16-006395PL
Florida Board Of Professional Engineers vs.
Malcolm T. Watkins, P.E.
Status: Closed
Recommended Order on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
Recommended Order on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.
1STATE OF FLORIDA
4DIVISION OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS
8FLORIDA BOARD OF PROFESSIONAL
12ENGINEERS,
13Petitioner,
14vs. Case No. 16 - 6395PL
20MALCOLM T. WATKINS, P.E.,
24Respondent.
25_______________________________/
26RECOMMENDED ORDER
28A final hea ring was held in this case on February 10, 2017,
41in Tallahassee, Florida (with Respondent appearing by phone from
50Defuniak Springs) , before Suzanne Van Wyk, Administrative Law
58Judge for the Division of Administrative Hearings.
65APPEARANCES
66For Petitioner: John J efferson Rimes III, Esquire
74Florida Engineers Management Corporation
782639 North Monroe Street, Suite B - 112
86Tallahassee, Florida 32303 - 5268
91For Respondent: Malcolm T. Watkins, pro se
98DC No. H46813
101Walton Correctional I nstitution (Male)
106691 Institution Road
109DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433
113STATEMENT OF THE ISSUE S
118Whether Respondent, Malcolm T. Watkins, violated s ections
126455.227(1)(t) and 471.03 3(1)(a) and (d), Florida Statutes
134(2015) , 1/ as alleged in the Adminis trative Complaint; and, if so,
146what penalty should be imposed.
151PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
153On September 23, 2016, Petitioner served an Administrative
161Complaint upon Respondent alleging that Respondent had violated
169statutory provisions regulating the practice of engineering.
176Respondent timely requested a formal hearing to dispute the
185allegations. Petitioner forwarded the Answer and Administrative
192Complaint to the Division of Administrative Hearings (Division)
200on October 28, 2016, for assignment of an Administrat ive Law
211Judge (ALJ). The case was originally assigned to ALJ Gary Early
222and set for hearing on December 12, 2016, but was later
233continued to February 10, 2017. The case was transferred to the
244undersigned on January 18, 2017.
249The final hearing was held as rescheduled in Tallahassee,
258Florida, with Respondent appearing by telephone from DeFuniak
266Springs, Florida. Petitioner offered no witnesses and the
274Respondent testified on his own behalf. PetitionerÓs Exhibits 1
283and 5 through 11 were admitted in evidenc e. RespondentÓs late -
295filed Exhibits 1 and 2 were admitted in evidence.
304The one - volume Transcript of the proceedings was filed on
315March 7, 2017. Petitioner timely filed a Proposed Recommended
324Order on March 17, 2017. Respondent requested a first extensi on
335until April 17, 2017, and a second extension until April 27,
3462017, to make his post - hearing filing, both of which were
358granted. To date, Respondent has not filed a proposed
367recommended order .
370FINDING S OF FACT
3741. Petitioner, Florida Board of Profession al Engineers
382(the Board), is charged with regulating the pract ice of
392engineering pursuant to c hapter 455, Florida Statutes (2016).
4012. The Florida Engineers Management Corporation (the
408Corporation) is charged with providing administrative,
414investigative, a nd prosecutorial services to the Boa rd pursuant
424to s ection 471.038, Florida Statutes. The Complaint at issue
434was filed by the Corporation on behalf of the Board.
4443. At all times material hereto, Respondent has been a
454Florida licensed professional engin eer, having been issued
462license number 64064.
4654. On July 17, 2015, Respondent was found guilty on the
476following criminal counts by the Circuit Court of the Tenth
486Judicial Circuit in and for Polk County, Florida, in Case 2011 -
498CF - 002890 - 01: (1) Traveling t o meet a Minor for Unlawful
512Sexual Conduct; (2) Use of Compu ter for Child Exploitation;
522(3) Attempted Lewd or Lascivious Battery; and (4) Unlawful Use
532of a Two - Way Communications Device.
5395. Respondent was sentenced to 10 yearsÓ incarceration
547followed by f ive yearsÓ probation. On Count 2, Respondent was
558sentenced as a Sex Offender.
