carter about the campaign and Carter admitted that he too had been
approached and asked to run against Williams. Carter reportedly told Young "Well, yeah, you know, he came to
me and asked me to run and basically told me the same thing. He's gonna support me. And, uh, then Il run and
Tl concede and he'll be Sheriff. And that's what we did."

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 160122

 SUBJECT STATEMENTS
SLCSODeputyKevinCarter,Retired
OI Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interviewofretired SLCSO Deputy SheriffKevin Carter pursuant to
this investigation. Carter was asked how he became a candidate for theSheriffof St. Lucie County in 2020.
Carter advised that he was at the SherifP’s headquarters one day, talking to Sheriff Mascara, when SheriffMascara
asked Carter “Can you do me a favor?” or something to that effect. When Carter asked Sheriff Mascara “What
might that be?”, he replied “how -- how about you running for Sheriff on Republican side?" Carter explained
that at first he told Sheriff Mascara no, but SheriffMascara commented to him that the membersofthe Republican
party in St. Lucie County didn’t want Williams running because they considered him a “RINO” (a Republican in
name only) as Williams had previously campaigned as a Democrat. Carter stated that “Un, so he kinda talked
me into it.” and “against my betterjudgment, I said *Yeah™.
Carter relayed how Sheriff Mascara had him meet with Hardman, who became his “campaign manager”. Per
Carter, Hardman had him meet with Barbara Finster, who was the campaign treasurer. Carter described how he
paid the filing fee with money given to him by Hardman, and filed the necessary paperwork with the supervisor
ofelections office. Carter also opened a bank account for the campaign, with Barbara Finster. Carter advised
that he believed Hardman gave him the filing fee in cash while they were in Hardman'’s office at the SLCSO
headquarters. It should be noted that contrary to Carter's statement, the filing fee, $9,127.50, was paid with a
check to “SLC SupervisorofElections”, from Carter's campaign account, dated June 10, 2020.
Carter advised that he understood that SLCSO Lt. Pearson was in chargeofmaking his campaign signs and had
put up some of the signs. Carter stated that he discussed “the paperwork side”of the campaign with PIO Beaty,
while in Beaty’s office at the SLCSO headquarters. Carter also believed that PIO Beaty was responsible for the
‘campaign webpage. Carter stated that after he won the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriffprimary against Williams,
Hardman told him “Campaign's done.” Carter believed that after the primary, his campaign signs were pulled up
and had no further involvement in the election. Carter estimated that he was only in St. Lucie County
approximately 25% of the time during the 2020 election cycle.
Regarding payment for running in the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriffrace, Carter stated that he met with Hardman,
in November of 2020, who gave him approximately 54.600 in U.S. Currency as payment for his involvement in
the race. Carter said that Hardman commented that he, Hardman, went to Mascara, and suggested they give
Carter something, which Mascara authorized. Carter advised that he believed that the money came from Mascara.
SLCSO Public Information Officer Bryan Beaty
OF Inspectors conducted a swom recorded interview of PIO Beaty pursuant to this investigation. PIO Beaty
explained that he first heard that Carter was going to run for Sheriff from SheriffMascara during a conversation
in which SLCSO Major Brian Hester was also present. PIO Beaty advised that he said to Sheriff Mascara, “I old
him that I thought that that was unnecessary.” PIO Beaty also stated, “yeah, he just didn't want to have to go
through the extended campaign period. He would've preferred to not go through the extended campaign period
and have all of that happen again”, in reference to Williams comments about Sheriff Mascara and his family
during the previous campaign(s). PIO Beaty advised that he only met Carter once during the campaign. PIO
Beaty further advised that he, at the request of Hardman, searched SLCSO’s archives of any photographs” that
Carter might be able to use in the campaign and printed out documents from the supervisor of election's office
for Carter, at Hardman’ request. PIO Beaty also stated that he edited Carters campaign biography. at the request
of Hardman orSheriffMascara. PIO Beaty further advised that he understood that GC Fetterman assisted Carter's
‘campaign by facilitating the creation of the campaign flyers. It should be noted that PIO Beaty’s statement was
OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 170122
 in opposition to Hardman’s and Carter's statements about PIO Beaty’s knowledge of Carter's “ghost” candidacy
and his involvement with the campaign’s SOE paperwork and website management.
SLCSO Lieutenant Keith Pearson
OEI Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interview of Lt. Pearson pursuant to this investigation. Pearson
advised that he was approached by Hardman about using the workshop located in the backyardofhis residence
for Hardman to put together Carter campaign signs. Per Pearson, he also put up Carter campaign signs around
the county, or distributed them to other persons, at Hardman’s request. Pearson stated that he was not asked to
support Carter by SCLSO Sheriff Ken Mascara. Per Pearson, he backed Carter because he did not want Williams
to win the Republican primary race for St. Lucie County Sheriff. It should be noted that Pearson’s statement was
in oppositionto Hardman’sstatement that he had knowledgeofCarters “ghost” candidacy, from Wells” statement
that he had seen Pearson and Mascara together at the time a Carter campaign sign was being placed, and from
Carter's statement that Pearson was in charge of making the campaign signs.
SLCSO General Counsel Adam Fetterman

