Craig Russell's campaign treasurer charged with asking minors to steal political signs
The incident occurred just days into the runoff between Russell and Jason Johnson, according to court records and a heavily redacted police report
May 9, 2024
By Beth Kassab
Christopher Hoats, who served as campaign treasurer for new Commissioner Craig Russell, is facing three misdemeanor charges related to soliciting minors to “steal campaign signs in exchange for money,” according to court documents.
Records say Hoats is charged with two counts of contributing to the dependency or delinquency of a minor and one count of petit theft related to the alleged theft of Jason Johnson’s campaign signs that occured on March 21, two days after the first election in Winter Park and as the runoff between Russell and Johnson was underway.
The court documents and a heavily redacted police report provide few details about the evidence or circumstances in the case.
Hoats, 33, who has worked as a non-faculty coach at Winter Park High School, where Russell is also a teacher and a coach, did not immediately respond to a phone call and email requesting comment. He was issued a summons to appear in the case this week.
Russell, who won the April 16 runoff by 34 votes and took office last month, also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Ryan Williams, chief assistant state attorney, said he could not provide any details about the charges because the case is still open and active.
Johnson said he was disheartened to learn about the case and would like more questions to be answered.
“I was very disappointed to learn about this when it happened and while there remain lots of unanswered questions about the extent of who was involved, who knew what and when and whether my opponent’s campaign funds were used, I made the conscious decision not to turn this alleged incident into a campaign issue before the runoff election date,” Johnson said on Thursday.
A Winter Park Police report from the date of the incident describes how a witness called police after she saw a group of kids taking Johnson’s campaign signs from yards as she was driving in Winter Park.
Nancy Elizabeth Cocchiarella, who is named in the court documents, was a volunteer for Johnson’s campaign who called police after she noticed signs, including her own, removed.
She stated she “saw the signs under the arms of [redacted],” and “she let her window down and told [redacted] and [redacted] to just put the signs back, and the juveniles kept riding on their skateboards.”
The report stated that the signs promoted Johnson’s campaign.
Officers eventually caught up with two of the juveniles, who called two other juveniles and asked them to come back to the area of Magnolia Avenue and Sunnyside Drive, according to the report.
At that point the narrative becomes heavily redacted except to describe that all four juveniles were, at one point, at a barbershop in Maitland.
None of the publicly available documents explain how or if the young people know Hoats or any details related to the offer to steal signs described in the court documents.
Hoats signed all of Russell’s campaign finance reports filed with the city clerk through March 15. The final two reports were signed by Kathleen Demory, Russell’s wife who served as his deputy treasurer.
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This is terrible news that pricks the trust of our city residents. We need to let the coach make a statement and give him the benefit of innocence unless evidence points to the contrary. We also need to let the legal system play out but we need greater transparency to understand what happened. Without a full understanding and transparency, the city commission will be undermined and mistrusted. And the messages sent to those kids is reprehensible. Finally, was this known before the runoff?
Really, really?
If the race was won by a large number, the stolen signs probably would not change the outcome. But 32 votes? For sure it could change the results. The choices are replace Russell with Johnson or run the election again. Obviously if Russell had anything to do with it or he knew of it, he should be replaced with Johnson.
I wonder if they were paid.
I look around
Another yard sign down
Was it the wind you say?
Or was ill will at play?
Wait—Gone missing entirely(!)—its out of reach.
Not our traditional way—so soft is our speech
So you’ve entered my yard—-and cut my voice—
In a patient community — so used to choice.
Hubris and Intent can sometimes hold sway—
If feather-like discipline evaporates away.
Meaningful options can be viewed as fleeting—
When elected candidates will soon be meeting—
So Enforce the rules, I say!
Its black and white—there is no gray.
If character is to matter…
Whats the matter with honesty?
Apologize.
Truthfully.
Our youngest citizens are watching.
This is the reason why it is so hard to trust politicians. I already have a negative view of Russell because he accepted money from a gun store and a lot of money from developers which really compromises any and all decisions that he will make. His campaign was not grassroot campaign. I know he will not represent the average everyday constituent, he will represent his PAC and all the donors that contributed. Stealing signs from his opponent is stooping even lower in my opinion.
At the very least this calls for a revote.
Mr. Russell needs to explain what he knew and when and what he did to address the issue or resign. That is the right thing to do.
I’d heard rumblings of this story before today’s breaking news, and had scolded some folks who made such rumblings that they should not make assumptions without proof/support, because I personally admire Craig and all he’s done for WPHS (though I voted for Jason). Also, I did not imagine Russell’s team would stoop so low.
Eating my words… 😬
If the allegations are true, I believe Russell should resign. Are we teaching our young people to win at all costs? It also makes me wonder what other campaign tricks were part of this campaign.
I hope that electronic communications between Mr. Russell and Mr. Hoats as well as text messages to or from either following this event have been or will be examined. The change in signers of the treasurer’s reports after the event is a red flag that merits further inquiry.
I’m proud to have Craig Russell as our new commissioner. He is a great person and deserves the respect of all the members of the community. We are lucky to have him. The best man won, drop the mic.
DID YOU MEAN DROP THE SIGN?
Never dreamed this is how Russell’s campaign would “involve the youth”!
A coach is always responsible for the actions and culture of his team.
A candidate is also responsible for the actions and culture of their campaign.
Why again would Russell’s wife sign the last treasurer’s statement as to contributions and use of cash?
Poor judgement all around- and now He’s leading our city. Oh Lord!!!
You know it just dawned on me, maybe I’m slow, but why would Hoats be talking to kids in a Maitland barbershop about who they and their parents were voting for in the city of Winter Park? That makes no sense and only adds to the suspiciousness of his behavior in this crime.