Florida's Sen. Siplin Celebrate Appeals Court's Reversal Of Grand-Theft Conviction

Orlando, FL (AHN) - Florida State Sen. Gary Siplin on Monday thanked friends, family and colleagues following an appeals court's reversal of his conviction from grand-theft by a jury in 2006.

In the press conference held outside the Orange County Courthouse, the Democrat from Orlando praised Senate President Ken Pruitt, R-Port St., for standing by him since he was arrested in April 2006.

The Orlandosentinel.com quoted Siplin as saying, "[Pruitt] has faith in Gary Siplin. He has allowed the process to run its full course. I am proud of him and other leaders in the Florida Senate."

The Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office had charged Siplin, 53, with grand theft and misdemeanor for using state office staff members to work on his 2004 re-election campaign. Prosecutors claimed his staffer, Naomi Cooper, used state time and cost taxpayers $9,000.

An Orange County jury agreed and found him guilty in August 2006. However, the 5th District Court of Appeal in Daytona Beach on Friday ruled that evidence against the senator was circumstantial. The ruling also stated that he could not be retried on the charge.

The appeals court, however, sent the senator's misdemeanor conviction back to the lower court and the state can elect to try him again.