An influential Republican donor and close ally of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who died by suicide, is being actively investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, officials said.
“This investigation is still ongoing at this time and will continue until its conclusion. As with all active investigations, there is very little information available to disclose at this time,” Jacksonville Police Chief TK Waters told the BBC. Florida Times-Union about Kent Stephen’s death. “However, as soon as this investigation is completed, all relevant information will be available to the public.”
Sources close to the office told Times-Union investigation regarding alleged sexual misconduct. Stemon was found dead in a truck in the parking lot of the Atlantic Beach, Florida post office on Thursday, though foul play was not suspected.
Stemon’s death marked a confusing moment in Florida politics because of his close kinship to countless political figures including DeSantis, whose political activities have received more than $60,000. la from his foundation and his family. When DeSantis was removed from his congressional district in 2016 following a district redistricting, he moved into an apartment co-owned by Stemmon to run for re-election, according to a report. 2018 politics story. The governor then appointed Stemon to his transition team.
Stemon, who runs defense contractor Total Military Management, has spent a total of $140,000 on state political donations.
“The Governor and First Lady were shocked and saddened to hear of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our entire office) are with his family during this difficult time. hey,” said the governor’s office politics, although it said it had no prior knowledge of the investigation.
His connections were not limited to the governor’s mansion. An investigation of WJXT found Stemon—a prolific donor to former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams—had access to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters for the past 5 years despite not working there.
After hundreds of swipes since 2017, it was discontinued on November 15—just after Sheriff TK Waters was sworn in as sheriff.
The first disclosure was made by attorney John Phillips, who represents a former JSO deputy, on Twitter, noting that it was rumored that his badge access was set to change. It prompts an answer from everyone, Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “You’re not worth replying because you’re a media whore with no compass,” Curry wrote in a since-deleted tweet. “But you mentioned my friend, Kent, and I was forced to answer. Pound of sand, lumpy.
He was also well paid in political appointments. In 2019, DeSantis appointed Stemon to the state’s 17-member Board of Governors, the influential body that oversees the state’s college system. Stemon’s appointment is set to last until 2026, according to it website.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Governor Kent Semon,” the Board of Governors said politics. “Over the past three years, Kent has served with excellence on this board. He has been an advocate for higher education and student success in Florida, and has been a longtime supporter of the University of North Florida in many ways throughout the years. The Board of Governors extends their sincere condolences to the Kent family during this difficult time.”
