On July 16, 2020, in News Releases, by Staff

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced $900,000 in funding for infrastructure projects in two rural communities in Northeast Florida. Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) provides funding to local governments for infrastructure projects in rural communities to encourage job creation and business investment and to strengthen and diversify rural economies.

“Rural communities are vital to the development and growth of Florida’s economy and I’m committed to helping them thrive,” said Governor DeSantis. “Infrastructure improvements made available through the Rural Infrastructure Fund will help rural communities be able to attract businesses and provide more resilient infrastructure for the future of their local economy.”

The rural communities receiving funds include:

Columbia County – ($500,000) to assist in funding the construction of a natural gas main loop that will serve existing and new businesses along the Bell Road Corridor. This project will provide necessary infrastructure to the existing distribution center and allow for expansion of the transportation logistics industry in this vital development area. The project is expected to attract more than $1 million in capital investment in Columbia County and create an estimated 43 new jobs.

Town of White Springs – ($400,000) to help fund construction, engineering and inspection services to improve sewer system transmission capabilities and correct issues that caused overflows during Hurricane Irma to the Town of White Spring’s more than 40-year-old core sewer system.

For more information, visit FloridaJobs.org/RIF.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert to urge victims of several tech support scams to claim millions of dollars made available for restitution. The multimillion dollar claims process currently underway is the result of action taken by the Florida Attorney General’s Office to shut down several companies operating tech support scams. The deadline to file a claim is August 30. Thousands are eligible, but so far, only hundreds have successfully filed claims.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Our Consumer Protection Division has worked hard to secure restitution for victims of tech support scams and they continue to diligently reach out to eligible consumers. We need your help to make sure victims know restitution is still available. If you or someone you know was the victim of a tech support scam, please file a claim before the August 30 deadline.”

For more information on the claims process, visit FloridaAGReimbursement.com. Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Federal Trade Commission announced more than $16 million is now being distributed to victims of a debt relief scam. The scam targeted thousands of consumers facing financial difficulty in Florida and across the nation. The millions in restitution culminates from a joint lawsuit brought by Attorney General Moody’s Consumer Protection Division and the FTC against a group of defendants known as Helping America Group for allegedly convincing victims to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars a month by falsely promising to pay, settle or obtain dismissal of debts and improve payors’ credit scores. Instead, victims discovered debts unpaid, accounts in default and credit scores severely damaged—some were sued by creditors, and others were forced into bankruptcy.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It infuriates me that anyone would take advantage of people trying to pay off their debts and improve their financial situations. Thankfully, our office, working together with the FTC, has now recovered millions to be returned to the victims of this appalling scam.”

More than 27,000 refund checks will be sent to victims of the scam. Additional money is expected to be collected in this case, and a second round of checks will be planned once additional money is secured.

Recipients should deposit or cash their checks within 90 days. The FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to cash a refund check. If recipients have questions about the refunds, they should contact the FTC’s refund administrator, JND Legal Administration, at 1(833) 928-2567. Refund data can also be viewed on the FTC’s interactive dashboards for refund data.

Consumers suspicious of a scam or deceptive behavior can report it to the Florida Attorney General’s Office by calling 1(866) 9NO-SCAM or file a complaint online at MyFloridaLegal.com.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, today arrested a Medicaid provider on charges related to $50,000 in fraud. The arrest follows an MFCU investigation that revealed Rodney Burt, 57, billed the Florida Medicaid Program for services not rendered from May 2016 through November 2019.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Participation in Florida’s Medicaid Program is increasing during this health crisis, and we will do everything in our power to protect taxpayer funds from fraud. That is why my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit attorneys and investigators aggressively chase down leads and uncover abuses in this taxpayer funded health care program to ensure those who would aim to rip off taxpayers are stopped and brought to justice.”

Additionally, the investigation uncovered that Burt, owner of No Place Like Home, a Home and Community Based Service Provider, assigned inaccurate billing codes to claims submitted to the Florida Medicaid Program in order to increase reimbursements—a fraudulent billing practice known as upcoding.

To view the Probable Cause Affidavit, go to www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases
Burt is charged with one count of Medicaid provider fraud $50,000 or more, a first-degree felony. If convicted, Burt faces up to 30 years in prison and more than $300,000 in fines and restitution.

The Attorney General’s MFCU will prosecute the case through an agreement with the State Attorney’s Office in the Second Judicial Circuit.

“These are our parents, grandparents of our children, friends and neighbors, who are too valuable to risk losing to a virus that can be prevented if precautions are taken,” said Lander. “Younger adults are becoming infected with the virus in our community and passing it on to older adults they contact at home, at work, at the store, or elsewhere in the community.”

Older adults must take steps to protect themselves from COVID-19

–       Wash your hands often

–       Avoid crowds and large gatherings, especially in venues with poor ventilation.

–       Don’t shake hands with people.

–       Keep at least six feet between you and other people.

