Groveland City Council members voted 3-2 Tuesday night to table a vote declaring where Mayor George Rosario​ should forfeit office. 

  • Groveland mayoral candidate pushing to oust Mayor George Rosario
  • Rosario had 2 felony convictions from Pennsylvania; opponent says it disqualifies him
  • Rosario says he never lost his civil rights because he never went to prison

The vote stems from the revelation that Rosario was found guilty of two felonies in another state.

Attorney Derek Schroth found out that he had criminal convictions from Pennsylvania in 1987 -- one for possession of cocaine and another felony for trying to sell cocaine to an undercover officer. 

Schroth represents Glen Wilson, who ran against Rosario for mayor in November.​​ He says they started looking into Rosario after he says Rosario lied about having certain medals from the military.

Schroth said the convictions disqualify Rosario from seeking public office.

According to Florida law, anyone running for a municipal office must be able to vote in Florida. And Florida law states a resident is disqualified from voting or holding office if they have been convicted of a felony "in this or any other state" until restoration of civil rights.

Rosario says this is all political and claims he never lost his civil rights, so he can hold office.

Speaking outside his house Tuesday afternoon, Rosario said he was placed on probation, but never incarcerated and doesn't have to apply for clemency.

In Pennsylvania, felons on probation keep their voting rights, and felons who go to prison get their voting rights restored when they complete their sentence.

"I made a mistake when I was young. I'm not that person anymore," Rosario said. "I never lost my rights and it's up to them to prove that I don't have any rights to hold public office."

Rosario says he will not step down and will take it to court if council votes to remove him.