OE Inspectors conducted a sworn recorded interview of GC Fetterman, who was accompanied by his attorney,
Brian Tannenbaum, Esq. GC Fetterman was asked various questions about his involvement with the Carter
‘campaign for Sheriff in 2020. To each question, Mr. Tannenbaum replied by stating he was invoking his client's
Fifth Amendment right to remain silent.
SLCSOSheriff Kevin Mascara

Sheriff Mascara declined to provide a statement to OEI Inspectors related to this investigation.

SECTIONJIT INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS

The following findings are based on the evidence, documentation, and information obtained during OEI’s
investigation:
«Per sworn statements and reviewed text communications, Mascara approached Hardman and advisedof a
plan to register Carter as a “ghost” candidate in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race, in
order to take away votes from Republican candidate Williams.
«Per swom statements, Mascara approached Carter and convinced him to registered as a “ghost” candidate
in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race, in order to take away votes from Republican
candidate Williams.

« Perswom statements and text communications, SheriffMascara communicated

with Hardman via cellular
phone text message to orchestrate the “ghost” candidacy of Carter in the 2020 St. Lucie County
Republican primary race, in order to take away votes from Republican candidate Williams.
«Per SOE records, on May 19, 2020, Carter registered as a Republican candidate, in the 2020 St. Lucie
County primary race at the direction of Sheriff Mascara, to assist him in taking votes away from
Republican candidate Williams.

