Politics

Governor Scott Appoints Ten to the Circuit and County Courts

Published

7 years ago

November 16, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced ten appointments to multiple Circuit and County Courts.

Alexander Bokor is appointed to the Eleventh Circuit Court. Bokor, 40, of Miami, is a Miami-Dade County Court Judge. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Bokor fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Stephen Millan.

Natasha DePrimo is appointed to the Broward County Court. DePrimo, 38, of Davie, is a senior attorney at the Florida Department of Transportation. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and her law degree from the University of Florida. DePrimo fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Arlene Simon Backman.

Christopher Ferebee is appointed to the Seventh Circuit Court. Ferebee, 44, of Ponte Vedra Beach, is the Managing Assistant State Attorney, St. Johns County, for the Seventh Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. Ferebee fills the vacancy created by the removal of Judge Scott DuPont.

Paige Hardy Gillman is appointed to the Palm Beach County Court. Gillman, 34, of Palm Beach Gardens, is an attorney with the Law Office of Hugh Behan. She received both her bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida. Gillman fills the vacancy created by the removal of Judge Marie Santino.

Carlos Guzman is appointed to the Eleventh Circuit Court. Guzman, 48, of Coral Gables, is a Miami-Dade County Court Judge. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and his law degree from Villanova University. Guzman fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Ariana Fajardo Orshan.

Vegina “Gina” Hawkins is appointed to the Seventeenth Circuit Court. Hawkins, 45, of West Park, is an Assistant State Attorney for the Seventeenth Circuit State Attorney’s Office. She received her bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and her law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Hawkins fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael L. Gates.

Lody Jean is appointed to the Miami-Dade County Court. Jean, 40, of Coral Gables, is President of the Law Office of Lody Jean. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami and her law degree from St. Thomas University School of Law. Jean fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Wendell Graham.

Robert Gregory “Gregg” Jerald is appointed to the Fifth Circuit Court. Jerald, 38, of Ocala, is the General Counsel and Staff Commander for the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Florida and his law degree from the Florida Coastal School of Law. Jerald fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Jonathan Ohlman.

Frank Ledee is appointed to the Seventeenth Circuit Court. Ledee, 54, of Hollywood, is an Assistant State Attorney for the Eleventh Circuit State Attorney’s Office. He received both his bachelor’s degree and M.B.A. from Barry University and his law degree from Nova Southeastern University. Ledee fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John Contini.

Dustin Stephenson is appointed to the Fourteenth Circuit Court. Stephenson, 44, of Panama City, is an attorney at Dustin Stephenson, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from Florida State University. Stephenson fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James Fensom.

Politics

Gov. Ron DeSantis Orders Flags at Half-Staff for Slain Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

Published

2 days ago

April 16, 2026

FNN NEWS

Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy M. Metayer Bowen, who was killed April 1 in what authorities describe as a domestic violence incident.

The directive calls for U.S. and Florida state flags to be lowered from sunrise to sunset Friday, April 17, 2026, at the State Capitol in Tallahassee and at all local and state buildings, installations and grounds throughout Coral Springs.

According to Coral Springs Police, officers conducted a wellness check at Metayer Bowen’s home after city staff raised concerns when she missed scheduled meetings and could not be reached. Responding officers found her deceased inside the residence.

Investigators said the killing appears to be a domestic violence incident. Her husband, Stephen Bowen, was later taken into custody and faces charges of premeditated murder and tampering with evidence. The case remains under active investigation.

State and local leaders say the half-staff order honors Metayer Bowen’s service and legacy in the Coral Springs community, where she was recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.

What We Know About Her Death
Police say Metayer Bowen was killed April 1 at her Coral Springs home. Officers discovered her body during a wellness check prompted by her unexplained absence from official duties and lack of communication.

Husband Arrested, Faces Charges
Authorities arrested her husband, Stephen Bowen, who now faces premeditated murder and evidence-tampering charges. Investigators have identified the case as an apparent domestic violence incident.

State Honors Her Legacy
Gov. DeSantis ordered flags lowered across key government buildings in Tallahassee and Coral Springs, recognizing Metayer Bowen’s public service and the impact of her loss on the community.

Crimes and Courts

Florida Creates Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, Appoints Special Prosecutor to Crack Down on Fraud

Published

3 days ago

April 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — James Uthmeier announced the launch of the Public Assistance Fraud Task Force, a multi-agency initiative aimed at strengthening investigations and prosecutions of fraud involving taxpayer-funded benefit programs.

