FORT PIERCE However Ryan Hester resolves charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide, he’ll be facing prosecutors from Palm Beach County, not the Treasure Coast, court records show.
That’s because Hester, 19, who is currently incarcerated, is the son of St. Lucie County Sheriff s Chief Deputy Brian Hester, who is running for sheriff in the 2024 election.
In papers filed May 19, Gov. Ron DeSantis approved a request by State Attorney Tom Bakkedahl to reassign Ryan Hester’s case outside the 19th Judicial Circuit, which includes Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties.
In advising the governor’s office, Bakkedahl noted Brian Hester “has a close working relationship with the State Attorney’s Office and has also announced his candidacy for St. Lucie County sheriff.”