Racy, Racist BlackBerry Texts Can Cost You Your Job

A government official in Florida has resigned after being accused of sending sex-laced text messages to a number of women and sharing a racist joke – all on the BlackBerry he was issued for his job as Parks & Public Works Director in Homestead, Fla.

Robert Landen resigned from his post Monday. The alleged racist joke he sent included the “n” word.

In his resignation letter, Landen made no specific reference to the allegations, writing, “Over the past few days, the safety of me and my family has been threatened. Due to these threats, I feel it is unsafe and may potentially pose danger to myself and my family if I continue employment with the City of Homestead.”

Interestingly, Landen’s alleged improper texting might never have been thrust into the limelight if it weren’t for the alleged shady behavior of Homestead’s former city manager. Mike Shehadeh was investigated for sending explicit e-mails to a woman in his office. He was also accused of accessing porn on his office computer.

Landen made more than $100,000 in his position with the city. He had worked for Homestead since 1985.