5636. The sworn assertions in the April 25, 2011, Polk
573County SheriffÓs Affidavit (the Affidavit), and the allegations
581in the 4th and 6th Amended Information (the Informations) fi led
592by the State Attorney in Case 2011 - CF - 002890 - 01, set out the
608facts supporting RespondentÓs conviction. The allegations were
615grounded in RespondentÓs having contacted, via the internet, a
624fictitious 24 - year - old person posing as the custo dian of a
63813 - y ear - old girl. Respondent arranged a me eting with the
652supposed 13 - year - old, through her Ðcustodian,Ñ at which
664Respondent would ha ve sexual relations with the 13 - year - old.
6777. Respondent was arrested on April 25, 2011, at a
687location in Polk County where he had arranged to meet the
698ÐcustodianÑ along with the female minor.
7048. On December 21, 2015, five months after RespondentÓs
713conviction, PetitionerÓs Investigator, Wendy Anderson, received
719a written complaint from Kyle Cartier, P.E., notifying
727Petitioner o f the fact of RespondentÓs conviction. Upon
736receipt, Petitioner opened Corporation Case Number 2016000255
743(the Complaint).
7459. On January 4, 2016, Ms. Ande rson notified Respondent
755via U. S. Mail of the opening of the Complaint. On January 21,
7682016, Respon dent replied to the Complaint and directed
777Petitioner to RespondentÓs counsel.
78110. Respondent subsequently sent two letters to
788Petitioner, both dated March 11, 2016. The letters were
797provided to Walton Correctional Institution for mailing on
805March 18, 20 16, and were received by Petitioner on March 23,
8172016.
81811. The first letter notified Petitioner of RespondentÓs
826conviction, and alleged that the conviction was not final
835because it had been appealed. The second letter claimed that
845the conviction did not relate to the practice of engineering
855and reiterated that RespondentÓs conviction was not final
863because it had been appealed.
86812. RespondentÓs March 11, 2016, letter notifying
875Petitioner of the conviction was received 238 days after
884RespondentÓs convictio n.
88713. Following her investigation of the Complaint, which
895commenced on December 21, 2015, and concluded on July 28, 2016,
906Ms. Anderson presented her investigative report to the Board.
91514. The Board filed the instant two - count Administrative
925Complaint ag ainst Respondent on September 23, 2016.
93315. Count I alleges that Respondent violated section
941471.033(1)(d) , which includes as grounds for disciplinary
948action, being convicted or found guilty of a crime Ðwhich
958directly relates to the practice of engineerin g or the ability
969to practice engineering.Ñ
97216. Count II alleges that Respondent violated section
980471.033(1)(a) , which includes as grounds for disciplinary
987action, faili ng to report in writing to the B oard within 30 days
1001after the licensee is convicted or found guilty of a crime in
1013any jurisdiction.
101517. Pursuant to section 455.227(2), the Board may impose
1024any one in a range of penalties against Respondent for violating
1035the cited provisions, including license suspension or
1042revocation, practice restrictions , administrative fines,
1047reprimand, and probation.
1050CONCLUSIONS OF LAW
105318. The Division has jurisdiction over both the subject
1062matter of, and the parties to, this proceeding under the
1072provisions of s ections 120.569 and 120.57(1), Florida Statutes.
108119. Thi s is a proceeding in which Petitioner seeks to
1092revoke RespondentÓs license as a professional engineer. Because
1100disciplinary proceedings are considered to be penal in nature,
1109Petitioner is required to prove the allegations in the
1118Administrative Complaint b y clear and convincing evidence.
1126DepÓt of Banking & Fin. v. Osborne Stern and Co. , 670 So. 2d 932
1140(Fla. 1996); Ferris v. Turlington , 510 So. 2d 292 (Fla. 1987).
115120. Clear and convincing evidence Ðrequires more proof
1159than a Òpreponderance of the evidence Ó but less than Òbeyond and
1171to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt.ÓÑ In re Graziano ,
1181696 So. 2d 744, 753 (Fla. 1997). The clear and convincing
1192evidence level of proof
1196entails both a qualitative and quantitative
1202standard. The evidence must be credible;
1208the memories of the witnesses must be clear
1216and without confusion; and the sum total of
1224the evidence must be of sufficient weight to
1232convince the trier of fact without
1238hesitancy.
1239Clear and convincing evidence requires
1244that the evidence must be found to b e
1253credible; the facts to which the
1259witnesses testify must be distinctly
1264remembered; the testimony must be
1269precise and explicit and the witnesses
1275must be lacking in confusion as to the
1283facts in issue. The evidence must be
1290of such weight that it produces in the
1298mind of the trier of fact a firm belief
1307or conviction, without hesitancy, as to
1313the truth of the allegations sought to
1320be established.
