Background 

The State Attorney’s Office has received word of the death of former Brevard County Clerk of Courts Mitch Needelman but awaits official documentation of it before closing its criminal case against him.  

State Attorney William Scheiner won a ruling in June that Needelman was mentally competent to stand trial on charges of bribery, bid tampering, official misconduct, and accepting illegal campaign contributions stemming from his time in office.  The two sides were actively negotiating a plea agreement that could have required Needelman, 72, to admit guilt and pay restitution to the Brevard Clerk of Courts.   

Statement from State Attorney William Scheiner 

“Loss of life is always sad. Despite his medical conditions, Mr. Needelman knew right from wrong, which is why we continued to prosecute him on corruption charges despite years of setbacks and delays. I’m disappointed we will not be able to secure justice and restitution from Mr. Needelman to the Brevard County Clerk of Courts office like we were able to do with his charged co-defendants.”