Florida State Representative Carolina Amesty, a Republican from central Florida, has been indicted on felony forgery charges related to her involvement in a private Christian school run by her family. The charges stem from allegations that she forged a man’s signature on a document that she notarized in 2021 while working at Central Christian Academy. Each of the four charges she faces are third-degree felonies, carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Amesty, who is currently seeking re-election in her district near Orlando, has denied the allegations and criticized the timing of the prosecution, which comes just weeks before absentee ballots are set to be dropped. The Florida Democratic Party has called on Amesty to resign, stating that she cannot effectively represent her constituents while facing felony charges.
Elected to the Florida House in 2022, Amesty is known for her support of former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. She has portrayed herself as a successful businesswoman. The indictment follows investigations by the Orlando Sentinel into Amesty’s background and financial practices.
As the legal process unfolds, Amesty maintains her innocence and is looking forward to her day in court. The Florida Speaker of the House has not yet commented on the situation. The case highlights the challenges faced by elected officials who are under legal scrutiny, as well as the political implications of such charges.
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