OF Investigative Summary E1-2-0086 Page 180r22

 Per swom statements and text communications, Sheriff Mascara provided Hardman with $10,000 in cash
to facilitate Carter's campaign in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race.
«Per SOE records, Carter's campaign received a total of $23,550 in contributions, to include the $10,000
provided bySheriffMascara.
«Per swom statements, Sheriff Mascara ordered Hardman to provide the aforementioned $10,000 he
provided, to individuals in order to have them in turn contribute to Carter's campaign.
«Per swom statements, Hardman divided the $10,000 provided by Sheriff Mascara to 11 individuals (in 10
amountsof$1,000 and 2 amounts of $500), who in tun contributed the funds to Carter's campaign.
«Per swom statements and SOE records, the 11 individuals contributed the funds provided by Sheriff
Mascara through Hardman, to the Carter campaign for 2020 St. Lucie Sheriff
«Per swom statements, Lt. Pearson knewofCarter's “ghost” candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County
Republican primary race.
Per swom statements, Lt. Pearson assisted with producing and placing Carter's campaign signs throughout
the county.
Per swom statements, Lt. Pearson was seen withSheriffMascara, placing a Carter campaign sign in the
county.
Per swom statements PIO Beaty knewofCarter's “ghost” candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County
Republican primary race.
«Per swom statements PIO Beaty assisted with the SOE paperwork for Carter's campaign.
«Per swom statements PIO Beaty assisted with Carter's campaign website management, to include Carter's
biography.
«Per swom statements and reviewed email communications, GC Fetterman knew of Carter's “ghost”
candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race.
«Per swom statements and reviewed records, GC Fetterman assisted withCarter'scampaign by facilitating
the creationof the campaign website.
Per swom statements and text communications, GC Fetterman communicated with the companies
Impressive Click/The Firefly Group via email and telephone, to create Carter's campaign website in
furtherance of Carter's “ghost” candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race.
Per swom statements and reviewed records, GC Fetterman assisted withCarter's campaign by facilitating
the creation of the campaign mailers.
Per swom statements and text communications, GC Fetterman communicated with the company Direct
Mail Systems Inc. via email and telephone, to create Carter's campaign mailers in furtheranceofCarter's
“ghost” candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County Republican primary race.
OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 19.0122
 Per swom statements and text communications, SheriffMascara instructed Hardman to obtain $4,477.97
through cashing § checks from the Carter Campaign.
«Per swom statements, Sheriff Mascara instructed Hardman to have the aforementioned § checks falsely
reported in financial records submitted to the SOE for Carter's campaign account, as either poll watcher
(6 instances), promotional event (I instance), or promotional BBQ (1 instance).
«Per swom statements, the aforementioned funds obtained from the § cashed checks, were used to pay
Carter (between $4400 and $4,600) for his registration/participation as a “ghost” candidate, in the 2020
St. Lucie County Republican primary race.
Ken Mascara
Based on the facts developed during OEI's investigation regarding St. Lucie County SheriffKen Mascara, it can
be determined that:
On multiple instances from May 15, 2020 through November 3, 2020, Ken Mascara, while being the incumbent
St. Lucie CountySheriff and seeking re-election for said office in the 2020 election cycle, aided and promoted
Kevin Carter's “ghost” candidacy in the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff race, to wit: Ken Mascara orchestrated
and facilitated Carter's candidacy in part with a $10,000 contribution to Carter's campaign. In addition, Ken
Mascara participated in the management for the social and financial aspects of the campaign. Ken Mascara
performed said actions in order to beat established Republican candidate Rich Williams in the 2020 St. Lucie
CountySheriff race.
On May 27, 2020, Ken Mascara acting as a principal, aided, abetted, counseled, hired, or otherwise procured such
offense to be committed, to wit: Ken Mascara provided a $10,000 contribution to Bill Hardman and ordered him
to make multiple contributions in the name of another for Kevin Carter's “ghost” candidacy in the Republican
primary for St. Lucie County Sheriff. Such contributions in the nameofanother occurred on 11 separate instances
between May 29, 2020 and July 23, 2020; which were falsely reported to the Florida Departmentof State (DOS).
On May 27, 2020, Ken Mascara, acting as a principal, aided, abetted, counseled, hired, or otherwise procured
such offense to be committed, to wit: Ken Mascara made an aggregate cash contribution in excess of $50, when
he provided $10,000 to Bill Hardman and ordered him to deposit the funds in Kevin Carter's “ghost” candidacy
in the Republican primary for St. Lucie County Sheriff. Such contributions, by another, occurred on 11 separate
instances for amounts of either S500 or $1,000, between May 29, 2020 and July 23, 2020; which were falsely
reportedto the DOS.
On October 14, 2020, Ken Mascara, acting as a principal, aided, abetted, counseled, hired, or otherwise procured
such offense to be committed, when he knowingly and willfully ordered Hardman to make a false, fictitious, or
fraudulent statement or representation, knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement
or entry, in a matter within thejurisdictionof the DOS, to wit: the Campaign Treasurer's Report submitted to the
DOS on October 30, 2020, which contained false information of 8 separate expenses. The expenses included 6
instances in which checks in the amountsof$595, were provided to individuals in exchange for the same amount
returned in cash. Two additional checks were similarly cashed for the amounts of$602.97 and $400 respectively,
from the restaurant Moonswiner’s Bar-B-Q.
OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 200122
On multiple instances from April 30, 2020 through October 14, 2020, Ken Mascara used a two-way
‘communication device to facilitate or further the commission ofa felony, to wit: communicated via mobile device
with Bill Hardman regarding the formation and financial managementofKevin Carter's 2020 “ghost” candidacy
inthe Republican primary for St. Lucie County Sherif.
Kevin Carter
On multiple instances from May 15, 2020 through November 3, 2020, Kevin Carter, knowingly conspired,
confederated, abetted, and aided Ken Mascara while he was the incumbent St. Lucie CountySheriff and seeking
re-clection for said office in the 2020 election cycle, to facilitate Kevin Carter’s “ghost” candidacy in the 2020
St. Lucie County Sheriff race, to wit: agreeing to participate as a “ghost candidate and assisting/advising
campaign. Kevin Carter performed said actions in order to assist Ken Mascara to siphon votes from established
Republican candidate Rich Williams in the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff race.
On June 30, 2020 and July 18, 2020, Kevin Carter used a two-way communication device to facilitate or further
the commission ofa felony, to wit: communicated via email with Bill Hardman regarding the managingofthe
webpage and propaganda mailers for the Kevin Carter 2020 “ghost” candidacy in the St. Lucie County Sheriff
race.
Adam Fetterman
On multiple instances from May 15, 2020 through November 3, 2020, Adam Fetterman, knowingly conspired,
confederated, abetted, and aided Ken Mascara while he was the incumbent St. Lucie CountySheriff and seeking
re-election for said office in the 2020 election cycle, to facilitate Kevin Carter’s “ghost” candidacy in the 2020
St. Lucie CountySheriffrace, to wit: assisting/advising on Carter’s campaign pertaining to media/advertising and
finance. Adam Fetterman performed said actions in order to assist Ken Mascara to siphon votes from established
Republican candidate Rich Williams in the 2020 St. Lucie County Sheriff race
On multiple instance from June 18, 2020 through July 29, 2020, Adam Fetterman used a two-way communication
device to facilitate or further the commission ofa felony, to wit: communicated via email and telephone with Ken
Mascara, Kevin Carter, Bill Hardman, Stacy RainieriofThe Firefly Group, and Mark ZubalyofDirect Mail
Systems Inc. regarding the creation of the webpage and propaganda mailers for Kevin Carter’s 2020 “ghost”
candidacy in the St. Lucie County Sheriff race.
Bryan Beaty
On multiple instances from May 15, 2020 through November 3, 2020, Bryan Beaty, knowingly conspired,
confederated, abetted, and aided Ken Mascara while he was the incumbent St. Lucie CountySheriff and secking
re-election for said office in the 2020 election cycle, to facilitate Kevin Carter’s “ghost” candidacy in the 2020
St. Lucie County Sheriff race, to wit: assisting/advising on Carter's candidate registration and assisting in the
management of the campaign website. Bryan Beaty performed said actions in order to assist Ken Mascara to
siphon votes from established Republican candidate Rich Williams in the 2020 St. Lucie CountySheriffrace.

