Residents gather to support Homestead mayor after corruption charges

Steven Bateman arrested on numerous charges

HOMESTEAD, Fla. ā€“ Nearly three dozen people filled a Homestead street, bearing signs of support, waving, and even offering a few words of encouragement for their embattled mayor.

"(There were) Very few people that weren't so happy to see us, more happy than not," said supporter Elaine Sandler.

In the middle of the crowd was the now-suspended mayor himself, Steven Bateman, who just 24 hours ago ran out of jail to avoid the spotlight, following his arrest on charges of receiving unlawful compensation, illegal lobbying and exploiting his position as mayor.

When asked if there was much point of a campaign now, one resident said, "Absolutely. Doesn't matter who you are or what's been said about you, there's always a campaign, and there's always a chance."

A chance Bateman is still grasping by keeping the heat on his campaign. One supporter felt the heat in a different way, nearly fainting after being overcome by the hot sun.

At one point, Bateman was seen giving her a towel to cool off.

There wasn't much talk about the accusations. Authorities say Bateman used his political pull as mayor to help a nonprofit group he secretly worked for, collecting thousands as a consultant during his official duty time as mayor.

"It was disappointing to hear that, yes, but in Miami-Dade County, you hear all kinds of things about a lot of different people, and unfortunately the public doesn't know what's true and what's not until much later, if they ever do."

The state attorney's office said it has plenty of evidence and is moving full steam ahead with their case.

"I'm very confident in Mayor Bateman, and I know that he knows what he's doing, and that he's going to fight this good fight, and he's going to come out on top in the end," said another supporter.

For now, Bateman's campaign signs remain up throughout town, but that will likely change as this case makes its way through the court system.

Whether his supporters want to admit it or not, his chances of ever re-claiming that mayor's seat are likely over.