ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 24-page indictment uses 50 examples of how a Russian nationalist worked with United States political groups to promote Russian propaganda.
The FBI is investigating the Uhuru Movement Headquarters in St. Pete.
The FBI alleges the St. Pete group worked with a Russian nationalist to interfere with U.S.-based elections. Uhuru Movement members didn't deny working with Russia.
Nicolè Ford is a professor at the University of Tampa and is an expert in all things politics and Russia.
Ford said what Russia is accused of doing can be dangerous for all of us.
"They sort of pounce on existing divisions and use those to break us further apart," Ford stated.
Locally, Ford believes Russian involvement with the Uhuru group could have impacted politics -- including potentially a mayoral election in St Pete. Jesse Nevel, the Uhuru Movement candidate for mayor in 2017, made headlines during the mayoral race involving Rick Kriseman and Rick Baker.
"Their candidate, Jesse Nevel, I believe it was, was able to garner 1.67 percent of the vote, which was unusual for him to get that much," Ford explained.
Ford theorizes if Russia was pushing money toward the Uhuru organization, funds could have been used to help sway votes away from a specific candidate.
"Baker was very close and we don't know if the interference had a role because of how close it was. It's likely they were trying to funnel votes from [Kriseman] the left candidate" Ford said.
The FBI's investigation continues and Ford believes the Russians will as well.
"We need to be vigilant to make sure this type of stuff doesn’t continue," Ford said. "Look at people’s sources and funding. Vote with intent. They will seize the opportunity to divide us."
It’s not just the Uhuru Movement the FBI is investigating. Other political groups in Georgia and California are also accused of working with Russians and spreading their propaganda.
The investigation is ongoing and will continue through the court system.