Biggest Apopka stories of 2016: Warrant issued for Richard Anderson's arrest

Editor’s Note: This is the seventh in a series of articles published by The Apopka Voice in 2016 that were the most noteworthy events of the year. The Apopka Voice will publish them starting today and running until Friday, December 30th. During the New Year’s weekend (Friday, December 30th – Sunday, January 1st) we will publish a poll and let the readers decide on which story is the most impactful of the year.

Former Apopka City Manager Faces 5 Charges Involving Hit and Run Crash

Originally Published: May 31st, 2016

Richard Anderson, Apopka’s former Chief Administrative Officer, now a lobbyist/consultant has turned himself in to the Seminole County Jail this afternoon on a Lake County warrant according to a spokesperson for The Florida Highway Patrol. Last week, The FHP confirmed that Anderson was a person-of-interest in a hit-and-run crash last month in Lake County. Today, FHP Trooper Joshua Evans obtained a warrant for Anderson's arrest.

Richard Anderson

"Trooper Evans informed Mr. Anderson's attorney of the warrant, and Mr. Anderson turned himself in to the Seminole County Jail," said Sgt. Kim Montes, Public Information Officer for the FHP. "We get 25 hit-and-run cases per day. Trooper Evans worked relentlessly on this case. He is a full-time hit-and-run expert."

Montes also confirmed that Evans met with the Lake County State Attorney's Office.

Anderson faces five charges - (1) leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, (2) leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, (3) reckless driving with serious bodily injury, (4) reckless driving with property damage and (5) tampering with evidence.

The Apopka City Council was slated to discuss Anderson's contract tomorrow in its 1:30 PM meeting.

Last week the City sent a letter to Anderson, who has been a contract lobbyist/consultant for the City of Apopka since September 17, 2014. The letter informed Anderson that he had breached his contract with the City of Apopka and that the Mayor intends to recommend to the Council that the contract be immediately terminated. Through his attorney, Anderson informed the City that he intends to challenge their assertion.