Florida residents become defendants
in national health care fraud takedown
One Russian citizen
from Tampa is among the accused
Information Provided
By The Office of United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe
Middle District of Florida
Published June 27, 2026 at 7 a.m.
      TAMPA – Yesterday (Friday, June 26). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced criminal charges against several individuals in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare.

More Below This Ad

     In addition, one civil settlement was announced. Many of the charges are part of the United States Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown and stem from schemes to defraud Medicare.
     “Millions of Americans depend on critical services provided by our nation’s federal healthcare programs,” U.S. Attorney Kehoe said. “Companies or individuals who exploit these systems through fraud and deception for their personal gain compromise the efficacy of those services and commit theft from taxpayers. We will continue to leverage the resources of our law enforcement partners to ensure that these programs remain sound and effective in the future.”
     This week, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida participated in a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 states and territories, the most in history so far. The Takedown involved the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.
     The following individuals were charged in the Middle District of Florida:
    ● Lawrence Waldman, 58, of Miami has entered into a civil settlement to pay $5 million to resolve a False Claims Act case in connection with a health care fraud kickback scheme involving medically unnecessary genetic and respiratory diagnostic testing services. Waldman separately pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from his role in the scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2026. As alleged, Waldman was a former sales representative of ASAP Labs and shared in its profits. Waldman paid kickbacks from ASAP Labs to certain physicians in return for agreeing to sign requisition forms for medically unnecessary laboratory tests that were submitted by ASAP Labs in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and that were used to support false claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE reimbursement. The civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
     Publisher's Note: Under the headline - Platinum Task Force increases to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud - the June 7, 2026 story, photos and videos about the State of Florida’s efforts to combat Medicare fraud can be seen and heard by clicking HERE. This story includes some information about a scheme in Dixie County where people were tricked into paying for genetic testing via Medicare, which is a once-in-a-lifetime allowable medical expense allowed for Medicare recipients. This story includes, as well, a warning for people to check their health insurance statements regarding durable medical equipment – which they may have been charged for but never used.
     ● Leigh Tesar, 44, of Sarasota, Walter Presha, Jr., 51, of Ellenton, and Koby Evans, 31, of Apollo Beach, all were charged by indictment for their roles in a more than $118 million wound care fraud scheme. Tesar, Presha, and Evans were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Tesar was charged with health care fraud and payment of health care kickbacks. Presha and Evans were also charged with receipt of health care kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Tesar, Presha, and Evans targeted Medicare patients so that Tesar, a nurse practitioner, could bill Medicare for unnecessary and expensive wound allografts and so that Presha and Evans, both nurses, could be paid kickbacks for referring patients to Tesar. In certain instances, Tesar caused Medicare to be billed for expensive allografts that were never applied to patients, were applied to infected wounds, and were applied to wounds that would not heal because the patient was terminally ill. During a period of 18 months, Medicare was billed more than $118 million for skin grafts and wound care services that were medically unnecessary, ineligible for reimbursement, not performed, and procured through kickbacks. Medicare paid approximately $61 million based on these false and fraudulent claims. The government has seized approximately $11.8 million in assets in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Chris Wenger of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Owen Dunn of the Florida Strike Force. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
     ● Leo Corrigan, 56, of Tampa was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States, to purchase, sell, and distribute, and arrange for the purchase, sale, and distribution of Medicare beneficiary identification numbers, and to solicit and receive health care kickbacks in connection with two schemes to fraudulently bill Medicare for over $7.5 million and to receive approximately $1.7 million in illegal kickbacks and bribes. As alleged in the information, Corrigan conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary identification numbers and used those numbers to bill Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to be shipped to those whose Medicare beneficiary identification number had been purchased, regardless of whether the Medicare beneficiary had requested the tests. Further, Corrigan owned and controlled a corporation that he used to provide Medicare beneficiary information to certain laboratories that could then use the information to bill Medicare for genetic testing in exchange for payment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields.
