Davenport mayor resigns, pleads no contest in handicapped placard case

BARTOW — Davenport Mayor Darlene Bradley resigned her position as part of a plea deal with prosecutors Friday, less than two weeks after she was arrested on charges of fraudulently using handicapped placards of dead people to park in a space at City Hall.

Bradley, 60, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of unlawful use of a handicapped placard before County Judge Gerald Hill. She was placed on six months of probation and ordered to pay $420.50 in fines and court costs.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors dismissed the charges of criminal use of the identity of a deceased person and knowing and possessing an altered decal.

According to Bradley’s arrest affidavit, state records show neither she nor her husband, John Lepley, has been issued a disabled placard or handicapped license plate in Florida.

In a statement, State Attorney Brian Haas said Bradley's actions suggested she thought she was above the law.

""Public officials are not above the law," Haas said. "This resolution concludes this matter quickly and appropriately so the city of Davenport can move on with governing and serving the people of the city."

Bradley's lawyer, Rafael Echemendia of Lakeland, did not immediately return a phone message.

She was arrested Dec. 5 after Polk County sheriff’s deputies reviewed video surveillance of her car parking in a handicapped space at City Hall. The video showed her lifting a large, wheeled briefcase from her trunk before walking into the building.

Deputies discovered the parking placard displayed in Bradley’s car had been issued to a woman who died in 2012, and the expiration date on the placard had been altered to reflect a 2018 expiration date, according to the arrest report.

Further investigation revealed Bradley had additional placards, including one issued to someone who had died in 2015, the arrest affidavit states.

In a two-page resignation letter to Vice Mayor H.B. Robinson, Bradley wrote that it's time "for a little quiet time with my family."

"Therefore, effective immediately I am tendering my resignation as your mayor," Bradley wrote.

Bradley was first elected mayor in 2013 and re-elected in 2015 and in April in the city of about 2,900 residents.

In the letter, she reviewed some of the city accomplishments during her tenure, such as helping to rebuild city parks and sidewalk and road repairs.

And she urged residents to stay involved in the city's business.

"For too many years you did not get involved and you got the commission you deserved," Bradley wrote. "Only you are responsible for the government you have.

"Take charge of it," she said.

John Chambliss can be contacted at john. chambliss@theledger. com or 863-802-7588.