Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo set to take the stand in his civil trial
The Stand #TheStand
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo testifies at civil trial
Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo testifies at civil trial 02:05
MIAMI – A Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo took the stand Monday in his own defense at a civil trial in which two of Little Havana’s largest commercial property owners have accused him of using the power of his office to target them.
In the federal lawsuit, filed in 2018, William Fuller and Martin Pinilla accused Carollo of using his influence to have the city’s code enforcement, police, and fire departments harass businesses they run by shutting down events and slapping them with violations.
One of those properties is the popular Ball & Chain restaurant and nightclub.
The owners allege it cost them millions in profits, and claim Carollo’s actions stem from them supporting a political opponent of Carollo in 2017. They’re suing for $2.5 million and potential punitive damages.
Last week, the commissioner’s former receptionist, Tanjha Quintana, testified he coerced her into making false sexual harassment claims against two other former employees, according to the Miami Herald. Both of those former employees had raised questions about the commissioner’s actions toward the business owners.
In her testimony, the former receptionist said she was asked to lie on the witness stand by the commissioner.
On Monday, Carollo refuted that claim, saying he never asked anyone to lie and has no reason to. When pressed he continued to call the allegations “ridiculous.”
Carollo and the city have denied any wrongdoing.
CBS Miami Team
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