Hallandale Beach

Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper Reinstated After Acquittal by Jury

A jury cleared her two weeks ago of accepting illegal campaign contributions in a corruption sting

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has reinstated Joy Cooper as mayor of Hallandale Beach after a jury cleared her two weeks ago of accepting illegal campaign contributions in a corruption sting.

Cooper was reinstated as mayor of the Broward County city on Thursday. Jurors acquitted of all charges on Nov. 26.

The South Florida SunSentinel reports Cooper was accused of accepting $5,000 in illegal contributions seven years ago. Former Gov. Rick Scott removed her from office the day after her arrest in January 2018.

Cooper will be owed back pay because she was acquitted, said City Attorney Jennifer Merino. The amount was not immediately available. Taxpayers could also be responsible for Cooper's legal bills, though that would have to be approved by the commission, Merino said.

Hallandale Beach voters elected a new mayor, Joy Adams, to serve until either Cooper was reinstated or when her term expired in November 2020.

Cooper will run the next city commission meeting on Dec. 18.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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