A shocking revelation rocked the camp of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last week as one of his popular donors was found dead in a car.
According to the Washington Examiner, a man called Kent Stermon, 50, who happened to be under investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in the weeks leading up to his death, was found deceased in his vehicle Thursday evening.
The investigation is said to be one involving alleged sexual misconduct. The investigation is still “ongoing,” but authorities haven’t confirmed its extent.
At this time, authorities also do not believe that foul play was involved in Stermon’s death.
Details are light
Given that the investigation is still under wraps, for the most part, not much information is available at the current time.
The Jacksonville Sheriff has confirmed close Ron DeSantis ally and GOP donor Kent Stermon was under an active criminal investigation before his body was discovered in his vehicle Thursday night.
Stermon, who died by suicide, was being investigated for alleged sexual misconduct.
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) December 9, 2022
A spokesperson for Gov. DeSantis released a statement on Stermon’s death, writing, “The Governor and First Lady were shocked and saddened to hear of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our entire office’s prayers) are with his family during this difficult time.”
The Examiner added: “Stermon served as the president of Total Military Management, a defense contracting company in the Jacksonville area, and had made at least $140,000 worth of political donations, including $50,000 to a group that favors DeSantis, according to financial disclosures.”
Local businessman and political operative Kent Stermon was found dead last night, as an apparent victim of a self inflicted gunshot wound. pic.twitter.com/uVPektthQr
— Folio Weekly (@folioweekly) December 9, 2022
Condo rental
Many on social media who are critical of the Florida governor slammed him for what they claim was DeSantis pretending not to know Stermon was under a possible sexual misconduct investigation by authorities. Some pointed out that Stermon had rented the Republican governor’s former home.
I find it difficult to believe that Gov. DeSantis was not aware that Kent Stermon was under investigation for sexual misconduct – One of his closest friends, largest donors, and allies, who also rented DeSantis his home, and was appointed by DeSantis to the Board of Governors. https://t.co/RrY1VL2ZJ1
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) December 9, 2022
Stermon was also appointed to DeSantis’ transition team after he secured his first term as the governor of Florida.
He would eventually be chosen by the Florida governor to serve on the board of governors for Florida’s state university system.
In the lead-up to his death, Stermon had also suffered a stroke and other undisclosed health issues.