     ● Konstantin Braverman, 40, of Lake Worth was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for COVID-19 tests. From April 4, 2022, until the declared end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, Medicare covered and paid for these tests at no cost to the beneficiary but only if the beneficiary requested the tests. As alleged in the indictment, Braverman and co-conspirators introduced “marketers” to medical service providers and the “marketers” agreed to sell the providers lists of Medicare beneficiaries and their identifying information. The providers shipped COVID-19 tests to the identified beneficiaries, none of whom had requested the tests, and billed Medicare for the tests. The providers then paid the “marketers” a set dollar amount per beneficiary, but the providers paid this amount only if a claim submitted on behalf of a beneficiary was reimbursed by Medicare. The “marketers” paid Braverman a share of the proceeds obtained from the providers. The conspirators caused the submission of approximately 152,000 fraudulent claims to Medicare for the period of January 2023 through November 2023, which resulted in reimbursements totaling approximately $14,405,700. Braverman received a total of approximately $1,509,426 in proceeds as a result of his involvement in the offense. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clint Locke is handling the forfeiture.
     “This defendant allegedly exploited a program designed to serve the public during a national health emergency, fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in proceeds,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals taxpayer dollars, undermines trust in critical public programs and diverts resources from those who need it most. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who use deception and fraud to line their own pockets at the public’s expense.”
     ● Rustam Abdaev, 38, of Tampa, a Russian citizen living in Tampa, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (“DME”). Abdaev has entered a guilty plea and is pending sentencing. According to court records, from at least December 2024 through June 2025, Abdaev and co-conspirators used the company “Sunny and Recovery Inc.” to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Part C and Florida Medicaid for DME, including back, knee, and wrist braces. Medicare Part C and Medicaid were billed more than $19 million and paid approximately $941,000 for claims submitted between December 2024 and May 2025. Abdaev wired substantial portions of the proceeds to financial institutions outside the United States and used additional funds for personal benefit and to pay co-conspirators. The conspirators used stolen beneficiary information and physician provider numbers to submit DME claims that were not prescribed, not medically necessary, and not actually provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
     ● Henry Garcia, 59, of Bradenton was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to offer and pay kickbacks and bribes and nine counts of offering and paying kickbacks and bribes. According to court records, in 2020 and 2021, Garcia ran multiple medical equipment companies, including New Level 3 and On-Point Medical Alliance, that supplied knee and back braces to Medicare beneficiaries. Garcia worked with two co-conspirators: one in Florida who funneled him pre completed doctors’ orders, and another in Canada who ran call centers targeting Medicare beneficiaries to generate those orders. These call centers contacted seniors across the country and used telemedicine companies to obtain physician signatures on brace orders, even when the equipment was not medically needed. Garcia’s companies obtained the necessary provider identification numbers and submitted claims to Medicare Advantage plans as if the braces were legitimately ordered and required. Garcia paid kickbacks for each brace order that led to reimbursement. The scheme relied on call centers, sham telehealth encounters, and kickbacks to generate and submit claims that were not actually eligible for reimbursement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Blain Goff.
     ● Marc Vincent Pazienza, 56, of Pasco County, a licensed Florida attorney, was charged by indictment with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation for his role in using his position and authority as an attorney to defraud clients, including by creating shell corporations to hide clients’ criminally derived proceeds and then stealing those funds. According to court documents, from June 2023 through at least March 2025, Pazienza orchestrated a scheme to steal money from two of his clients by falsely promising to safeguard their money, funds which were fraudulently obtained through defrauding Medicare. Instead of safeguarding the funds, Pazienza used the money, an amount over $300,000, for his personal benefit, including cash withdrawals, transfers to other accounts he controlled, and purchases of furniture, jewelry, and other items. Pazienza also provided false and fraudulent documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena relating to a health care fraud investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Fields, and the forfeiture of his car, jewelry, and other property is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
     ● Laurent Cassagnol of Orange County and Heriberto L. Rivera of Lake County were charged by information with conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. According to court documents, Rivera was the Chief Executive Officer of Family Integrative Medicine of Orlando, LLC (“FIMO”) and paid kickbacks to Cassagnol, a United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee, in exchange for Cassagnol sending VA patients to FIMO. Rivera allegedly paid kickbacks to Cassagnol based on the number of VA patients he was able to successfully steer to FIMO. FIMO then billed the VA for services it provided to those VA patients. Rivera paid Cassagnol approximately $175,172 in kickbacks, which resulted in approximately $14,080,969 in claims submitted by FIMO to the VA that were procured through the payment of kickbacks. The VA paid FIMO approximately $11,948,349 on those claims. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Angela Benoit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
     The Middle District of Florida worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa and Jacksonville), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
     On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 
     An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     People can report fraud:
     ● Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at TIPS.FBI.GOV.
     ● If you are reporting cyber-enabled crime, to include online scams, email hoaxes, or other internet-enabled crimes, please submit a tip to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.GOV.
     ● For health care fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and related matters, contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or online at TIPS.HHS.GOV.

