Released by Governor Ron DeSantis’ Office …
Allegations Against Former CEO, Tiffany Carr, Include Fraudulent Concealment and Civil Conspiracy
Tallahassee, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the Department of Children and Families (DCF) filed a lawsuit in the circuit court of the Second Judicial Circuit against the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence (FCADV), as well as the organization’s executive leadership and board members. Former Chief Executive Officer, Tiffany Carr, who is at the center of the ongoing investigation into FCADV’s overcompensation practices, is included as a defendant.
Allegations against FCADV include Breach of Contract, Breach of the Implied Duty of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, and Breach of Fiduciary Duty. Carr is facing allegations of Fraudulent Concealment, Fraudulent Misrepresentation, Negligent Misrepresentation and Civil Conspiracy.
“The recent revelations regarding the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence are alarming and disturbing,” said Governor DeSantis. “The Coalition’s deliberate abuse of state dollars, inexcusable lack of transparency and calculated breach of public trust is untenable. We will continue with our efforts to ensure those involved are held accountable for their actions, while also ensuring that survivors are being provided with proper care and support.”
“I am sincerely appreciative of the support DCF has received from the Governor and the Legislature as we worked to expose the fiscal irresponsibility that infiltrated FCADV under Tiffany Carr’s leadership,” said DCF Secretary Chad Poppell. “We will ensure all who knowingly complied answer for their actions.”
“Today we stand united against a very sad chapter of exploitation in our state,” said Senator Aaron Bean. “To betray the public’s trust will not come without consequences. I appreciate the Governor’s resolve to bring this injustice to the light as well as closure to the victims it has affected.”
“The Coalition’s lack of transparency and blatant disregard of the Florida taxpayer’s trust has led us to take necessary action to right a wrong,” said Representative Tom Leek. “I appreciate the Governor’s strong leadership in filing a lawsuit against the Coalition and anticipate that this will bring swift justice to the organization’s executive leadership and board members.”
“I am confident that the legal action taken by Governor DeSantis will serve as a message that Florida will not stand for this gross abuse of power,” said Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin. “As this lawsuit goes through its progression, I hope we will soon be able to get the much-needed dollars for services back to the victims of domestic violence.”
For a PDF copy of the lawsuit filed, click HERE.