James Batmasian

Batmasian served eight months in federal prison in 2008 for not paying the IRS about $250,000 in payroll taxes tied to his real estate business Investments Limited. Batmasian’s pardon, announced by the White House, was supported by Rep. Brian Mast, criminal justice reform advocate Alice Johnson, and famed golfer Bernhard Langer who is a friend of President Trump. Batmasian is no stranger to controversy. He and his wife Marta were allegedly connected to Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie, who is now facing charges of perjury, official misconduct and misuse of public office, among other charges. Prosecutors allege that Haynie failed to disclose her financial ties to the Batmasians, while voting on their projects. Haynie is awaiting trial. Investments Limited owns and manages about 3,800 apartments and over 3 million square feet of commercial properties in South Florida and around Boston, according to its website. It is among the largest and most active real estate firms in Boca Raton.