Polk County Commission Candidate Had Felony Conviction: Sheriff

LAKELAND, FL — A Polk County commission candidate was arrested Wednesday after police learned he had a felony counterfeiting conviction. Convicted felons are not permitted to run for office in Florida under the state constitution.

Martin William Grenfell, 56, pleaded guilty to felony trafficking in counterfeit labels under a 2013 plea agreement with federal prosecutors, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Grenfellwas given three years probation, which made him ineligible to run for the commission seat, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

“During the election process it is fundamental that individuals comply with the rules and laws that are in place to ensure a fair and honest election," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said of the arrest.

Grenfell was charged with false swearing with regard to voting. The Florida Constitution does not restore the ability of convicted felons to run for office upon the completion of all terms of a criminal sentence but does restore voting rights.

The sheriff's office said Grenfell's signed plea agreement was clear about his ability run for future office:

"The defendant also understands that defendant will be adjudicated guilty of the offenses to which defendant has pleaded and, if any of such offenses are felonies, may thereby be deprived of certain rights, such as the right to vote, to hold public office, to serve on a jury or to have possession of firearms," according to the document.