ANDREW GILLUM

Florida heads into 2023 with courts weighing high-profile legal fights.

A federal judge in Florida has refused to throw out criminal charges against Andrew Gillum, disagreeing with the former Democratic gubernatorial nominee’s assertions that he was the victim of selective prosecution because he was a Black candidate for governor. Gillum and a colleague were indicted earlier this year on federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to FBI agents. Prosecutors said Gillum funneled donations through third parties back to himself for personal use. According to prosecutors, Gillum met with undercover FBI agents posing as developers while he was mayor of Tallahassee and during his campaign for governor. Gillum had asked that the charges be dismissed because prosecutors delayed filing them and he was being prosecuted because of his race and politics.

A federal judge in Florida has refused to throw out criminal charges against Andrew Gillum, disagreeing with the former Democratic gubernatorial nominee's assertions that he was the victim of selective prosecution because he was a Black candidate for governor. Gillum and a colleague were indicted earlier this year on federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to FBI agents. Saying the defendants' arguments were “meritless," U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor last week dismissed four motions from the defendants challenging the continuation of the prosecution.

So far, there's no evidence that the former president was telling the truth about how he "fixed" the DeSantis campaign.

The trial could determine whether former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is convicted of federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges.

A trial that could determine whether former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is convicted of federal wire fraud and conspiracy charges has been delayed until April,...

Former Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum, a Democrat who narrowly lost the 2018 gubernatorial election to Ron DeSantis, was arrested.

Video: Florida may see more help to ease pain from high gas prices Gas prices are continuing to slowly fall in Florida. (WFTV)ORLANDO, Fla. — Gas prices are continuing to slowly fall in Florida. And drivers in Florida could soon be seeing a brief reprieve on gas prices. That’s because President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to pass a “gas tax holiday” this summer. Biden said since the gas tax isn’t a permanent fix, he’s calling on oil companies to do their part.

Gillum, 42, and his political adviser, Sharon Janet Lettman-Hicks, are charged with 19 counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, WJAX-TV and the Miami Herald reported. The 19 counts of wire fraud and the one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud each have a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, the newspaper reported. Federal prosecutors allege that Gillum and Lettman-Hicks diverted money from his political committee to pay Gillum directly, defrauding campaign donors and organizations, the Herald reported. Courthouse in Tallahassee, Gillum and Lettman-Hicks pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the Democrat. Gillum came within 34,000 votes of defeating DeSantis in the 2018 race for Florida governor, the Herald reported.

Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayLEESBURG, Fla. — Lake County deputies arrested a gunman after he killed a man Wednesday afternoon. Photos: Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 Gunman arrested at Marion County bar after deadly shooting in Leesburg, deputies sayDeputies said the victim was driving with another person on Whitney Road when he recognized Carlton driving, and they both stopped. WATCH: Man befriended victim, shared soda and cigarettes, before deadly shooting outside IHOP, deputies sayAfter a short conversation, Carlton shot the victim in the head and fled the scene, deputies said. WATCH: Man slashed wife’s throat, played her favorite music as she died, Altamonte Springs police sayDeputies said Carlton was later tracked to a bar in Marion County, where he was arrested without incident. Carlton was booked into the Marion County Jail on a murder charge.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. Westgate Resorts CEO David Siegel has sold another Orlando property. Read: Ex-Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum indicted on 21 counts, including fraud & conspiracyThe Club Orlando property, built in 1984, features 42 condo-style units, according to the Orange County Property Appraiser. It last traded hands in 1981 when it was vacant land for $350,000, according to county records. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

Cast member walk out FILE PHOTO- A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stand near the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on Jan. 9, 2019. With some workers across the U.S. threatening a walkout Tuesday, March 22, 2022, The Walt Disney Co. finds itself in a balancing act between the expectations of a diverse workforce and demands from an increasingly polarized, politicized marketplace. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File) (John Raoux/AP)ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal. When Walt Disney Co.’s (NYSE: DIS) relocation of 2,000 jobs from California to Orlando’s Lake Nona first was announced, it functioned as gasoline poured on an area whose commercial real estate landscape already was on fire. Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.

