Rep. Carolina Amesty Charged with Forgery

Florida Republican state representative Carolina Amesty has been indicted on four felony forgery charges related to her role as an administrator at the family-run Central Christian Academy. Amesty, 29, turned herself in to authorities after a grand jury found she forged a man's signature on a notarized document in 2021, prior to her election to the Florida House of Representatives. Each charge is a third-degree felony, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines. Following the indictment, the Florida Democratic Party has called for her resignation, asserting that she cannot effectively serve while facing felony charges. Amesty has denied the allegations, claiming the prosecution is politically motivated and has expressed confidence in her eventual vindication. She is currently seeking re-election in her district west of Orlando amid ongoing scrutiny of her background and financial practices.