Would-Be Lobbyist Arrested For Dade Campaign Fraud

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A man who identified himself as a lobbyist and political consultant in Miami-Dade County is under arrest.

David Carcache - Guzman, also known as David Guzman, is facing numerous charges including aiding, abetting or advising in violation of the election code, falsifying records and false swearing.

According to the State Attorney's Office, Carcache assisted various candidates running for several Miami-Dade County Community Council positions during the August 26, 2014 elections.

An investigation into his practices was prompted following a resident's call saying they received a letter providing information to new candidates but they had not applied to run. That's when they contacted authorities.

Investigators said they later uncovered Carcache's scheme to solicit and control candidates running for the seats. The State Attorney's Office said that by Carcache having enough politicians under his advisory in various councils would allow him to effectively sell his unregistered lobbying and consulting services.

Authorities said some of his candidates were not even qualified for election since they did not love in the community council boundaries.

"A young man's goal of creating his own business is something we usually encourage," commented State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. "However, Mr. Carcache's business approach of undermining Miami-Dade's Community Council system, corrupting our election process, has led to his arrest."

Rundle also said the inspector general uncovered evidence of numerous fraudulent campaign documents and transactions.

Investigators said Carcache prepared fraudulent candidate qualifying documents, set up and controlled candidates' email accounts, and submitted fraudulent campaign treasurer finance reports.

Authorities said Carcache also submitted, or caused to be submitted, various documents containing false information and falsely sworn documents to the Miami-Dade Elections Department in connection with the campaigns of three Community Council candidates.

Two of those members have since resigned. The third candidate withdrew from the race before the election.