A Florida state grand jury found that Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration misappropriated $10 million in taxpayer money to campaign against a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana. The funds were ultimately directed to political committees and the Florida GOP to oppose Amendment three, the marijuana ballot initiative.
The money was supposed to be used to provide health insurance for poor children, the report states.
The taxpayer money was routed through Hope Florida, a non-profit organization launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis, as well as other groups, the report states. The funds were then distributed to political organizations fighting the marijuana ballot initiative.
The grand jury also found that former Attorney General Ashley Moody was aware of the plane to divert the money. DeSantis appointed Moody to the U.S. Senate in 2025.
Fla. Attorney General James Uthmeier was also named by the grand jury as someone aware of the transfer of funds.
“We find that James Uthmeier, as the Governor’s Chief of Staff at the time of settlement, was in a position of authority over those involved ...” the report states. “Testimony identified him [Uthmeier] as having involvement in directing the money after it went to Hope Florida. Testimony also revealed that Mr. Uthmeier’s Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee, was the prime recipient of the majority of the $10 million taxpayer funds.”
CLICK HERE to read the full grand jury report obtained by CBS Miami
Despite finding that taxpayer funds were misappropriated, no criminal charges will be filed in connection with the case, according to the report. The grand jury stated it was unable to determine who was specifically responsible for routing and using the money.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
