For 15 years, a nonprofit founder and his accountant allegedly plundered funds meant for vulnerable Americans, living lavishly while betraying thousands. Now, they face justice.
On June 23, 2025, an indictment was unsealed charging Leo John Govoni, 67, of Clearwater, and John Leo Witeck, 60, of Tampa, with orchestrating a 15-year scheme to steal over $100 million from a Florida nonprofit serving people with special needs. The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNT), co-founded by Govoni in 2000, managed funds for over 2,100 beneficiaries nationwide.
Prosecutors allege Govoni and Witeck treated client funds as a “personal piggy bank,” using the money for lavish real estate purchases, private jet travel, and funding a brewery. The scheme, which involved fraudulent account statements and complex financial transactions, led to CSNT’s bankruptcy in 2024, with $100 million missing. Govoni faces additional charges of bank fraud and false bankruptcy declarations.
If convicted, both men could face up to 20 years in prison. The FBI, IRS, and other agencies are investigating.
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