Former Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum and a longtime associate were indicted Wednesday on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements.
Gillum, who ran for Florida governor against Ron Desantis in 2018, and Sharon Janet Lettman-Hicks, who is listed as the CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition, are accused of unlawfully asking for money, between 2016 and 2019, “from various entities and individuals through false and fraudulent promises and representations that the funds would be used for a legitimate purpose,” according to federal court documents.
The documents also allege Lettman-Hicks diverted a portion of the money to a company she owned and then funneled the funds as payroll payments to Gillum for personal use.
Together, Gillum and Lettman-Hicks face 21 charges, according to the news release from the United States attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Prior to the government announcing the charges, Gillum released a statement claiming his innocence.
“I have spent the last 20 years of my life in public service and continue to fight for the people,” Gillum said in the statement. “Every campaign I’ve run has been done with integrity. Make no mistake that this case is not legal, it is political. Throughout my career I have always stood up for the people of Florida and have spoken truth to power.”
He’s set to make an initial appearance in court at 2 p.m. ET Wednesday in Tallahassee.
