By Kyle LoJacono
State Sen. Jim Norman got an early Christmas present from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Republican, who is in his first term at the post, was under investigation for potentially violating federal law for not disclosing a house in Arkansas owned by his wife, Mearline, as an asset.
U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill said the investigation was unable to find any evidence that Norman had anything to do with Mearline accepting half a million dollars from deceased conservative activist Ralph Hughes. Mearline used the money to buy and renovate the lakefront house.
O’Neill said the investigators “were looking at the house and the loan from Mr. Hughes,” but said the investigation, which started more than a year ago, was now closed. He declined to comment on the details of the probe.
“A diligent investigation by federal investigators failed to uncover evidence of a violation of federal criminal law by State Sen. Norman,” O’Neill said. “As a result, this office is closing the current investigation.”
Norman did not return repeated interview requests for comment, but his attorney, Frank Winkles, said his client appreciated O’Neill’s “straightforwardness” with the investigation.
“While they have always believed that Sen. Norman would be exonerated, the couple wishes to thank all who have continuously offered their friendship and support during this difficult time,” Winkles said.
Norman is not completely clear of any penalty for not disclosing the house. He still faces an investigation from the Florida Commission on Ethics, but such violations would carry only a fine and no prison time. The commission would not comment on the status of its probe.
The gift from Hughes, who died in 2008, came while Norman was on the Hillsborough County Commission, a position he had for 18 years.
Norman ran for the state Senate District 12 seat after being term limited in the county commission. He opposed former state Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican primary for the post.
Ambler filed a lawsuit seeking to disqualify Norman after losing the primary. A Leon County circuit judge did disqualify Norman, but the ruling was overturned on appeal.
Norman went on to win the general election against two write-in candidates last November. The District 12 seat covers Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, New Tampa, Dade City, St. Leo, San Antonio, Northdale and North Tampa.
Ambler was disappointed in O’Neill’s findings, but did understand it is difficult to prove Hughes’ gift was made in exchange for political influence.
“It’s hard without showing the direct exchange of something for something,” Ambler said. “That’s a hard thing to prove unless you catch someone in the act of engaging in the trade.”
Ambler maintains Norman did know about the about the house and the “loan” given by Hughes. He said Norman told him, and “most other people around him,” about the couple’s “dream home” on a lake in Arkansas.
Ambler said he still believes Norman broke state laws banning public officials and their spouses from accepting such gifts like the one between Mearline and Hughes.
“But that’s up to the state attorney to decide,” Ambler said.
