Opa-locka city manager David Chiverton resigns amid federal investigation

Chiverton's resignation effective Aug. 1

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Opa-locka city manager David Chiverton is resigning from his position amid a federal investigation that has targeted numerous city officials, the Miami Herald reported on Thursday.

Chiverton, who was hired as city manager in November 2015 to help the city's financial woes, submitted his letter of resignation to commissioners Wednesday night. 

The embattled city manager initially sent a letter to city officials in May, saying that he was taking a "temporary leave of absence for medical reasons."

Chiverton, 51, and Commissioner Luis Santiago are under investigation for allegations of pay-to-play bribes, and Mayor Myra Taylor and her husband are under investigation for an alleged kickback scheme related to a city sewer project.

The couple is accused of taking $150,000 from the city to support their own finances and Chiverton is accused of using taxpayer money to pay himself $40,000 worth of vacation and sick time.

Commissioner Terence Pinder, who was also named in the probe, was killed May 24 in a car crash at Opa-locka Executive Airport. Detectives said his death appeared to be a suicide.

Pinder was expected to turn himself in to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office the next day on charges of bribery and unlawful compensation.

The FBI probe into the city officials came to light in March when federal agents executed a search warrant at the Opa-locka Municipal Complex at 780 Fisherman St.

Gov. Rick Scott has since declared a financial emergency in Opa-locka, and issued an order last month that gives his office control over the city's finances.

Chiverton's resignation will be effective Aug. 1.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.