Exclusive - First Coverage
Judge rejects plea deal
Defense to appeal one ruling by judge
Murder defendant set for jury trial

A member of the Office of Gilchrist County Clerk of the Circuit Court is seen at the left in this photo -- facing the audience -- as Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Alexis Giannasoli and defendant Fisher Dalton Watts (in orange) stand at the lectern, and one of the deputies from the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office who keeps the court secure is seen at the right on Wednesday morning (June 24). Chief Assistant Public Defender Kris Eisenmenger took the lead on actions in this case for the defense that morning.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © June 23, 2026 at 4:15 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – Among the case before the Eight Judicial Circuit Court judge dealing with felony criminal matters in Gilchrist County, one case had some unfolding that appears to be leaning toward a second-degree murder trial in July.     As for the dénouement of this murder trial -- or the final sequence of a story that occurs after the climax and falling action, where loose ends are tied up, and any secrets are revealed, with answers happening to lingering questions – the point where there is a sense of closure or resolution for the audience – that may happen next month.
     Even though attorneys in the offices of Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer and Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy Scott had negotiated a plea-agreement for a man who is charged with second-degree murder – so that he could plead guilty to a lesser included crime of manslaughter, the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson-Bullard just said “No” this morning to that very plea bargain this morning (Wednesday, June 24).
     Judge Wilson-Bullard rejected the plea deal. She reminded parties that the pre-trial hearing was scheduled for June 24, and that is ultimately what happened.
     Jury selection is set -- as of June 24 -- to be July 6, followed by trial on July 7 and 8, according to records.
     Fisher Dalton Watts has admitted that he fired the two .40 caliber bullets that killed Koty Edward Stewart (June 26, 1989-May 25, 2024) of Jacksonville in the early morning hours of May 25, 2024 at Ginnie Springs in Gilchrist County. 
     Stewart was 34 years old when he died quickly from injuries suffered as one bullet went through his heart and another slug went through his thigh, according to records.
     Watts, who is from Georgia, previously admitted to a set of facts, including that he is the man who pulled the trigger leading to the death of Stewart, as part of the requirements for the defendant to mount a “stand your ground defense.” 
     In her 14-page order denying that “stand your ground” affirmative defense motion, Judge Wilson-Bullard, who is the decider of facts for that part of this case over which she presides, clearly showed why she made her ruling to deny and to reject Watts’ affirmative defense.
     “… this Court concludes that the credible testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the Defendant was not acting in self-defense at the time of the charged offense in this case. Accordingly, the Defendant is not entitled to immunity (from prosecution) pursuant to section 776.032, Florida Statutes,” Judge Wilson-Bullard ordered on June 12 as she denied the defendant’s motion.
     Within 12 days after that order denying the defense’s motion was done, the parties in this case were in Courtroom A of the Gilchrist County Courthouse on June 24 for the scheduled trial conference.
     That is when Assistant State Attorney Ray Thomas Jr. and Chief Assistant Public Defender Kris Eisenmenger let the judge know that a proposed deal definitely had been struck.
     Defendant Watts had agreed, as had the prosecutorial and defense attorneys in this case, that rather than taking Watts to a jury trial where he would face a charge of second-degree murder, which is a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of 30 years – given that the prosecutors did not file an amended caveat that would result in a mandatory 25 years to life – he would plead guilty to a lesser included offense of manslaughter.
     By agreeing to say he was guilty of manslaughter, a second-degree felony, according to the deal that was rejected by the judge, Watts would be sentenced to seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections with another eight years of supervised probation with certain added probationary requirements. 
     The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 15 years in prison, according to Florida law. Hence, the seven-year prison term and eight-year probation term added seems plausible.
     Assistant State Attorney Thomas told the judge before she would announce her ruling on whether she would accept or reject this plea deal that the family would like to make a victim’s statement.
     It is not some sort of a gift for victims to make statements before the sentencing. It is the law when sentencing is about to occur for a felony.
     Florida law demands that crime victims be given the opportunity to be heard at any public proceeding involving sentencing. This right applies to all defendants convicted of a felony, or those who plead guilty or no contest to any crime. Here, Watts would be pleading guilty to a felony if the deal were approved by the judge.
     According to Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Statute 921.143, the court must permit the following individuals to appear under oath for the record:
     ● The victim of the crime;
     ● The victim's parent or guardian (if the victim is a minor);
     ● The lawful representative of the victim; and
     ● The next of kin of the victim (if the victim died from causes related to the crime).
     In addition to testifying in court, victims have the right to provide a written or oral Victim Impact Statement. This statement is used to inform the judge about the emotional, psychological, physical and financial impacts of the crime before the sentence is officially imposed.
     Florida law shows, too, that the State Attorney's Office must consult with the victim to get their views prior to finalizing any plea agreements.


