St. Petersburg police: Bryan would have been charged

Friday, September 28, 2007

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John Bryan resigned and later took his own life on Sept 7.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- St. Petersburg police chief Chuck Harmon has released more details in the case of city councilman John Bryan.

Bryan committed suicide inside the garage of his Floral City home on Sept. 7, hours after handing in a resignation letter. Harmon said Bryan would have faced two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.

Bryan told police he did touch a young girl, but it was an accident.

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"He came in without a lawyer," Harmon said. "Readily talked to our investigator. I think, in my opinion, he knew what he was doing was wrong. I'm not sure he considered the criminality of the issue at that time, but morally, I think he knew it was wrong."

Harmon also said it would be a difficult case to prove because some of the accusations go back two years.

Harmon also released Bryan's suicide note. An excerpt of the note said, "This is the only way to protect (his family)."