Lee County hires Citrus attorney

FORT MYERS — The Lee County Commission selected Richard Wesch to be the next county attorney, replacing Interim County Attorney Andrea Fraser.

Wesch has served as Citrus County's attorney since 2010. In addition to private practice, he has previously served in various government positions, including as a county administrator and sheriff's office general counsel.

Wesch, who was born in Long Island, N.Y., has lived in Citrus County since he was 8 years old. One of his sons is a freshman at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

“I'm pleased that in working with Richard we were able to come to an agreement on an equitable compensation package that does not include a severance pay out,” Lee County Commission Chairman Cecil Pendergrass says in a statement. “I look forward to bringing Richard on board and feel that his diverse experience will give him a unique perspective on the issues facing Lee County.”

Wesch plans to start as Lee County's attorney in mid-October.