Amber Stewart, the widow of Koty Stewart (at left), is comforted by a victim’s advocate at the lectern as she speaks to the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson-Bullard about what the loss of her husband means to her and others who loved him.


To see and hear the heart-rending statements presented by Amber Stewart, the widow of Koty Stewart, on Wednesday (June 24) in open court, click on the PHOTO. She also spoke about how the death of Mr. Stewart impacted daughter Jaiden and stepson Trevin. (Publisher’s Note: Please be forewarned -- This video probably will draw tears from many listeners’ eyes.)
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Copyrights Reserved

     The widow Amber Stewart told the judge and all other listeners about a victim impact statement written by her son Trevin.
     In that statement read by his mother, Trevin noted that Koty Stewart was his stepfather. 
     “But he never treated me like a stepchild,” Amber said as she read the 13-year-old child’s statement. “He (Koty) treated me (Trevin) like he was his son. He was always kind to me.”
     In this statement, the boy noted one of his favorite memories was when his “stepdad” took him to see what was his “very first” Florida Gators football game. The boy noted that he knew his stepfather loved the Florida Gators and he was happy to have shared that with him. The boy noted he knows there are things now that he will never be able to share with the man who served as his father.
     Jaiden, the 17-year-old daughter of Koty Stewart, wrote a statement that was read by the widow as well.
     The teenage girl noted that she can never again know the love from the experience of having her father by her side.
     The girl wrote that now she has a fear that other people she will come to love in the future can be instantly taken from her.
     She wrote that Koty Stewart will never see her graduate, get married or see his grandchildren from her, or experience a number of other things that fathers do as their daughters grow up.
     She noted that her father was her best friend and that what Watts took from her can never be replaced. She let the court know that the loss she, her brother, her mother and everyone who knew her father when he was alive is a burden they all will carry as long as they are alive. 
     As Amber Stewart gave her statement, she noted “I am Koty’s wife.”
     The widow said words cannot capture what was taken from her, as well as from family members and friends. When people read about what happened, she said, they see facts, evidence and court dates, and legal proceedings. 
     “I hear my husband’s name. I see his face. I hear his laugh,” she said, striving to speak though what is bound to have been an incredibly difficult speech to present.
     “I see the man I was supposed to grow old with,” she said.
     She shared a strong level of insight about the man with listeners so that they could see he was a wonderful father, brother and a human being who should not have been taken from this world at such a relatively young age by another man who shot him to death.
     Among the things Amber noted was that her husband took Jaiden to get her learner’s permit to drive.
     Amber let the court know that she and her husband were deeply and completely in love. 
     During that court hearing on June 24, she told the court about them planning their wedding. Koty’s birthday was June 26 and hers was June 28.
     They married on June 27 – the day between their two birthdays. He said the only thing that should come between them as a day.
     “That was Koty,” she said, “thoughtful, romantic, intentional. The kind of man who loved deeply and wasn’t afraid to show it.”
     Amber spoke about when a massive tree fell and crushed her car and part of his truck, at some point after her husband had been killed, it was another point where she remembered how things would have been handled differently if she and her husband could have faced a disaster together.
     Amber Stewart shared with the court that “the sentence” she and her children, and others who loved Koty Stewart carry with them now is all of the things they can no longer enjoy from back when he was alive.
     The struggles, the fear, the loneliness, and other painful realities are not seen or felt by people reading about the killing or the actions in the courtroom after that fateful event, she intimated. 
     “They don’t see the wife trying to hold everything together while her own heart is broken,” she said. 
     She spoke about the children’s birthdays and other milestones in their lives that are only to be experienced in his absence.
