Commissioner charged with battery avoids questions

Affidavit: Carl Lentz threw alcoholic beverage on or near victim

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – One day after being charged with battery, a Daytona Beach commissioner attended a city meeting, but avoided reporters' questions about the allegations.

Commissioner Carl Lentz told Local 6 previously that he would comment publicly after the investigation was over, but instead of talking on Wednesday, he ran.

Police said in March, Lentz threw a drink at a female bartender, demanded she give him oral sex and then threatened he'd shut down Club Topic.

Through his attorney, Lentz denied everything, saying the allegations were politically motivated.

But this is not the first time Lentz has been in a scuffle. He's been arrested for battery before, once for allegedly punching a man in a drunken fight and another time in Ormond Beach with a restaurant manager.

There was no mention of those allegations in Wednesday's commission meeting -- the first since the state attorney charged Lentz in the latest case.

While his fellow commissioners said nothing about the scandal, Local 6 has learned Lentz will likely keep his seat because the city charter says commissioners can only be removed from office if they are convicted of a felony. Lentz only faces a misdemeanor.

A call requesting comment from Lentz's attorney was not returned Wednesday.

Lentz is running for re-election against two challengers in next month's primary.


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