Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the creation of a Public Corruption Unit within the Office of Statewide Prosecution. The unit will focus on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting cases related to misuse of public funds and legislative appropriations in Florida.
“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,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “I welcome the new partnership with U.S. Attorney Quiñones and proud to appoint Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Rich Mantei as Special Counsel to the Attorney General for Public Integrity.”
U.S. Attorney for Southern District of Florida Jason A. Reding Quiñones stated, “Public money belongs to the people of Florida, not to insiders, special interests, or anyone looking for a kickback. When bribery, extortion, embezzlement, or misuse of appropriations implicates federal law, we will investigate and prosecute without hesitation. Attorney General James Uthmeier is a strong partner in this effort. Together, our offices are committed to following the facts, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ensuring that those who abuse the public trust face real consequences.”
FDLE Miami Special Agent in Charge John Vecchio added, “We remain steadfast in our efforts to investigate public corruption cases. FDLE will continue to work with Attorney General Uthmeier, the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protect the integrity of our public offices and hold public officials accountable.”
The newly formed Public Integrity Unit plans to review legislative appropriations from the past two fiscal years. Its main focus will be on how funds were distributed to nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other entities that receive public benefits.
Allegations under review may include bribery, extortion, embezzlement, nepotism, kickbacks, or other financial misconduct connected with public appropriations or improper incentives tied to special interests. Cases often involve complex financial transactions that cross multiple judicial circuits.
Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Richard Mantei has been named as Special Counsel to lead this unit. Mantei previously served 17 years at the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit and directed its Special Prosecution Unit focused on combating public corruption.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution intends to coordinate with federal, state, and local partners throughout these investigations. In situations where both state and federal laws may have been violated through misuse of funds, cooperation between agencies is considered vital.
This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the Florida State Executive Attorney General’s office—whose work extends statewide—to promote transparency and accountability regarding taxpayer dollars (official website). The office regularly works alongside law enforcement through programs such as Back the Blue Campaign (official website) and provides resources aimed at community safety including support for seniors and military members (official website). It also engages in educational campaigns against fraud (official website).
Entities receiving public funds must now demonstrate that these appropriations are used solely for legitimate purposes benefiting Floridians.
