I have always been committed to defending the interests of Floridians, businesses, and government entities that have suffered losses caused by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. I had always wanted an audit in order to bring transparency to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility claims process. I requested that the audit include a review of unexplained discrepancies in payments to similarly situated claimants and the documentation required by the GCCF.
In response to prompting by my office, the Department of Justice, and the other Gulf Coast states, this fall Administrator Kenneth Feinberg agreed to an evaluation. On Thursday, the Department of Justice released findings and announced that approximately $64 million in relief will go to claimants who were adversely affected by GCCF errors. Approximately 4,450 Floridians will receive an estimated $37.7 million in relief. The roughly 4,450 Floridians account for more than 60 percent of the total estimated 7,300 claimants who were adversely affected by errors in claims processing.
Thankfully Floridians will now receive the millions in relief that they deserve. I will continue to monitor the claims process and help ensure that harmed Floridians are fairly compensated.
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Bondi’s Office Obtains Restitution for Consumers Harmed by Foreclosure Rescue Scam
Attorney General Bondi’s office has obtained $35,000 in restitution for consumers who were harmed by a foreclosure rescue company. Purportedly, MOSO Company LLC d/b/a Mortgage Solutions Experts and America’s Mortgage Professionals, LLC, and the principal, Isaac Boston, illegally charged up-front fees for foreclosure-related rescue services and failed to perform the services for which they were paid. Charging up-front fees for foreclosure related services is prohibited by 501.1377(3) and (3)(b), F.S.
Florida Attorney General Bondi Announces Sentencing of SUR-13 Gang Members in Palm Beach County
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the sentencing of three members of the violent street gang known as SUR-13 to 150 years total in prison. The three men were part of a larger group of 14 gang members who were charged with two homicides, a drive-by shooting, armed robberies, retaliatory arson, aggravated battery and multiple theft and drug-related charges. The other defendants reached plea agreements with the state. One remains a fugitive. The Office of Statewide Prosecution prosecuted these gang members.
Events
Attorney General Bondi Speaks to Florida West Coast Employee Benefits Council
On Monday, Attorney General Bondi spoke to the members of the Florida West Coast Employee Benefits Council about the states’ battle to defend our individual rights in the federal health care lawsuit.
Attorney General Pam Bondi Will Convene First Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns Meeting
Next Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi will convene the first Statewide Task Force on Prescription Drug Abuse and Newborns meeting. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, will participate in the meeting as a special guest.
Attorney General Bondi Will Honor Law Enforcement Officers and Victim Advocates During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony
Next Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi and others will honor law enforcement officers and victim advocates for their exemplary support of crime victims and their families.