Florida Men Accused of $100 Million Fraud from Special Needs Trust

Two Florida men, Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck, are facing severe legal consequences after being accused of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that allegedly siphoned over $100 million from a nonprofit organization designed to manage funds for individuals with special needs and disabilities. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has brought charges against the duo, alleging that they embezzled funds from the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNT), a nonprofit they co-founded and managed.

Govoni, 67, of Clearwater, Florida, established CSNT around the year 2000, and Witeck, 60, of Tampa, Florida, was employed as an accountant by the organization. CSNT was responsible for managing court awards, settlements, and other payments intended for people with disabilities and special needs. By 2024, the nonprofit had overseen more than 2,100 special needs trusts, containing approximately $200 million, with beneficiaries spread across nearly every state.

The DOJ alleges that Govoni, Witeck, and their unnamed co-conspirators diverted funds from CSNT's client-beneficiaries and concealed their actions through intricate financial transactions. They are accused of sending fraudulent account statements with false balances to their disabled clients, thereby masking their embezzlement. Govoni is reported to have used the stolen funds to purchase real estate, finance a brewery, and settle personal debts. Additionally, he is said to have indulged in private jet travel, according to the DOJ.

Both men have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Govoni faces additional charges of bank fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and false bankruptcy declarations. The severity of these charges underscores the gravity of the alleged crimes and the potential for lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

This case highlights the vulnerability of nonprofit organizations that manage funds for vulnerable populations. The alleged actions of Govoni and Witeck not only betray the trust placed in them by their clients but also underscore the need for robust oversight and accountability mechanisms within such organizations. The DOJ's investigation and subsequent charges serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding funds intended for those in need and the consequences of misappropriating such resources.