     “The sentence handed down today will have an end,” she said. “Ours will not.”
     She continued with more details.
     “We carry a life sentence of grief for a crime we did not commit,” she said.
     After the presentation, the judge let both sets of attorneys know this proposed agreement was not accepted by her.
     She reminded them that she had ruled against granting the defendant’s motion to dismiss the second-degree murder charge based on the “stand your ground” allowance in the law. Therefore, Judge Wilson-Bullard said, this case will remain on the trial docket as scheduled.
     Chief Assistant Public Defender Eisenmenger then told the judge that as his client – defendant Watts – had “put on hold” further litigation to contest her ruling against the motion to dismiss the murder charge based on “stand your ground” reasoning.
     Eisenmenger asserted that a case considered by the Sixth District Court of Appeals is noted in a motion he intends to file that day (Wednesday, June 24) to appeal the judge’s denial of the defense’s motion to dismiss.
     Eisenmenger said he believes that he and Assistant State Attorney Thomas believe the plea deal of Watts spending seven years in prison and eight years on probation as a man convicted of manslaughter would “objectively be a fair resolution of the matter.” 
     The chief assistant public defender of this judicial circuit asked the judge to take “a more objective” view of the plea bargain offered to Watts, which he accepted.
     Eisenmenger said he had waited to file this most recent motion because the court had not ruled until that day – June 24 – on whether to accept the plea-negotiated agreement.
     This motion, to which he refers, is a writ of prohibition.
     Under Florida law, a writ of prohibition is an extraordinary and preventive court order issued by a higher appellate court to stop a lower court or judge from exceeding its jurisdiction or taking unauthorized action. For a defendant, it is used to halt a trial before it happens when the court is alleged to have no legal authority to proceed.
     Judge Wilson-Bullard let Eisenmenger know that as of her verbal pronouncement of the denial of the defense’s motion to dismiss based on “stand your ground” as well as the written order of June 12, he could have filed that writ.
     He contended that rather than appeal her denial, part of the negotiations leading to Watts’ willingness to plead to a charge of manslaughter was not taking the case to the Court of Appeals.
     The Eighth Judicial Circuit is in the First District Court of Appeals jurisdictional area – not the Sixth District Court of Appeal jurisdiction, Judge Wilson-Bullard said. 
     Judge Wilson-Bullard further mentioned that she knew of no order from the Florida Supreme Court regarding the issue Eisenmenger mentioned from the case ruled upon by the Sixth District Court of Appeals in regard to “stand your ground” where Eisenmenger has intimated he plans to file a writ of prohibition relating to Wilson-Bullard’s denial of the motion to dismiss.
     Eisenmenger mentioned he sees “no contrary opinion” from the First District Court of Appeal in regard to this recent ruling by the Sixth District Court of Appeals regarding the matter at hand. 
     Eisenmenger further explained when he saw the transcript from her denial of the motion, as well as having spoken with the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, and learning if the case went to jury trial there would be no further plea negotiations, then he believed the only action available to him was to await the judge’s ruling on whether that plea deal would be accepted, before filing the writ.
     Assistant State Attorney Thomas confirmed that Eisenmenger’s assertions regarding the agreement put before the court were all accurate.
     Judge Wilson-Bullard made it clear to all listeners that unless the First District Court of Appeals or the Florida Supreme Court overturn her ruling – which denied the motion for dismissal of this second-degree murder charge – where that motion to dismiss was based on the “stand your ground” law, then this case is set for jury selection on July 6, with prosecution and defense seeing it as a two-day time to book the courtroom for that trial on July 7 and 8.
     To see the story, photos and video under the headlines -- Murder suspect uses ‘stand your ground defense’ Judge to rule on motion to dismiss murder charge, click HERE.
     To see the May 28, 2024 story and photos under the headlines -- One dead, three wounded in Ginnie Springs shootings; Two suspects jailed; One on the loose, click HERE.
     To see and hear the video of a small part of that press conference in May of 2024, click HERE.

