Today (Sept 1), a Seminole Jury found Benjamin PARIS (38) guilty of Making One Contribution Through or in The Name of Another In Any Election (M1), in connection to a 2020 No Party Affiliation (NPA) candidate for the Florida Senate in District 9 (SD9). 

Judge Wayne Culver presided over the two (2) day trial with evidence presented by Chief Assistant State Attorney Stacey Staub Salmons and Assistant State Attorney Matthew Futch. After three (3) hours of deliberation the jury returned with the guilty verdict.

Judge Culver adjudicated Paris guilty and sentenced him to twelve (12) months of probation and 200 hours of community service. The Court also ordered PARIS to pay $42,528.04 in investigative costs that can be shared with any other persons found guilty in the case..

PARIS is one of three persons charged in connection to the NPA Campaign of Jestine IANNOTTI (36) who is also a defendant, along with her campaign manager Eric FOGLESONG (46). IANNOTTI and FOGLESONG are both charged with multiple felony crimes and awaiting trial.

In a statement after the trial State Attorney Phil Archer said, “Today’s conviction of Mr. Paris demonstrates that political operatives seeking to run campaigns in a manner outside the limits of Florida law will be held accountable, regardless of their role or the severity of their actions.” He went on to say “I believe the integrity of our election process begins with the integrity of the candidate and their campaign.”