Robert Moore, 25, the son of Midway City Manager Leslie Steele, is wanted on charges of kidnapping and attempted murder after an incident last week where po- lice say he and two other men allegedly kidnapped, beat and tried to shoot another man.
Last Wednesday, WTXL reported that former city manager Auburn Ford worried Steele lied when she said said she was out of town last week visiting a relative.
Ford is currently involved in a lawsuit against the City of Midway.
Steele, who would not initially comment on the inci- dent and her connection to Moore, has since issued a statement condemning Ford’s comments; claiming her innocence; and imploring her son to turn himself in.
“While called away to Illinois to arrange my grand- mother’s placement in hospice, Robert’s father and I were deeply saddened to learn that our son, Robert Moore, was allegedly involved in an incident requiring law enforcement,” Steele wrote in her statement. “We do not know his whereabouts and strongly urge him to cooperate with authorities.”
“At this time, I would have asked that our privacy be respected as Robert is the adult father of two small chil- dren and a productive member of the Leon County community,” Steele continued.
Steele added that Ford was using her son’s problems to “enact a vendetta” against her and the city and called his comments reckless and defamatory.
Ford told WTXL he was worried Moore’s relationship to Steele might damage the city’s reputation.
“She’s the face of Midway,” he said. “It’s important that when things go on in your private life, it will affect how people perceive you with the city.”
Steele stands by Moore and asked he turn himself in.
“Again, we strongly urge Robert to cooperate with au- thorities and present his side of the story,” Steele said. “We also encourage our law enforcement to act with the presumption of innocence and let our legal system pro- vide due process. Robert, know that we love you and will support you during this process.”
In an interview with The Herald earlier this year, Ford accused Steele of using her position to harass him and his construction business.
Steele, who would not initially comment on the inci- dent and her connection to Moore, has since issued a statement condemning Ford’s comments; claiming her innocence; and imploring her son to turn himself in.
“While called away to Illinois to arrange my grand- mother’s placement in hospice, Robert’s father and I were deeply saddened to learn that our son, Robert Moore, was allegedly involved in an incident requiring law enforcement,” Steele wrote in her statement. “We do not know his whereabouts and strongly urge him to cooperate with authorities.”
“At this time, I would have asked that our privacy be respected as Robert is the adult father of two small chil- dren and a productive member of the Leon County community,” Steele continued.
Steele added that Ford was using her son’s problems to “enact a vendetta” against her and the city and called his comments reckless and defamatory.
Ford told WTXL he was worried Moore’s relationship to Steele might damage the city’s reputation.
“She’s the face of Midway,” he said. “It’s important that when things go on in your private life, it will affect how people perceive you with the city.”
Steele stands by Moore and asked he turn himself in.
“Again, we strongly urge Robert to cooperate with au- thorities and present his side of the story,” Steele said. “We also encourage our law enforcement to act with the presumption of innocence and let our legal system pro- vide due process. Robert, know that we love you and will support you during this process.”
Words By: Weston Williams