1322In re Davey , 645 So. 2d 398, 404 (Fla. 1994) (quoting, with
1334approval, Slomowitz v. Walker , 429 So. 2d 797, 800 (Fl a. 4th DCA
13471983)); see also In re Henson , 913 So. 2d 579, 590 (Fla. 2005).
1360ÐAlthough this standard of proof may be met where the evidence
1371is in conflict, it seems to preclude evidence that is
1381ambiguous.Ñ Westinghouse Elec. Corp., Inc. v. Shuler Bros.,
1389In c. , 590 So. 2d 986, 989 (Fla. 1st DCA 1991).
140021. Section 471.033 is penal in nature, and must be
1410strictly construed, with any ambiguity construed against
1417Petitioner. Penal statutes must be construed in terms of their
1427literal meaning, and words used by t he Legislature may not be
1439expanded to broaden the application of such statutes. Elmariah
1448v. DepÓt of Bus. & ProfÓl Reg. , 574 So. 2d 164, 165 (Fla. 1st
1462DCA 1990); see also Beckett v. DepÓt of Fin. Serv s. , 982 So. 2d
147694, 100 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008); Whitaker v. DepÓt of Ins. , 680 So.
14892d 528, 531 (Fla. 1st DCA 1996); Dyer v. DepÓt of Ins. & Treas . ,
1504585 So. 2d 1009, 1013 (Fla. 1st DCA 1991).
151322. Moreover, the allegations against Respondent must be
1521measured against the law in effect at the time of the commission
1533of the acts alleged to warrant imposition of discipline.
1542McCloskey v. DepÓt of Fin. Servs. , 115 So. 3d 441 (Fla. 5th DCA
15552013). 2/
1557COUNT I
155923. Petitioner first seeks to discipline Respondent based
1567upon his 2015 criminal convictions, pursuant to section 471.033.
157624. Se ction 471.033, Florida Statutes reads, in pertinent
1585part, as follows:
1588471.033 Disciplinary proceedings. Ï
1592(1) The following acts constitute grounds
1598for which the disciplinary actions in
1604subsection (3) may be taken:
1609* * *
1612(d) Being convicted or found guilty of, or
1620entering a plea of nolo contendere to,
1627regardless of adjudication, a crime in any
1634jurisdiction which directly relates to the
1640practice of engineering or the ability to
1647practice engineerin g.
1650Conviction
165125. Respondent asserts that because his conviction is
1659under appeal, Respondent has not been ÐconvictedÑ for purposes
1668of section 471.033(1)(d). RespondentÓs assertion is not well
1676taken.
167726. It is axiomatic that, for purposes of applying
1686st atutes of this nature, a person is convicted when adjudicated
1697guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Delta Truck
1706Brokers, Inc. v. King , 142 So. 2d 273, 275 (Fla. 1962). This
1718precedent has been consistently applied at the Division. See
1727DepÓt of Bus . and ProfÓl Reg. v. Nowell , Case No. 08 - 4836 (Fla.
1742DOAH Jan. 27, 2009); DepÓt of Bus. and ProfÓl. Reg. v. Mese ,
1754Case No. 00 - 3234 (Fla. DOAH Dec. 28, 2000; DBPR Mar. 14, 2001);
1768and DepÓt of ProfÓl Reg. v. Azima , Case No. 84 - 2536 ( Fla. DOAH
1783Apr. 25, 1985; F la. DBPR June 21, 1985).
179227. Respondent has been ÐconvictedÑ of crimes, for
1800purposes of applying section 471.033, by virtue of having been
1810found guilty by a jury and adjudicated as such by a circuit
1822court, notwithstanding his pending appeal of the convict ion.
1831Relationship Between Conviction and Practice of Engineering
183828. Respondent next argues that, assuming he has been
1847convicted of a crime, he cannot be found to have violated
1858section 471.033(1)(d) because the crimes for which he was
1867adjudicated guilty do not relate to either the practice of
1877engineering or the ability to practice engineering. At final
1886hearing, Respondent urged that his conviction bears no relation
1895to engineering as that term is statutorily defined.
190329. A number of Florida cases demonst rate that, although
1913the statutory definition of a particular profession does not
1922specifically refer to acts involved in the crime committed, the
1932crime may nevertheless relate to the profession. See Ashe v.