Smith Law Firm chosen
as special magistrate
for disputed speeding tickets

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 23, 2026 at 3:15 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND – The City of Chiefland has hired a special magistrate as part of the continuing evolution of the automated speeding ticket program it started recently for a road that runs next to Chiefland Elementary School.
     The Chiefland City Commission made its decision to hire the law firm on June 22 during the regular twice-monthly meeting of the Commission.
     The city contracted with a company – NovoaGlobal -- that installed its equipment on Northwest 14th Street, which is also known as Levy County Road 341 -- northbound and southbound, in the marked school zone area. That company issues speeding tickets when vehicles speed through the school zone during school hours.
     There may be a motorist who contests the ticket. Since this is an infraction in the city, in violation of a city speed limit and it is issued by a company contracted with the city for that purpose, the city had to hire a special magistrate to hear contested cases.
     Staff published requests for proposals to serve in this new post of “Police Department Magistrate Services for the School Zone Speed Detection Program.”
     One firm sent in a qualifying bid. The Smith Law Firm, located at 322 E Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road), which is within two blocks of Chiefland City Hall (aka Hardy R. Dean Sr. Municipal Building), 214 E Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road), Chiefland, is the lone qualified bidder.
     City staff recommended awarding the contract to Smith Law Firm to serve as the Police Department's magistrate for the School Zone Speed Detection Camera program
     This magistrate service is intended to be funded by fines collected from those speeders who pay for their tickets.
     The agreed contract calls upon billing to be based on time expended, and it will be billed at an hourly rate of $350 per attorney hour, and $150 per non-attorney hour. This includes time expended on hearing sessions, and time expended outside of hearing sessions including review of case material, legal research, preparation of written findings, recommendations, or orders.
     The firm will become involved only when a person is ticketed and they dispute the ticket.
     When there is a hearing, the firm will send a monthly statement to the city to show the date, time it took, name of the defendant. All fee costs will be noted. The fees will be based down to each tenth of one hour (each six minutes). The fee for six minutes for attorney services equals $35.
     As noted, these bills will be presented monthly, unless there is no month in which there is a contested ticket.
     Secretarial services are the non-attorney fees at the $150 an hour rate equal $15 for each six minutes. Among those secretarial services are scheduling a hearing, making phone calls and other administrative actions.
     The City Commission members present for the Monday evening meeting approved of the motion without dissent on June 22.
     Chiefland City Attorney Norm D. Fugate said that with this approval, the matter will be made into a resolution, which the City Commission may approve.
     For now, school is out for summer.
     A spokesman for the firm said this the first time the firm has served as a special magistrate. If it turns out that administrative costs are higher than anticipated, the City Commission may want to address that with the firm in the future.
     As noted in a story published in HardisonInk.com on March 23, based on information provided by Chiefland Police Department on March 23, the City of Chiefland announced the launch of its new school zone speed safety program, beginning with a 30-day warning period.
     Automated cameras will photograph license plates of speeding vehicles in the school zone for Chiefland Elementary School, and the owner of the offending vehicle will receive an automated notice in the mail.
     This 30-day grace period was designed to provide an opportunity for the city to educate motorists about its newly installed automated school zone speed enforcement system for Chiefland Elementary School.
     The following school zone will be monitored -- for Chiefland Elementary School, Northwest 14th Street, which is also known as Levy County Road 341 -- northbound and southbound, in the marked school zone area. The warning phase aims to promote full compliance with posted school zone speed limits before any civil penalties are issued. Enforcement is part of the city’s broader commitment to keeping students in school zones safe.
     The warning phase is over. When school starts in the fall, the ticketing is slated to start again.
Key Points
     ● Drive at the posted speed of 45 mph when the yellow lights are not flashing in that zone. Slowing down to 15 mph when the yellow lights are not flashing will cause drivers who understand the regulations to be somewhat frustrated. Do not travel at 15 mph when the limit is 45 mph and the yellow lights are not flashing.
     ● During the school day, when the lights are not flashing, a vehicle driving in that zone at 10 or more miles faster than 45 mph may trigger an automated ticket to be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle captured by the machine.
     ● During the school day, when the lights are flashing, a vehicle driving in that zone at 10 or more miles faster than 15 mph may trigger an automated ticket to be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle captured by the machine.
     ● Receiving a citation in the mail may be paid, or it can be contested before the special magistrate. Follow the written directions of a traffic citation if received in the mail. Failure to follow the written directions of a citation may result in suspension of a driver's license.
     ● When the children are on a holiday, such as for Spring Break, Summer Break, or for the annual Suwannee River Fair Youth Livestock Show and Sale, and the lights accidently have not been turned off by the city and they are blinking, a driver may slow down to 15 mph, and that may frustrate drivers who are more aware of reality than people who don’t notice zero activity at Chiefland Elementary School. However, if there is no school during the time when the lights have not been programmed to not blink, and a vehicle goes 45 rather than 15 mph, it is unlikely that the company operating this service will send an automated citation.
     If that occurs, call the CPD and speak with Chief Scott Anderson. If there is an accidental citation sent, he can fix that before having to appear before the special magistrate.
     Chiefland Police Chief Anderson has said, “Our highest priority remains the safety of our children.”
     The automated speed ticketing program was launched in response to data showing excessive speeding in school zones. While enforcement is the best way to get drivers to comply with any law, it is impossible for police to be everywhere. An initial speed study at Chiefland Elementary as well as at Chiefland Middle High School conducted by NovoaGlobal revealed an average of more than 1,000 speeding violations per day, underscoring the urgent need for continuous enforcement.
     Advanced traffic enforcement cameras will monitor vehicle speeds in the designated school zones. No fines will be issued during this initial 30-day time; however, after that, civil penalties of $100 will be assessed for each violation. These citations are civil and are similar to a parking ticket.
    If a person has any more questions about this, please call the Chiefland Police Department at 352-493-6777.

