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Attorney General Pam Bondi Filed a Court Action to Close a Summer Camp and Freeze Assets

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Summer Camp Closed, Assets Frozen

Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a court action against a summer camp company and its owners for suddenly canceling camp and leaving some parents without refunds. The Second Judicial Circuit Court granted the Attorney General’s motion for temporary injunction prohibiting defendants Camp Indian Springs, LLC, Camp Warrior, LLC, Costa Vathis, and Derek Hart from taking further deposits. The court also granted the Attorney General’s request to freeze the defendants’ assets. [Read more…] about Attorney General Pam Bondi Filed a Court Action to Close a Summer Camp and Freeze Assets

Attorneys General Reach $13.5 Million Consumer Settlement with Pharmaceutical Company

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi and 50 other attorneys general reached a $13.5 million settlement with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. regarding alleged off-label marketing and deceptive and misleading representations to promote four prescription drugs. The drugs include Aggrenox®, Atrovent®, Combivent® and Micardis®. The settlement resolves allegations that BIPI engaged in unfair, deceptive or misleading practices by making misrepresentations about the prescription drugs and by representing that the drugs had sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, quantities or qualities that they did not have. 

Specifically, the states allege BIPI misrepresented that its antiplatelet drug, Aggrenox®, was effective for many conditions below the neck, such as heart attacks and congestive heart failure. Additionally, BIPI claimed Aggrenox® to be superior to Plavix® without evidence to substantiate that claim. BIPI also allegedly misrepresented that Micardis® protected patients from early morning strokes and heart attacks and treated metabolic syndrome. The settlement also resolves allegations that BIPI falsely stated that Atrovent® and Combivent® could be used at doses that exceeded the maximum dosage recommendation in the product labeling.    

The consent judgment requires BIPI to ensure marketing and promotional practices do not unlawfully promote these prescription drug products. Specifically, BIPI will:  
· Limit product sampling of the four drugs to health care providers whose clinical practice is consistent with the product labeling;

· Refrain from offering financial incentives for sales that may indicate off-label use of any of the four drugs;

· Ensure clinically relevant information is provided in an unbiased manner that is distinct from promotional materials; and

· Provide that requests for off-label information regarding any of the four drugs are referred to BIPI’s Medical Division.


All 50 states and the District of Columbia are participating in the settlement. The settlement is pending judicial approval. 

To view a copy of the consent judgment, click here. 

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement Regarding Senator Jack Latvala

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement about the findings of the special master report regarding Senator Jack Latvala:

“I am appalled by the findings of the special master report. How can we trust Senator Latvala as a lawmaker to create the rules by which we live when he refuses to follow them? Not only did he fail to respect the confidentiality of the accuser’s name during the course of an investigation, creating a chilling effect on other victims, but now, the special master report shows probable cause. Senator Jack Latvala should resign immediately.

“I will not let Tallahassee, Fla. stop the #MeToo movement throughout this country. It is remarkable what women can do when we all stand together. Florida must be a leader in this movement.”  

Attorney General Bondi Takes on Charity Exploiting Families of Fallen Firefighters and Breast Cancer Patients

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi today filed a complaint seeking to shut down a Florida charity falsely claiming to use charitable donations to provide financial support to families of firefighters lost in the line of duty. Community Charity Advancement, Inc. also allegedly falsely claims to use donations to provide assistance to breast cancer research organizations and breast cancer patients, but in some instances uses donations for different purposes.  According to the complaint, CCAI’s deceptive acts and practices mislead generous donors into contributing to CCAI instead of the many legitimate charitable organizations operating bona fide programs that support breast cancer research, breast cancer and fire victims, as well as firefighters.

“It is absolutely abhorrent to exploit families of fallen firefighters and breast cancer patients to steal from generous Floridians. Charity scams prey on people’s goodwill and discourage people from giving. Furthermore, every dollar given to a deceptive charity is a dollar that does not go to those in need. This is an outrageous ploy and those responsible will be held accountable,” said Attorney General Bondi.

