A distinguished donor to Florida governor Ron DeSantis died in a suspected suicide amid a police probe into allegations of sexual misconduct, it has emerged.
Kent Stermon, 50, who was discovered useless final Thursday, was the topic of an ‘lively investigation’ that started a number of weeks earlier.
Stermon was a distinguished political donor in Jacksonville and had given hundreds of {dollars} to DeSantis and different Republican politicians within the metropolis throughout latest years.
DeSantis’s workplace has paid tribute to Stermon however insisted the governor had ‘no information’ of the police investigation.
The thriller surrounding Stermon’s loss of life is additional compounded by revelations that he had an entry card to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace headquarters regardless of not being a member of employees.
Kent Stermon pictured with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Stermon donated tens of hundreds of {dollars} to DeSantis and different GOP candidates. He was discovered useless final Thursday amid an investigation into allegations of ‘sexual misconduct’ in opposition to him
Stermon was discovered useless within the car parking zone of the Atlantic Seashore Put up Workplace in Mayport Highway at about 8pm on Thursday. A member of submit workplace employees who was leaving work found him alone in a locked car.
Police don’t suspect foul play and it is being handled as a suicide. Unconfirmed studies say Stermon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The sheriff’s workplace has since confirmed Stermon was topic to an investigation and sources have disclosed it associated to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Police have mentioned there may be ‘restricted info accessible to launch at the moment’ as a result of the inquiry is ongoing.
An announcement from DeSantis’s workplace mentioned he was unaware of the investigation into Stermon and added: ‘The Governor and First Woman have been shocked and saddened to listen to of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our total workplace’s prayers) are along with his household throughout this troublesome time.’
Stermon is pictured with former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams after he was named ‘Citizen of the 12 months’ in 2016. Stermon had an entry key for the sheriff’s workplace HQ regardless of not working there, and the sheriff’s workplace is now underneath strain to clarify the association
An announcement from DeSantis’s workplace mentioned: ‘The Governor and First Woman have been shocked and saddened to listen to of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our total workplace’s prayers) are along with his household throughout this troublesome time.’
Data of Stermon’s donations to GOP candidates, seen by News4JAX, reveal DeSantis acquired $6,000 from Stermon, $3,000 from Stermon’s spouse and $53,000 from his political motion committee.
Stermon additionally donated greater than $40,000 to different GOP candidates both personally or via his firm, Complete Army Administration.
The data present Stermon handed $12,500 to the election marketing campaign of former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams.
Williams was sheriff for a number of years whereas Stermon had an entry card to the sheriff’s workplace headquarters.
Logs present Stermon used the entry playing cards a whole bunch of occasions between 2017 and its ultimate use on November 15 2022 – round three weeks earlier than his loss of life.
Jacksonville’s present sheriff, T.Ok. Waters, who was sworn in on November 20, additionally acquired $12,500 from Stermon for his election marketing campaign committee, data present.
The the explanation why Stermon had entry to the HQ are unclear and the sheriff’s workplace is underneath strain to clarify the association.
DailyMail.com has approached Jacksonville Sheriff’s Workplace for remark.
An announcement from the workplace of DeSantis, pictured along with his spouse Casey, mentioned: ‘The Governor and First Woman have been shocked and saddened to listen to of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our total workplace’s prayers) are along with his household throughout this troublesome time.’
DeSantis nominated Stermon to Florida’s board of governors, the physique which oversees the state’s college system, in 2019
Stermon’s ties to DeSantis return a number of years.
Politico reported that when DeSantis was drawn out of his congressional district in 2018 after a redistricting, he moved right into a condominium co-owned by Stermon to be able to run once more.
DeSantis additionally nominated Stermon to Florida’s board of governors, the physique which oversees the state’s college system, in 2019.
An announcement from the Board of Governors mentioned: ‘We’re deeply saddened to listen to of the passing of Governor Kent Stermon. For the final three years, Kent has served on this board with distinction.
‘He has been a champion of upper schooling and pupil success in Florida and a long-time supporter of the College of North Florida in some ways all through the years. The Board of Governors sends its heartfelt condolences to Kent’s household throughout this troublesome time.’
John M. Phillips, a Jacksonville legal professional who’s representing a former sheriff’s workplace deputy, has led calls for for solutions about the important thing card association.
John M. Phillips, a Jacksonville legal professional who’s representing a former sheriff’s workplace deputy, has led calls for for solutions about the important thing card association
In a now-deleted tweet, he mentioned ‘rumor has it there was some adjustments to Stermon’s unfettered badge entry at JSO’.
That prompted a reply from Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, which has additionally been deleted, which mentioned: ‘You are not price a reply as you’re a media whore with no compass. However you point out my good friend, Kent, and I’m compelled to answer. Pound sand, chump.’
A number of tributes have been paid by metropolis officers and people near Stermon.
Complete Army Administration mentioned: ‘It’s with nice disappointment that we share the passing of our President and COO, Kent Stermon.
‘Kent was a beloved husband and father, and a devoted chief, mentor and good friend. One among TMM’s 5 authentic staff, Kent has been integral within the development and improvement of TMM over the previous 18 years.
‘Kent’s ardour for serving TMM’s staff and prospects via a tradition of care is a core worth of our group. Kent has been with the corporate since 2004 and can be deeply missed.’
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry mentioned: ‘My heartfelt condolences to Kent Stermon’s household throughout this troublesome time. I can not think about their ache and heartbreak. My ideas and prayers are with them.’
