Councilman takes own life in sex abuse scandal

St. Petersburg, Florida — The Chairman of the St. Petersburg City Council took his own life Friday hours after he resigned amid allegations he sexually abused his three adopted daughters, authorities said.

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to Bryan's residence on Gobbler Drive in Floral City after a his body was found inside a detached garage, slumped over a golf cart.

"Near him were a riding lawn mower that was still running, and two 4-wheelers that apparently had run out of gas," said Sheriff's spokesperson Gail Tierney. "A note was found inside the residence."

He was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Bryan family tonight," said Mayor Rick Baker upon learning of the councilman's death.

"During this time of loss, St. Petersburg's City Council extends our deepest sympathy to the Bryan family," said acting Council Chair James Bennett.

Deputies said Bryan's body was taken to the medical examiner's office in Leesburg for autopsy.

Bryan's suicide came hours after he resigned his council seat amid allegations of sexual abuse.

According to a spokesman for the Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court, Bryan is accused of child and sexual abuse on three females, two of whom were his adopted children.

During a hearing Friday morning at the Pinellas County Criminal Justice Center, Bryan was ordered not to have contact with any of these females. The two adopted daughters, ages 13 and 15, are now in their adoptive mother's custody. The third female is now an adult and does not live in the Bay area. In court Friday morning, Bryan was accused of having a sexual relationship with all three females. Bryan admitted to a sexual relationship with the female who is not one of his adopted children, but he said the relationship was consensual and she was an adult at the time.

At a news conference Friday afternoon, St. Petersburg Police Chief Chuck Harmon confirmed the criminal investigation of Bryan, but said he could not provide any more details.

Bryan served on St. Petersburg's City Council representing District 2. He was also the City Council Chairman.

The official website for the city of St. Petersburg, has already removed Bryan's photo and says his seat is vacant.