TAMPA, Fla — 2 Florida men have been charged with stealing over $100 million from victims with special needs.
The United States Attorney with the Middle District of Florida said they have filed federal charges against Leo Govoni, 67, of Clearwater, and John Leo Witeck, 60, of Tampa.
Families contributed money to a Special needs trust to be deposited into accounts for care when needed, but the funds were allegedly used for personal purposes by Govoni and Witeck, the US Attorney said.
The FBI said Govoni allegedly established over a hundred shell companies to conceal the corruption.
On June 3, Govoni was also ordered to transfer all stock to the Chapter 11 trustee. He owned stock in Big Storm Brewery, and the company now belongs to the bankruptcy estate.
Govoni and Witeck are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of mail fraud, six counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The charges include prison sentences that, together, exceed 100 years.
“You know, it might just be time we take a look if HOAs are really even necessary.
Maybe we should just do away with homeowner associations as a whole.”
South Florida lawmaker Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami) says it may be time to do away with homeowners associations altogether, as more Floridians speak out about rising fees, costly lawsuits, and even arrests tied to HOA disputes. He said this week that he is considering filing legislation in the next session that would abolish HOAs statewide.
