Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the creation of a new public integrity unit that will audit public officials for potential criminal activity related to spending.
Speaking at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Miami Regional Operations Center on Thursday, Uthmeier said the unit will be part of the Office of Statewide Prosecution.
The initiative will include a review of legislative appropriations over the past several years, covering expenditures, grants, and local procurements. Investigators will be looking for evidence of bribery, kickbacks, conflicts of interest, and misuse of public funds for personal benefit.
“Our office is launching this unit to ensure taxpayer dollars are used for the taxpayers’ benefit—not special interests for political insiders or personal gain—we will expose and prosecute anyone using a position of public trust for personal benefit,” Uthmeier said.
The audit will particularly focus on funds distributed to nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, and other entities receiving public benefits.
