Frederick Piccolo Jr., once a trusted voice for Governor Ron DeSantis, now finds himself at the center of a shocking scandal that’s rocking Florida’s political circles. Piccolo, 34, has been arrested and charged with four counts of indecent exposure following disturbing incidents at multiple shopping malls. What’s more, his own father suggests medication for early-onset Parkinson’s disease may have played a role—raising questions about legal strategy, mental health, and political accountability.
Arrested for Exposing Himself in Mall Dressing Rooms
Law enforcement reports allege that Frederick Piccolo Jr. exposed himself to women in fitting rooms at both Banana Republic and Dillard’s inside the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota, Florida. The incidents reportedly took place between August 22 and September 4, 2023, and were serious enough to trigger an extensive investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in an arrest warrant.
Piccolo was taken into custody and formally charged with four counts of indecent exposure. He has since pleaded not guilty to all charges and awaits trial, as public pressure and media scrutiny continue to grow.
BREAKING:
Fred Piccolo, who was once appointed by @GovRonDeSantis to be his official Communications Director, was arrested yesterday for “exposure of sexual organs”. pic.twitter.com/7lhMomxJ3v
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) April 16, 2025
Political Fallout Reaches Tallahassee
Piccolo’s arrest has reverberated throughout Florida politics. Once the communications director for Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020, Piccolo also served briefly in the Florida House of Representatives and most recently worked at New College of Florida.
All of his former employers have quickly distanced themselves from him. Governor DeSantis’s office confirmed that Piccolo has not been employed since 2020, while New College of Florida stated he is no longer on their payroll. The message is clear: no one in Tallahassee wants to be associated with the disgraced former spokesman.
YES
The same Fred Piccolo who was just arrested for “EXPOSURE OF SEXUAL ORGANS” was DeSantis’ spokesman.https://t.co/mVNzv28SsX https://t.co/YMwaoPElbs pic.twitter.com/0xBUbsN6zW
— Florida War Room (@FlaWarRoom) April 16, 2025
Former Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren questioned how someone in a high-profile public communications role could now be facing such disturbing allegations, calling the case “deeply troubling.”
Family Blames Behavior on Parkinson’s Medication
In a surprising twist, Frederick Piccolo Sr.—the father of the accused—offered a potential explanation for his son’s behavior. According to him, medication for early-onset Parkinson’s disease may have caused unexpected side effects that contributed to the alleged indecent exposure incidents.
While prosecutors have not yet responded to this claim, a medical defense could play a pivotal role in how the case unfolds. The Piccolo family says they are now seeking both medical and mental health support for their son, suggesting the court may be asked to consider neurological or psychiatric factors as part of the defense strategy.