Politics
VIDEO: Sunshine Salute Series: Attorney General Moody Recognizes California Deputy Who Answered the Call to Be A Florida Hero
Published
2 years agoon
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing a Clay County Sheriff’s deputy who moved from California to answer the call to Be A Florida Hero. Deputy Colton Harris tells his story in the seventh installment of Attorney General Moody’s Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute Series. Deputy Harris, originally from Oakland, California, highlighted the stark difference in serving in Florida versus California. In an interview, the deputy spoke about the lack of support for law enforcement in California and watching a criminal be released from jail hours after being arrested.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “In Florida, we back the blue. Law enforcement officers from other states know this and are moving here in droves. We are telling their stories through our Sunshine Salute Series. In our latest edition, we hear from Clay County Deputy Colton Harris, who fled chaos in California to serve in the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation—where we support the brave men and women who protect and serve.”
During the interview, Deputy Harris spoke about the harsh environment for law enforcement officers in California and the reasons for making the move to serve in Florida. Deputy Harris described how people constantly protested law enforcement and shared that he felt state leadership would not back the officers. The deputy confirmed that serving in Florida and being supported by leadership is a better fit for his family.
Since July 2022, nearly 5,000 recruits joined Florida’s law enforcement ranks, including more than 1,200 moving from out-of-state. Four hundred of these officers moved from California, Illinois and New York collectively.
Attorney General Moody launched the Be A Florida Hero initiative in 2021 to help recruit law enforcement officers to Florida. The interactive recruitment tool showcases career opportunities available at law enforcement agencies across the state. It also highlights new law enforcement benefits Attorney General Moody, Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida legislative leaders worked hard to pass into law—including a law enforcement bonus program and relocation grants.
To learn more about available benefits and incentives of joining Florida’s law enforcement ranks, visit BeAFloridaHero.com.
Attorney General Moody launched Thin Line Tribute in 2021 to recognize the daily efforts of front-line officers who work to protect Floridians. Thin Line Tribute gives law enforcement officers the recognition they greatly deserve but may not always receive.
In 2023, Attorney General Moody started the Sunshine Salute Series during National Police Week by welcoming 30 new recruits receiving Florida law enforcement credentials at St. Petersburg College’s Southeastern Public Safety Institute. The Sunshine Salute expands upon Attorney General Moody’s Thin Line Tribute program. View more installments to the series here:
- AG Moody Continues Thin Line Tribute: Sunshine Salute Series in Pinellas County
- AG Moody Ramps Up LEO Recruitment Efforts with Sunshine Salute Series Featuring Officers from California, New York, Rhode Island and New Hampshire
- TLT Sunshine Salute: “This State is How America Should Be”
- Attorney General Moody Sits Down with NYC Law Enforcement Couple Who Moved to be Florida Heroes
- Attorney General Moody Welcomes New Florida Law Enforcement Officers From New York, Illinois, Maine and Other States
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Politics
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Milwaukee, Discuss Trump Administration’s Anti-Fraud Efforts
Published
4 days agoon
July 6, 2026
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
4 days agoon
July 6, 2026
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
4 days agoon
July 6, 2026
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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