NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A North Miami Beach code compliance officer claims she was threatened by Councilman Frantz Pierre as she posted a notice at his home Thursday.
In an email to code compliance officer Lazaro Remond and director of code compliance and building services Candido Sosa-Cruz, Tasheema Lewis said she was delivering a notice to councilman Pierre for violating the city's derelict property and fence maintenance code.
Lewis claims she tried to to talk to Pierre before posting the notice but he ignored her.
She said he and his wife then "aggressively" approached her and told her to leave them alone because Pierre is a councilman.
According to Lewis, Pierre threatened her stating, "When you see this house, ignore it if you want to keep your job."
Lewis said Pierre also threatened to fire the city manager and director.
Lewis said Pierre then removed the posting and threw it toward the city vehicle.
The email was forwarded to multiple city officials, including acting city manager Mac Serda and North Miami Police Chief J. Scott Dennis.
Serda applauded Lewis for reporting the incident, replying to the email which said in part, "Thank you for your excellent service in carrying out your responsibilites. I very much appreciate you having the COURAGE to bring this to your supervisor's attention and I am glad I was made aware of this. It sounds like you handled yourself professionally despite the unprofessionalism of the resident. I will address the issue with the Councilperson today."
Meanwhile, Dennis said in part, "I have read the attached and am weighing it heavily. Until I have fully read the statute let's refrain from any further emails or discussion on this matter."
Officials are expected to meet Friday to discuss the incident.
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