Report: Tallahassee prosecutor investigating Hope Florida Foundation

First Lady Casey DeSantis and Gov Ron DeSantis at a May 20 Hope Florida press conference in Tampa. (Photo credit Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix.)Two Florida newspapers are reporting there is an open investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation, First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature social-services program, which came under legislative scrutiny this year over its finances.

The House Health Care Budget Subcommittee, chaired by Pensacola Republican Alex Andrade, held a series of meetings this year investigating the transfer to the foundation of $10 million from a $67 million Medicaid overpayment settlement with the state. The nonprofit organization steered the funds to two groups that wound up directing a combined $8.5 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee created to oppose Amendment 3, the failed 2024 ballot measure that would have legalized marijuana.

The anti-marijuana campaign was of particular importance to Gov. Ron DeSantis, and was chaired by James Uthmeier, then DeSantis’ chief of staff, now the governor’s appointee as state attorney general.

According to a report published Tuesday by the joint Capitol bureau for the The Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald, the papers requested documents that State’s Attorney General Jack Campbell — who investigates and prosecutes alleged crimes in Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon (the seat of Florida state government), Liberty, and Wakulla counties — may have received from Andrade regarding the Hope Florida Foundation. Andrade had suggested the financial arrangements might have been illegal.

The state attorney’s office declined to release any information because it was “part of an open, on-going investigation,” the newspapers reported.

The Florida Phoenix asked Campbell on Tuesday whether his office was investigating the Hope Florida Foundation. He did not respond.  The Phoenix also put in a request for any documents related to the Hope Florida Foundation that Campbell’s office may have received from Andrade.

“The information you request is part of an open, on-going investigation,” public records administrator Lori Abbey replied. ” I cannot verify what information is contained or referenced within the investigation. Also, I cannot verify how any information has been provided to this office. “

Meanwhile, the governor and First Lady held a lengthy press conference in Tampa Tuesday, touting the Hope Florida program and its success.

When asked about the reported investigation Tuesday, DeSantis seemed surprised and said, “Based on what?” Then he defended the program, championed by his wife.

“Well, I mean, I can tell you, this has been a very successful program,” DeSantis said. “Everything that’s been thrown at it is pure politics.”

Two Florida U.S. Democratic Reps call for federal investigation into Hope Florida

“I believe in this program deeply, and I stand by it 100%,” he added.

Hope Florida uses state employee “navigators” to help connect people who rely on Medicaid and supplemental nutrition programs with the private sector and faith-based communities in an effort to help them gain financial independence.

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