–       Stay away from people who may be sick.

–       Wear cloth face coverings in public places.

–       Try shopping during off-hours—later on weeknights or earlier on weekends—when crowds at stores are lower.

–       Avoid touching “high-touch” surfaces: elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, etc.

–       Find out if family or friends have been sick in the past two weeks BEFORE they visit. If they have been sick, reschedule at least two weeks out.

–       If you depend on regular medical treatment like dialysis, wound care, etc., talk to your health care provider about special arrangements.

–       Create a contact list of family, friends, neighbors, health care providers, community assistance programs and drivers. Make sure phone numbers are up to date.

–       Stay in touch with the people on your list and let them know you may need them for help if you become sick.

Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a Consumer Alert to warn Floridians about a new scam targeting seniors with offers of fake COVID-19 grants. The Florida Attorney General’s Office is receiving reports from seniors offered thousands of dollars in federal grant money to stay isolated at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Scammers are contacting seniors via Facebook Messenger, email and text message to offer these sham grants and request upfront payment as insurance for the expedited delivery of grant money.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scam appears to involve an international criminal organization utilizing a multifaceted communications plan to deceive seniors. These criminals are hacking Facebook accounts to send messages to targets from a friend’s profile—creating the illusion that the grant program is being promoted by an acquaintance. Once contact is made, the criminals request personal information, bank account numbers and insurance payments purportedly to help ensure the safe delivery of thousands of dollars in federal grant money, and of course, the money is never sent.

“Sadly, we have uncovered evidence that some are falling for this scam. Please know that the federal government is not contacting seniors and offering them grant money to stay home and stop the spread of COVID-19. We are actively working with law enforcement to investigate and stop this scam. You can help us by reporting suspicious messages to our office.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody today issued a Consumer Alert warning students at Florida colleges and universities of an emerging work-from-home employment scam. Scammers are targeting students via emails that appear to be sent from a college or university advertising fictitious work-from-home employment opportunities. The scammers obtain personal information from the student while posing as a university representative. Savvy scammers convince students to cash counterfeit checks and send them the money.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “During the COVID-19 crisis and resulting economic downturn, Floridians are looking for work, and it is unconscionable that scammers are exploiting these times of uncertainty to prey on our college students. Students who fall victim to this scam could face serious repercussions to their financial stability and credit record. I am urging all students currently enrolled at Florida colleges and universities to take extra precaution when receiving online job offers.” Continue reading →

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Ashley Moody is working with Florida sheriffs, police chiefs and university police to stop child porn Zoombombing. Zoombombing occurs when hackers hijack internet video conferences, like those offered by the fast-growing platform Zoom. These hackers often present inappropriate, offensive material or otherwise disrupt video conferences. Recent reports indicate that hackers are crashing online meetings with child pornography. After learning of this criminal activity, Attorney General Moody began working with local law enforcement to thwart the offensive conduct and ensure local, state and federal law enforcement are coordinated in their efforts.

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It’s heartbreaking that anyone would exploit children in this manner, but child pornography is pervasive online. It’s disgusting and illegal. When hackers hijack meetings and force participants to view these disturbing images, we must ensure we have an immediate, aggressive and coordinated law enforcement response. That is why I am working with our great law enforcement agencies to track down Zoombombers and hold them accountable for the victimization of our children.” Continue reading →

Tallahassee, Fla. — Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, mental health awareness has been a central part of the state’s ongoing response to COVID-19. Florida’s state agencies have coordinated with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Florida Department of Health during the public health emergency to ensure Floridians have access to free mental health resources and necessary support.

First Lady Casey DeSantis said, “Mental health must always be an important point of emphasis in disaster response and recovery – especially for individuals already suffering from mental health issues, individuals affected by the disaster directly and health care workers and first responders. In Florida, I am proud of the steps being taken by several state agencies during the COVID-19 public health emergency to offer mental health services and support.”

Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez said, “As our state continues to wage its battle against this new illness, we must recognize the toll taken on those individuals who fight every day to keep our communities safe. With these important tools and strategies, we are arming these selfless professionals with the resources they need to take care of themselves and their loved ones as they continue their commitment to keeping Florida healthy.” Continue reading →

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointments of Heather Beato to the Tenth Circuit Court, Brett Waronicki to the Nineteenth Circuit Court, London Kite to the Duval County Court, and Andrew Bain and Elizabeth Gibson to the Orange County Court.

Heather Beato

Beato, of Sebring, has been an Assistant State Attorney for the Tenth Circuit since 2002. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and her law degree from the Florida State University College of Law. Beato fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bruce Smith.

Brett Waronicki

Waronicki, of Stuart, has been a Partner and Shareholder for Wiederhold, Kummerlen, and Waronicki, P.A. since 2011. He previously served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Nineteenth Circuit. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from West Virginia University College of Law. Waronicki fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Barbara Bronis.  Continue reading →