On Friday afternoon, law enforcement showed up to Destin City Council-member Prebble Ramswell’s home in Destin to execute a search warrant.
- Ramswell was arrested during the execution of the search warrant for obstruction and alleged battery of a law enforcement officer.
The warrant stems from a complaint from Point Mezzanine LLC in June alleging that Ramswell had conducted public business on personal electronic devices and concealed the content and nature of her communications. They presented a binder containing paper copies of electronic mail and text communications and a flash drive with digital communications involving Ramswell as evidence to substantiate their allegation.
- According to State Attorney spokesman Frederick Longmire, “she failed to disclose those communications as required by law after the City of Destin received a public records request from Point Mezzanine LLC.”
Upon arrival, investigators knocked on the door which was answered by Anthony Ramswell. According to the arrest report, Investigator Wells spoke to Mr. Ramswell and informed him of the search warrant. Mr. Ramswell denied law enforcement entry to the home.
When investigators attempted to walk past Mr.Ramswell, the report states that he physically obstructed their path. After not complying to warnings, he was detained and eventually placed into cuffs after not complying.
Investigators located Prebble and reportedly tried to read her the warrant while keeping her near the back door, however she made her way toward Mr. Ramswell.
- The report states that during this process, many attempts were made to calm her down. Investigator Forehand advised Prebble that if she could not calm down she would be detained for Officer Safety.
- She refused several orders and was extremely belligerent, the report stated.
“Due to her continual escalation, Investigator Forehand attempted to detain Prebble Ramswell, however she physically resisted,” according to the report. “Investigator Forehand had to use physical force to attempt to get her to put her arms behind her back when she would not comply.”
According to the report, Prebble ended up in the standing position with her chest pressed down on the steps while all three investigators had to physically gain compliance with her to get her arms behind her and cuffed.
- During this altercation, Investigator Forehand was behind Prebble when she allegedly used her right leg and foot to horse kick the investigator.
- Her right foot made contact with Investigator Forehand’s lower back and rear end, according to the report.
WEAR Channel 3 reports that Prebble faces a misdemeanor charge of public records request violation, alleging she was unresponsive to a public records request. She additionally faces a 3rd degree felony charge of official misconduct.
State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden stated, “We take any allegation of misconduct by public servants seriously and will enforce the law to ensure the integrity and credibility of our government.”
