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Jacksonville Bar Association Accused of 'Two Sets of Books'
7 Apr
Summary
- Allegations of financial mismanagement and false reporting against former executive director.
- JBA's operational reserves dropped by 60% to $160,000 as of January 2026.
- Lawyer Referral Service accused of filing false quarterly reports with Florida Bar.
An internal report obtained by Action News Jax alleges significant financial mismanagement, false reporting, and governance failures within the Jacksonville Bar Association (JBA), primarily targeting its former executive director, Craig Shoup. The report, authored by interim Executive Director Jon McGowan, suggests Shoup operated with two sets of financial records.
McGowan claims expenses were shifted from the JBA to the Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) to mask the JBA's financial decline. The report indicates the JBA has operated at a loss since 2021, with its operational reserves decreasing by 60% from $405,000 in July 2021 to $160,000 by January 2026. At the current rate, the JBA could run out of funds by December 2028.
Further allegations state that incorrect tax returns were filed with the IRS for fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Shoup's salary reportedly increased by nearly 70% during his tenure, with bonuses based on inflated financial figures. The LRS also faces accusations of submitting false quarterly reports to the Florida Bar, including exaggerated attorney participation and inaccurate financial data.
McGowan urges the JBA board to commission an independent audit, file amended tax returns, and seek legal counsel. He also warns board members of potential personal liability for inadequate oversight. The JBA has stated that the report contains inaccuracies and unfounded assumptions, and that their CPA is still reviewing the financials.
