Ex-New College Administrator Accepts Plea Deal in Public Indecency Case

Share and Follow

SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — A former official from New College of Florida, Fred Piccolo, entered a plea of no contest in court on Thursday to charges of public indecency involving multiple individuals. Piccolo, who previously served as a spokesperson for Governor Ron DeSantis, was apprehended by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in April of last year.

Authorities accused Piccolo of exposing himself to employees at various department stores located within the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota. Additionally, he was alleged to have exposed himself to a woman after stopping her to ask for directions.

By pleading no contest, Piccolo did not admit guilt. However, this plea indicates he acknowledges that the evidence presented could likely lead to a conviction if the case were to go before a jury.

Fredrick Piccolo, Jr. in court (WFLA)

A no contest plea is not an admission of guilt, but an acknowledgement that if the facts were presented to a jury, there would be sufficient evidence to find him guilty.

Piccolo’s family previously told News Channel 8 his actions were caused by medical complications from early onset Parkinson’s disease.

“We are very sorry that any individuals were subjected to any inappropriate conduct and we will seek the medical and mental health services necessary to return him to the wonderful and caring individual we knew before this decade of medication he has endured,” a family member said following Piccolo’s arrest in April.

Piccolo served as the director of communications for DeSantis’ office from August 2020 until December 2020 when he resigned over a controversial social media post. He also held leadership roles with the Florida Speaker of the House and New College in Sarasota.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.