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Brevard County, FL — A formal grievance has been filed against Bryan Lober, a former Brevard County Commissioner and current attorney, and his wife Rebecca Lober for alleged ethical violations during his time in office. The complaint, lodged by Robert Burns, calls for disciplinary action by the Florida Bar, citing serious breaches of ethical standards, including fraud, conflict of interest, and misuse of public office for personal gain.
You can read one of the complaints here.
The violations were uncovered through investigations by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and a comprehensive audit by the Brevard County Clerk of Court. The grievance outlines numerous infractions by Lober, such as improper use of county funds and resources, obstruction of audits, and violations of public records law.
Misuse of Public Office
One of the primary allegations against Lober involves his use of a county-issued purchasing card for personal purchases. The grievance claims that Lober made thousands of dollars’ worth of personal purchases under the guise of official county business. Notable examples include the purchase of a high-end office chair valued at $759.50 and satellite communication devices. Some of which were believed to be at Lober’s residence rather than the county office. The audit also uncovered Lober’s use of the county’s tax-exempt certificate to avoid paying sales tax on what’s believed to be personal purchases, including woodworking tools, a violation that would have resulted in felony charges if not for the statute of limitations according to State Attorney Phil Archer
Obstruction of Audits and Investigations
The grievance further accuses Lober of obstructing an audit conducted by the Brevard County Clerk of Court. Lober reportedly refused to participate in interviews with the audit team and only agreed to answer written questions, a deviation from standard procedure. His actions allegedly delayed the audit process and obstructed the investigation into his spending practices.
Moreover, Lober is accused of attempting to alter county administrative procedures for personal benefit. The grievance notes that Lober pressured county staff to approve questionable purchases and sought to change the language of administrative orders to give himself more freedom in using county funds.
Failure to Maintain Public Records
In addition to financial misconduct, the grievance highlights Lober’s failure to comply with Florida’s public records law. He allegedly conducted several county-related transactions through personal email accounts, making it difficult for auditors to access necessary records. This lack of transparency is cited as a violation of both the Florida Bar’s rules on competence and conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.
Calls for Disbarment
Burns has called for Lober’s disbarment, citing a pattern of dishonest and unethical behavior that violates the duties expected of both a public official and an attorney. The complaint argues that Lober’s misconduct undermines the integrity of the legal profession and the public trust.
Lober has not publicly commented on the allegations. However, the Florida Bar is expected to launch a full investigation into the complaint to determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.
This case highlights the importance of accountability for public officials and the legal profession’s commitment to upholding ethical standards. As the investigation progresses, more details are likely to emerge regarding Lober’s conduct and its impact on Brevard County government.
For further information, the Brevard County Clerk of Court’s audit report and FDLE’s investigation summary are available through public records.
