U.S. Senator under investigation for laundering schemes

Washington D.C. bureaucrats will never stop being corrupt. But sometimes they get caught red-handed.

And now a U.S. Senator is under investigation for illegal money laundering schemes.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Calls for Investigation Into Former Senator and UF President Ben Sasse Over Questionable Spending

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called for an investigation into former U.S. Senator and University of Florida President Ben Sasse following reports that he allegedly funneled millions of dollars to his GOP allies during his tenure. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over Sasse’s management of university funds, raising concerns about transparency and accountability at the state’s flagship university.

According to a report by the Independent Florida Alligator, the University of Florida’s student newspaper, Sasse significantly increased spending during his 17-month tenure as president. In his first year alone, Sasse’s office expenditures reportedly surged to $17.3 million—more than three times the $5.6 million spent in the final year of his predecessor, Kent Fuchs. The bulk of this spending has been attributed to secretive consulting contracts and high-paying positions for Sasse’s GOP allies and former Senate staff members.

The DeSantis administration has expressed concern over these financial practices. Bryan Griffin, a communications director for DeSantis, confirmed that discussions have already taken place with university leadership and the Board of Governors to address the matter. “We take the stewardship of state funds very seriously and have already been in discussions with leadership at the university and with the Board of Governors to look into the matter,” Griffin said in a statement to The Hill.

Florida’s chief financial officer and state fire marshal, Jimmy Patronis, also voiced his alarm over the situation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Patronis described the reported “exorbitant spending” by Sasse as troubling and offered his agency’s support in the investigation.

Questionable Hires and Lavish Spending

The investigation centers on a series of high-profile hires and significant expenditures approved by Sasse during his time as UF president. Some of the most controversial appointments include:

– Raymond Sass, former Senate chief of staff, who was hired as UF’s vice president for innovation and partnerships with a salary of $396,000.

– James Wegmann, former Senate communications director, who was appointed as UF’s remote vice president of communications with a salary of $432,000.

– Taylor Silva, former Senate press secretary, who became assistant vice president of presidential communications and public affairs, earning $232,000.

– Penny Schwinn, former Republican Tennessee commissioner of education, who was hired as UF’s vice president of PK-12 and pre-bachelors programs with a salary of $367,500.

– Alice James Burns, former scheduler for U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who was named director of presidential relations and major events with a salary of $205,000.

Additionally, Sasse is reported to have spent $633,000 on travel expenses—20 times higher than Fuchs’ annual average of $28,000. The investigation also highlights $7.2 million in consulting fees, largely paid to McKinsey & Company, where Sasse once worked as an advisor. Notably, three former McKinsey consultants were brought on board, each earning between $150,000 and $200,000.

Sasse’s Resignation and Future Plans

Sasse’s tenure at UF was short-lived. Last month, he announced his resignation from the presidency, citing his need to focus on his family after his wife was diagnosed with epilepsy. He had served as UF’s president for less than two years and indicated that he would transition to a teaching and advisory role at the university.

The ongoing investigation, however, is likely to cast a shadow over his future involvement with the university. As more details emerge, the probe into Sasse’s spending practices could have broader implications for the governance of public institutions in Florida, especially in ensuring that state funds are used responsibly and in alignment with the university’s mission.

The investigation remains in its early stages, and the findings will be closely monitored as DeSantis administration officials seek to restore trust in the financial stewardship of the University of Florida.

Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.