1942DepÓt of ProfÓl Reg., Bd. of Accountancy , 467 So. 2d 814, 815
1954(Fla. 5th DCA 1985) (finding that accountantÓs fraudulent acts
1963involving gambling, although not directly related to his
1971technical ability to practice public accounting, related to the
1980practice of accounting); Rush v. DepÓt of ProfÓl Reg., Bd. of
1991Podiatry , 448 So. 2d 26, 28 (Fla. 1st DCA 1984) (finding
2002podiatristÓs conviction for conspiracy to possess and import
2010marijuana is within the scope of crimes directly related to the
2021practice of or ability to practice podiatry); and Doll v. DepÓt
2032of Heal th , 969 So. 2d 1103, 1106 (Fla. 1st DCA 2007) (finding
2045chiropractorÓs conviction for conspiracy to defraud Medicare
2052Ðrelated toÑ the practice of chiropractic medicine although not
2061related to his technical ability to practice as a chiropractor ).
207230. As exp lained by the court in Rush ,
2081By confining the convictions upon which
2087disciplinary action may be based to those
2094directly related to the practice of podiatry,
2101the Legislature has not limited the grounds
2108for disciplinary action to only those crimes
2115which rela ted to the technical ability to
2123practice podiatry or to those which arise out
2131of misconduct in the office setting.
2137448 So. 2d at 27.
214231. In the case at hand, Petitioner relies upon the
2152language of section 471.013, which requires applicants for an
2161enginee ring license to demonstrate good moral character, to draw
2171the legal conclusion that RespondentÓs conviction relates to the
2180practice of engineering or his ability to practice engineering.
218932. Section 471.013, Florida Statutes (2015) reads, in
2197pertinent par t, as follows:
2202471.013 Examinations; prerequisites. -
2206(1)(a) A person shall be entitled to take
2214an examination for the purpose of
2220determining whether she or he is qualified
2227to practice in this state as an engineer if
2236the person is of good moral character and:
2244* * *
2247(2)(a) The board may refuse to certify an
2255applicant for failure to satisfy the
2261requirement of good moral character only if:
22681. There is a substantial connection
2274between the lack of good moral character of
2282the applicant and the professional
2287responsibilities of a licensed engineer; and
22932. The finding by the board of lack of good
2303moral character is supported by clear and
2310convincing evidence.
2312(b) When an applicant is found to be
2320unqualified for a license because of a lack
2328of good moral char acter, the board shall
2336furnish the applicant a statement containing
2342the findings of the board, a complete record
2350of the evidence upon which the determination
2357was based, and a notice of the rights of the
2367applicant to a rehearing and appeal.
237333. Following a mere passing reference to the statute,
2382Petitioner, in its Proposed Recommended Order, summarily
2389concludes, as follows:
2392Since the Legislature has mandated that the
2399possession of Ògood moral characterÓ is a
2406prerequisite for obtaining a professional
2411[engin eering] license . . . then possession
2419of Ògood moral characterÓ is directly
2425related to the practice and ability to
2432practice the profession. Therefore a
2437conviction of a crime showing a lack of good
2446moral character by definition relates to the
2453practice and ability to practice
2458engineering.
2459Petitioner cites no case law construing section 471.013 to
2468support the conclusion that the prerequisite of good moral
2477character to sit for the engineering licensing exam is, ipse
2487dixit , required to maintain oneÓs duly - issu ed license. 3/
249834. Surprisingly, Petitioner cites ALJ Li sa Shearer
2506NelsonÓs R ecommended O rder in Department of Business and
2516Professional Regulation, Board of Accountancy v. Larry Beard ,
2524Case No. 15 - 3940 (Fla. DOAH Oct. 13, 2015; Fla. Bd. of Acct .
2539Feb. 11, 2016) , in support of its argument. That case directly
2550contradicts PetitionerÓs conclusion that the good moral character
2558requirement in section 471.031 applies to a license disciplinary
2567proceeding pursuant to section 471.033:
2572[T]he provision upon which Res pondent relies
2579specifically indicates that it applies to
2585those instances where the failure to maintain
2592good moral character as a basis for denying
2600initial licensure to an applicant, as opposed
2607to those instances, as this one, where the
2615definition is applie d to a person who is
2624subject to discipline based on conduct
2630evidencing a lack of good moral character
2637after the license has been obtained.
