F.B.I Investigation of Jim Norman

The F.B.I. has expanded their investagation into Florida Sen. Jim Norman. The Feds have filed a documents request pertaining to Norman's time on the Hillsborough County Commission. The HC attorney Renee Lee confirmed the St. Petersburg Times of the F.B.I request.

It appears the F.B.I. is looking for documents that will help build a case against Norman. The investigation started after primary opponent Kevin Ambler and the media reported that the late Ralph Hughes gave Norman's wife the money to buy a $435,000 home in Arkansas. Norman failed to list to home on his financial disclosure form all political candidate must file. Norman's wife has no employment and in no way could have paid for the house on her own. What made matters more suspicious is Norman refuse to say who gave his wife the money to purchase the house. Mearline Norman was able to purchase the house with no bank loan.

NORMAN: "I'm not getting into my wife's investment portfolio. That's my wife's interests."

Kevin Ambler's legal attempts to throw Norman off the ballot revealed that the late Ralph Hughes gave the money to Mearline Norman. Hughes' living relatives became interested and wanted the $435,000 back. The F.B.I. is also intersted. The documents requested deal with Norman's relationship with Hughes.

* Any rule, law or policy that identifies ethics requirements of county commissioners.

* Commissioners' oath of office.

* Any conflict of interest forms filed by Norman in the years 2005 to 2007, and a blank conflict form.

* A list of contractors for the county six months before and after March 6, 2006.

* All appearances by Hughes before any county board or commission from 2005 to 2007.

The F.B.I. is focused on the time between 2005 to 2007 because the Arkansas home was purchased in 2006. The F.B.I. is looking into county document that shows Norman's home violating is service to public office. The fact that Norman failed to list the home on several financial diclosure statements is potential a legal liablity.