Former Tallahassee Mayor and 2018 Florida Gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum is currently on trial facing 17 counts of fraud and conspiracy.
Gillum, alongside with his campaign advisor Sharon Lettman-Hicks, are being accused of pocketing about $57,000 in campaign cash, accepting illegal gifts and lying to FBI officials while on his run for governor.
Each of the 17 counts of wire fraud and the wire fraud conspiracy count in the Gillum indictment carries a maximum of 20 years behind bars. The charge of lying to the FBI has a five-year maximum sentence.
Prosecutors have no direct evidence of the scheme, but described a pattern of illegal behavior that they said started in 2017. Over the last two weeks, they alleged an enormously complicated web of campaign transactions involving numerous organizations and donors.
However, Gillum is standing ten toes, stating he is innocent of all allegations made against him.
“I have never taken advantage of my office or position to cheat, con, or deceive anyone,” said Gillum in an Instagram post. “To the contrary, I have always fought on behalf of those who sit on the margins of our society, no matter what the cost.”
This trial is currently in its tail end, with prosecutors and defense attorneys having gave their closing arguments on Friday. Gillum’s fate now rests in the hands of seven women and five men jurors.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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