JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Action News is uncovering more of the money trail left by those involved in Operation Reveal the Deal.
A search of campaign finance records reveals 15 of Jacksonville's current city council members received campaign donations from people or businesses involved in the investigation.
That includes President Bill Bishop who says he never questioned donations made by local attorney Kelly Mathis, who is said to be the mastermind behind the scheme, or Seaside Technologies, a South Carolina-based company that is now being investigated.
"It's not uncommon for elected officials to look through the lists of those that have donated, but if the money is coming from what we think is a reputable source, there's no real reason to question it."
Bishop says he wouldn't be surprised if the people and businesses involved gave to hundreds of local, state, and federal leaders.
"Every lobbyist donates to various entities that they think are going to be helpful to their cause. That's how it works."
Sheriff John Rutherford has acknowledged he received donations from some of those arrested, but says refusing the money may have hindered the investigation.
"I called for the investigation so I knew they were being looked at, but I didn't want to arouse their suspicions and tip them off in any way."
Action News has, so far, found a total of $4,500 given to the sheriff over the years, including contributions from the FOP and Davis Internet. Mazen Salloum, Nelson Cuba and Michael Ryles who were all arrested Tuesday, also contributed.
State Attorney Angela Corey received a total of $1,200 from former FOP Vice President Robbie Freitas, the FOP, and Bass Consulting, the company operated by Jerry Bass.
In addition to local leaders, both the Republican Party of Florida and the Florida Democratic Party are searching their records for donations made by those involved.
Action News found $5,000 was given to the RPOF by Davis Internet in 2012, as well as $175 from the Jacksonville FOP and two contributions of $15,000 and $29,500 from Seaside Technologies.
RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry says "In light of recent developments, the RPOF is examining financial contributions that may be connected to any entities affiliated with the investigation and we are reviewing the most appropriate options."
The Democratic Party also received two donations from Seaside Technologies in 2012 for $15,000 and $6,000, as well as $5,000 from the Jacksonville FOP.
A spokesperson for the Democratic Party tells Action News it has already identified $72,000 that it received in the 2012 general election cycle from those involved across the state, and it plans to donate that money to Florida veterans.
