On Wednesday, the Florida Supreme Court decided not to review the criminal cases of former Sebastian City Council members Damien Gilliams and Pamela Parris.
After examining the case details and jurisdiction under Article V, Section 3(b) of the Florida Constitution, the Court determined they wouldn’t accept the case. They stated, “The petition for review is denied. No further motions will be considered.” Click here to read more from the Court.
Given the Court’s decision and refusal to hear the case further, Gilliams and Parris face limited alternatives. As per the lower Court’s instructions, they are expected to begin their jail sentences.
Per the initial agreement set by 19th Circuit Court Judge Michael Linn, Gilliams and Parris are required to report to jail. However, a subsequent order from another judge will provide them with a formal notice. Once that’s received, they’ll have 24 hours to begin serving their jail sentences.
This decision surfaces as Gilliams is in the midst of his campaign for the Sebastian City Council, ironically, the exact position he was in when he broke the Sunshine Laws.
Regarding their sentences, Gilliams has just under a month left, while Parris has 45 days. Both are also required to pay fines and restitution.
In 2021, after a nine-month term on the city council, both were recalled from their public roles. This recall occurred after their arrest for involvement in an unlawful meeting and subsequent charges of perjury and breaching the Sunshine Law.
A jury declared Gilliams and Parris guilty on May 27, 2021, for perjury and Sunshine Law violations during their public service tenure. Their sentencing was finalized by Judge Michael Linn of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court on September 14, 2021.
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