Former Plantation Mayor Lynn Stoner quietly closed the book on a long-running public corruption probe Tuesday, pleading no contest to three criminal counts and walking away with 12 months of probation and no formal conviction on her record if she completes the term.
Prosecutors say the 72-year-old's case centers on official letters and other actions she took from City Hall that were intended to benefit a private developer, including efforts tied to a loan and a commercial project in the city.
The Broward State Attorney's Office confirmed that Stoner pleaded no contest to one count of official misconduct and two counts of falsely acting as a certificate holder, and that there was no negotiated plea agreement, according to Local 10. A judge withheld adjudication and ordered 12 months of probation.
An independent investigation by the Broward Office of the Inspector General found that Stoner signed a letter on city letterhead falsely stating that Strata Group LLC had cleared code violations, a document the office said was intended to help the developer secure loans, and that she attempted to influence a city building official over work on the Pixl project, according to the OIG report. Those findings formed part of the basis for the criminal referral to prosecutors.
Stoner was originally charged on June 26, 2023, after she turned herself in at the Broward County jail. During booking, officials said she experienced a medical issue, according to reporting at the time. City records show she served on the Plantation City Council from 2011 to 2017, then as mayor from 2018 until she lost re-election in 2022, per the City of Plantation site.
What the plea means
Because adjudication was withheld, Stoner will not have a formal conviction on her record if she successfully completes her year of probation. A violation of that probation, however, could expose her to additional penalties. Under Florida law, official misconduct is defined as a crime and is listed as a third-degree felony, and related offenses such as falsifying records carry separate penalties under state law, according to the Florida statutes.
Reaction and next steps
After the hearing, Stoner's attorney, Larry Davis, said the former mayor "loved serving the City of Plantation" and is now choosing to focus on her family and health following a recent medical emergency, Local 10 reported. The Broward State Attorney's Office said its investigation was conducted in coordination with the Broward Office of the Inspector General, and the case now moves into a quieter phase governed by court supervision and the terms of Stoner's probation.
