News


FDLE arrests Osceola man in ghost candidate scheme

 
For Immediate Release
May 08, 2023
 
BUENA VENTURA LAKES, Fla. – Inspectors with FDLE’s Election Crime Unit arrested Carlos Irizarry Sr., 67, of Buena Ventura Lakes, on eight counts of willful certification of false or incomplete campaign treasures reports and six counts of deliberate failure to report campaign expenditures as required. 
 
FDLE began the investigation last year after receiving an allegation that Irizarry was paid to enter the 2022 District Four Osceola County Commissioner’s race to affect its outcome.  After comparing bank records to Irizarry’s campaign treasures reports, inspectors identified a pattern of providing false information. 
 
In eight reports, Irizarry reported false campaign expenditures and lied about charitable donations made by the campaign.  After the filing fee, Irizarry spent the remaining funds on personal items like day spas and restaurants.
 
Irizarry was arrested May 5, 2023 and booked into the Osceola County Jail.  Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.  The investigation is ongoing. 


For Further Information Contact:
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001
 
 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.