Prosecutor Opens Investigation Into Desantis-Linked Florida Charity That Received $10 Million State Grant

The Miami Herald reports that Leon County prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the Hope Florida Foundation. The investigation apparently stems from concerns raised by Republican and Democratic state legislators regarding a $10 million state grant to the charity, which has been championed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife. The focus of the concerns is the source of the funds, which was a settlement with a Medicaid contractor, and the use of the funds, which the charity appears to have regranted to other nonprofits that in turn made substantial contributions to a political committee opposing a ballot initiative that would have legalized recreational marijuana under state law.

There have also been news reports that state Department of Children and Families sent a cease and desist letter to the Orlando Sentinel relating to its investigation into the charity, allegedly for improperly coercing foster families into making negative statements about it.

Additional coverage: AP; Washington Post.

Lloyd Mayer