Patty Cummings

Former Cape Coral Council member Patty Cummings has been sentenced to 24 months of probation after pleading guilty to lying about where she lived while running for the District 4 Council seat in 2022.

In a plea agreement reached with the State Attorney’s Office, Cummings pleaded guilty to three third-degree felonies. She is not allowed to run for or hold an elected office while on probation and was ordered to pay $6,266.63 for the cost of the investigation, $413 in court costs, and $100 for the cost of prosecution.

Cummings pleaded guilty to fraudulent application for a driver’s license and two counts of false swearing in connection with or arising out of voting.

The State Attorney’s Office issued an arrest warrant in November 2023 following a State Attorney’s Office investigation into whether Cummings falsified her address to run for the District 4 seat on the Cape Coral City Council. While members of Council are elected citywide, they must reside in the district they represent.

Cummings originally pleaded not guilty.

She issued a statement concerning the plea arrangement arrangement Tuesday night:

“To the people of Cape Coral,

“Sometimes things aren’t always as they appear. I have chosen which battle is the most important to fight and it’s my health and family.

“I am Embracing the unknown with an open heart–with my family and dear friends, we’re turning this challenge into hope and resilience, one day at a time. ‘For we live by faith, not by sight’ 2 Corinthians 5:7

“I extend my heartfelt thanks for your incredible support during these challenging times. Your encouragement and understanding have been a tremendous source of strength. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, prayers and for standing by me.

“Thank you and God Bless.”

Assistant State Attorney John Dommerich Jr., chief of Special Prosecutions, handled the investigation and was the prosecutor in the case.

Editor’s Note: This story has been re-edited and updated to include the statement issued by former council member Patty Cummings.