Candidate Receives Unexpected Visit From Detectives as Election Day Draws Near

WEEKI WACHEE – Candidate for Hernando Board of County Commissioners Marvin Baynham expected a fierce battle against the incumbent for the District 3 seat John Allocco, but he didn't expect to have detectives sent to his doorstep just two weeks before election day.

Marvin Baynham

Yesterday, R News reported that Baynham, a Republican, had been attacked by members of his own party over claims that he signed a petition supporting late-term abortions. Baynham says the claims are not true and that the signature is a forgery. Following that mail-out, images of Baynham wearing a Biden/Harris logo on his shirt and hat emerged, which were proven to be AI-generated. The real images were of Baynham's Fire Department logo.

Det Alex Covey

In response to Baynham stating that the mail-outs and other ads were not true, Republican Executive Committee Chairman and current County Commissioner Brian Hawkins asked former Chair Nick Holmes to post the following statement:

State Senator Blaise Ingoglia and Commissioner John Allocco

MESSAGE FROM BRIAN HAWKINS, CHAIRMAN OF THE HERNANDO COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY

As Chairman of the Hernando County Republican Party, I can tell you we take accusations of fraud VERY seriously. In a local Republican primary race for county commission, a candidate has alleged that someone has forged his signature on an official Amendment 4 petition (regarding abortion). If true, this is very concerning. To that end, first thing tomorrow morning I will immediately be contacting the local Supervisor of Elections, the local Sheriffs office, the State Attorney's office, and the Office of Election Crimes in Tallahassee asking them to do a full investigation and get to the bottom of this. I will keep everyone posted.

Sheriff Nienhuis and Commissioner Brian Hawkins

Today, Baynham received an unexpected and unsolicited visit by Detectives Alex Covey and David Vargas at his Weeki Wachee home, asking to speak to him about the allegations. CLICK FOR THE FULL VIDEO (Cue to 1:55).

With the knowledge that Sheriff Al Nienhuis refuses to implement body-worn cameras (BWCs) with his deputies, Baynham recorded the interaction with his cell phone. That prompted Det. Vargas to ask, "Are you going record this the whole time?" Baynham responds "Yeah."

Det. Covey explained, "We got some information that you might be the victim of fraud... All we're doing is reaching out to see if you would like our assistance in documenting that." Baynham, who did not request an interview stated, "I don't answer any questions and I would like to obtain my attorney, so I don't feel comfortable answering questions at the moment." Baynham proceeded to ask for their cards to give to his attorney. Baynham then asked who told them to respond to his residence and Det. Covey said, "The Chairman of the Republican Party." Baynham continued asking Det. Covey for the person's name, but he refused to answer, claiming that he didn't have that in his notes. Baynham stated "His name is Brian Hawkins, Commissioner Brian Hawkins. The Detectives left and Baynham immediately posted a video of the interaction on Facebook.

Det David Vargas

Due to the possibility of investigations being opened without Baynham's knowledge, he declined to answer specific questions about the issue until it is resolved.

The rest of the community did not remain silent on Baynham's Facebook page after watching the video, and they say this was nothing more than "Gestapo" style tactics being used to further intimidate Baynham.

R News contacted Brian Hawkins, Johns Allocco, and Sheriff Nienhuis and asked why the REC has the power to order an expedited response to a crime when there has been no complaint filed by an alleged victim. We did not receive a response by email, but Hawkins did answer my question on Baynham's Facebook post, stating, "I did not order the sheriff to do anything, nor could I order them to do anything."

This same style of intimidation has been used by the BOCC and Sheriff Nienhuis in the past. In the Behind the Gate documentary, domestic violence victim Ashley Wieder is seen speaking to commissioners during a BOCC meeting. Wieder accuses Allocco and Nienhuis of covering up criminal activity at Dawn Center (Domestic Violence Shelter). Within hours of leaving the meeting, Wieder received an unexpected visit from Detective Shawn Galarza who proceeded to threaten her with arrest if she lied about her allegations. So distraught over the threats, Wieder moved out of the state to avoid further harassment. CLICK HERE TO WATCH EXCERPT

Quoting the words of President Donald J. Trump after his failed assassination attempt, Baynham said, "Fight, fight, fight."

R News will continue to follow any new developments in this case.