Charges dropped against Norman By Kyle LoJacono tails of the probe. the status of its probe.
[email protected] “A diligent investigation by federal inves- The gift from Hughes,who died in 2008, tigators failed to uncover evidence of a came while Norman was on the State Sen. Jim Norman got an early violation of federal criminal law by State Hillsborough County Commission, a posi- Jim Norman Kevin Ambler Christmas present from the U.S.Attorney’s Sen.Norman,”O’Neill said.“As a result,this tion he had for 18 years. Office. office is closing the current investigation.” Norman ran for the state Senate District for political influence. The Republican,who is in his first term Norman did not return repeated inter- 12 seat after being term limited in the coun- “It’s hard without showing the direct ex- at the post,was under investigation for po- view requests for comment, but his ty commission. He opposed former state change of something for something,”Ambler tentially violating federal law for not attorney,Frank Winkles,said his client appre- Rep. Kevin Ambler in the Republican pri- said.“That’s a hard thing to prove unless you disclosing a house in Arkansas owned by his ciated O’Neill’s “straightforwardness”with mary for the post. catch someone in the act of engaging in the wife,Mearline,as an asset. the investigation. Ambler filed a lawsuit seeking to disqual- trade.” U.S.Attorney Robert O’Neill said the in- “While they have always believed that ify Norman after losing the primary.A Leon Ambler maintains Norman did know vestigation was unable to find any evidence Sen.Norman would be exonerated,the cou- County circuit judge did disqualify Norman, about the about the house and the “loan” that Norman had anything to do with ple wishes to thank all who have but the ruling was overturned on appeal.