Andrew Gillum, the former Democratic candidate for Florida governor, is facing trial in federal court in Tallahassee on charges of pocketing campaign cash, receiving illegal gifts, and lying to FBI officials.
Prosecutors argue that Gillum committed various crimes during his run for governor, using campaign funding to bankroll his personal life. Assistant U.S.
Attorney Gary Milligan stated in opening statements that Gillum had difficulty affording his lifestyle after quitting his job to run for office, despite having a large mortgage and making payments on two expensive cars and private school tuition for his children.
The prosecution alleges that Gillum's campaign team contacted undercover FBI agent Mike Miller, posing as a developer exploring projects in Florida's capital seeking campaign donations.
The agent then made several donations, which the campaign then funneled through a position at P & P Communications, a public relations agency owned by one of Gillum's supporters. The prosecutor also alleged that Gillum did not work for the agency.
Defense attorney Margot Moss disputed these claims, stating that Gillum's position at P & P Communications was legitimate and that Gillum's brother's involvement does not mean he is guilty. Moss argued that Marcus Gillum acted on his own in soliciting donations for his brother's campaign, done to support and impress his brother.
At the center of the charges against Gillum are alleged lies he told the FBI about a trip to New York, where undercover FBI agents met Gilllum, his brother Marcus, and lobbyist friend Adam Corey.
The secret agents lavished him with gifts, including paid hotel rooms, theater tickets to "Hamilton," meals, and a boat tour around New York Harbor.
Gillum faces 17 counts of wire fraud and a wire fraud conspiracy count, each carrying a maximum of 20 years behind bars. The single charge of lying to the FBI has a five-year maximum sentence.
Gillum's troubles expanded beyond the alleged charges in 2020 when he was found in a Miami Beach hotel room with someone overdosed on drugs. Police said Gillum was too drunk to talk about what happened when they arrived on the scene.
While no one was ever charged with any crime involving the incident, Gillum withdrew from public life for months and sought treatment for alcohol abuse and depression.
The trial is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor, an appointee of President Donald Trump. Gillum's political career and reputation are at stake as he faces these serious charges.
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