The mayor of Tallahassee, who is also a Democratic candidate for Governor in 2018, is currently in the middle of an email investigation that has the potential to lead to criminal charges.
- Tallahassee mayor under investigation for 'email scandal'
- Andrew Gillum bought email system with taxpayer money
- Sent messages to political suppoerters using email
- Investigation could lead to criminal charges
- Gillum also running for FL Governor in 2018
Andrew Gillum is being investigated for his decision to buy an email system using taxpayer dollars and sending messages to his political supporters.
The Leon County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating for months, but this week, it was handed to the state attorney—an indication there could be enough evidence to bring corruption charges.
However, Gillum denies he did anything illegal, but admits the appearances do not look good. That is why he reimbursed the city to the tune of $5,000.
“Someone asked me if I had to do it again, would we use the same system? We absolutely would. We used it effectively and for its purpose, it’s designed purpose. What I would have changed was a human error, and we’re all entitled to that mistake,” Gillum said.
The city hall issue became a political liability for Gillum, one that now doesn’t look likely to go away anytime soon—and the implications for the governor’s race could be tremendous, especially with a big Democratic field full of anxious candidates ready to clean up what they say has been widespread corruption under Republican Governor Rick Scott.
That field is by no means set, with potential candidates watching Gillum.
“I don’t have to make a decision ’til the horses are all coming down the stretch,” he said. “I think people have been fooled once by a fake email scandal and they’re not going to be fooled again.”
State Attorney Jack Campbell said he is reviewing what the Leon County Sheriff’s Office has turned up and Gillum stated he’s looking forward to a “speedy conclusion.”