Florida integrity unit targets 2 years of state legislative spending for corruption

Описание: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Thursday in Miami the creation of a new Public Integrity Unit within the Office of Statewide Prosecution, a division tasked with investigating potential misuse of public funds tied to recent legislative appropriations.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the unit will conduct a statewide review of appropriations from the last two fiscal years, zeroing in on money directed to nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, and other entities that receive state-funded grants or benefits. The initiative will examine allegations involving bribery, extortion, embezzlement, nepotism, kickbacks, and other financial misconduct.

Uthmeier said the goal is to ensure taxpayer dollars are used for legitimate public purposes. “We will expose and prosecute anyone using a position of public trust for personal benefit,” he said.

Federal officials signaled they intend to work alongside state investigators. U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones said his office will pursue federal charges in cases that cross over into federal jurisdiction. “Public money belongs to the people of Florida,” Quiñones said, adding that his office would not hesitate to prosecute cases involving bribery, embezzlement, or misuse of appropriations when federal law applies.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement also expects to play a role. John Vecchio, FDLE’s Miami Special Agent in Charge, said investigators remain focused on public corruption cases and will continue working with both state and federal partners.

Read more: https://cbs12.com/news/local/florida-...
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