State prosecutors confirmed to the Associated Press on Tuesday that a state investigation has been launched into the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit organization that underpins First Lady Casey DeSantis’ signature welfare initiative.
The probe comes amidst scrutiny from state lawmakers over the flow of funds from the foundation to other nonprofits and ultimately to a political committee.
A public records custodian in the office of Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell responded to an AP records request by confirming the existence of “an open, ongoing investigation.”
At an event in Tampa on Tuesday, where he was highlighting the work of Hope Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis staunchly defended the program. The initiative utilizes state employees to connect Floridians in need with faith-based and community nonprofits, aiming to reduce reliance on government assistance.
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“I believe in this program deeply and I stand by it 100%,” Governor DeSantis stated.
First Lady Casey DeSantis echoed his sentiment, describing Hope Florida as a “rewiring of the way that government operates.” She added, “It’s a model for the nation. Instead of saying, ‘Here’s a handout,’ let’s give you hope and a hand up to live up to your God-given potential.”
The investigation follows concerns raised by state lawmakers, including members of Governor DeSantis’ own party, regarding how the Hope Florida Foundation disbursed $10 million from a state Medicaid settlement to two nonprofits. These groups, in turn, funneled millions to a political committee, chaired by DeSantis’ then-chief of staff, which campaigned against a failed referendum on recreational marijuana.
RELATED: Hope Florida’s $10 Million Donation Under Legislative Scrutiny
The state-level investigation picks up where a legislative inquiry recently left off. Last month, Republican state Rep. Alex Andrade concluded his own probe into Hope Florida, indicating he would defer further inquiry to “the FBI and Department of Justice.”
Andrade has alleged that the intricate movement of funds from the foundation to the nonprofits and then to political committees could constitute “conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud.”
Governor DeSantis dismissed the investigations as politically motivated attacks against his wife, whom he publicly considered a potential successor when his term ends in 2026.
“Everything that’s been thrown at [Hope Florida] is pure politics,” DeSantis said. “I believe in this program deeply and stand by it 100%.”
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