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NewsCreative Loafing Tampa BayAugust 27, 2026Hillsborough

Grand jury report finds Medicaid settlement funds were 'misappropriated' for political use

A state grand jury report concluded that $10 million from a 2024 Medicaid settlement with Centene Corp. was diverted to political committees supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda, though no criminal charges were filed due to a lack of evidence identifying who authorized the initial transfer. The funds moved through the Hope Florida Foundation to political action committees managed by James Uthmeier, then-chief of staff to the Governor, before being distributed to the Republican Party of Florida and other political funds.

MedicaidPolitical FinanceGovernment AccountabilityFlorida PoliticsGrand Jury
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Why It Matters

The report highlights a lack of legal accountability for the movement of $10 million in taxpayer-linked settlement funds into political campaigns, prompting calls from state lawmakers for new transparency legislation.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

personRon DeSantis“Administration accused by grand jury of misappropriating funds.”personAngie Nixon“Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate calling for Ashley Moody's resignation.”personCasey DeSantis“Helms the initiative associated with the Hope Florida Foundation.”organizationKeep Florida Clean“PAC staffed by James Uthmeier that received $8.5 million from nonprofit groups.”personTracie Davis“Democratic leader calling for new transparency legislation.”personAlex Lanfranconi“Spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis who labeled the report a 'baseless smear'.”organizationHope Florida Foundation“Recipient of $10 million from the Medicaid settlement.”personJames Uthmeier“Former chief of staff to Gov. DeSantis; identified by grand jury as being in a p”personAshley Moody“Former Florida Attorney General who authorized the Centene settlement.”organizationCentene Corp.“State Medicaid program vendor that reached a $67 million settlement with Florida”