Text messages show DeSantis attorney's involvement

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When Stephanie White asked Hope Florida Foundation attorney about the $10 million settlement and its distribution, Jeff Aaron said: “With regard to those transactions. I know that there are some accusations that I was involved in more than I was involved in. I had nothing to do with the Centene (settlement), and I had nothing to do with the downstream flow.”

Background: Aaron and his firm Downs Aaron represented DeSantis in a lawsuit filed by suspended Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren. His bio on the firm’s website describes him as “Versatile litigator and sought-after community leader representing private sector clients and governmental entities in complex disputes. “

The following five texts show Aaron was very much involved in the “downstream flow”of the $10 million .

Text One – Friday, October 18

This text message from Amy Ronshausen, the executive director of Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF) and Save Our Society from Drugs (SOS), to Aaron discusses the grant request letter to send the Foundation: “Hey, it’s Amy from DFAF and SOS. I’ve got the letter drafted and atty looked it over. Just need to know who to address it to and the USD. Thanks.”

Records show Save Our Society from Drugs (SOS), a national drug-prevention non-profit based in St. Petersburg, Fla, submitted a grant asking for $5 million on Friday, October 18.

(Click on images to enlarge)

Text Two – Friday, October 18

Aaron responds: “I’d do it like that for the same amount and let’s see what the board agrees to. Email to me – Jeff.Aaron@downsaaron.com.” He later he received the letter and asks for wire instructions. The Hope Florida Foundation Board meets and approves the grant.

Text Three – Monday, October 21

. On October 21 at 9:56 p.m., the attorney checks if Amy has received the $5 million. She replies, “We didn’t see it when we checked at 6…”

Text Four – October 22

The next day, the pair is still trying to find the wire transfer.

Text Five – October 22

Finally, Amy shows the transmittal notice, texting, “Got it!” Aaron replies, “EXCELLENT.”
—–

The next day, SOS sent $1.6 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political action committee controlled by James Uthmeier, DeSantis’ then-chief of staff and now Florida Attorney General. Keep Florida Clean campaigned against Amendment 3, which would have legalized recreational pot.

On Oct. 24, SOC sent another $2.65 million to Keep Florida Clean.

On Oct. 28, SOC sent $500,000 more to the PAC. Total sent in three disbursements: $4.75 million.

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