Politics

Senator Tina Polsky, Representative Johanna López, and Representative Marie Woodson Take Action Against Notario Fraud

Published

1 year ago

February 24, 2025

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – In a bid to crack down on notario fraud, Senator Tina Polsky (D-Boca Raton) filed Senate Bill 846, while Representative Johanna López (D-Orlando), with Representative Marie Woodson (D-Hollywood) as a co-sponsor, introduced House Bill 915. The proposed legislation aims to protect immigrants from fraudulent practices by unqualified individuals posing as legal experts.

Notario fraud occurs when individuals—often presenting themselves as “notarios” or immigration consultants—offer legal services they are not qualified to provide. While a notario público in Latin American countries is a highly trained legal professional with authority similar to an attorney, a notary public in the U.S. is only authorized to witness document signings. This discrepancy often misleads immigrants, leading to mishandled visa, green card, work permit, and citizenship applications.

“Due to the high priority this Legislature and Governor has placed on immigration, I hope that our legislation will be a priority in this legislative session to address the ongoing issue of fraud and provide vital legal resources for our immigrant community,” said Senator Polsky. “I look forward to working with my colleagues, community advocates, and legal experts to bring this bill to life and make Florida a safer place for all who call it home.”

Representative López echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical need for the legislation. “Florida is home to millions of immigrants who contribute to our economy, culture, and communities. They are business owners, teachers, healthcare workers, and neighbors who enrich the fabric of our state. Ensuring they have access to legitimate legal representation and protection from fraud is not just a moral imperative—it is a matter of public safety and economic stability,” she stated.

Representative Woodson highlighted the loopholes that currently allow fraudulent practices to persist. “Despite existing laws that regulate the legal profession, notario fraud remains a persistent problem in Florida. Many victims, fearing retaliation or uncertainty about their rights, do not report these fraudulent practices, allowing bad actors to continue operating with impunity. That is why our proposed legislation seeks to require clearer disclosure requirements for non-attorneys offering immigration-related services,” she said.

What’s Next?

The bills are expected to be reviewed in the upcoming legislative session. Lawmakers, community advocates, and legal experts will collaborate to ensure the legislation effectively addresses the notario fraud issue and provides stronger protections for Florida’s immigrant communities.

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Politics

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

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

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.

Politics

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

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

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.

Central Florida News

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

Published

2 days ago

July 6, 2026

FNN NEWS

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.