Florida Men Charged in $100 Million Nonprofit Fraud Scheme
Two men from Florida are facing serious charges for allegedly attempting to embezzle over $100 million from a nonprofit organization that was supposed to assist individuals with disabilities and special needs.
This week, federal authorities submitted sealed charges against Leo J. Govoni, 67, from Clearwater, and John Viveck, 66, from Tampa. They now contend with multiple charges, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If they’re found guilty on all counts, they could be looking at decades behind bars.
This case pertains to one of the largest organizations handling special needs trusts in the United States, which manages funds designated for individuals needing special assistance.
Co-founded by Govoni 25 years ago, Clearwater’s Special Needs Trust Administration Center oversaw over 2,000 accounts and managed approximately $200 million for clients in Florida and beyond. Prosecutors argue that the agency assured clients their funds would be safeguarded and wisely invested.
However, Govoni and another accountant involved exploited the nonprofit as a “slush fund” for their personal benefit, according to court documents.
Govoni is alleged to have utilized nonprofit funds for lavish expenditures, such as private jet travel, funding lifestyles for friends and family, and enjoying luxurious events like Tampa Bay Buccaneers games and the Kentucky Derby.
As for legal representation, Govoni’s and Viveck’s attorneys have not been identified in the court documents. Two lawyers representing Govoni in an unrelated bankruptcy matter did not respond immediately to requests for comments.
The attorney who previously represented the nonprofit in its bankruptcy proceedings also failed to reply promptly to inquiries.
According to prosecutors, the accused crafted intricate financial maneuvers to hide fraudulent activities, issuing fake account statements with misleading balances to their clients and families.
The nonprofit had filed for bankruptcy in 2024, indicating that more than $100 million meant for client support had vanished from trust accounts.
Gregory Kehoe, a state attorney, remarked, “The fraud attributed to this national scheme is immeasurable.”
This investigation has involved several federal entities, including the FBI, IRS, and the Social Security Administration.
“While draining the organization’s resources, the accused undermined community trust and ultimately left vulnerable families without essential support,” stated Jose Perez, assistant director of the FBI’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.
