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Judge Asks Bondi For Proof She Properly Required Businesses To Donate To Charities

Bondi
Florida Attorney General
FL Att. Gen. Pam Bondi

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has about a month to prove to a Tallahassee judge she didn’t improperly order businesses to pay millions to unregistered charities. Bondi denies any wrongdoing.

Orlando resident John Smith says he believes Bondi broke the law when her office directed businesses to pay $5.5 million to charities not registered with the state, which is required by law. The complaint also alleges Bondi’s office forced businesses to donate more than $450,000 to office’s program “Seniors v. Crime.”

“And that’s what this issue is about is transparency of the government. We expect as consumers, as Floridians, to be straight with us,” Smith said.

A statement from Bondi’s office said Smith’s claims are unfounded. She also accuses him of harassing and abusing her attorneys. Smith denies those claims.

Sarah Mueller is a journalist who has worked for media outlets in several states since 2010. She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism in 2010 and worked as a print reporter covering local government and politics.