New allegations emerge about problems with Ron DeSantis confidant Kent Stermon before his death

[ad_1]

Staggering reports from the Daily Mail make disturbing claims about the death by suicide of one of Ron DeSantis’ former allies.

Kent Stermon, a Jacksonville donor and political power broker who played a central role in the governor’s early career and political rise, killed himself last December amid an active investigation by the office of the governor. sheriff of Jacksonville, where he wielded significant influence for a civilian.

The new report sheds some detail on the tragedy, and the 4th Circuit State’s Attorney’s Office is the first to comment.

“The investigation is still ongoing. I will let you know when it is officially closed and will send you our investigation memorandum,” spokesman David Chapman said.

This report should surface in the coming weeks.

The Daily Mail named an SAO employee, Chief Investigator Jackson Short, who began working for the SAO weeks after Stermon’s death. In a note to loved ones, Stermon urged one to “go find your own Jackson Short,” a mysterious statement.

“As to your questions about Chief Investigator Short, he and his family had been personal friends of the Stermons for many years. Short stays at work as usual,” Chapman wrote.

FP has reached out to the Governor’s Executive Office, Mayor’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and former Sheriff and current Congressman John Rutherford for comment, and those inquiries have yet to be answered or acknowledged. reception.

The Mail alleges Stermon died by suicide after offering an ‘underage teenager’ tickets to a Taylor Swift concert in exchange for a ‘picture of her boobs’. He then reportedly tried and failed to coerce the girl into showing them in person, leading to the victim’s father confronting Stermon who offered a “five-figure sum to shut up”.

Stermon, who was 50, had struggled with serious health issues before his death. Stermon told Florida Politics just hours before he was found dead that he had suffered a stroke days before but was optimistic.

I’m staying as far away from politics as possible right now, Stermon wrote, in what would be one of his last words to anyone. My prognosis is positive and I just got out of (the) hospital but I have a ton of work to do to get back to my health.

A sign of his closeness to DeSantis, Stermon served as a member of the board of governors of Floridas State University System, a member of the Florida Highway Patrol Advisory Council, and chairman of the Governors Public Safety Transition Advisory Committee. The Board of Governors called him “a champion of higher education and student success in Florida” when he passed away.

Stermon has played a unique role in regional politics, building ties in particular for DeSantis’ once-unlikely path to the 2018 Republican gubernatorial nomination.

He was also more recently plugged into the process of filling the position left vacant when former sheriff Mike Williams, another close friend of Stermon, resigned months before his death, including having advance knowledge of the appointment. by the Governor from Acting Sheriff Pat Ivey and political support from the Governor. of the current SheriffT.K. Waters.

I spoke with a lot of people inside and outside the sheriff’s office, DeSantis said, making the decision last summer.

Taryn Fenske, director of communications for DeSantis, issued a statement on behalf of the governors following his passing, when many of the circumstances of his death were not known.

The governor and first lady were shocked and saddened to learn of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our prayers from all offices) are with his family during this difficult time, Fenske said in December.

FP has an open request for comment from DeSantis’ office. He is in Washington, DC on Tuesday.

Stermon, who rented a house from DeSantis while he was in Congress, helped build a bridge to the northeast Florida establishment in both fundraising and endorsements.

When endorsements were slow for DeSantis, the Northeast Florida pols played a pivotal role in changing the tide at a DeSantis-Adam Putnam debate in Jacksonville, with momentum from Stermon. Prior to this debate, former state senator Rob Bradley and state representative Travis Cummings issued a joint endorsement of DeSantis.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry has also counted Stermon as a friend and ally, and they have collaborated politically in recent years, including hosting a first fundraiser in Jacksonville for former Senate candidate Herschel Walker of Georgia.

Mayor Curry commented after Stermon’s death in December: My sincere condolences to the Kent Stermons family during this difficult time. I cannot imagine their pain and grief. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Post views: 0

[ad_2]