Josh Wooten cleared of wrongdoing in Citrus County Commission incident

Citrus County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Josh Wooten will not face charges from an altercation with a citizen during a May 12 County Commission meeting.

Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Bill Gladson, in a “decline to file” memorandum, called the incident “unfortunate,” but not criminal.

“While inappropriate and unprofessional, the contact by the suspect in this matter does not rise to the level of criminal prosecution,” he wrote. “This unfortunate incident is yet another example of the need for decorum and respect of others in public forums.”

Wooten, a former Citrus County Commissioner, had earlier that afternoon feuded with board Chair Diana Finegan over how the meeting was being conducted.

He had just concluded remarks regarding a controversial land sale known as Betz Farm and was returning to his seat. A commotion can be heard on the meeting audio, with Finegan openly calling for deputies to arrest Wooten for assault.

“Deputies, it’s on video. Mr. Wooten hit those people. I hope charges get pressed,” she said.

According to a Citrus County Sheriff’s Office report, Wooten was walking to his seat when he tapped a citizen on the shoulder with his rolled-up agenda.

The man, John Clarke Wray, immediately jumped up and confronted Wooten, reports said.

Witness accounts differ. Some say Wooten instigated the incident; others say Wooten gave Wray a friendly tap, and that Wray overreacted.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the complaint and sent its findings to the State Attorney for review.

The blog Just Wright Citrus first reported Gladson’s decision on its Facebook page.

Wooten said Gladson’s conclusion was not a surprise.

“While some have characterized the incident differently, the facts show there was no ill intent when I briefly tapped the individual’s shoulder with papers, after which he rose up and initiated physical contact with me,” Wooten said.

“While I wish the incident had never occurred, I respect the legal review and consider the matter closed. My focus remains in serving the Citrus County business community and continuing the chamber’s work to strengthen our economy and quality of life.”