Source: Property Appraiser Manager Asked Employees to Campaign for Johnston - Possible Criminal Violation

BROOKSVILLE – Since R News broke the story of a cyberattack on Hernando County Government's IT Network, officials say they are still not fully back online, but that most systems are working properly. One of those systems that caused the most disruption is the Property Appraiser's Office. When the system went down, nearly all real estate transactions came to a screeching halt. But it's what employees of the office were allegedly ordered to do while working from home that could cause a major shakeup in the coming election.

Last week, R News received information from an anonymous source who alleges a manager with the Property Appraiser's Office sent a mass text message to several employees asking them to collect signatures for Keven Johnston's campaign.

Assistant Property Appraiser Kevin Johnston

Current Property Appraiser John Emerson is retiring and has thrown his support behind Johnston who currently serves as Assistant Property Appraiser.

According to our source, Emerson ordered his employees to work from home for two weeks, starting on April 1st, due to the cyberattack. On Thursday, April 4th at 10:48 a.m. that same source says Administrative Support Specialist Louise Galajda sent the following text message to those employees:

Good morning. This is Louise

I'm hoping you can all do Kevin a favor while you have these extra free days at home!

He needs Candidate Cards completed by registered voters as soon as possible. I have been walking around my neighborhood and have had a good response. I am hoping you would all be willing to do the same. Literally going door to door to ask people to sign cards and explain a little about Kevin as our next Property Appraiser.

I will get cards to you TODAY if you can do this. We need to have Kevin as our next PA to keep the continuity in the office so PLEASE do this to help him get his name on the ballot.

According to Florida Statute Chapter 104: An employee of the state or any political subdivision may not participate in any political campaign for an elective office while on duty. Any person violating the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.

It's unknown if the Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation into the alleged criminal violations or who would be held responsible if a violation is confirmed to have occurred.

R News reached out to the Property Appraiser's Office for comment but instead of receiving a response from Emerson, Johnston, or Galajda, Hogan Law Firm Attorney Jennifer Rey provided the following statement:

Mr. Lemons,

This Firm serves as general counsel for the Hernando County Property Appraiser. I am in receipt of your email below and offer the following in response:

The allegations contained in your email are false.

Candidate for Property Appraiser Randy Mazourek

We were unable to reach Johnston's opponent Randy Mazourek for comment.

Due to Write-In Candidate Seth Noe joining the race, the Primary Election on August 20th will decide who moves on to the General Election on November 5th.

R News will continue to report on any new developments.