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News about coronavirus in Florida and around the world is constantly emerging. It's hard to stay on top of it all but Health News Florida can help. Our responsibility is to keep you informed, and to help discern what’s important for your family as you make what could be life-saving decisions.

Leon Circuit Judge Won't Dismiss Case Against Rebekah Jones

Former Florida data scientist Rebekah Jones turned herself in to authorities Sunday night. She accuses the state of retaliating against her for speaking out about its COVID-19 policies and officials' decisions related to the pandemic.
Rebekah Jones received national attention last year when she claimed Department of Health managers wanted her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture of Florida’s coronavirus situation.

The former Florida data scientist is accused by authorities of illegally accessing a Department of Health computer system.

A Leon County circuit judge has refused to dismiss a criminal case against a former state employee who claimed she was asked to manipulate COVID-19 data.

Judge Francis Allman in Tallahassee didn't explain his reasons for rejecting a motion to dismiss on Tuesday.

Jones helped build the state’s online presentation of its COVID-19 data until she was fired.

She has been accused by authorities of illegally accessing a Florida Department of Health computer system. She has been charged with one count of offenses against users of computers, computer systems, computer networks and electronic devices.

In a motion to dismiss the case, her attorneys said the system was used by multiple people who shared a username and password.

She received national attention last year when she claimed department managers wanted her to manipulate information to paint a rosier picture of Florida’s coronavirus situation.

Jones was fired from her position last May.

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