.@AGJamesUthmeier says state, local officials partner with feds to end multicounty construction fraud scheme Reporting by @DrewDixon30 https://t.co/GpZ4fMTPXu #FlaPol https://t.co/NJM8pd8Ke0
Three people are facing charges after a skimming operation was busted in Hernando County. https://t.co/s2QN8I77B5
#NEW: FDACS Agriculture police, feds break up massive skimming, fuel theft operation https://t.co/7o4Pf7PrGm
Federal prosecutors have charged Clearwater businessman Leo J. Govoni and Tampa accountant John Witeck with orchestrating a years-long scheme that siphoned more than $100 million from the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, one of the nation’s largest managers of trusts for people with disabilities. An indictment unsealed this week accuses the pair of using the nonprofit as a personal slush fund, routing client money through Govoni’s Boston Finance Group and other entities to finance private-jet travel, luxury sporting events and family expenses. The Clearwater-based trust administrator oversaw about 2,000 beneficiary accounts containing roughly $200 million before filing for bankruptcy last year, when the shortfall was discovered. Govoni, 67, was arrested by FBI agents at his home on 23 June; Witeck, 60, was also taken into custody. Both face multiple counts of mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, crimes that carry potential decades-long prison sentences. The investigation was led by the FBI, IRS and Social Security Administration. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe called the alleged fraud "unfathomable," saying the defendants drained a vital financial lifeline for vulnerable families.
