FDLE investigates Eatonville mayor, police chief resigns

EATONVILLE, Fla. – Local has learned an election fraud investigation into the mayor of Eatonville and the city's police chief has stepped down on Tuesday.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation stems from a lawsuit filed last week by former mayor Bruce Mount, who says Mayor Anthony Grant offered bribes and lower rent in exchange for votes.

Certified election results show Grant received 65 votes at the polls to Mount's 80, but Grant had 196 absentee votes compared to 69 for Mount.

Also on Tuesday, there was a shakeup at the Eatonville Police Department as police Chief Gene Bernal stepped down.

Chief Administrator Roger Dickson says the mayor gave Bernal a directive, which he then refused to follow.

Bernal's resignation was effective immediately.

City officials haven't released further details.