Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing ………………………..

As we continue to fight the National Opioid Crisis claiming lives in Florida, my Office of Statewide Prosecution remains steadfast in its resolve to stop drug trafficking. Recently, working with the State Attorney’s Office for the 12^th Judicial Circuit, we secured a 25-year prison sentence for a drug trafficker connected to a massive heroin trafficking ring. This marks the second 25-year prison sentence related to this case.

In 2016, my office worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the State Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement agencies to bust a massive drug trafficking organization that resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals. The criminal organization sold deadly heroin, fentanyl and cocaine throughout Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida. The bust and subsequent sentences send a strong message that we will not tolerate anyone trafficking deadly opioids in Florida. 

Of course, drug interdiction is just one part of our plan to combat the National Opioid Crisis claiming lives in our great state. In July, legislation to limit initial prescriptions for opioid medication to three days for acute pain took effect. I fought hard for this legislation. By limiting initial scripts, we can stop addiction before it begins and reduce the supply of deadly opioids in our state. 

From doctors to law enforcement officers to citizens, we can all play a role in fighting opioid addiction—and working together we will save lives.

US Prosecutors Launch New Wave of Investigations Into Clergy Sex-Abuse Claims, The Epoch Times

Three more proposed amendments going before Florida Supreme Court, WWSB

Additional Florida utility crews head north to help with Florence recovery, Florida Politics

Doctor sentenced for selling painkiller prescriptions, (AP) WCTV

Missing Children’s Day

First Lady Ann Scott, along with Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen, joined hundreds of law enforcement personnel, public officials and citizens for the 2018 Florida Missing Children’s Day ceremony in Tallahassee. The annual event is held to remember Florida’s missing children, recognize the state’s efforts in child protection and educate Floridians on child safety and abduction prevention.

“Missing Children’s Day is a reminder that we should all continue to pray for the safe return of all missing children and comfort for their parents. We can never lose hope or stop searching. Our law enforcement community works diligently to help reunite families and bring justice to anyone who would harm a child,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. More

This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi spoke at the investiture of her friend Alissa M. Ellison. Judge Ellison is replacing Judge Michael Williams of Florida’s 13^th Judicial Circuit. Attorney General Bondi would like to congratulate Judge Ellison and wish her well on the bench.

The Attorney General’s Office lost a valuable member of our team this week. Lynn Furiato, our eDiscovery Systems Administrator, passed away early Monday morning. Lynn proudly served the Attorney General’s Office for more than eight years and the State of Florida for more than three decades. She was one of our most dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic employees, leading the charge to create a state of the art eDiscovery early-case assessment system—far superior to most systems nationwide. Lynn will be greatly missed.