OF! Investigative Summary E1-32-0086 Page 21 of22

On July 18,2020, Brian Beaty used a two-way communication device fo facilitate or further the commission ofa
felony, to wit: communicated via email with Bill Hardman regarding the biographical information used for Kevin
Carter's 2020 “ghost” candidacy in the St. Lucie County Sheriff race.

Keith Pearson
On multiple instances from May 15, 2020 through November 3, 2020, Keith Pearson, knowingly conspired.
Confederated, abeted, and aided Ken Mascara while he was the incumbent St. Lucie County Sheriff and seeking
re-election for said office in the 2020 election cycle, to facilitate Kevin Carter's “ghost” candidacy in the 2020
St. Lucie CountySheriffrace, to wit: asisting to create Carter's campaign propaganda signs, which he assisted
in placing through St. Lucie County. Keith Pearson performed said actions in order to assist Ken Mascara to
siphon votes from established Republican candidate Rich Williams in the 2020 St. Lucie CountySheriff race.

RSE ll STATE ATTORNEY

On September 15, 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis, signed Executive Order number 21-201, which transferred all
authorities related to the prosecution of the matters described within this Investigative Summary to the State
Attorney's Office in and for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. Pursuant to the Executive Order, a copyofthis
document, all related Investigative Reports and corresponding documents were provided to the appropriate State
Attorney's Office for their review and prosecutorial determination.

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