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Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Twelve to Judicial Nominating Commission

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announces the following appointments to Florida’s Judicial Nominating Commissions.

Second District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission

Hunter Chamberlin, of Tampa, is the Owner of Chamberlin Crowe, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and his juris doctor from the University of Miami. Chamberlin is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Chad Mizelle, of Tampa, is the Chief Legal Officer for Affinity Partners. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Cornell University. Mizelle is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2024.

Eliot Peace, of Dunedin, is the Associate General Counsel for General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his juris doctor from the University of South Carolina. Peace is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Third District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission

Daniel Schwartz, of Miami Beach, is the Chief Development Officer for American Health Associates. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his juris doctor from Emory University. Schwartz is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Fourth District Court of Appeal Judicial Nominating Commission

Patricia Flanagan, of Palm Beach Gardens, is a Partner at Fox Rothschild LLP. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida, her master’s at Stetson University, and her juris doctor from Stetson University. Flanagan is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Seventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

Casey Arnold, of St. Augustine, is a Shareholder of Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree and his juris doctor from the University of Florida. Arnold is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Erica White, of Port Orange, is a Senior Associate at Kinsey Vincent Pyle, P.L. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and her juris doctor from Barry University. White is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Ninth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

Michael A. Sasso, of Winter Park, is a Partner at Sasso & Sasso, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from Barry University. Sasso is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

R. Jordan Richardson, of Miami, is an Associate at Heise Suarez Melville. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Marshall University and his juris doctor from Ohio Northern University. Richardson is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Twelfth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

Lisa Carlton, of Sidell, is the Co-Owner/Manager of Mabry Carlton Ranch, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and her juris doctor from Mercer University. Carlton is appointed for a term ending July 1, 2024.

Louis Najmy, of Bradenton, is the Firm Principal of Najmy Thompson, P.L. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor from New York Law School. Najmy is appointed from a list of nominees recommended by the Florida Bar for a term ending July 1, 2026.

Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission

Jeffrey Carter, of Panama City, is the President of Jeff Carter, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University and his juris doctor from the University of Tennessee. Carter is reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.

Politics

Vice President JD Vance to Visit Milwaukee, Discuss Trump Administration’s Anti-Fraud Efforts

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WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — Vice President JD Vance will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud, according to a White House press release.

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Politics

Five Charged in Florida EBT Fraud Case; Two Illegal Aliens Among Defendants, Attorney General Says

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS)James Uthmeier announced today that five individuals have been charged in connection with an organized scheme to defraud Florida’s public assistance program by using stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and personal identifying information (PII) to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation was conducted by the Orlando Police Department and involves an alleged fraud operation that spanned Orange County and Seminole County.

“Florida is not going to tolerate organized schemes that steal taxpayer-funded benefits intended for Florida families,” Uthmeier said in a statement.

“We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify every individual connected to this scheme and hold them accountable.”

Investigation Details

Investigators allege the defendants used stolen personal identifying information and EBT card data belonging to numerous victims to purchase high-resale merchandise, including:

  • Monster energy drinks
  • Red Bull energy drinks
  • Coffee
  • Bottled water
  • Other retail goods

Authorities allege the merchandise was later resold for cash, diverting taxpayer-funded nutritional assistance intended for eligible Florida families.

Defendants Charged

The five defendants are:

  • Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez
  • Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada
  • Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez
  • Enrique Gonzalez
  • Luis Gonzalez Dominguez

According to the Attorney General’s Office, immigration records indicate that Gomez Jimenez and Mesa Labrada entered the United States unlawfully in 2024.

Criminal Charges

All five defendants are charged with:

  • Organized Scheme to Defraud (less than $20,000)
  • Public Assistance Fraud ($200 or more but less than $20,000)

Additional charges include:

  • Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez are charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving EBT accounts belonging to 10 or more individuals.
  • Dominguez is charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.
  • Diaz Jimenez and Enrique Gonzalez are also charged with Dealing in Stolen Property.

Potential Sentences

According to prosecutors:

  • Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez faces up to 40 years in prison.
  • Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez, Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada and Enrique Gonzalez each face up to 25 years in prison.
  • Luis Gonzalez Dominguez faces up to 15 years in prison.

Additionally, Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez face mandatory minimum sentences of three years if convicted of Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving 10 or more victims.

Investigation Remains Active

The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests or charges may be filed as investigators continue to identify others connected to the alleged fraud scheme.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel for Public Assistance Fraud Scott Strauss in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida.

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Central Florida News

Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says

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Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.

Lawsuit Challenges Election Process

Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.

“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”

Ross: ‘The Law Matters’

Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.

“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”

Concerns Over Election Accountability

Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.

“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”

Campaign Message

Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.

“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”

He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.

“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”

The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.

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