Former Florida Senator Frank Artiles has been found guilty on three felony charges related to a 'ghost candidate' scheme intended to influence the 2020 Florida State Senate election. Artiles orchestrated payments totaling $44,000 to Alex Rodriguez, a candidate with no real chance of winning, to siphon votes away from the Democratic incumbent, Jose Javier Rodriguez. The Miami-Dade jury's unanimous verdict came after over six hours of deliberation, convicting Artiles of excessive campaign contributions, conspiracy, and false swearing, while acquitting him of aiding false voter registration. The defense argued the payments to Rodriguez, which included legal fees and tuition, were legitimate business transactions. Artiles faces up to five years in prison for each charge, but his attorney has promised an appeal. The scheme was linked to dark money efforts by Florida Power & Light, although its CEO was not charged.