Andrew Gillum, Democrat who practically beat Ron DeSantis, discovered not responsible of mendacity to FBI

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Former Florida Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Gillum, who got here inside a whisker of defeating Republican Ron DeSantis in 2018, was acquitted Thursday of mendacity to the FBI in a corruption case that additionally concerned unlawful use of marketing campaign contributions.

But the federal jury held on expenses that Gillum funneled tens of 1000’s of {dollars} in marketing campaign cash to non-public accounts. Prosecutors mentioned they may retry him on these counts. They had claimed Gillum was struggling financially after quitting his $120,000-a-year job with the People for the American Way group to run for governor.

Gillum was acquitted of mendacity to undercover FBI brokers posing as builders who paid for a 2016 journey he took along with his brother to New York, together with resort rooms, meals, a ship tour and a ticket to the hit Broadway present “Hamilton.”

Outside the courthouse, Gillum thanked his household, spouse, authorized staff and pastor for his or her assist, however took a dig at prosecutors.

“They have quite literally tried to take everything from us. And the beauty is in our system the powers that be don’t always get to decide. Everyday people like you and me sometimes get our swing at the ball,” he mentioned.

Asked about what comes subsequent, Gillum mentioned “sleep” as he walked away from a gaggle of stories reporters.

Gillum had confronted a probably prolonged jail sentence if convicted, though, underneath federal sentencing pointers, he would have probably gotten far lower than the utmost.

The jury got here again hung for public relations government and Gillum adviser, co-defendant Sharon Lettman-Hicks, within the case. Prosecutors say they may also retry her.

Gillum, 43, a former Tallahassee mayor, sought to grow to be the primary Black governor in Florida historical past when he took on DeSantis in 2018. Gillum misplaced by lower than 34,000 votes to DeSantis, triggering an automated recount.