264335. By its plain language, section 471.031 defines
2651prerequisites to sit for initial license examination. In
2659contra st, section 471.033 specifically defines the grounds for
2668which disciplinary action may be taken. The undersigned cannot
2677read into the license disciplinary section a Ðgood moral
2686characterÑ requirement which does not exist. ÐWhen the
2694legislature has used a term, as it has here, in one section of
2707the statute but omits it in another section of the same statute,
2719[the court] will not imply it where it has been excluded.Ñ
2730Leisure Resorts, Inc. v. Frank J. Rooney, Inc. , 654 So. 2d 911,
2742914 (Fla. 1995); see also J.S. v. C.M. , 135 So. 3d 312, 317
2755(Fla. 1st DCA 2012); Beshore v. DepÓt of Fin. Serv s. , 928 So. 2d
2769411, 412 (Fla. 1st DCA 2006).
277536. The undersigned does not dispute PetitionerÓs
2782conclusion that the crimes for which Respondent was convicted
2791reflect a lack of good moral character. However, the
2800undersigned is not free to recommen d discipline ag ainst a
2811licensee based upon her finding that PetitionerÓs behavior was
2820repugnant. The undersigned must follow the law. The
2828Legislature could include a lack of good moral character as a
2839basis for disciplinary action , but has not done so .
284937. As such, many of the cases relied upon by Petitioner
2860to support its argument are wholly inapplicable. In Beard ,
2869supra , the licensee was disciplined under a statute which
2878include d Ðfailing to maintain a good moral characterÑ as grounds
2889for disciplinary action. § 473.323(1)(l), Fla. Stat. (1996).
2897In both Thomas and Taylor , supra , the licensees were disciplined
2907under a licensing statute which includes conviction of Ða
2916crime . . . which . . . involves moral turpitudeÑ as grounds for
2930disciplinary action. § 475.25(1)(f), Fla. Stat. (2005). The
2938license disciplinary statute in the case at hand includes no
2948similar language.
295038. In this case, it is PetitionerÓs burden to prove, by
2961clea r and convincing evidence, that the crimes for which
2971Respondent was convicted Ðdirectly relate to the practice of
2980engineering or the ability to practice engineerin g.Ñ £ 471.033,
2990Fla. Stat. Unfortunately, Petitioner did not carry its burden.
2999Each of the cases cited by Petitioner to support imposing
3009discipline against professional licensees for criminal
3015conviction is distinguishable from the facts sub judice .
302439. In Ashe , 467 So. 2d at 815, the accountant was
3035disciplined under a statute which included, as grounds for
3044disciplinary action, Ð[p]erformance of any fraudulent act while
3052holding a license to practice public accounting.Ñ
3059§ 473.323(1)(k), Fla. Stat. The Board of Accountancy
3067demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that the
3075licenseeÓs convicti on for wire fraud clearly fell within the
3085stated grounds for disciplinary action.
309040. In Rush , 448 So. 2d at 28, in determining the
3101licenseeÓs conviction for conspiracy to import marijuana was
3109Ðwithin the scope of Òthose crimes which directly relate to th e
3121practice or ability to practice podiatry, Ó Ñ the court
3131considered, among other factors, that the podiatrist was one of
3141six categories of licensed professionals allowed to prescribe,
3149administer, and dispense controlled substances, that the Florida
3157Supreme Court had describe d marijuana as Ð a harmful mind -
3169altering drug which endangers the health of the user and which
3180is highly detrimental to the public welfare ,Ñ and that the
3191licenseeÓs conduct Ðshows a lack of honesty, integrity, and
3200judgment, and an unwillin gness to abide by the Laws of the State
3213of Florida which cannot be tolerated of a professional licensed
3223to dispense dangerous drugs.Ñ Id . at 27.
323141. In Department of Health, Board of Medicine v. Brian
3241Lee , Case No. 15 - 4486PL (Fla. DOAH Dec. 2, 2015: Fla. DOH
3254Feb. 17, 2016), the licensee was convicted of charges similar to
3265the charges with which Petitioner was convicted, including
3273conviction as a sex offender. In prosecuting its case against
3283the physician, the Board of Medicine introduced the terms of the
3294physicianÓs community control, which included prohibiting him
3301from caring for or treating minors without notifying the minorÓs
3311parents of his sex offender status, and having another staff
3321person present; prohibiting him from having any other contact
3330with minors; and prohibiting him from using a computer unless
3340required for treatment of patients. The Board of Medicine
3349carried its burden to prove, by clear and convincing evidence,
3359that the physicianÓs crimes were related to his ability to
3369practice medicine. Id.
