Nikki Fried Announces Investigation, Subpoena, Complaint Against Defending The Republic, Inc.

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Jun 18, 2021

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried announced the results of an investigation into Defending The Republic, Inc., conducted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the state’s regulator of charities. Defending The Republic is a Texas-based organization affiliated with Sidney Powell, a former attorney for former President Donald Trump, and established as a legal fund involved in conspiracies related to the 2020 presidential election.

Commissioner Fried was joined by Rick Kimsey, Director of the Division of Consumer Services, to announce an administrative complaint alleging multiple violations of Florida state law, including failure to comply with charity registration law, and obtaining contributions by means of deception, false pretense, misrepresentation, or false promise. This complaint was served this week following an investigation and issuance of a subpoena into the matter.

“Protecting Florida’s consumers from scams, fraud, and abuse is one of my top priorities – as Florida’s consumer protection agency, we have not hesitated to hold accountable those who defraud, deceive, and take advantage of charitable giving,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. Our department received a complaint that DefendingTheRepublic.org was breaking the law while soliciting contributions. Following an investigation and subpoena, we have served Defending The Republic, Inc. a Texas-based corporation affiliated with Sidney Powell, with an administrative complaint for multiple violations of state law. Defending The Republic has a choice to make – they can come into compliance with the law, or face large fines and court orders. No matter who you are, whether big or small, whether a bad actor, a scammer, or a former lawyer for a former president, the rules apply to you, and we will apply the law equally.”

DOCUMENTS: The Administrative Complaint and the subpoena may be downloaded here.

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