Tampa Businessman Found in Contempt Amid $100M Special Needs Trust Scandal

Families of disabled victims left without essential care as federal judge imposes daily fines and hints at criminal charges.

TAMPA, FL – May 3, 2025 — In a dramatic courtroom development, Tampa-area businessman Leo Govoni was found in civil contempt of court Friday for failing to provide key financial records in a high-stakes fraud case involving over $100 million in missing funds from a nonprofit special needs trust.

Govoni, who founded the now-defunct Center for Special Needs Trust in St. Petersburg, allegedly misappropriated funds meant for disabled individuals and their families. A federal judge has ordered him to pay $5,000 per day until he produces detailed records tied to a web of over 150 companies and properties he owns or controls.

“It feels like a complete disregard for the victims and what they’ve been through,” said Megan Murray, an attorney representing multiple families in the case.

$100 Million Missing From Nonprofit Trust for the Disabled

The Center for Special Needs Trust was intended to manage pooled trust accounts for disabled clients—funds critical for paying for therapies, treatments, housing, and daily care. In early 2024, the organization filed for bankruptcy after auditors discovered $100 million in missing client funds.

Investigations have since revealed that much of the money was funneled into business ventures owned or operated by Govoni. Court documents suggest he issued the money to himself and his companies as so-called “loans”—most of which were never repaid.

The result? More than 1,500 disabled individuals have been left without access to life-sustaining services.

Court Imposes Daily Fines and Threatens Criminal Charges

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Catherine Peek McEwen had previously ruled Govoni liable for $120 million, including interest, but he has stonewalled court orders to turn over financial documentation since September 2024.

On Friday, the judge issued a civil contempt ruling, ordering:

• A $5,000/day fine until full compliance

• Payment of all attorney fees for both sides

• A May 12 deadline before criminal contempt charges are pursued

Govoni is also prohibited from selling or transferring property without court permission after reportedly selling a property for $1.6 million without notifying the court.

Families Devastated by Financial Collapse

For many of the affected families, the impact is not just financial—it’s personal and lifelong. Some clients relied exclusively on these trusts for medication, mobility aids, or home care.

“These victims are at a loss,” said attorney Murray. “Many are fully compromised and don’t have other resources. This is about survival.”

Govoni declined to speak with the media before and after his court appearance. He refused to answer direct questions about his role in the alleged theft or whether he feels remorse.

No Criminal Charges—Yet

Despite the magnitude of the case and multiple ongoing investigations, Govoni has not yet been charged criminally. However, pressure is mounting, especially with the judge’s warning about possible criminal contempt if he fails to comply by mid-May.

Govoni’s reputation has already taken a hit. Earlier this year, he was stripped of ownership in Big Storm Brewing, a Florida-based craft brewery. Several of the company’s locations have closed since the scandal broke.

“Predatory Abuse” of the Disabled

Legal experts and family advocates are calling for swift criminal accountability.

“This wasn’t just financial mismanagement,” said one family member whose adult child lost $80,000. “This was predatory abuse of vulnerable people. These trusts were supposed to protect them when we no longer can.”

What Happens Next?

• May 12, 2025 – Deadline for Govoni to comply with court orders

• Possible criminal contempt proceedings if he does not

• Ongoing state and federal investigations could lead to additional civil or criminal charges

The case continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities in nonprofit trust management and the devastating consequences of financial abuse against the disabled.