FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2018 file photo, Andrew Gillum the Democrat candidate for governor speaks at a news conference in Tallahassee, Fla. Florida's ethics commission says there is probable cause that Gillum violated the state's ethics law. The commission voted Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, in a closed-door meeting to proceed with charges against Gillum. (AP Photo/Steve Cannon, File)
January 25, 2019 - 10:48 AM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida's ethics commission says there is probable cause that former Democratic gubernatorial nominee Andrew Gillum violated the state's ethics law.
The commission voted Friday in a closed-door meeting to proceed with charges against Gillum. Gillum is accused of accepting gifts from lobbyists and vendors during his time as Tallahassee's mayor. Gillum narrowly lost the governor's race to Ron DeSantis last year.
Gillum attorney Barry Richard asserts that his client followed the law. He says Gillum would contest the ethics charges before an administrative judge.
A Tallahassee businessman filed a complaint against Gillum that alleged he did not pay for expenses related to trips to Costa Rica and New York City. The state's ethics investigation was separate but overlapped with an ongoing FBI investigation into city government.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019