– arrested for battery on Osceola School Board member
– alleged battery on Osceola School Board.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A former state representative and lobbyist, Mike Horner, 56, has been arrested on suspicion of battery on Osceola County School Board member Jon Arguello. The incident took place ahead of a political fundraiser for Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain at Fat Boy’s Bar-B-Q in St. Cloud.
According to St. Cloud Police Department officials, battery on an elected official is a felony offense that can result in up to five years in prison. The altercation occurred when Arguello arrived at the event and found himself in a room with only Horner and one other person.
Arguello stated that a disagreement arose between him and Horner, who expressed that Arguello should not be present. The two men, who are known political adversaries, then engaged in a heated exchange.
During the confrontation, Arguello attempted to film a video of himself discussing the event, which prompted Horner to confront him and try to grab his cellphone. A video of the incident, posted on the Osceola County news website Positive Osceola County, captured the tense moment between the two men.
Following the altercation, Arguello reported feeling assaulted by Horner’s actions. He recounted how Horner tried to grab his phone and wrist, causing physical contact that left him feeling violated. The incident escalated to the point where a no-trespass warning was issued to Arguello at the property owner’s request.
Horner, who was taken into custody by Osceola County authorities, has not provided a statement regarding the incident. In Florida, battery cases involving school district officials carry more severe penalties, elevating the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Political History and Past Controversies
Arguello, elected to the school board in 2020, has had a tumultuous relationship with Horner in the political arena. In 2022, the Osceola County School Board censured and reprimanded Arguello for alleged misconduct involving Horner.
The board’s investigation revealed that Arguello had solicited a campaign contribution for his sister’s school board campaign from Horner, who was serving as the district’s lobbyist at the time. When Horner declined the request, Arguello reportedly engaged in negative behaviour towards him, leading to the board’s disciplinary action.
Despite these controversies, Arguello is currently a Republican candidate for the state Senate. Horner, also a Republican, previously served in the Florida House from 2008-2012. His political career came to an abrupt end in 2012 when he withdrew from a re-election campaign after being linked to a brothel in Orange County, although he was not formally charged.
As a lobbyist, Horner represents various entities, including the Osceola County government and Sea & Shoreline, an aquatic restoration firm, as indicated by legislative records.
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Lobbyist arrested alleged battery Osceola School Board member arrested battery Osceola School Board member.
