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Belden begs forgiveness over bar 'advances'

The Hillsborough tax collector says alcohol affected his judgment. An inquiry continues.

By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published October 27, 2006

TAMPA - Hillsborough County's tax collector publicly begged forgiveness Thursday, admitting he lied about making "advances" toward a woman at a Harbour Island bar.

Doug Belden read a prepared apology to a cluster of reporters just after 6 p.m. in front of the County Center in downtown Tampa.

"My behavior, as well as my comments in the press denying this incident, caused her personal discomfort and embarrassment," Belden said. His hands shook as he read. "For this I am truly sorry. I have offered a personal apology to her and would also like to offer a formal apology to the citizens of Hillsborough County, my family and my friends."

Belden, 52, blamed his behavior on alcohol. He promised to seek professional help, but he remained vague about treatment.

"I have realized that my consumption of alcohol affected my judgment when making decisions in my personal life that night," he said.

The apology came a week after news of a police investigation into Belden's actions Oct. 12 at Jackson's Bistro on Harbour Island.

Julie Irwin, a 38-year-old jewelry maker, told investigators Belden kissed her and intentionally rubbed her breasts with his elbows under the guise of petting her Boston terrier, Babar.

Belden and top aide Preston Trigg initially denied the allegations. But Irwin and her attorney, Jeff Brown, said a security camera from the restaurant's outdoor bar captured the encounter.

Irwin met with police Monday to review the tape, and Brown said it supported her claims.

Police declined to let Belden's attorney, Norman Cannella, view the video, citing an open battery investigation. Belden still has not seen the tape because the criminal investigation is not complete.

Case is reassigned

On Tuesday, Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober asked Gov. Jeb Bush to assign the case to another office because of Ober's personal relationship with Belden.

The governor had Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney Bernie McCabe take on the case. His chief assistant state attorney, Bruce Bartlett, said it was too early Thursday to know whether Belden's admission would affect any potential criminal charges. However, Bartlett said he would talk to Irwin before deciding how to proceed.

Irwin was at work and did not see Belden's apology, but she was pleased he accepted responsibility, Brown said.

"It's what we asked for, and I think it was the appropriate thing to do," Brown said.

Irwin was upset that Belden lied about touching her, Brown said. She wanted the public apology to clear her reputation.

"The criminal case is not her decision, but she feels that he has now addressed the issue," Brown said. "She felt that her name had been tarnished."

The criminal investigation is not yet complete, said Tampa police spokesman Larry McKinnon. When the police wrap up their investigation, they will turn the case over to prosecutors. The security video from that night will not be made public until after that happens, he said.

Belden said the daily operation of the Tax Collector's Office won't be disrupted by his alcohol problem or Irwin's allegations.

"The citizens of Hillsborough County can be assured that this office will continue to provide you with the highest level of customer service and that we will work together to regain your trust after this publicly embarrassing situation that I have caused."

What Belden does

Belden, a Republican, was elected to the office in 1998.

As tax collector, Belden receives an annual salary of $147,862. The office has 305 employees in eight offices and a budget of $23.5-million.

The office collects property taxes for local government agencies and serves as a conduit for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the Department of Revenue.

The office also issues occupational licenses and tourist development taxes.

The tax collector is elected every four years. Belden's term runs through 2008.

Belden's attorney said the situation is a positive for the office.

"I think it will be a good thing for the Tax Collector's Office," Cannella said. "Well, don't you think that a man standing up in front of his community and saying he made a mistake indicates that he's sincere, apologetic and remorseful?"

Staff writer Carrie Johnson contributed to this report. Abbie VanSickle can be reached at 226-3373 or vansickle@sptimes.com.

[Last modified October 27, 2006, 00:22:51]