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Consideration of Request to Forgive Outstanding Civil Restitution Lien Order Filed Against Gabriel Scott Sterling
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
On December 3, 2014, a Civil Restitution Lien Order (CRLO) was recorded in Book 3149, Page 725 of the Official Records of Hernando County, Florida against Gabriel Scott Sterling resulting from Criminal Case No. 13-CF-144 for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell (a third-degree felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (a first-degree misdemeanor). Said lien is in the amount of $9,000.00 and has been accruing interest pursuant to Florida law since that time. The interest owed through April 30, 2024, plus the recording fee, brings the total amount due to $13,470.06.
On March 6, 2025, Mr. Sterling asked that the CRLO including all interest and costs be forgiven as he was unaware of the lien, and it is hindering the purchase of a new home.
Should the Board vote to grant the request, the County Attorney’s Office will sign and record the attached Discharge of Lien and the Clerk’s Finance Division will be directed to issue Mr. Sterling a U.S. Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 in the amount forgiven as cancellation of a debt.
Neither the Board nor staff will need to take any further action should the vote be to deny Mr. Sterling’s request for forgiveness.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The financial impact would be the potential future collection of the outstanding amount or forgiving and canceling the outstanding amount, depending on the decision.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
The County Attorney’s Office makes no recommendation. This agenda item presents purely a public policy matter, and the Board should determine whether or not it wishes to approve the request with the terms outlined above.