Federal judge finds Leo Govoni in contempt of court, will face daily $5K fine
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Over $120 million dollars taken from disabled people and their families, but the time for excuses may have run out for the Pinellas non-profit founder tied to that missing money.
St. Petersburg businessman Leo Govoni was back before a federal judge Friday morning as attorneys try to track down over $120 million tied to Govoni's now bankrupt non-profit.Govoni was given multiple extensions to provide key financial documents but the judge's patience ran out.
Those attorneys said they've been stonewalled by Govoni for months. Inside the courtroom, 8 On Your Side saw all the key players, including agents and prosecutors with the Department of Justice.
Govoni took the stand for more than an hour. After attorneys questioned him and other witnesses as well as providing evidence, Judge Roberta Colton found Govoni in contempt of court orders. The Judge imposed daily $5,000 fines until he produces personal financial and business records plus attorney's fees and the clock is ticking.
Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller asked: 'Mr. Govoni, we have to ask — where is the money? Will the victims ever recover any of the money that went missing? You've heard testimony, these people are suffering.' Govoni did not respond.
'Everybody wanted to make money and that's what they were doing, making money from the most vulnerable sick children and putting it in their own pocket,' said Kimberly Muszynski, Abby's mom.Muszynski entrusted Govoni's non-profit, the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, to manage her daughter Abby's money she received in a wrongful birth case. Abby has since passed away, but her parents' fight continues for all the victims.Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller asked Govoni, 'What would you say to the vulnerable victims who relied on you?' Govoni did not respond.Two of Govoni's attorneys have dropped him, citing his failure to pay. As of three weeks ago, Govoni has a new lawyer, attorney Buddy Ford.Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller asked, 'Mr. Ford, do you have anything to say on behalf of your client?
No, no comments right now,' responded Ford.Court records show Govoni violated more court orders when he filed for dissolution for 16 of his own companies on March 10.
Attorney John Dicks who is representing Chapter 11 Trustee Michael Goldberg in the case said his team discovered Govoni has sold off $1.6 million in real estate since the Center filed for bankruptcy in February of 2024.Investigative Reporter Brittany Muller asked Govoni, 'What about the millions of dollars that the attorney is mentioned that you're unsure of where it went?'Govoni didn't respond to Brittany but Govoni told the judge he is unsure.
Dicks claims G is stonewalling to buy time to move money and assets to other organizations under his control. dicks says that $1.6 million in real estate sales could have gone to victims and vendors Govoni has failed to pay. Govoni's attorney acknowledged that his client has not complied with court orders. Ford for then told the judge he will work to provide the requested records.
But if Govoni is in financial trouble how did he pay Ford's fees? Govoni told the judge that his wife, Jane Govoni, covered the retainer.'My committee has victims who are victims of vaccine injuries, victims of car, accidents, paraplegics victims of abortion, I think you reported on it,' said Attorney Megan Murray of the unsecured creditors committee. 'It's amazing that these victims have been able to sustain themselves without the funds that they once had in this estate.'Murray represents the victims. She called Govoni's testimony 'a complete disregard for the victim's welfare.'If Govoni does not produce the court ordered documents by May 12, Judge Colton said she will make a recommendation to the district court for criminal contempt proceedings.
Now the families across the country continue to wait to wonder how they'll be able to care for their disabled loved ones.'We're here for the victims were fighting for the victims and we're not going to stop,' said Murray.
This isn't all that Leo Govoni has to worry about both the FBI and the IRS have launched their own investigations.
Judge Colton appeared to be losing her patience with Leo Govoni.
This is what she said to Govoni as she found him in contempt of court orders:
Govoni has been 'purposefully evasive in proceedings.' He's 'been buying himself time' and while Govoni turned in a personal financial record, the judge called it 'completely worthless' and it was 'amazing it was submitted under oath.'
Govoni was asked a series of questions about his businesses and assets including, BCL Aviation, which owned a private plane. Attorney John Dicks about a flight log showing Govoni's plane visiting the Turks and Caicos and Antigua for 23 hours on Friday, May 25, 2018. Govoni was then asked if bank accounts or trusts were formed. While on the stand, Govoni said no and that he doesn't remember being on the plane then. It could have been a charter.
Govoni will be back in court on May 12th.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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