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David Lynch, the former town manager of Pembroke Park, faces felony charges stemming from a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation into allegations that he covertly recorded conversations among town officials. The FDLE confirmed Lynch was charged with interception and disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communications, a third-degree felony carrying potential penalties of up to five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine upon conviction.
Investigators discovered a recording device connected to Lynch’s office telephone after his termination, according to sources familiar with the probe. The device was subsequently surrendered to FDLE agents. Evidence suggests Lynch used the equipment to capture discussions involving high-ranking town personnel, including the town attorney and police chief, without their consent.
Lynch’s removal from his position followed a news investigation that exposed approximately $64,000 in taxpayer-funded payroll advances directed to Commissioner William Hodgkins. Town records indicated Lynch authorized the transaction without presenting it to the full commission for approval. In March, commissioners voted to suspend Lynch, then voted to terminate him, citing fiscal management deficiencies and matters raised during public proceedings.
Town Attorney Jacob Horowitz said Pembroke Park is extending complete cooperation to the law enforcement investigation and takes the matter seriously. Horowitz declined further comment, directing inquiries to the FDLE as the responsible investigating agency. Additionally, Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs initiated a defamation lawsuit against Lynch, which remains pending.
Lynch previously served as mayor of Euclid, Ohio, before joining Pembroke Park. Ohio Supreme Court records show he permanently surrendered his law license in 2018 while facing disciplinary action, though the specific charges remain undisclosed by the court. As of Thursday, Broward County jail records showed no booking for Lynch, with sources indicating he relocated to Ohio following his employment termination.
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