Apr 11, 09:10 PM

Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez Removed Immediately After 4-1 Vote Amid Controversies

Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez has been removed from her position effective immediately amid a series of controversies and criticisms regarding her performance and legal advice, marking the end of her 20-year career at City Hall. The decision, made by a 4-1 vote by the Miami Commissioners, came after revelations that Méndez was involved in unethical practices, including rewriting a contract with a real estate developer after the city commission had voted on it, which misappropriated $10 million to Commissioner Joe Carollo's district without consulting other commissioners. Additionally, there were allegations of a scam involving the purchase and flipping of Miami-Dade homes at rock-bottom prices from owners deemed incapacitated. The Miami city manager also faced scrutiny for purchases from his wife's furniture company but has stated he will stop these transactions. Méndez is being kept in an advisory role until June. The removal of Méndez marks a significant move by the Miami Commissioners, who cited insubordination and a lack of trust and confidence in her legal advice as reasons for her dismissal.