Federal prosecutors say Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni stole over $100 million from the very people who trusted him most – individuals with disabilities and their families. In a massive 15-count indictment announced by Greg Kehoe, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, Govoni and his associate John Witeck stand accused of pulling off one of the most cruel and sophisticated financial crimes in recent Florida history. According to FOX 13 Tampa Bay, the stolen funds were meant to cover critical needs, like housing, medical care, and transportation, for vulnerable people, including children.
How the Scheme Worked
As explained during a press conference covered by FOX 13’s Kehoe and FBI Special Agent Matthew Fodor, the story began back in 2000 when Govoni founded the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration in St. Petersburg. While the nonprofit claimed to help disabled clients manage their funds, what was actually happening behind the scenes was anything but charitable. According to Kehoe, between 2009 and 2025, Govoni and Witeck designed a plan to siphon money out of these trusts and funnel it into Govoni’s personal business empire, including dozens of for-profit companies and lavish personal expenses.
Lavish Spending on the Backs of the Disabled
Instead of safeguarding money for clients’ long-term care, Govoni used the funds to bankroll private jet trips, vacations, real estate purchases, and even to pay off his own personal debts, as revealed in the federal indictment. FOX 13’s Aaron Mesmer, who originally broke this story last year, reported that Govoni even used the funds to support businesses run by his sons. One of those businesses, Big Storm Brewing in Clearwater, has since filed for bankruptcy. The fraud wasn’t just about stealing – it was about excess, arrogance, and total disregard for human decency.
Families Devastated by the Loss
In a heartbreaking segment aired by FOX 13, Mesmer shared the story of Javier Perales, a disabled man whose family trusted Govoni with a $2 million settlement. Javier’s mother, Amparo, said Govoni met her family, visited their home, and promised to take care of her son’s future. “Now I’m thinking – you lied to me the whole time,” she said. Javier’s trust fund, like many others, is completely drained.
Another victim’s mother, Rebekah Bowman, entrusted $800,000 to the Center for her son Kienan Freeman, who requires lifelong care. “The whole time, he’s stealing my son’s money,” she said in disbelief. Bowman added that some victims have lost cell phones, internet service, and even housing due to the missing funds.
A Complex Web of Deception
FBI Special Agent Matthew Fodor told the press that this was not a quick heist. It was a long, calculated web of lies, involving over 100 shell companies and thousands of pages of financial records, some dating back to 2009. One bank account alone held 108,000 pages of records. Fodor said the FBI, IRS, Health and Human Services, and the Social Security Administration had to work together to untangle the elaborate fraud. As revealed during the press conference, the stolen money often traveled through Boston Financial Group, a business controlled by Govoni, before being funneled into various ventures.
False Reports and Ponzi Tactics
Govoni didn’t just steal. He lied consistently to cover his tracks. According to U.S. Attorney Kehoe, Govoni and Witeck sent out annual false financial statements, tricking families into believing their funds were still safely invested. In reality, the money had already been taken. When clients needed money, the pair used new victims’ funds to pay off earlier ones, mirroring the behavior of a Ponzi scheme. It’s the kind of crime that makes you question how anyone could sleep at night after doing something so vile.
Bankruptcy Uncovered the Truth
This financial house of cards began to collapse in April 2024, when the Center filed for bankruptcy. That filing brought everything into the open. As court documents surfaced, so did the shocking truth – over 1,500 trust accounts had been fully or partially emptied. According to Mesmer’s written report, Govoni had taken $100 million in loans from the trust, never paid them back, and now owes an additional $20 million in interest.
Court Seizures and Brewing Trouble
After Govoni was found liable for the missing money, the court seized more than 100 of his businesses. Among them was Big Storm Brewing, now being operated by court-appointed trustees who are trying to keep the business afloat to generate funds for the victims. According to Mesmer, the brewery is seeking government protection in hopes of staying open long enough to repay some of the damages. Even so, many families remain skeptical that they’ll ever see their money again.
No Jail – For Now
Even with the enormous damage caused, Govoni has not yet been criminally convicted. In a recent bankruptcy court decision, Judge Roberta Colton chose not to file a criminal contempt charge, despite Govoni’s refusal to turn over all financial records. Tampa attorney Anthony Rickman told FOX 13, “Sanctioning him or putting him in jail does nothing to recuperate the money for these people.” The judge instead prioritized trying to recover assets. While some see this as strategic, others feel justice is still incomplete.
Victims Want Accountability
Victims’ families want more than money – they want accountability. “We’ve wondered for so long why people who’ve done far less go to jail so much faster,” said Rebekah Bowman. The pain goes beyond the financial – these families were left exposed, vulnerable, and betrayed by someone who claimed to protect them. To this day, Govoni has not apologized or offered any public explanation. Despite repeated attempts by Mesmer and FOX 13 to question him, Govoni remains silent.
A Fraud Still Unfolding
Investigators say the scheme may have continued into May 2025, even after Govoni was under investigation. That’s not just reckless – it’s shameless. According to Kehoe, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is still building the case, and the federal indictment leaves room for more evidence to come. This isn’t over. Kehoe emphasized that his office, along with all four federal agencies involved, are determined to ensure Govoni and Witeck face the consequences.
Why This Case Is So Disturbing
There are many fraud cases that shock the public, but this one strikes a nerve. It’s not just about money. It’s about robbing the most vulnerable people, many of them disabled children, of their future, independence, and safety. Govoni didn’t just commit fraud – he weaponized trust. He met families in their homes, shook their hands, and looked them in the eye while planning to drain their life savings. That level of manipulation makes this one of the most emotionally damaging white-collar crimes in recent memory.
Will There Ever Be Justice?
Even with 15 criminal charges and the threat of up to 265 years in prison, many victims still feel justice is far away. Restitution is uncertain, and Govoni hasn’t shown any remorse. Maybe the saddest part is how easily this fraud was hidden for so long. Audits didn’t catch it. Courts didn’t stop it. The victims only learned the truth when the money was already gone. If this case teaches anything, it’s that oversight in nonprofit financial institutions needs to be more than paperwork – it needs to be real, continuous, and thorough.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.