The Florida State Attorney’s Office has dropped all charges filed against former State Representative Carolina Amesty, as documented in an official record issued by Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit. This decision, formalized through a Nolle Prosequi, includes the dismissal of four charges, including forgery and false acknowledgment or certification by a notary public, under case number 48-2024-CF-011781-O.
The official record, signed by Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams, makes it clear that the charges were not dismissed due to any community service performed by Amesty, as some media outlets have falsely speculated. The true reason for the dismissal was the lack of sufficient evidence to proceed with the case, prompting the prosecution to abandon legal action.
Misinformation and Media Attacks
The case has been subject to misinformation, particularly from the Orlando Sentinel, a publication known for its Democratic-leaning stance and sensationalist style. This outlet has been one of the primary disseminators of false information about Amesty since the beginning of her career in the Florida House of Representatives. On this occasion, the Orlando Sentinel falsely claimed that the charges were dismissed as a result of community service, a claim unsupported by facts.
This false narrative was subsequently echoed by other media outlets that relied on the Orlando Sentinel as their source, amplifying an inaccurate version of events and harming public perception of the case.
The Official Document as Definitive Evidence
In response to these unfounded accusations, the official document certifying the dismissal of the charges has been made public. This document, signed by Assistant State Attorney Ryan Williams and State Attorney Andrew Asher Bain, explicitly states that the State of Florida filed a Nolle Prosequi, indicating its decision not to pursue legal action. Nowhere in the document is there any mention of the dismissal being linked to community service performed by Amesty.
The decision by the State Attorney’s Office reaffirms that Carolina Amesty did not engage in any conduct warranting the continuation of the judicial process. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of verifying information before dissemination, particularly in a polarized media environment. The Orlando Sentinel and other outlets that uncritically repeated its claims have contributed to misinformation, undermining both Amesty and the credibility of journalism.
With the publication of the official record, it is hoped that it becomes clear the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, and not for any speculative or fabricated reason. This situation underscores the need for ethical and responsible journalism that prioritizes truth over partisan agendas or sensationalist interests.
