SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced Tuesday that it has charged three people in connection with an alleged campaign finance scheme in the 2020 Florida State Senate race of Jestine Phillea Iannotti.

Iannotti, 36, ran for the District 9 seat as an independent candidate. She was up against Democrat Patricia Sigman and Republican Jason Brodeur, who ultimately won the election.

According to the FDLE, James Eric Foglesong supported Iannotti's candidacy with an initial $1,200 cash donation, which she is accused of illegally accepting.

FDLE agents said Seminole GOP Chair Benjamin Paris provided the name and address of an individual falsely used in campaign finance reporting, knowing that person had not contributed to the campaign.

Iannotti, who lives in Winter Springs, faces multiple charges — one felony count of commission of a false, fictitious or fraudulent act, statement or representation in a matter within Florida; one count of accepting an aggregate cash contribution in excess of $50 from the same contributor in an election; two counts of perjury not in official proceeding; one count of false reporting or deliberate failure to include information required by state campaign financing laws; and one count of accepting one contribution through or in the name of another in any election.

Foglesong, 45, of Winter Park, faces felony counts of making two or more contributions through or in the name of another in an election, commission of a false, fictitious or fraudulent act, statement or representation in a matter in Florida, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He also is charged with making an aggregate cash contribution in excess of $50 to the same candidate in an election and one count of false reporting or deliberate failure to include information as required by state campaign finance laws.

Paris, 38, of Longwood, is charged with making one contribution through or in the name of another in any election, a misdemeanor.

“Elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, and we must do everything we can to ensure they are fair and transparent,” Acting FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass said in a statement. “Lying about campaign donations is unacceptable because it provides an unfair advantage to the candidate. Protecting the integrity of our elections is a top priority in Florida, and that includes making sure candidates follow the laws.” 

Warrants have been issued for Iannotti and Foglesong, and they have until Wednesday to turn themselves in to the Seminole County Jail on $4,500 and $10,000 bonds, respectively, FDLE said. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit. Paris is being issued a court summons.

Officials with the State Attorney’s Office said the named defendants have agreed to surrender voluntarily, but specific details were not immediately released.