FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Robert Runcie, who had served as the superintendent for Broward County Public Schools for a decade, will not be facing perjury charges as state prosecutors dropped the charges against him Monday.
He was indicted for making false statements to a statewide grand jury in 2021 regarding preparation for his testimony on a separate case.
As his trial was expected to get underway Monday morning, prosecutors decided to dismiss the case that has stretched on for four years.
The state and Runcie’s defense team reached an agreement, after talks began on Thursday, in which Runcie agreed to several terms.
“First is don’t break the law, the second is to pay the costs of prosecution which are not small, and the third was to make the statement that he made under oath and signed, that his statements were untrue,” said Richard Mantei, one of the prosecutors in the case.
Runcie’s attorneys thanked the state for reaching the agreement.
“The resolution ultimately is that, while Mr. Runcie has acknowledged that some of the responses he gave may have been unclear, our position, had this proceeded to trial, was that some of the questions themselves were not specific and therefore unclear. And the parties have come to an agreement that there was perhaps a lack of clarity on both sides,” said Mike Dutko, Runcie’s lawyer.
Dutko said it’s a welcome end to an ordeal that put a lot of strain on everyone involved.
“He’s lived under the pressures that have come with a felony prosecution. It’s been very difficult, personally on him and on family, on his wife, but he’s held up and he has been a rock for them,” he said.
Runcie is expected to pay $4,741.52 for the prosecutors’ investigative expenses.
Prosecutors said this type of agreement will be reached when the case is a low-level, third-degree felony.
If Runcie doesn’t comply with the terms, the state has the option to refile the case.
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