Reporting back to my bosses, the citizens of Florida, is important to me. Open government and transparency are vital components of any well-functioning democracy, and it is a duty I take seriously.
This week, I had the opportunity to speak with news reporters and editors from around Florida who are tasked with the job of holding government accountable. This is the second time I have had the opportunity to speak with this group that reports news to millions of Floridians in every corner of our great state.
During our first meeting in January, I had only been Attorney General for three weeks. I announced an audacious plan to combat the opioid crisis, fight fraud and protect all Floridians.
A little more than 270 days after making those commitments, I was pleased to provide a progress report to the journalists at the Associated Press Legislative Planning Session. In January, I promised to create a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse. Not only does Florida now have this Task Force, I have already chaired its first meeting.
We have made great strides to fight fraud. This year my Consumer Protection Division has obtained more than $128 million in recoveries through settlements and court-ordered relief. Our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has obtained another $40 million in judgments and settlements.
We can still do better. That is why, I announced plans to seek a new cyber fraud team this legislative session. This team would be comprised of specially trained forensic investigators, accountants, prosecutors and Consumer Protection attorneys working side-by-side with law enforcement across the state.
To view the AP Day event, click here.
It won’t be easy. Nothing worth doing ever is, but making this commitment in front of the top news reporters and editors in Florida should demonstrate just how dedicated my team is to fighting fraud and protecting all Floridians.
By facing these challenges head-on, and reporting back to you, we can build a stronger, safer Florida.
In The News
AP Day: Ashley Moody aims at vaping companies that market to kids, Florida Politics
High school smoking at an all-time low as youth vaping skyrockets, WFLA Tampa
Florida lawmakers say vaping disease is an emergency, but what will they do about it?, Orlando Sentinel
Moody shares safety tips for Crime Prevention Awareness Month, Highlands News-Sun
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Recognizes Crime Prevention Awareness Month by Issuing Safety Tips and Resources
Attorney General Ashley Moody is recognizing October as National Crime Prevention Awareness Month by encouraging Floridians to be aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions to protect themselves, loved ones and property.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Protecting Floridians is my top priority and I want to encourage every Floridian to be empowered to safeguard their lives and property. Even though Florida’s crime rate is at a 48-year low, Floridians should remain cautious and take proactive steps to avoid becoming a victim of crime.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Encourages Safe Trick-or-Treating This Halloween
Attorney General Ashley Moody is encouraging safe trick-or-treating this Halloween and issuing safety tips for parents. A countless number of children will be out Halloween night, and Attorney General Moody wants to remind Floridians to be alert while walking neighborhoods and knocking on doors.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Halloween is a fun night for many, but the only frights you should get are from trick-or-treaters’ costumes—not from any Halloween emergencies. Above all, know where your children are, know which houses are safe to visit and check your child’s candy haul before they dig in.” Read More
Nassau Man Arrested for Defrauding Medicaid Out of More Than $20,000
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, working with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, arrested a home and community-based services provider for allegedly defrauding Medicaid. Following an investigation by the Attorney General’s MFCU, JSO deputies placed Christopher Tobey into custody on charges related to more than $20,000 in Medicaid Fraud.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This scheme exploiting vulnerable Floridians to defraud Florida’s Medicaid Program of thousands of dollars is not just unconscionable, it’s illegal. But thanks to the skillful investigative efforts by members of my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, this fraudulent operation was thwarted, and the defendant will face justice.” Read More
Two Sentenced in Smash-and-Dash Gun Store Burglary Case
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured 65-year prison sentences for two defendants guilty of a smash-and-dash gun store burglary. In May, a jury convicted Jehosthat Brady and Quinton Montgomery for burglary of a structure while using a vehicle as an instrumentality and 35 counts of grand theft of a firearm, as charged before Judge Michelle Sisco, in the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County. A third defendant, Demarcus Marsh, is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12, 2019.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These criminals brazenly smashed into a Tampa gun store, stole firearms and fled—many of the guns are still missing. I am pleased with today’s sentencing and for the efforts of my statewide prosecutors, the ATF, and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for pursuing this case and fighting for lengthy prison sentences for those involved.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody spoke to news reporters from across Florida at the Associated Press Legislative Planning Session inside the State Capitol.
Attorney General Moody speaking at the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Future of Florida event in Orlando.
Attorney General Moody honoring the latest inductees at the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame ceremony in Orlando.
Congratulations to Children’s Legal Service’s Bureau Chief Stacey Blume on receiving the Fort Lauderdale Independence Training and Education Center’s Unsung Hero Award for her efforts to fight human trafficking.