Sabatini Campaign Hires Questionable Consultants, Staff

Recent federal election records now put one Central Florida candidate in the hot seat. State Representative Anthony Sabatini, currently running in a bid to represent congressional district 7, has remained a conservative fire brand for the past several years in the state legislature.

However, his association with Congressman Matt Gaetz, currently under investigation for sex trafficking, and his terse language have led some to question their support for his campaign.

Now, recent federal election commission records indicate a pattern of questionable associations, including the hiring of two individuals with criminal records and serious allegations.

On April 12, 2022, the public learned that authorities issued an arrest warrant for Cliff Maloney, Jr., a Sabatini consultant facing rape charges. Pennsylvania police records first published by The Daily Beast show Cliff Maloney Jr. also faces charges of aggravated assault in connection to the same 2013 incident at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Sabatini paid Maloney $40,136 over the course of eight months in 2021.

But Sabatini‘s association with Gaetz and Maloney isn’t the end of the line.

Disgraced GOP politico and former Democrat Randy Ross also joined Sabatini’s team as a fundraiser and bundler. Despite being convicted on many counts including fraud, Sabatini welcomed Ross on board, paying no mind to his 7 page Florida Dept. of Law of Enforcement (FDLE) record.

READ MORE: Randy Ross Not Worthy of Advancement in GOP Politics

In response to an op-ed published in 2021 by an OLN writer on his past activities and criminal history, our office received a cryptic and threatening voicemail from Ross, encouraging our staff to “have a safe day.” Sources confirm the voice to be that of Ross.

From 2001 to 2003, Ross was previously charged with larceny and pled guilty for violation of statute number 812. 014 2c. Ross’s record spans both Seminole and Orange counties.

Among his many convictions, most recently in 2015 Ross fabricated thousands of dollars in false insurance claims relating to lawn furniture allegedly stolen from his home. He pled guilty to the crime and the court ultimately ordered 5 years probation, 250 hours community service and Ross was subsequently instructed to pay about $4,000 in restitution. He lost his driving privileges for several years for failing to pay the fines.

In addition to his association with Ross, Gaetz, and Maloney, Sabatini has also come under fire for accepting thousands of dollars in consulting fees from convicted pedophile and former Seminole Counter Tax Collector Joel Greenberg for no substantive purpose.

Our staff reached out to the Sabatini campaign for comment about his associations and staff picks with no response. The State Representative faces several other challengers in the race for Congressional District 7, including Corey Mills, a military veteran, Scott Sturgill, a business owner and former Soil and Water Commissioner in Seminole County, and former Chief of Staff for Rep. John Mica, Rusty Roberts.

This is a developing story.