Sex for speed bumps: Fla. mayor accused of seeking sleazy trade from constituent

LANTANA, Fla. — The Florida Commission on Ethics says there is probable cause that Lantana Mayor Dave Stewart asked for sex in exchange for political favors. The woman who filed the complaint wants to see him step down and encourages others who have felt sexually harassed to come forward.

"When something like this happens you have to stand up for what's right," Catherine Padillia told WPTV after her letter sparked a nine-month investigation. In it, Padillia claimed that Stewart sexually harassed her and asked her for sex in exchange for speed bumps in her neighborhod.

"I was disgusted. I was shocked that somebody in that position would use his power and try to coerce sex out of somebody," said Padillia.

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This week the Commission on Ethics released its findings. In a statement, the commission said, "The commission found probable cause to believe that Lantana mayor David Stewart misused his position to attempt to obtain a sexual benefit for himself."

Back in February, WPTV spoke to Padillia about her complaint. She said that in August 2015, after a lunch, Stewart took her to a motel and asked her to join him inside. "He pulled into this motel and got out of his van and I just kept motioning no, no I'm not interested, hello, come back," said Padillia.

According to the investigation report, Stewart denied going to lunch with Padillia that day. But a witness came forward and gave a statement to the commission that he saw Stewart and Padillia at lunch together.

In February, Stewart denied the allegations again to WPTV over the phone: "In the 18 years I've been mayor, there has never been a quid pro quo or anything asked for or given in favor of me voting in a special or certain direction."

If found in violation of the ethics laws, Stewart faces removal from office or fines up to $10,000 per violation.

Padillia said she's glad he's being held accountable. "I would like to see him step down. He needs to go."

NBC/WPTV