Staff Reports
Former Tallahassee Mayor and Democrat Andrew Gillum, who lost the gubernatorial race to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2018, is now set to face trial on federal conspiracy and fraud charges, according to the Washington Examiner. Gillum and his accomplice, Sharon Lettman-Hicks, are alleged to have defrauded donors, using political contributions for their own purposes, and lying to FBI investigators. Gillum had been regarded as a future Democratic star until his downfall.
He almost became Florida's governor, but now, former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is preparing to go to trial Monday for federal corruption charges. He's accused of defrauding campaign donors and lying to the FBI. https://t.co/dYG4E4XvIK
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) April 17, 2023
The charges against Gillum are serious, and if convicted, he may face up to 45 years in prison. Allegedly, under the guise of legitimate political purposes, he and Lettman-Hicks unlawfully solicited and received funds from businesses and individuals to enrich themselves. They are further alleged to have made these transactions under false pretenses and promising legitimate purposes.
Gillum has also been charged with lying to the FBI, claiming that he never received illicit gifts after being found in a hotel room with a drug overdose victim. His fame and popularity, however, are no protection against the law. Gillum still insists that he is innocent, declared he has confidence in his legal team to prove it, and has the backing of loyal Democrats.
If this case proves, to be true, it would not be surprising. It is regrettable that politicians resort to fraudulent activities to enrich their pockets instead of improving their community. It further underscores how some powerful people will stop at nothing to retain their dominant position. Gillum has failed to uphold the trust and integrity of elected office, and yet another significant public figure may have to face the consequences of their actions.
