Two Tampa Bay Men Charged in $100 Million Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Targeting Nonprofit for Individuals with Disabilities
Tampa Bay Men Charged in $100 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting Vulnerable Families
TAMPA, Fla. — In a shocking revelation, federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against two Tampa Bay men, Leo John Govoni, 67, of Clearwater, and John Leo Witeck, 60, of Tampa, for their alleged involvement in a massive fraud and money laundering scheme that siphoned over $100 million from a Clearwater-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and special needs.
The indictment details a 16-year operation, spanning from June 2009 to May 2025, that culminated in the bankruptcy of the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNT), an organization founded by Govoni in 2000. At its peak, CSNT managed special needs trusts for more than 2,100 beneficiaries, overseeing approximately $200 million in assets as of early 2024.
According to court documents, Govoni and Witeck misappropriated client funds to finance extravagant personal expenses, including luxury real estate, private jet travel, and investments in a brewery. They allegedly concealed their theft through fraudulent account statements that misrepresented trust balances to families and beneficiaries, leaving many without essential financial support.
In February 2024, CSNT filed for bankruptcy, revealing the staggering loss of over $100 million in client funds. This devastating fallout has left vulnerable families in dire straits, struggling to cope without the financial lifelines they relied upon.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida expressed outrage at the alleged crimes, stating, “This fraud is unfathomable. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society is a top priority, and this case will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Federal authorities from multiple agencies have condemned the scale and cruelty of the scheme. FBI Assistant Director Jose A. Perez remarked, “These subjects betrayed the trust of the community and bankrupted a lifeline for vulnerable families. The FBI will not tolerate the exploitation of charitable missions for personal gain.”
IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco added, “Stealing funds intended to support people with special needs is as cruel as it is criminal.”
In addition to the conspiracy charges, Govoni faces separate allegations of bank fraud involving a $3 million mortgage refinance and laundering over $200,000 of the alleged proceeds to pay down a home equity line of credit. He is also charged with making false declarations during the CSNT bankruptcy proceedings.
The charges carry severe penalties: up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud, up to 20 years for each count of mail or wire fraud, 10 years for illegal monetary transactions, and five years for false bankruptcy declarations.
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration’s Inspector General’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Michael Gordon, along with Justice Department trial attorney Lyndie Freeman.
As the legal proceedings unfold, both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The community watches closely, hoping for justice for the families affected by this egregious betrayal.