Florida voters may shift tax burden
First in a series of articles
about property taxes
By Jeff M. Hardison © June 22, 2026 at 11:15 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – If 60 percent or more of the Florida voters who cast ballots in on Nov 3, choose to amend the Florida Constitution regarding property taxes, then there will be a significant shift of methods to fund public services so that the burden goes some away from property owners.
     On June 2, a super majority vote of the Florida Legislature led to the voters on Nov. 3 being able to amend homestead exemption for non-school property taxes, reduce the cap on assessment increases for non-homestead properties, and limit how local governments can spend property tax revenue. This vote happened during a special legislative session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). The members of the Florida House of Representatives voted 75-26, and the Florida Senate voted 30-9 in favor of the placement of the question on the November ballot for voters to choose.
     In the House, this included 3 Democrats and 72 Republicans voting in favor, versus 26 Democrats and 0 Republicans voting against.
     In the Senate, this included 2 Democrats and 28 Republicans voting in favor, versus 9 Democrats and 0 Republicans voting against.
     Overall, 98 percent of Republicans and 11 percent of Democrats across both chambers voted in favor of sending the proposed constitutional amendment to voters.
     Just like any amendment to the Florida Constitution, this amendment requires at least 60 percent voter approval to take effect.
     If the voters choose to revise the method for funding most services other than schools, police and fire, by altering the state constitution, then there will be a shift in how those other public services are provided, or there will be a relatively dramatic reduction in level of service.
     Among the changes that will occur if 60 percent or more of the qualified voters of Florida cast their votes to do so on Nov. 3:
     ● Homestead exemption for property will be increased to $150,000 as of Jan. 1, 2027; and then homestead exemption will be increased to $250,000 on Jan. 1, 2028 with an inflation indexing starting in 2029. The $25,000 exemption for all property taxes would apply only to school property taxes in the future. As a result, there would be two separate homestead exemptions: a larger exemption for non-school property taxes and the existing $25,000 exemption for school property taxes. Therefore, taxes resulting from School Boards voting to impose a certain millage rate will remain with a $25,000 exemption; however the millage rates imposed by County Commissions, Water Management Districts and other taxing authorities will see the higher homestead exemptions.
     ● The Florida Legislature will prescribe a uniform method for all counties and municipalities to increase the amount of assessed property value exempt from taxation up to all remaining assessed valuation.
     ● There will be a new five-year Florida residency requirement to qualify for the increased homestead exemption amounts for property owners who are not permanent Florida residents before Dec. 31, 2026.
     This amendment to the Florida Constitution, if adopted, limits how county and municipal ad valorem property taxes may be used, with the permitted uses to be:
     ● Public safety (law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services);
     ● Education and public schools;
     ● Construction and maintenance of infrastructure, such as for roads, bridges and stormwater management;
     ● Natural resource projects such as flood control measures;
     ● Issuing and making debt service payments on local bonds;
     ● Meeting obligations for retirement benefits of local government employees;
     ● Operations and administration of county commissioners, other county constitutional offices, municipalities and expenditures approved by those governing bodies.
     In Levy County alone, currently, according to records, there are 22,000 residential properties. Of those, there are approximately 14,400 residential properties where people claim homestead exemption by being full-time Florida residents and not claiming that exemption in any other state. The most recent annual average county tax paid by those property owners in Levy County is $765. Remember, this is only property tax alone and does not include the special assessments. There are 13 percent of the 14,400 residential properties where homestead exemptions mean they are exempt from paying taxes because the taxable property value is lower than the amount exempted.
     If the new law goes into effect, where there is the $150,0000 homestead exemption, then instead of 13 percent being exempt, according to records at the current appraised property values, there will be 67 percent exempt. Therefore, the remaining 33 percent of property owners in Levy County would pay $850 in property taxes, according to records.
     If the new law goes into effect, where there is then a $250,0000 homestead exemption, then instead of 67 percent being exempt, according to records at the current appraised property values, there will be 88 percent exempt. Therefore, the remaining 170 Levy County residential property owners (at the current level of who owns residential property appraised at more than $250,000 of taxable value), according to records, will pay $950 in property taxes.
     To show more specific numbers for a Levy County residential property owner who is qualified for the current homestead exemption at the current millage rates, for properties valued at $85,000; $125,000; or $125,000, when requested for help with the math, Levy County Appraiser Jason Whistler provided the following facts – when the same properties are awarded at the $150,000 homestead exemption. (He provided the math for the $250,000 homestead exemption, too, but that may be shown in a later part of this series of stories).
     This is Levy County property in the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD). Some residential property in Levy County is in the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Levy County residential property
with $85,000 of appraised taxable value
Current
County Commission - $306.25
School Board - $319.92
SRWMD - $9.84
Fire, EMS, Landfill (Special Assessments) - $566
Total $1,202.01
With 150,000 Homestead Exemption
County Commission - $0
School Board - $319.92 (unchanged)
SRWMD - $0 
Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments (unchanged) - $566
Total - $885.92 ($316.09 reduction)

