Florida Woman Convicted in Casino Petition Fraud Case
Overview of the Fraud Case
A former petition worker from Gainesville, identified as M.G.B., has been convicted on multiple counts related to identity fraud. These charges stem from a botched effort to expand casino gambling in the state of Florida.
Details of the Conviction
The 26-year-old woman was found guilty on 13 out of 16 counts of personal identification fraud. This conviction arose after authorities linked her to a significant number of counterfeit petition signatures connected to the 2021 ballot campaign backed by Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Her initial arrest took place in August 2023, followed by a booking at Alachua County Jail with a bond set at $80,000. Subsequently, she was transferred to Marion County Jail. She pled not guilty in September of the same year and waived her right to a speedy trial.
Each of the 13 felony counts is classified as a second-degree offense under Florida law, with a potential sentence of up to 15 years per count. If the presiding Judge Peter Brightam hands down the maximum sentence for all charges, M.G.B. could face up to 195 years in prison. Additional charges raise the possible total sentence to 210 years.
Background of the Controversy
In 2021, Las Vegas Sands invested nearly $50 million in a political action committee called Florida Voters in Charge (FVC). Their goal was to place a measure on the 2022 ballot allowing existing card rooms in North Florida to become full-scale casinos.
This measure was seen as a potential entry point for Las Vegas Sands into the Florida market through acquiring a card room near Jacksonville.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which holds exclusive casino gambling rights in the state, countered the initiative by investing millions in opposition.
Both sides accused each other of unethical tactics. The FVC alleged that its petition workers faced harassment and intimidation aimed at sabotaging their signature collection efforts.
Authorities found several petitions suspicious, including some containing signatures of deceased individuals. The Marion County Supervisor of Elections described the situation as “widespread fraud,” noting that his own signature and that of his wife appeared on questionable petitions.
Following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, it was revealed that M.G.B. submitted 191 of the 767 suspicious petitions. Out of these, 16 were confirmed to be fraudulent, including two signed by individuals who had passed away before the signing dates.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier condemned the fraud, stating that it undermines the state’s legislative process and treats the constitution as a political playground.
Legal Consequences and Related Cases
M.G.B., also referred to as Bautista, is expected to receive a minimum prison sentence of three years when she returns to court later this year.
In related news, earlier this year, a 49-year-old woman from Lee County was sentenced to 10 years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering, demonstrating the state’s rigorous stance on financial and identity crimes.