A prominent donor to Florida governor Ron DeSantis died in a suspected suicide amid a police probe into allegations of sexual misconduct, it has emerged.
Kent Stermon, 50, who was found dead last Thursday, was the subject of an ‘active investigation’ that began a few weeks earlier.
Stermon was a prominent political donor in Jacksonville and had given thousands of dollars to DeSantis and other Republican politicians in the city across recent years.
DeSantis’s office has paid tribute to Stermon but insisted the governor had ‘no knowledge’ of the police investigation.
The mystery surrounding Stermon’s death is further compounded by revelations that he had an access card to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office headquarters despite not being a member of staff.
Kent Stermon pictured with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Stermon donated tens of thousands of dollars to DeSantis and other GOP candidates. He was found dead last Thursday amid an investigation into allegations of ‘sexual misconduct’ against him
Stermon was found dead in the parking lot of the Atlantic Beach Post Office in Mayport Road at about 8pm on Thursday. A member of post office staff who was leaving work discovered him alone in a locked vehicle.
Police do not suspect foul play and it’s being treated as a suicide. Unconfirmed reports say Stermon died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The sheriff’s office has since confirmed Stermon was subject to an investigation and sources have disclosed it related to allegations of sexual misconduct.
Police have said there is ‘limited information available to release at this time’ because the inquiry is ongoing.
A statement from DeSantis’s office said he was unaware of the investigation into Stermon and added: ‘The Governor and First Lady were shocked and saddened to hear of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our entire office’s prayers) are with his family during this difficult time.’
Stermon is pictured with former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams after he was named ‘Citizen of the Year’ in 2016. Stermon had an access key for the sheriff’s office HQ despite not working there, and the sheriff’s office is now under pressure to explain the arrangement
A statement from DeSantis’s office said: ‘The Governor and First Lady were shocked and saddened to hear of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our entire office’s prayers) are with his family during this difficult time.’
Records of Stermon’s donations to GOP candidates, seen by News4JAX, reveal DeSantis received $6,000 from Stermon, $3,000 from Stermon’s wife and $53,000 from his political action committee.
Stermon also donated more than $40,000 to other GOP candidates either personally or through his company, Total Military Management.
The records show Stermon handed $12,500 to the election campaign of former Jacksonville Sheriff Mike Williams.
Williams was sheriff for several years while Stermon had an access card to the sheriff’s office headquarters.
Logs show Stermon used the access cards hundreds of times between 2017 and its final use on November 15 2022 – around three weeks before his death.
Jacksonville’s current sheriff, T.K. Waters, who was sworn in on November 20, also received $12,500 from Stermon for his election campaign committee, records show.
The reasons why Stermon had access to the HQ are unclear and the sheriff’s office is under pressure to explain the arrangement.
DailyMail.com has approached Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for comment.
A statement from the office of DeSantis, pictured with his wife Casey, said: ‘The Governor and First Lady were shocked and saddened to hear of Kent’s passing, and their prayers (and our entire office’s prayers) are with his family during this difficult time.’
DeSantis nominated Stermon to Florida’s board of governors, the body which oversees the state’s university system, in 2019
Stermon’s ties to DeSantis go back several years.
Politico reported that when DeSantis was drawn out of his congressional district in 2018 after a redistricting, he moved into a condo co-owned by Stermon in order to run again.
DeSantis also nominated Stermon to Florida’s board of governors, the body which oversees the state’s university system, in 2019.
A statement from the Board of Governors said: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Governor Kent Stermon. For the last three years, Kent has served on this board with distinction.
‘He has been a champion of higher education and student success in Florida and a long-time supporter of the University of North Florida in many ways throughout the years. The Board of Governors sends its heartfelt condolences to Kent’s family during this difficult time.’
John M. Phillips, a Jacksonville attorney who is representing a former sheriff’s office deputy, has led demands for answers about the key card arrangement.
John M. Phillips, a Jacksonville attorney who is representing a former sheriff’s office deputy, has led demands for answers about the key card arrangement
In a now-deleted tweet, he said ‘rumor has it there has been some changes to Stermon’s unfettered badge access at JSO’.
That prompted a reply from Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, which has also been deleted, which said: ‘You aren’t worth a reply as you are a media whore with no compass. But you mention my friend, Kent, and I am compelled to reply. Pound sand, chump.’
Several tributes have been paid by city officials and those close to Stermon.
Total Military Management said: ‘It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our President and COO, Kent Stermon.
‘Kent was a beloved husband and father, and a dedicated leader, mentor and friend. One of TMM’s five original employees, Kent has been integral in the growth and development of TMM over the past 18 years.
‘Kent’s passion for serving TMM’s employees and customers through a culture of care is a core value of our organization. Kent has been with the company since 2004 and will be deeply missed.’
Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said: ‘My heartfelt condolences to Kent Stermon’s family during this difficult time. I cannot imagine their pain and heartbreak. My thoughts and prayers are with them.’