The complaint also alleges that CCAI falsely represents having a partnership with bona fide cancer research and support organizations to deceptively lend legitimacy to the company’s activities. Some of these organizations who are not in partnership with CCAI, despite the company’s claims, include the University of Florida, Johns Hopkins and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During the past four years, CCAI reported raising more than $40 million in donations through the fundraising efforts of various fictitious names. In 2014, CCAI reported raising more than $10 million in donations, which CCAI provided just $49,000, or half of one penny, in cash contributions to breast cancer research organizations. In that same year, CCAI diverted half a million dollars in donations meant to support breast cancer research or assist patients to pay fundraisers and other vendors for services connected to its firefighter-related activities. Despite CCAI’s representations, CCAI made no financial donations during the past three years to support families of firefighters who passed away in the line of duty.

The complaint alleges violations of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. 

The following individuals and entities are named as defendants in the lawsuit: Community Charity Advancement, Inc., doing business as Breast Cancer Research and Support Fund, U.S. Volunteer Firefighters Association, United States Firefighter Association, United States Firefighters Association and US Volunteer Firefighters Association; Francis Ferrer; Lindsey Novinich; Carole Reich; Bruce Rinney; Kerry Sharon and John Thomas.

Consumers who donated to CCAI can file a complaint with Attorney General Bondi’s Office by clicking here.

To view the complaint, click here.

The Circuit Court of the17th Judicial Circuit in Broward County will hear this case.

GOV. SCOTT TO PROPOSE MAJOR LEGISLATION AND $50 MILLION INVESTMENT TO COMBAT OPIOID ABUSE

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BRADENTON, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that during the upcoming legislative session, he will propose major legislation and more than $50 million as part of his 2018-2019 recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in Florida.

The proposed legislation will include:

  • Placing a three-day limit on prescribed opioids, unless strict conditions are met for a seven-day supply;
  • Requiring all healthcare professionals that prescribe or dispense medication to participate in the Florida Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a statewide database that monitors controlled substance prescriptions; and
  • Additional reforms to fight unlicensed pain management clinics, require continuing education courses on responsibly prescribing opioids, and create new opportunities for federal grant funding.

The proposed investment of more than $50 million will include funding for:

  • Substance abuse treatment;
  • Counseling and recovery services; and
  • The Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council.

Governor Scott said, “We made a commitment here in Florida to do everything possible to support our communities and fight the national opioid epidemic, and while we have taken major steps to fight this crisis, more must be done. Today, I am proud to announce that I will propose major legislation during the upcoming legislative session and more than $50 million in my recommended budget to combat opioid abuse in our state. 

“As I travel the state, I have met many families who are dealing with the heartache of drug addiction. Growing up, my own family dealt with the struggle of substance abuse and I know firsthand how this painful issue causes families to worry and pray for help and healing. As states across the country continue to fight this national epidemic, we must make sure Florida is doing our part to help vulnerable individuals and keep our families safe.

“These proposals will make a major impact on limiting the chance of drug addiction, reducing the ability for dangerous drugs to spread in our communities, giving vulnerable Floridians the support they need, and ensuring our hardworking law enforcement officers have the resources to protect Floridians. I look forward to working with President Negron, Speaker Corcoran and the entire Legislature to pass this impactful legislation and major investment. I would also like to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her focus on this issue and her commitment to keeping our families safe. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners throughout this fight.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “We are in the midst of a national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida, and we must do everything we can to stop drug abuse and save lives. I want to thank Governor Scott for proposing these legislative initiatives that will help stop addiction before it begins. It will take an all-hands-on-deck strategy, not only in Florida, but nationwide to address this crisis destroying American families.”

Senate President Joe Negron said, “The Senate is committed to working with our partners across the state to combat opioid abuse, and I appreciate Governor Scott’s leadership on this serious issue. The Senate looks forward to working with Governor Scott and our colleagues in the Florida House as we continue to do all we can to protect Florida communities from this national epidemic.”

House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “The State of Florida is fully dedicated to protecting our families and communities from the national opioid epidemic. I look forward to continuing to work together with Governor Scott and my fellow Legislators to ensure our families, healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers have all the resources they need in this fight.” 

Representative Jim Boyd, “I was proud to join Governor Scott today to announce these important proposals to combat opioid abuse across our state. We will continue to work to protect every family in Florida.”

More details on the Governor’s proposed legislation and funding to combat opioid abuse will be made available in the coming weeks.