As part of the effort, Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Scott Strauss has been appointed as special prosecutor to oversee complex, multi-circuit fraud cases and coordinate legal strategies across agencies.

TASK FORCE TO TARGET FRAUD

The task force is designed to provide legal counsel and streamline criminal prosecutions for state agencies and law enforcement, enhancing Florida’s ability to build strong cases against individuals accused of fraud.

“We are launching this task force to bring accountability and prosecute those who are stealing from Floridians,” Uthmeier said. “Florida is not Minnesota or California, and we will safeguard the taxpayers’ investment in the services meant for the vulnerable.”

MULTI-AGENCY COLLABORATION

State leaders emphasized the importance of coordination across agencies to combat increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.

“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier, Florida has continued to identify, address, and prevent fraud,” said Shevaun L. Harris, secretary of the Agency for Health Care Administration. “This multi-agency initiative creates an opportunity to collectively reaffirm that commitment.”

Brad McVay added that protecting taxpayer-funded programs is essential to maintaining public trust.

“Floridians deserve a government that safeguards their taxpayer dollars from fraudsters,” McVay said.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass also stressed enforcement.

“If you commit fraud against public assistance programs, you will be held accountable,” Glass said.

ROLE OF SPECIAL PROSECUTOR

The special prosecutor will evaluate and oversee ongoing multi-circuit investigations, assist in developing cases for prosecution, and support law enforcement with legal tools such as warrants and affidavits.

Kathleen Von Hoene said the initiative will strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.

“Our goal is to protect the public, preserve the integrity of the Medicaid program, and safeguard the populations it serves,” she said.

PROGRAMS AND ENFORCEMENT

Florida’s public assistance programs include Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, housing assistance and reemployment services. Fraud involving these programs can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties including fines, restitution and incarceration.

Law enforcement agencies interested in participating in the task force can contact the Office of Statewide Prosecution for more information.

Florida

Former Property Appraiser Rick Singh Launches Clerk of Courts Bid, Passes on Mayor and CFO Races

Published

4 days ago

April 15, 2026

Willie David

Photo credit: The Honorable Rick Singh, who served two terms as Orange County Property Appraiser.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Rick Singh, a U.S. Army veteran, business leader and former Orange County property appraiser, has announced his candidacy for Orange County Clerk of Courts, outlining a platform focused on efficiency, modernization and improved customer service.

While some observers expected Singh to pursue higher-profile offices such as Orange County mayor, Florida chief financial officer or Congress, his decision to run for Clerk of Courts reflects a focus on operational leadership and improving local government services.

“I’m running to make government work faster, smarter and more efficiently for the people of Orange County,” Singh said. “Residents deserve a Clerk’s Office that is responsive, transparent and built for today’s needs.”

PLAN TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SERVICES

Singh outlined several immediate priorities if elected, including upgrading technology and expanding digital access.

“We will modernize the system by reducing long lines, enhancing online services and making it easier for residents to access records, make payments and interact with the Clerk’s Office,” Singh said.

His plan includes improving website and mobile access, streamlining in-person services and reducing wait times for residents.

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In addition to modernization, Singh said he will prioritize operational improvements and customer service reforms.

“We will overhaul customer service to prioritize speed, respect and accountability,” Singh said. “That includes auditing operations to eliminate delays and inefficiencies that frustrate residents.”

Singh emphasized that creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience will be a top priority from day one.

EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE FIELD

During his tenure as property appraiser, Singh led the office with the scope and visibility of a countywide constitutional role, implementing reforms that improved transparency, accuracy and efficiency.

His annual “State of Orange County Real Estate” events drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, real estate professionals, financial leaders and community stakeholders, positioning the office as a key platform for economic insight and public engagement.

Supporters point to Singh’s track record of innovation — including modernizing systems and improving operational performance — as a model for how he would lead the Clerk of Courts office.

“I’ve led a large countywide office and delivered results,” Singh said. “I’m ready to bring that same level of leadership, innovation and accountability to the Clerk of Courts.”

His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field that includes Maribel Gomez Cordero, a current county commissioner and former vice mayor, and Emily Bonilla, a former commissioner and vice mayor, both of whom bring experience in local government leadership and community engagement.