This past week, I had the pleasure of kicking off the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics Florida. This year, Special Olympics is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and to mark this milestone, local, state and federal law enforcement officers, corrections officers and support staff will carry the Flame of Hope 1,500 miles throughout Florida to bring awareness to Special Olympics.
Eight thousand members of Florida’s law enforcement and corrections community will carry the torch in a relay to the opening ceremonies at the Annual Florida State Summer Games. This year’s games take place May 18-19 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista. In Florida, more than 46,000 dedicated athletes participate in Special Olympics activities to showcase inspiring strength and skill for the world to see.
The Special Olympics is a global movement that serves more than four million athletes in 169 countries. The organization empowers athletes to improve physical fitness, build confidence and find new friendships, all while having fun and learning life lessons. I want to commend the 156 runners from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the more than 50 runners from my office who participated in this amazing event.
For a schedule of the Law Enforcement Torch Run routes by county, click here.
For more information about Special Olympics Florida and how to get involved, visit SpecialOlympicsFlorida.org.
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Protecting Floridians
North Florida Man Arrested for Neglecting and Defrauding Disabled Victims
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Suwannee County Sherriff’s Office arrested a North Florida man for allegedly using personal identification of disabled adults in a fraud scheme. Jared Austin Combee, 31, of McAlpin, allegedly falsified timesheets for services Combee never performed.
The MFCU investigation revealed that Combee falsified progress notes to his employer, Building Dreams, for services not rendered and left two disabled adults without care, supervision, and services that the physician ordered. From the falsified progress notes, Combee received more than $2,000 and defrauded Medicaid out of more than $4,000. Combee’s claimed service dates and times for the disabled adults directly conflicted with the times Combee worked at Advanced Auto Parts, the defendants second job. More.
South Florida Man Sentenced to 38.9 Years for Precious Metals Scam of More Than $1.2 Million
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the sentencing of Allen Franks, of Palm Beach County, in connection with charges relating to racketeering, grand theft, fraudulent transactions, money laundering and unlicensed telemarketing. Franks is sentenced to 38.9 years in Florida State prison for his involvement in the organization.
Early this year, Franks pleaded guilty to 55 felony charges relating to an enterprise that scammed victims all over the country using various shell companies to broker transactions involving precious metals. Franks and the codefendants solicited victims through telephone and the internet, touting the investment opportunities in precious metals. The scammers instructed victims to wire funds directly to the shell companies bank accounts. Over the course of the criminal enterprise, the defendants defrauded numerous victims, mostly elderly, out of more than $1.2 million. More.
Unlicensed Nurse Arrested for Defrauding Medicaid Out of More Than $715,000
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Miramar Police Department arrested an unlicensed nurse for defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $715,000. According to the investigation, Lanre Saad Kelani, 61, practiced as a health care professional without a license for a Medicaid recipient with a serious disease that needed 24-hour home nursing care. Kelani used a sibling’s name and license number to provide the services. More.
Attorney General Pam Bondi kicking off the 2018 Law Enforcement Torch Run and standing with the more than 200 runners who came out to support the Special Olympics.
Attorney General Bondi alongside premium sponsors of the Special Olympics, Procter & Gamble and Publix, presenting the organization a check for more than four million dollars.
The latest edition of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Magazine is out. Read Attorney General Bondi’s guest article about her mission to end Human Trafficking in Florida here.
This week, Attorney General Bondi recognized the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assignation. Dr. King was a pioneer for equality and peace, may his actions continue to shine on the world.
