Politics
Ocala woman found guilty in multi-count identity fraud case tied to casino petition scheme
An Ocala woman faces up to 210 years in prison after a Marion County jury convicted her this week of 13 felony counts of fraudulent use of personal identification information stemming from a 2021 petition fraud scheme linked to a failed casino gaming ballot initiative.
Maria Guadalupe Bautista, a former paid petition circulator registered to vote as a Democrat in Gainesville, was found guilty on 13 of 16 counts filed by prosecutors with the Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, according to court records and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Each violation is a second-degree felony under Florida Statutes, punishable by up to 15 years in prison. If sentenced to the maximum on each of the 13 counts, Bautista could face up to 195 years behind bars. With two additional counts involving separate conduct, her total exposure rises to 210 years.
Bautista was 24 at the time of her arrest in August 2023. She turned 26 this month.
The case originated in November 2021, when officials with the Marion County Supervisor of Elections alerted FDLE to suspected fraud involving petition signatures tied to a proposed constitutional amendment for the limited authorization of casino gaming.
According to the Ocala Gazette, election officials flagged 767 suspected fraudulent forms, 191 of which Bautista submitted. State investigators confirmed 16 of her petitions contained forged signatures, including two allegedly signed by people who died before the forms were dated.
The forged petitions were intended to help the casino amendment qualify for the 2022 ballot, though the measure ultimately failed to reach the required threshold. If successful, the amendment would have allowed cardroom licensees to offer casino gaming if they invested in new development and construction.
The FDLE arrested Bautista on Aug. 29, 2023, and booked her at the Alachua County Jail on $80,000 bond. She was later transferred to the Marion County Jail. Her charges were brought in the Marion County Circuit Court.
In court, the jury found Bautista guilty on counts 1, 2, 4 through 10, and 13 through 16, all involving the unauthorized use of other individuals’ personal identification to submit fraudulent petitions.
She was acquitted on counts 3, 11, and 12.
Judge Peter Brigham presided over the case. Assistant State Attorney Janine Nixon prosecuted the case. Lawyer Everett Williams of the Office of Criminal Conflict and Civil Regional Counsel served as Bautista’s defense attorney.
Bautista pleaded not guilty on Sept. 7, 2023, court records show. On Dec. 28, 2023, she waived her right to a speedy trial.
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The horrific shooting in Australia that claimed at least 16 lives during a Hanukkah celebration has prompted an expression of sympathy from Florida lawmakers.
The Florida Jewish Legislative Caucus issued a statement of condemnation of the violence during the Jewish observance on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. The Caucus published its statement Sunday afternoon.
“The Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus unequivocally condemns the horrific and senseless killing that occurred during Hanukkah in Australia. An act of violence against Jews celebrating their faith is an attack not only on a single community, but on the fundamental values of freedom, religious liberty, and human dignity,” the Florida Legislative Caucus said in a news release.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters in Australia, with the victims’ families, and with Jewish communities around the world who are once again forced to confront hatred simply for being who they are. The State of Florida’s Jewish legislators join in mourning, remembrance, and resolve.”
The Florida LegislativeJewish Caucus has a dozen members from the House of Representatives and two State Senators.
Hundreds of people had gathered Sunday at the beach for an event to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah, when gunmen opened fire. At least 38 others were injured in the attack.
New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park said the death toll had risen from 12 to 16 overnight, including a 12-year-old child. Three other children are being treated in hospital, he said.
“This is absolutely horrendous for the community broadly, but particularly the Jewish community. … What we saw last night was the worst of humanity, but at the same time, the very best of humanity,” Park said.
The massacre at one of Australia’s most popular beaches followed a wave of antisemitic attacks that have roiled the country over the past year, although the authorities didn’t suggest those and Sunday’s shooting were connected. It is the deadliest shooting in almost three decades in a country with strict gun control laws.
One gunman was fatally shot by police and the second was arrested and in critical condition, authorities said. Police said one gunman was known to security services, but there was no specific threat.
At least 29 people were confirmed wounded, including two police officers, said Mal Lanyon, police commissioner for New South Wales state, where Sydney is located.
“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community,” New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said.
The violence erupted at the end of a summer day when thousands had flocked to Bondi Beach, including hundreds gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event celebrating the start of the eight-day Hanukkah festival.
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Material from The Associated Press was used in this report with permission.
Behavioral health officials have a list of precautions for Floridians to deal with anxieities heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day.
While the holidays can bring a lot of comfort and joy, the can also be a stressful time and Florida’s health management entities are providing some helpful tips to deal with yuletide anxiety.
There are seven behavioral health managing entities in the state and all of them are aware that stress heading into Christmas and New Year’s Day can seem overwhelming at times. They’re advising balance may be one of the key elements in dealing with the holidays.
“The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also be a time of stress, sadness and triggering situations,” said Natalie Kelly, CEO of the Florida Association of Managing Entities. “Florida’s behavioral health Managing Entities remind Floridians that behavioral health services are available, even to those who are uninsured or underinsured.”
The state’s behavioral health professionals are also providing a list of tips to help come to grips with any holiday tension including:
— Get plenty of exercise. Exercising boosts your mood and combats depression.
— Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression.
— Set healthy boundaries and don’t overextend yourself. Setting realistic expectations can help reduce stress.
— Seek the help of a counselor for mental health needs. If you feel overwhelmed or the need to get help to address your feelings, contact a counselor.
— Call 2-1-1 if needed to connect with resources in your community.
— Call 9-8-8 if you or a loved one is having suicidal thoughts.
A mental-health treatment network has been established in the state for providers who deliver services to residents needing help. Those services extend to parents and children, veterans and the homeless.
Providers serve patients for not only mental health needs, but substance use, housing, transportation and employment help. Those managing entities are often overseen by community organizations and administrators and are accountable to state and federal funds.
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