Levy County residential property
with $125,000 of appraised taxable value
Current
County Commission - $656.26 
School Board - $533.20
SRWMD - $21.09
Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments (unchanged) - $566
Total - $1,776.54
With 150,000 Homestead Exemption
County Commission - $0
School Board - $533.20 (unchanged)
SRWMD - $0
Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments (unchanged) - $566
Total - $1,099.20 ($677.34 reduction)

Levy County residential property
with $210,000 of appraised taxable value
Current
County Commission - $1,400
School Board - $986.42
SRWMD - $44.99
Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments (unchanged) - $566
Total - $2,997.41
With 150,000 Homestead Exemption
County Commission - $525
School Board - $986.42 (unchanged)
SRWMD - $16.87
Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments (unchanged) - $566
Total - $2,094 ($903.12 reduction)

Losses for some cities as an example
     While the Levy County Board of County Commissioners are looking at a $7 million reduction in revenue from property taxes the first year and then $9 million in the second year if the new law goes into effect, Levy County Assistant Property Appraiser Randy Rutter provided the mathematics for the estimated revenue losses for five of the eight municipalities in Levy County, using the current millage rates and applying the $150,000 homestead exemption the first year and the $250,000 homestead exemption the second year, after he was asked for that information.
     Below are the estimated revenue losses for five of the eight municipalities in Levy County using their current millage rates.
Cedar Key
2027 - $110,000
2028 - $200,000
Chiefland
2027 - $145,000
2028 - $170,000
Inglis
2027 - $95,000
2028 – $125,000
Williston
2027 - $290,000
2028 - $415,000
Yankeetown
2027 - $50,000 
2028 - $75,000
     The proverbial bottom line - if there are 60 percent or more voters who vote in favor of this amendment - will be a shift from who pays taxes. If the voters approve it, then the biggest relief will be for the people who own the most taxable residential property who are qualified for homestead exemptions. That shift in burden can go to business property owners as well as residential property owners without homestead exemption, and new or increased special assessments.
     Levy County residential property owners may remember that the current Fire, EMS, Landfill - Special Assessments of $566 was proposed to be $875. As people elected to county, city and water management districts see stark losses of revenue from one source, they will modify methods for funding by creating other special taxing units -- as well as firing some employees and reducing the level of service.
     For all people who want to keep the current tax structure as well as for all people who want to amend the levels of homestead exemptions in Florida, the best method to show that choice – either way -- is to register to vote, and to vote. To make a choice, actually go and cast a ballot on the amendment question.
     The same is true for every person who sees more than one person seeking election for any elected position, learn about the candidates and then -- vote.
     Almost every post in county government in the Tri-County Area will be decided on Aug. 18 in the primary election. The election in November will be on this amendment and other candidates and issues.
 

199^th Performance

The members of the Levy County Tourist Development Council (TDC) and the Levy County tourism manager present for the June 18 meeting -- (from left) Levy County Tourism Manager Catrina Sistrunk, TDC Vice Chair Helen Ciallella, Daryl Kirby, Vicki Todd, Tim Haines, Debra Jones, Amy Henderson, Chair Desiree Mills and Norman Weaver, sing the HardisonInk.com Jingle just before the start of that meeting in Conference Room C of the Levy County Government Center in Bronson. This nine-member group may be the most people singing the jingle so far in history. Jeff M. Hardison asks people to sing the jingle, and some of them agree to sing it. (Thanks people!) CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE AND HEAR THE VIDEO ON YouTube.com. The very first person to sing the jingle was Danesh “Danny” Patel of Danny’s Food Mart in Chiefland in March of 2013. HardisonInk.com started as a daily news website on Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © June 18, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
All Rights Reserved - Do Not Copy And Paste Anywhere Else