KKK Members Sentenced in Plot to Murder Former Inmate

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the sentencing of two members of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan for conspiracy to commit first degree murder. The Honorable Wesley R. Douglas sentenced David Elliot Moran, 49, and Charles Thomas Newcomb, 45, both to 12 years in prison for plotting to kill a former inmate.

“Florida is a safer state with these Klansmen behind bars,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Hate groups have no place in a civilized society and when members of these organizations plot violence and murder—we will be there to ensure justice is served and our citizens are protected.” 

“The members of the North Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force (NFJTTF) combined their exceptional talent, skills and knowledge to work as a cohesive team and successfully disrupt this conspiracy,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “This case would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partnering law enforcement agencies, and we thank them for their dedication to this case.”

“These sentencings mark the conclusion of a successful investigation that stopped a plot to murder a man,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This case is a classic example of local, state and federal law enforcement partners working together to make our communities safer.”

The two men were arrested in 2015 along with defendant Thomas Jordan Driver, 27, following an investigation by members of the North Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigation, with assistance from additional federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Newcomb, Moran and Driver enlisted an FBI informant to kill a former inmate as retaliation for a fight between the former inmate and Driver. At the time of the murder conspiracy, Driver and Moran worked for the Florida Department of Corrections correctional officers, and Newcomb was a former correctional officer. 

In March 2017, Driver pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder and was sentenced to four years in prison.

Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution prosecuted these cases. Members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force that participated in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation Jacksonville Division, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, , Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. 

Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi: Debris Removal Stalemate Unacceptable

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NAPLES, Fla. – After hearing several complaints from county administrators, city mayors and other local elected officials about debris removal contractors not performing their duties to remove debris in accordance with their pre-storm contracts, Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement. Governor Scott is calling on debris removal companies from Florida and across the country who are willing to help at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation HERE.

Governor Scott said, “I have been speaking regularly with city and county leaders to make sure our communities have the resources they need to prepare, respond and recover from this massive storm. One of our top focuses has been on making sure debris from the storm is quickly cleared so families can get back to their homes, power can be turned on, and communities can rebuild. This week, I have heard from many local communities from across the state that believe they are being price gouged by debris removal contractors. Many mayors have told me there are companies not following contracts by removing debris.

“We will not tolerate any attempt by businesses to take advantage of our communities during their time of need, especially in the wake of a natural disaster like Hurricane Irma. I want to thank Attorney General Pam Bondi for her tireless work on behalf of Floridians and appreciate her ensuring that our taxpayers are protected. 

“Today, I am also asking debris removal companies in Florida and across the country who can provide services to our counties in need at a fair price to contact the Florida Department of Transportation so FDOT can immediately connect these businesses with counties in need. We will continue to do all we can to help ensure communities get cleaned up.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “These contractors should honor their promises to Floridians and do their jobs when they are needed most. Exploiting this crisis at taxpayer expense is outrageous and will not be tolerated. I will work closely with the Governor, cities and counties to ensure contracts are honored and communities restored. Regardless of whether something is unlawful, this is a morality issue impacting fellow Floridians in a time of need.”

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on the Loss of Officer Baxter and the Wounding of Other Florida Police Officers

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi released the following statement regarding last night’s police shootings:

“Late last night, I spoke to Kissimmee Police Chief O’Dell after learning of the murder of Officer Matt Baxter and the shooting of Sergeant Sam Howard, who was gravely injured. We ask everyone to continue praying for the families of the Kissimmee officers as well as Officers Michael Fox and Kevin Jarrell of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office who were also shot in the line of duty last night. 
“This horrific violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated, and as Attorney General I will continue to ensure those who commit violence against our law enforcement officers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the two Pennsylvania Highway Patrol Troopers who were shot Friday night. Brave men and women throughout our country risk their lives each day to protect us and keep our children safe, and as a country we must do everything we can to support them.” 

Attorney General Bondi’s Statement on Florida House Passing HB 477

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Attorney General Pam Bondi today released the following statement regarding the Florida House of Representatives’ unanimous passing of HB 477—legislation that will add Fentanyl and other deadly synthetic drugs to Florida’s drug trafficking statute:

“Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid 50 times more powerful than morphine that is being cut with other drugs and sold as heroin. Taking Fentanyl just one time can kill–and that is why I want to thank each member of the Florida House for voting to give prosecutors the tools to seek stronger sentences against traffickers selling Fentanyl and other deadly drugs in our state. We must continue to work together, and this legislation will help our continued efforts to combat this deadly crisis.”

