Grand jury: DeSantis administration "misappropriated" $10 million
Summary
A state grand jury found that the DeSantis administration moved $10 million meant for poor children's health care into political groups supporting Republican causes. The report said the money was used to fight a 2024 marijuana legalization vote, but no criminal charges were filed because no one took responsibility. Key officials, including the state's attorney general and former staff, were involved or aware of the transfer.Key Facts
- $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was redirected from health insurance funds to political groups.
- The funds ended up in two political action committees and the Republican Party of Florida.
- The money was used to oppose Amendment 3, a 2024 initiative to legalize marijuana in Florida.
- No one was charged criminally due to lack of clear responsibility or memory of who approved the transfer.
- James Uthmeier, then the Governor’s Chief of Staff, was linked to directing the money and his political committee was a main recipient.
- Attorney General Ashley Moody authorized her deputy to sign the settlement but did not conduct thorough checks.
- The grand jury report was sealed but leaked, causing political debate and calls for transparency.
- Governor Ron DeSantis said he was not involved in the settlement decision and called the matter a “hoax.”
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