Former Eatonville Mayor Anthony Grant was sentenced Friday to 25 days in jail following his conviction on voter fraud. Grant had mounted a come-back run for office that unseated then-Mayor Bruce Mount. The election was won on absentee ballots.
Mount’s team inspected those ballots and determined that some belonged to people who did not reside in Eatonville. A complaint was filed alleging voter fraud and after an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement charges were filed against Grant and his aide, Mia Antoinette Nowells. Both were subsequently found guilty.
Grant took the stand Friday to apologize for his actions and the hurt he caused all concerned. He asked the court for a second chance. He talked briefly about his former years as mayor of the town and of his work mentoring children and helping senior citizens. He promised he would not disappoint the judge if leniency were shown.
Grant was subsequently sentenced by Judge Keith Carsten to 25 days, the time he had already spent in jail, and 4 years probation. He must also complete 400 hours of community service. He was facing a maximum of 11 years in prison.
Nowells was also spared prison, receiving a sentence of two years probation and 200 hours community service.
