How Will the Grand Jury Impact the Future of Hope Florida?

Prosecutors in Tallahassee are moving forward with a grand jury investigation tied to the Hope Florida scandal, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The Times/Herald has learned that the State Attorney’s Office for the 2nd Judicial Circuit has recently issued subpoenas, directing witnesses to appear before a grand jury during the week of October 13. Details about who these witnesses are—or the primary subject of the investigation—haven’t been made public. State Attorney Jack Campbell has declined to comment on the matter.

Earlier in May, Campbell’s office confirmed an ongoing criminal investigation connected to disclosures about the Hope Florida Foundation, the charity led by First Lady Casey DeSantis. The probe ramped up after revelations that Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration redirected $10 million from a legal settlement with Medicaid contractor Centene to the foundation, allegedly for political objectives. Almost all of these funds reportedly transferred to a political committee managed by DeSantis’ chief of staff, James Uthmeier, with the primary aim of opposing last year’s recreational marijuana amendment.

This story is still developing. Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.