This week, in recognition of National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day, I urged any law enforcement officer who may be struggling, to seek help. According to reports, approximately 100,000 officers in the United States suffer from PTSD, and first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.
In 2021, more than 250 law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers and first responders nationwide committed suicide—that includes 22 in Florida.
Our officers are exposed to traumatic events while serving, and these experiences can leave them suffering in silence. That is why I am highlighting organizations committed to addressing this important issue—like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Shortly after taking office, I presented the center with a cabinet resolution for its then-regional law enforcement mental health support line: First to Respond. Last to Ask for Help.
This free, confidential help line is staffed by professionals who understand the trauma officers suffer. The line is now available statewide by dialing 1(866) 4FL-HERO. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers 24/7 counseling—simply call 1(800) 273-TALK.
Supporting our law enforcement heroes and ensuring they have the resources they need is a mission close to my heart. So please, if you are struggling or know someone who is, seek help. This simple step may be your bravest act yet.
In 2021, more than 250 law enforcement officers, firefighters, correctional officers and first responders nationwide committed suicide—that includes 22 in Florida.
Our officers are exposed to traumatic events while serving, and these experiences can leave them suffering in silence. That is why I am highlighting organizations committed to addressing this important issue—like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
Shortly after taking office, I presented the center with a cabinet resolution for its then-regional law enforcement mental health support line: First to Respond. Last to Ask for Help.
This free, confidential help line is staffed by professionals who understand the trauma officers suffer. The line is now available statewide by dialing 1(866) 4FL-HERO. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also offers 24/7 counseling—simply call 1(800) 273-TALK.
Supporting our law enforcement heroes and ensuring they have the resources they need is a mission close to my heart. So please, if you are struggling or know someone who is, seek help. This simple step may be your bravest act yet.
In The News
Pool contractor convicted of multiple felony charges, CBS 12 News
Brian Washburn, part of Amore' Pools scam, convicted on 9 counts, including fraud, TC Palm
Florida man took millions for pools, left holes & debris, WFLA Tampa
Florida Attorney General: Pool contractor convicted on multiple felony charges, ABC 7 Sarasota
Tampa woman accused of scamming employer out of $148,000, WFLA Tampa
Legislation targeting organized retail theft applauded, The Wakulla News
Moody urges Congress to pass Public Safety Officer Support Act of 2022, The Center Square
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Announces Conviction of Pool Contractor on Multiple Felony Charges
Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the conviction of a Florida man on multiple felony charges for operating a multimillion-dollar pool contracting scheme. Amore’ Pools Inc. owner Brian Washburn defrauded Florida homeowners out of nearly $3 million, often leaving dangerous debris piles and gaping holes in victims’ backyards instead of performing the promised work. Attorney General Moody's Statewide Prosecutors secured Washburn's felony convictions.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “More than 150 Floridians made huge upfront payments to have pools built on their properties. The defendant took their money but failed to do the work—often leaving victims with large holes in their backyards. Law enforcement uncovered this multimillion-dollar scheme, and now my Office of Statewide Prosecution has secured multiple felony convictions related to this massive fraud.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Announces Arrest of an Office Manager for Stealing Nearly $150,000 From Employer
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of an office manager and payroll director of a periodontal clinic on fraud charges. According to a multiagency investigation, Cathy Green defrauded Periodontal Health Center out of nearly $150,000.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Employers entrust office managers with extremely sensitive personal and financial information, and for a manager to use this authority to defraud the company they work for is not just an act of betrayal, it’s criminal. Working with Sheriff Chronister and his deputies, we stopped this fraud before more money could be stolen and now my Statewide Prosecutors will ensure justice is served.” Read More
Attorney General Moody and FTC File Complaint to Shut Down COVID-19 Relief Scam Targeting Small Businesses
Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Federal Trade Commission are taking legal action to shut down a COVID-19 relief scam that targeted small businesses. In response to a joint complaint filed by Attorney General Moody and the FTC, a federal court in Florida issued a temporary restraining order and appointed a receiver against Florida-based Grant Bae and its owner, Traeshonna P. Graham. The defendants allegedly marketed a fictitious grant-writing service that falsely promised minority-owned small businesses easy access to guaranteed funding and COVID-19 economic relief.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The defendants targeted small, minority-owned businesses with the promise they could help secure COVID-19 relief. Instead of obtaining the promised federal grant funds, the defendants took fees from struggling businesses and left them in even worse financial condition. I am pleased we have shut down this scam and we will continue to litigate this case in an effort to recover lost funds for those harmed.” Read More