Deputies search for man who went missing while swimming with children in Marion CountyMARION COUNTY, Fla. — Marion County deputies are searching for a man who went missing while swimming in Lake Weir. Deputies said three children and a man were on the boat in the middle of the lake, when two of the children went swimming with the adult. The boat later drifted away from the swimmers and one of the children swam to the boat to pick up the other child and the man who was still in the water, deputies said. READ: Parade of planets: Here’s when to see 5 planets line up in the skyOfficials said that when the child returned to the swimming area with the boat, the man was gone. Deputies are treating this as a possible drowning and search teams are looking for the man.

Gillum, who came within a percentage point of winning his 2018 race against Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), denied any wrongdoing in a statement.

Andrew Gillum Charges FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018 file photo, Andrew Gillum, then-Democratic candidate for governor, speaks at a news conference in Tallahassee, Fla. Gillum, the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, is facing 21 federal charges related to a scheme to seek donations and funnel a portion of them back to him through third parties. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File) (Steve Cannon)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — (AP) — Andrew Gillum, the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, is facing 21 federal charges related to a scheme to seek donations and funnel a portion of them back to him through third parties, the U.S. attorney's office announced Wednesday. Throughout my career I have always stood up for the people of Florida and have spoken truth to power. Gillum met with undercover FBI agents posing as developers while he was mayor and during his campaign for governor. Gillum served as mayor of Tallahassee before running for governor.

Video: State investigating after abandoned building catches fire in Pine Hills One person was seen being placed into an ambulance while the fire was being extinguished. (WFTV)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The state fire marshal is working to determine what caused a building fire in Orange County. When Channel 9′s crew arrived, smoke was coming out of the charred roof and windows of this building. Photos: State investigating after abandoned building catches fire in Pine HillsExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 8 State investigating after abandoned building catches fire in Pine HillsOrange County Fire Rescue said the building is abandoned. WATCH: Passenger plane catches fire after landing at Miami International AirportOfficials said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are looking for a teenage girl who has been reported missing for nearly two weeks. WATCH: Ex-Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum indicted on 21 counts, including fraud & conspiracyDeputies said 15-year-old India McKenzie was last seen around 8:30 a.m. on June 11. Deputies said she was last seen wearing a tie-dye shirt and tie-dye pants. WATCH: 9 Investigates: Orlando production company evicted after 2-year battle with landlordAnyone who knows where she may be is asked to call 407-836-4357. READ: Central Florida man arrested after trying to entice young girl into car, police sayClick here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, and click here to watch the latest news on your Smart TV.

He's accused of soliciting six-figure campaign sums and then diverting thousands for personal use.

The federal indictment alleges that the former Tallahassee mayor conspired to commit wire fraud, by soliciting and obtaining funds using false and fraudulent promises between 2016 and 2019.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Andrew Gillum, a former mayor of Tallahassee and 2018 Florida Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, has been indicted on 21 counts, including fraud, conspiracy and making false statements, Channel 9′s sister station, Action News Jax, reported. Both Gillum and Lettman-Hicks face 19 counts of wire fraud and Gillum is also additionally accused of making false statements to FBI agents. Read: Puppy sales now banned at Orange County pet storesThe two could face the following maximum terms if convicted; up to 20 years for wire fraud and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Andrew Gillum on the Tamron Hall Show Former gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum speaks out about the scandal that put his marriage and political future in jeopardy. Watch it below:Central Florida Spotlight: Andrew Gillum Central Florida Spotlight sits down with Florida gubernatorial candidate and Tallahassee mayor Andrew Gillum.

Andrew Gillum, the former mayor of Tallahassee who came within about 34,000 votes of beating Ron DeSantis in the 2018 race for Florida governor, was indicted by federal authorities and arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, according to court documents.

Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum is facing 21 federal charges related to a scheme to seek donations and funnel a portion of them back to him through third parties.

Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum has been indicted on 21 federal charges including conspiracy and wire fraud for allegedly funneling donations through third parties back to himself for personal use.

Democrat Andrew Gillum, who narrowly lost the 2018 governor’s race to Republican Ron DeSantis, was indicted on charges of wire fraud and making false statements...

"I was very responsible for him getting elected."

