Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschDecember 10, 2018

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It hasn’t gotten the credit, but the Tallahassee staff of the Jones Walker firm played a key role in the election and recount that led to Ron DeSantis’ winning the Governor’s race. Chief among them is lobbyist Jenn Ungru, better known as a health care policy guru. But in the election law world, she’s the […]

Ryan NicolAugust 30, 2018

Florida’s gubernatorial race isn’t the only statewide contest in which sparks are already flying. You can add to that list the battle between Jeremy Ring and Jimmy Patronis for Chief Financial Officer, which is getting particularly rougher after a digital ad from the Ring campaign dropped Thursday. Titled “Redefining CFO,” the 30-second spot seeks to […]

Staff ReportsJuly 3, 2018

It’s almost Independence Day, which in Florida means: Time to scare some birds. Although you can buy fireworks in the state, they’re not actually legal here. Indeed, The Tampa Tribune in 2014 called fireworks sales in Florida an “institutionalized charade,” leading one lawmaker to call for “more freedom (and) less fraud.” Retail sales are allowed only […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 25, 2018

Jacksonville City Councilmembers Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown were in federal court Monday afternoon for their arraignments. At least for now, the defendants, indicted on fraud charges, are presenting a united front. Both maintained their innocence in court. And, for now, their cases won’t be separated. Less than a month ago, the now-suspended Democrats were dealt a 61-page indictment detailing a […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 14, 2018

Two Jacksonville City Council members, Katrina Brown and Reggie Brown, are dealing with dozens of federal fraud charges. A 61-page indictment dropped in federal court late last month details 38 counts in a scheme to defraud. Federal prosecutors allege the Browns, who are not related, collaborated in a scheme that used shell companies as ways to extract, via transfers and […]

A.G. GancarskiJune 6, 2018

Suspended Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Brown, currently facing 32 federal counts in a scheme to defraud with another suspended council colleague, is still an active primary opponent in Senate District 6 for Minority Leader-designate Audrey Gibson. Brown told media he was not suspending his campaign at his indictment a week ago, and proof of that active candidacy […]

Guest AuthorOctober 4, 2017

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, beware of scammers perpetrating fraud. Advertisements that guarantee a loan for an advanced fee can be tempting, and the websites associated with these offers may even look legitimate, but don’t be fooled. It is probably a scam. In Florida, it is illegal for a loan broker to charge any […]

Staff ReportsSeptember 12, 2017

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Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis is warning residents of potential fraudsters looking to make a buck off others’ misfortune. Here’s a release he sent Tuesday: Following the landfall of Hurricane Irma, many Floridians are now assessing their homes and property for damage and taking steps to make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage before […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2017

An investigation by the state Division of Investigative and Forensic Services has resulted in the arrest of an insurance company manager for allegedly defrauding her employer of more than $1 million. Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater identified the accused as Jennifer Summerlott, an accounts-payable and commercial lines manager for Fairway Insurance Group LLC of Fort […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 31, 2017

The Western Union Co. will pay $5 million and provide consumer warnings to resolve a multistate investigation into complaints that con artists used its money-transfer services to facilitate fraud. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the settlement Tuesday with 49 states, including Florida, and the District of Columbia. The money will cover investigation costs. In addition, […]

Tag: fraud

‘Calm in the chaos‘: How Jones Walker navigated recount for Ron DeSantis

Jeremy Ring ad calls out ‘Chief Fraud Officer’ Jimmy Patronis

Florida’s bizarre fireworks law still in place

Accused Jacksonville City Council fraudsters maintain innocence, September trial expected

In fraud case, Katrina Brown representation up in air, Reggie Brown gets court appointed lawyer

Indicted Senate candidate Reggie Brown stays in race, reports no May fundraising

Drew Breakspear: Don’t pay for the promise of a loan!

Jimmy Patronis warns of post-hurricane fraud

State agents arrest insurance company manager for alleged $1M fraud

Western Union settles complaints that it facilitated fraud