ICYMI: Editorial: Heroin epidemic needs Gov. Rick Scott, Pam Bondi fix

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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board
Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi should show leadership on heroin crisis.
In 2011, Gov. Rick Scott declared a statewide public health emergency to combat the pill-mill crisis that was killing seven people a day.
Six years later, Florida faces an even deadlier killer. This time it’s heroin, which is killing 10 people a day.
As he did with Zika last summer, we urge the governor to recognize the heroin epidemic for what it is — a public health emergency in urgent need of greater funding, increased awareness and wider distribution of naloxone, a drug used to treat overdoses.
“There is no family, no race, no ethnicity, no income level this epidemic cannot touch — and no effective state bulwark in place to stop it,” Senate Democratic Leader Oscar Braynon of Miami Gardens wrote in a letter to the governor.
Indeed, Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant — this year’s president of the Florida Association of Counties — lost her brother, Daniel, to an overdose last July. She’s not the only county commissioner who’s lost someone to heroin, either. The association made addressing the opioid epidemic one of its top five priorities this year.
“People don’t think it’s people like you and me, and that’s just not the case,” says Bryant, of Ocala. “It’s everywhere. It’s one of those drugs that’s extremely hard to get away from once you start it.”
The association is seeking more money for mental health care and substance abuse, knowing addicts don’t generally have insurance for treatment and families can afford only so much. They also want to ensure ambulances are stocked with naloxone, noting some South Florida fire departments can’t afford it. And they seek tougher penalties for people who sell heroin, a good goal, though it’s hard to believe tougher penalties will stop sales. Sure, longer sentences could keep dealers off the streets longer, but the painful truth is that addicts will find another supplier.
In other states that have declared public health emergencies, like Virginia, anyone can now obtain naloxone at pharmacies without a prescription, which lets families and friends be prepared to help people in the throes of an overdose. And Massachusetts released $20 million two years ago to get more addicts into treatment.
Sadly, the rise in heroin abuse is associated with the closure of the pain-pill clinics. Plus, heroin is increasingly compounded with fentanyl, a synthetic drug that can be lethal at low doses. Bad batches and uncertainty about potency are part of what’s causing so many deaths.
Between 2013 and 2014, the Florida Medical Examiners Commission says deaths from heroin increased 124 percent. The next year, heroin deaths rose 80 percent. The trend shows no sign of ebbing.
Beyond the human toll, the costs are staggering.
The Palm Beach Post investigated the crisis and reports some stunning numbers:

  • In the first nine months of 2015, Florida hospitals charged $1.1 billion for heroin-related visits, with many of those bills going unpaid.
  • From 2010 to 2015, Florida hospitals charged $5.7 billion for heroin-related visits, including $2.1 billion to the state Medicaidprogram.
  • In those same five years, hospitals charged $967 million for babies born addicted to heroin. Medicaid was the primary payer in almost all of those cases — $826 million.

Scott spokeswoman Lauren Schenone said in a statement that the administration is listening. Surgeon General Celeste Philip and Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Mike Carroll are scheduled to meet with legislators “to hear their input on the subject.” In Florida, the surgeon general is the person who formally calls a public health emergency.
State health officials should listen hard and make the obvious call. For not only is the heroin epidemic killing people, it’s destroying families and leaving children without parents.
Schenone noted that Scott’s proposed budget includes $4 million for the Florida Violent Crime and Drug Control Council, of which $2 million will “be provided for financial assistance to local law enforcement to conduct investigations related to heroin abuse.”
That’s not nearly enough money. It’s expensive to treat addiction, wage public education campaigns and stock ambulances with emergency drugs.
These last few months, the governor has been waging the fight of his political life to secure $85 million in economic incentives to lure businesses to Florida.
Let us see equal tenacity in fighting for Florida families facing the consequences of addiction.
Let us see Attorney General Pam Bondi show the same muscle she used in fighting pill mills to fight the heroin epidemic.
Let the governor call the heroin epidemic what it is: a public health emergency.
And let Daniel’s family — his sister and brothers, his three children, his parents, everyone — be the last to face the despair of this epidemic on their own.