New unit to prove, prosecute corruption involving public funds

(The Center Square) – A new Public Corruption Unit will review Florida’s legislative appropriations from the last two fiscal years looking for potential financial misconduct, Attorney General James Uthmeier says.

The unit will operate within the Office of Statewide Prosecution with the goal of investigating and prosecuting corruption involving public funds.

The unit will specifically look into allegations of bribery, extortion, embezzlement, nepotism, kickbacks, improper incentives or benefits tied to special interests, according to the office of the attorney general.

“Public money belongs to the people of Florida, not to insiders, special interests, or anyone looking for a kickback,” said U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones. “When bribery, extortion, embezzlement, or misuse of appropriations implicates federal law, we will investigate and prosecute without hesitation. Attorney General James Uthmeier is a strong partner in this effort. Together, our off...