Always a colorful guest and not one to hold back, Morgan said once he decided to tackle the issue, he first looked at his own staff at Morgan & Morgan, where he employs some 4,000 people. Looking back at his support for Gillum, Morgan said, “I made a gigantic mistake because I didn’t know who he was. He said when he confronted Gillum about the money, Gillum told him he wasn’t allowed to use it. If you want to hear more from Morgan, download this week’s edition of Florida’s Fourth Estate. Listen to the full episode of Florida’s Fourth Estate on iTunes here or on Sticher here.

“I don't identify as gay but I do identify as bisexual,” Gillum told Tamron Hall on her syndicated talk show, which aired Monday. He told Hall he began drinking heavily and secretly shortly after narrowly losing the election to Republican Ron DeSantis, even substituting whiskey for his morning coffee, as a way to deal with his depression. Andrew Gillum told Hall he traveled to Miami to officiate at a friend's wedding, arriving in town a day before his wife and friends did to attend business meetings his aides had set up. Gillum told police then and Hall in their interview he was drunk, but did not use meth or other drugs and that tests taken that weekend prove it. He told Hall that he needed to get over “the shame” of what happened.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Former Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum discussed his battle with depression and alcoholism Monday during his first public statement since entering rehab in March. Fire rescue crews and police officers responded to the Mondrian South Beach hotel in Miami Beach in March for a suspected drug overdose. Gillum and two other men were in the hotel room, and Gillum was inebriated, police saidWhen officers arrived, Gillum was so intoxicated he could not communicate, police said. Gillum said previously that he was in Miami Beach for a wedding and did not use illegal drugs. After the hotel room encounter became public, Gillum announced he was entering a rehabilitation facility.

Joe Biden's campaign postponed a virtual fundraiser scheduled for Thursday until next week. The campaign has moved to virtual events as the coronavirus spreads and people are discouraged to gather together in crowds. As we are adjusting to all of the changes and still in transition, we would like to postpone our virtual event until next week. We will follow up shortly with the new date," a Biden campaign official said in an email to donors on Wednesday. Shortly after publication, a spokesman for the Biden campaign noted the virtual event was not rescheduled due to a technical matter and declined to comment further.

Joe Biden will win Florida's Democratic primary, NBC News projected Tuesday, taking another huge step toward the 2020 Democratic nomination in the shadow of the coronavirus. Biden will win at least 148 delegates, while Sanders will come away with at least 33. Biden had won 1,132 national delegates to Sanders' 817 as of late Tuesday, according to NBC. Speaking from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on Tuesday night, Biden said "tackling this pandemic is a national emergency akin to fighting a war." We moved closer to securing the Democratic Party's nomination for president," he said after projected wins in both Florida and Illinois.

"Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.... This has been a wake-up call for me, Gillum said in a brief statement issued via e-mail. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.Gillum, 40, was the Democratic nominee for Florida governor in 2018. Related: Andrew Gillum linked to meth overdose incident in Miami Beach hotel, police reports sayMiami Beach police and other emergency responders were called to a hotel room early Friday and found Gillum with two other men, one of whom was passed out from apparent drug use. I now need to firmly focus on myself and my family, Gillum said in his Sunday statement.

"Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.... This has been a wake-up call for me, Gillum said in a brief statement issued via e-mail. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse.Gillum, 40, was the Democratic nominee for Florida governor in 2018. Related: Andrew Gillum linked to meth overdose incident in Miami Beach hotel, police reports sayMiami Beach police and other emergency responders were called to a hotel room early Friday and found Gillum with two other men, one of whom was passed out from apparent drug use. I now need to firmly focus on myself and my family, Gillum said in his Sunday statement.

Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. I witnessed my father suffer from alcoholism and I know the damaging effects it can have when untreated. He called police and fire-rescue after conducting chest compressions on Mr. Dyson, the police report said.In the statement Sunday, Gillum asked that people respect his privacy and the privacy of his family. "I now need to firmly focus on myself and my family, Gillum said. I want to apologize to my family, friends and the people of Florida who have supported me and put their faith in me over the years.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida candidate for governor Andrew Gillum disclosed Sunday that he is entering a rehabilitation facility, saying he had fallen into a depression and alcohol abuse after losing his bid for the state's highest post. The Miami Beach police report said Gillum was allowed to leave the hotel for home after he was checked out medically. “I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused for our movement.”According to police, fire rescue crews were called to the Miami Beach hotel around 1 a.m. Friday regarding a suspected drug overdose. Police say Gillum and two other men were in the hotel room. Gillum was the first black nominee in a major political party to run for governor in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former Florida candidate for governor Andrew Gillum disclosed Sunday that he is entering a rehabilitation facility, saying he had fallen into a depression and alcohol abuse after losing his bid for the state's highest post. The Miami Beach police report said Gillum was allowed to leave the hotel for home after he was checked out medically. “I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused for our movement.”According to police, fire rescue crews were called to the Miami Beach hotel around 1 a.m. Friday regarding a suspected drug overdose. Police say Gillum and two other men were in the hotel room. Gillum was the first black nominee in a major political party to run for governor in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE Saying he fell into a depression after losing the 2018 race for governor, Democrat Andrew Gillum on Sunday announced he is going into a rehabilitation facility because of alcohol abuse. The announcement came after an incident Thursday night in a South Beach hotel room, where a man reportedly overdosed. Since my race for governor ended, I fell into a depression that has led to alcohol abuse. The incident last week at the upscale Mondrian South Beach Hotel in Miami Beach, however, drew national attention. "I now need to firmly focus on myself and my family, Gillum said.

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Former Florida Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum is named in a police report Friday saying he was “inebriated" and initially unresponsive in a hotel room where authorities found baggies of suspected crystal methamphetamine. The Miami Beach police report says Gillum was allowed to leave the hotel for home after he was checked out medically. Gillum, 40, said in a statement that he was in Miami Beach for a wedding and did not use illegal drugs. “I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused for our movement.”According to police, fire rescue crews were called to the Miami Beach hotel around 1 a.m. Friday regarding a suspected drug overdose. Police say Gillum and two other men were in the hotel room.

The call was in reference to a cardiac arrest involving an individual named Travis Dyson for a possible drug overdose. The report says when Mejias arrived at the hotel shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday, he found Dyson and Gillum, under the influence of an unknown substance.Mr. "I was in Miami last night for a wedding celebration when first responders were called to assist one of my friends, said Gillum. I apologize to the people of Florida for the distraction this has caused our movement."Im thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts," continued Gilllum. "While speaking to the Miami New Times , Dyson said he did not know Gillum was in town for a wedding.

According to the police report, officers were called to the Mondrian South Beach Hotel where they met the Miami Beach Fire Rescue treating 30-year-old Travis Dyson for a cardiac arrest. Gillum, who was also found in the hotel room with another man, Aldo Mejias, was unable to talk to the police due to his "inebriated" state. Police say Mejias made the emergency call after he discovered Dyson and Gillum inside the hotel room under the influence. Responding officers found three small, clear bags suspected of containing crystal methamphetamine in the hotel room. I'm thankful to the incredible Miami Beach EMS team for their efforts."

Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's former mayor and 2018's Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was present at a meth overdose incident early Friday morning. Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's telegenic former mayor and the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was involved in a meth overdose incident early Friday morning in a Miami Beach hotel room. Police found plastic baggies of suspected crystal meth on the bed and floor of the hotel room, the report says. The incident in Miami Beach was first reported on Twitter by Candace Owens, a conservative commentator, author and political activist. Police provided a copy of the incident report, though Gillum's address, date of birth and other information was redacted.

Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's former mayor and 2018's Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was present at a meth overdose incident early Friday morning. Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's telegenic former mayor and the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was involved in a meth overdose incident early Friday morning in a Miami Beach hotel room. Police found plastic baggies of suspected crystal meth on the bed and floor of the hotel room, the report says. The incident in Miami Beach was first reported on Twitter by Candace Owens, a conservative commentator, author and political activist. Police provided a copy of the incident report, though Gillum's address, date of birth and other information was redacted.

Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's former mayor and 2018's Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was present at a meth overdose incident early Friday morning. Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee's telegenic former mayor and the 2018 Democratic nominee for Florida governor, was involved in a meth overdose incident early Friday morning in a Miami Beach hotel room. Police found plastic baggies of suspected crystal meth on the bed and floor of the hotel room, the report says. The incident in Miami Beach was first reported on Twitter by Candace Owens, a conservative commentator, author and political activist. Police provided a copy of the incident report, though Gillum's address, date of birth and other information was redacted.

