Tag Archives: broward circuit court

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints Pascale Achille To Broward Circuit Court Bench

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Press release from the 17th Judicial Circuit:

Pascale Achille

Fort Lauderdale, FL – The 17th Judicial Circuit is delighted to announce the appointment of Pascale Achille to the Circuit Court bench. Governor Ron DeSantis made the appointment on Monday to fill the vacancy created by the August 15th resignation of Judge Gary M. Farmer, Jr.

“We would like to formally congratulate and extend a warm welcome to Judge Pascale Achille on her appointment to the 17th Judicial Circuit Court bench,” said Chief Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips. “We greatly look forward to working alongside her.”

Judge Achille has worked as an Assistant State Attorney at the Broward State Attorney’s Office for 12 years where she has been a member of the Homicide Trial Unit since 2018. She was previously assigned to the sexual battery and career criminal units. Earlier in her career, she spent eight years as a civil attorney handling federal and state matters, drafting appellate briefs and arguing before the Second and Fifth District Court of Appeal.

A graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Art’s degree in English, Judge Achille earned her Juris Doctor from Nova Southeastern University College of Law.

“I am truly grateful to the Governor’s Office and the Judicial Nominating Commission for the privilege of serving the people as a Circuit Court Judge,” said Judge Achille, a longtime Broward County resident. “It has been an honor to serve Broward County as an Assistant State Attorney in the Homicide Trial Unit.”

Judge Destry Latest Broward Pol Violating Florida Campaign Laws

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Matthew I. Destry is a Criminal Division judge of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida. He was appointed by former Governor Charlie Crist on November 21, 2007 to replace retired Judge Larry Seidlin. He was re-elected on November 2, 2010 to a 6 year term that ends on January 2, 2017

Judge Matthew Destry

Circuit Court Judge Matthew Destry is the latest Broward politician violating Florida elections laws. Florida Statute Section 106.09(1)(a) states, “A person may not make an aggregate cash contribution…to the same candidate or committee in excess of $50 per election.” According to the law, anyone who accepts more than $50 in cash, “commits a misdemeanor of the first degree.” Accepting more than $5000 is a felony. On November 11, 2015 Judge Matthew Destry deposited $1,000 cash into his campaign account.

In a December 10th letter to the Florida Division of Elections, Destry’s campaign admitted its mistake. “In filing the report it was learned that no more than $50 in cash may be accepted for any campaign contribution including the funds of the candidate. While we were aware of this regulation we were unaware that it included the candidates own personal funds as well as funds of others.” The campaign issued a refund to Destry and he gave a check to the campaign.

Last May, REDBROWARD exposed how Judge John “Jay” Hurley accepted campaign contributions before filing for re-election. He refunded the money. However, the refund may not save Hurley from the wrath of the Florida Supreme Court. In April, the Florida Supreme Court issued a public reprimand against an Indian River County Judge for doing the same thing.

In August, REDBROWARD revealed Broward School Board Member Rosalind Osgood has violated Florida elections law, twice. On July 9, 2015, Osgood loaned her campaign $100 in cash. Two weeks later, Osgood contributed $1,000 in cash.

In June, REDBROWARD showed Florida House candidate Roxanne Valies listed three contributions made by Valies herself. Two cash contributions of $50 each and one $150 check. In May, Valies loaned the campaign another $300 from her own funds.

Also in June, REDBROWARD exposed how Broward Sheriff “Mystery Man” candidate Edison Jules gave his own campaign $500 in cash.

Last week, REDBROWARD reported Broward County Circuit Court candidate Lea Krauss may have violated Florida Statutes and Code of Judicial Conduct. Krauss admitted to attending a partisan political fundraiser. She said she paid to attend the Hollywood Hills Democratic Club event.

Why can’t Broward politicians follow the rules?