A federal judge in Florida has refused to throw out criminal charges against Andrew Gillum, disagreeing with the former Democratic gubernatorial nominee’s assertions that he was the victim of selective prosecution because he was a Black candidate for governor.  Let a jury make the final decision.

     Gillum and a colleague were indicted earlier this year on federal charges including conspiracy, wire fraud and making false statements to FBI agents. Prosecutors said Gillum funneled donations through third parties back to himself for personal use.

     According to prosecutors, Gillum met with undercover FBI agents posing as developers while he was mayor of Tallahassee and during his campaign for governor. His associates sought donations from the agents, and suggested ways to provide money without listing them as political contributions, including paying for a fundraising dinner, according to the indictment. 

     Gillum has pleaded not guilty and denied the charges, saying they were politically motivated.  Saying the defendants’ arguments were “meritless,” U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor last week dismissed four motions from the defendants challenging the continuation of the prosecution.