All of the backlogged ethics cases require action from Gov. And by failing to OK the commissions recommendations or act on his own, people are getting away with violating the states ethics law without consequences." Seven of the pending final orders one of which is on appeal are holdovers from Gov. Davis has remained in office 18 months after the ethics commission recommended he be removed. He failed to report a discount for his daughters wedding reception and accepted Florida State University football tickets from a lobbyist.

All of the backlogged ethics cases require action from Gov. And by failing to OK the commissions recommendations or act on his own, people are getting away with violating the states ethics law without consequences." Seven of the pending final orders one of which is on appeal are holdovers from Gov. Davis has remained in office 18 months after the ethics commission recommended he be removed. He failed to report a discount for his daughters wedding reception and accepted Florida State University football tickets from a lobbyist.

All of the backlogged ethics cases require action from Gov. And by failing to OK the commissions recommendations or act on his own, people are getting away with violating the states ethics law without consequences." Seven of the pending final orders one of which is on appeal are holdovers from Gov. Davis has remained in office 18 months after the ethics commission recommended he be removed. He failed to report a discount for his daughters wedding reception and accepted Florida State University football tickets from a lobbyist.

Gillum blamed Republicans for preying on “sensitivities” of Latinos in Florida, as Camacho translated his complaint into Spanish for listeners. Camacho’s weekly show is funded by the Florida Democratic Party — part of a statewide effort to bolster its standing with Florida’s Latinos ahead of the 2020 presidential election. Biden campaign spokeswoman Isabel Aldunate said Republicans were seeking to “capitalize on the traumatizing past that many South Florida Latinos experienced." According to AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of the U.S. electorate, 44% of Florida Latinos voting in the 2018 midterms voted for Republican Gov. Florida Democrats have trained 150 Spanish-speaking surrogates influential in Hispanic media and created a legislative affairs group of Puerto Ricans focusing on rebuilding the island after Hurricane Maria.

Florida state Senate and House members will descend on Tallahassee Jan. 14 for another year of Republican control of the Legislature and the knowledge that control pays off. Anyone can form a political committee to raise and spend money to help candidates or political causes. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, has filed a campaign finance bill, SB516, that would prohibit transferring political committee funds to another political committee. Making it rainAs PACs go, the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee is one of the biggest. Henry has control of the political committee Floridas 99 United, a remnant of his two-year tenure in the Legislature.

Florida state Senate and House members will descend on Tallahassee Jan. 14 for another year of Republican control of the Legislature and the knowledge that control pays off. And to add to the confusion, the way PACs can forward money to other PACs can obscure contributions. Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota, has filed a campaign finance bill, SB516, that would prohibit transferring political committee funds to another political committee. Making it rainAs PACs go, the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee is one of the biggest. Henry has control of the political committee Floridas 99 United, a remnant of his two-year tenure in the Legislature.

Republicans hold 61% of the Florida House seats, but a national PAC contends it can help flip the chamber, including a couple of Volusia County districts, to Democrats in 2020. There are now Republican and Democratic candidates for both House Districts 26 and 27 in the 2020 election. [SEE ALSO: 2018 election results][READ ALSO: Patrick Henry faces Elizabeth Fetterhoff in House District 26]The district, which stretches from Daytona Beach to DeLand, contains significantly more Democrats than Republicans. Nearly 41% of the voters in District 26 were Democrats at the time of the 2018 election. If it splits $2 million evenly between candidates in 25 House districts in 2020, that would be $80,000 per district.

The ideological battle between the centrists and more liberal candidates is one of the biggest questions facing the Democratic Party. As the first Democratic presidential primary debates unfolded on stage at Miamis Adrienne Arsht Center, the ideological divide was reminiscent of the Democratic gubernatorial primary in Florida last year. But the ideological battle between the centrists and more liberal candidates is one of the biggest questions facing the Democratic Party. Trump is unlikely to win reelection without winning Florida, so nominating a candidate who can do well in Florida could be critical for Democrats. I do believe we can, Sanders said when asked if he can win Florida.