337242. In the case at hand, the Board introduced no evidence
3383to tie RespondentÓs convictions to the practice of engineering,
3392although it was not required to prove the conviction related to
3403RespondentÓs technical ability to practice engineering. In f act,
3412Petitioner introduced no testimony whatsoever. The only
3419documentary evidence introduced was of PetitionerÓs arrest,
3426conviction, sentence (including probation), and Ms. AndersonÓs
3433investigative report. PetitionerÓs case relies solely on its
3441flawed le gal theory that RespondentÓs conviction demonstrates a
3450lack of good moral character, which it argues is sufficient
3460grounds for discipline.
346343. Petitioner failed to carry its burden to prove the
3473allegations of Count I by clear and convincing evidence.
3482COUN T II
348544. In Count II of the Administrative Complaint, Petitioner
3494charges Respondent with violating section 471.033(1)(a) by
3501violating the provisions of section 455.227(1)(t).
350745. Section 471.033(1)(a), Florida Statutes, provides that
3514Ðviolating any provi sion of s. 455.227(1)Ñ constitutes grounds
3523for disciplinary action.
352646. Section 455.227(1)(t), Florida Statutes, includes the
3533following as grounds for disciplinary action:
3539(t) Failing to report in writing to the
3547board or, if there is no board, to the
3556dep artment within 30 days after the licensee
3564is convicted or found guilty of, or entered a
3573plea of nolo contendere or guilty to,
3580regardless of adjudication, a crime in any
3587jurisdiction.
358847. It is undisputed that Respondent failed to notify the
3598Board of his conviction within 30 days of the conviction as
3609required by 455.227(1)(t). Respondent therefore did not comply
3617with the plain language of the statute.
362448. Petitioner carried its burden to prove the allegations
3633of Count II by clear and convincing evidence.
3641Penalty
364249. Florida Administrative Code Rule 61G15 - 19.004 sets out
3652penalty guidelines for violations of the engineering licensing
3660statutes. For a first - time failure to report conviction of a
3672crime in any jurisdiction, the penalty range is a reprimand u p
3684to a $5,000 fine. Based upon the length of time that had passed
3698(238 days) before Respondent reported his conviction, his
3706attempt to comply with the reporting statute only after having
3716been informed that an investigation had been opened, and the
3726utter l ack of remorse demonstrated by Respondent during the
3736final hearing, the undersigned recommends the highest penalty in
3745the range -- a $5,000 fine -- be imposed. 4/
3756RECOMMENDATION
3757Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of
3767Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Board of Professional Engineers
3777enter a final order finding that Malcolm Watkins violated sections
3787455.227(1)(t) and 471.0 33(1)(a), Florida Statutes , and imposing a
3796fine of $5,000.
3800DONE AND ENTERED this 2nd day of May , 2017 , in Tallahassee,
3811L eon County, Florida.
3815S
3816SUZANNE VAN WYK
3819Administrative Law Judge
3822Division of Administrative Hearings
3826The DeSoto Building
38291230 Apalachee Parkway
3832Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 3060
3837(850) 488 - 9675
3841Fax Filing (850) 921 - 6847
3847www. doah.state.fl.us
3849Filed with the Clerk of the
3855Division of Administrative Hearings
3859this 2nd day of May , 2017 .
3866ENDNOTE S
38681/ Except as otherwise provided herein, all references to the
3878Florida Statutes are to the 201 5 version.
38862/ The Administrative Complai nt does not cite a date of the
3898Florida Statutes which is being applied. Petitioner was
3906convicted on July 17, 2015, thus the 2015 version of the
3917statutes must be applied.
39213/ Nor did Petitioner cite any case interpreting the statutory
3931phrase Ða substantial connection between the lack of good moral
3941character of the applicant and the professional responsibilities
3949of a licensed engineer , Ñ which would be particularly relevant to
3960the question at hand.
39644/ Petitioner offered no evidence of any aggravating factors
3973which may be considered in departing from the penalty
3982guidelines. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 61G15 - 19.004(3)(a).
3991C OPIES FURNISHED:
3994John Jefferson Rimes, Esquire
3998Florida Engineers Management Corporation
4002Suite B - 112
40062639 North Monroe Street
4010Tallahassee, Fl orida 32303 - 5268
4016(eServed)
4017Malcolm T. Watkins, P.E.
