Arrest Warrant Issued for Commissioner Rick LoCastro

An arrest warrant was issued for District One Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro on February 6, 2024, for a battery offense. The charges stem from an alleged altercation with his girlfriend that was reported to have occurred on October 28, 2023, and reported to police on November 3, 2023. After a police investigation, the case documents were sent to the State Attorney’s Office for review. From there it was sent to the governor’s office for reassignment since LoCastro is a political official in Collier County. Governor DeSantis’ office moved the case to the prosecutor’s office of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in Monroe County. The assistant state attorney determined there was probable cause for an arrest. 

LoCastro released a lengthy statement saying “From the outset, let me be clear: the charges against me are false.” After recognizing the importance of the legal system and asking “the court of public opinion” to not judge prematurely, the statement concludes “Our legal system is absolutely vital, and it should never be abused. We will work to ensure the truth is made known according to the due process of law.”