Nick Nicholson was arrested today, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

HERNANDO COUNTY – County Commissioner Nicholas W. “Nick” Nicholson was arrested today (April 19) in connection with prostitution charges, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said.

Nicholson, 71, was charged with one count of owning, establishing, maintaining, or operating any place, structure, building, or conveyance for the purpose of lewdness, assignation, or prostitution. He was also charged with two counts of purchasing the service of any person engaged in prostitution.

Nicholson’s arrest came after an investigation that began Feb. 20 when deputies were called to his home in Spring Hill because of a domestic disturbance.

Upon arrival at Nicholson’s home, deputies said they met with a woman named Valerie Surette in the doorway of the residence. Surette told deputies she had been involved in a heated verbal altercation with her husband, Kendel Surette, and he threw a screwdriver at her, hitting her in the face.

Deputies noted that both Surettes had red, glassy eyes and slurred speech, indicating they were under the influence of an unknown substance.

Physical evidence (injury to Mrs. Surette’s face) of domestic violence was present. Deputies arrested Mr. Surette and charged him with domestic battery.

During the investigation, information was obtained regarding allegations of additional criminal activity occurring within Nicholson’s home and/or involving people who lived in the residence. As a result of the allegations, the case was turned over to Hernando County Vice and Narcotics Unit.

Deputies said detectives in the vice and narcotics unit, working in conjunction with special agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, conducted a “complete and thorough” investigation. The law enforcement investigators also maintained continuous communication and coordination with the State Attorney’s Office of the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

As result of the evidence in the case, the SAO has direct filed charges, which resulted in today’s arrest of Nicholson.

Nicholson, the owner of Nicholson Engineering Assocs., was elected to the Hernando County Commission in November 2012 and reelected in 2016. His term expires in 2020. He has served as chairman, vice chairman and second vice chairman.

Before his election, Nicholson served on the Planning and Zoning Commission for seven years. Nicholson is an active member on the Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council, is liaison to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, and serves on the Pasco-Hernando Workforce Board as part of the Jobs and Education Partnership. He currently serves as chairman of the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority, chairman of the Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board, and is a member on the Florida Department of Transportation Interstate 75 Relief Task Force.

Hernando Sheriff | Crime | Prostitution | Commissioner Arrested | Nick Nicholson | Arrests | Tampabay News

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