FDLE Launches Probe Into Regalado's Campaign Finances

MIAMI (CBS4) -- The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has launched an investigation into Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado for contributions made to his 2009 campaign.

According to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald, the El Nuevo Herald first reported two weeks ago that Regalado received at least $8,000 in contributions from the Dominican Republic, which is illegal under election law.

At that time, Regalado said that he thought those 16 contributions of $500 each were legal because the IRS had not informed his campaign of any irregularity. He added then that he would do everything possible to correct the situation, including returning the checks if necessary.

Monday, Regalado said the FDLE had not informed him of the investigation and he planned to refund the money.

The contributions, reports the Herald, represent less that 1 percent of the almost $850,000 raised by Regalado's campaign.

Regalado, in the midst of a political crisis, is also currently battling a mounting recall effort as city unions vote Tuesday on a recall referendum. Union officials are upset that the mayor is seeking union concessions to avoid increasing property taxes in the city which is facing a $61 million deficit for the next fiscal year.

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