Punta Gorda Police have closed an investigation into an alleged confrontation outside the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections office, where Steve Denton, husband of Councilmember Janis Denton, reportedly parked a campaign truck with her signage within the 150-foot no-solicitation zone required by Florida Statute 102.031. An election worker said Denton refused to move the vehicle and cursed at her, and Supervisor of Elections Leah Valenti said he threatened to “kick her effing A” and was abrasive and derogatory toward staff.
Janis Denton, who is running for re-election in District 4, reportedly said she “forgot about the law, and people forget sometimes,” and declined to comment further. Valenti said the episode was the first time her office encountered that level of threats and intimidation, calling it jarring for her team.
Police concluded the threshold for criminal prosecution was not met and closed the case without charges. Election worker safety has become a top-of-mind issue nationwide, and this incident puts it squarely in our backyard. Do you think the case should have gone further?