4021DC No. H46813
4024Walton Correctional Institution (Male)
4028691 Institution Road
4031Defuniak Springs, Florida 32433
4035Zana Raybon, Executive Director
4039Board of Professional Engineers
4043Department of Business and
4047Professional Regulation
40492639 North Monroe Street, Suite B - 112
4057Tallahassee, Florida 32303 - 5268
4062(eServed)
4063Lawrence D. Harris, Esquire
4067Office of the Attorney General
4072The Capitol, Plaza Level 01
4077Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 1050
4082(eServed)
4083Jason Maine, Gener al Counsel
4088Department of Business and
4092Professional Regulation
4094Capital Commerce Center
40972601 Blair Stone Road
4101Tallahassee, Florida 32399 - 2202
4106(eServed)
4107NOTICE OF RIGHT TO SUBMIT EXCEPTIONS
4113All parties have the right to submit written exceptions within
412315 days from the date of this Recommended Order. Any exceptions
4134to this Recommended Order should be filed with the agency that
4145will issue the Final Order in this case.
- Date
- Proceedings
- PDF:
- Date: 10/12/2017
- Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Exceptions to the Recommended Order filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 05/16/2017
- Proceedings: Order Dismissing Respondent's Motion to Recall Recommended Order.
- PDF:
- Date: 05/02/2017
- Proceedings: Recommended Order cover letter identifying the hearing record referred to the Agency.
- PDF:
- Date: 03/17/2017
- Proceedings: Respondent's Motion for Extension of Time to File Proposed Recommended Order filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 03/10/2017
- Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Notice of Filing Proposed Exhibits filed.
- Date: 03/07/2017
- Proceedings: Transcript of Proceedings (not available for viewing) filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 03/07/2017
- Proceedings: Notice of Filing the Original Transcript of the February 10, 2017 Final Hearing Proceedings filed.
- Date: 03/03/2017
- Proceedings: Respondent's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing).
- Date: 02/10/2017
- Proceedings: CASE STATUS: Hearing Held.
- PDF:
- Date: 02/06/2017
- Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Motion for Continuance filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 02/06/2017
- Proceedings: Letter to Judge Van Wyk Requesting a Continuance from Malcom Watkins filed.
- Date: 02/03/2017
- Proceedings: Petitioner's Proposed Exhibits filed (exhibits not available for viewing).
- PDF:
- Date: 02/03/2017
- Proceedings: Notice of Filing Petitioner's Unilateral Pre-hearing Statement of Exlpanation Thereof filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 01/23/2017
- Proceedings: Petitioner's Response to Respondent's Request for Admission to Petitioner filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 12/06/2016
- Proceedings: Order Granting Continuance and Re-scheduling Hearing (hearing set for February 10, 2017; 9:30 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
- PDF:
- Date: 12/05/2016
- Proceedings: Notice of Filing Petitioner's Unilateral Pre-Hearing Statement of Exlpanation Thereof filed.
- PDF:
- Date: 11/10/2016
- Proceedings: Notice of Hearing (hearing set for December 12, 2016; 9:30 a.m.; Tallahassee, FL).
Case Information
- Judge:
- E. GARY EARLY
- Date Filed:
- 10/31/2016
- Date Assignment:
- 01/17/2017
- Last Docket Entry:
- 10/12/2017
- Location:
- Tallahassee, Florida
- District:
- Northern
- Agency:
- ADOPTED IN TOTO
- Suffix:
- PL
Counsels
-
John Jefferson Rimes, Esquire
Board of Professional Engineers
Suite B-112
2639 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 521-0500 -
Malcolm T. Watkins, P.E.
DC #H46813
Walton Correctional Institution (Male)
691 Institution Road
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433 -
John Jefferson Rimes, Esquire
Florida Engineers Management Corporation
Suite B-112
2639 North Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303
(850) 521-0500 -
Malcolm T. Watkins, P.E.
DC No. H46813
Walton Correctional Institution (Male)
691 Institution Road
Defuniak Springs, FL 32433 -
Lawrence D. Harris, Jr., Esquire
Address of Record -
John Jefferson Rimes III, Esquire
Address of Record -
Malcolm T. Watkins, P.E.
Address of Record -
John Jefferson Rimes, Esquire
Address of Record -
Lawrence D. Harris, Esquire
Address of Record