Florida GOP donor drained $100 million from trust funds of disabled kids. families are finding the accounts at $0 [View all]
Clearwater businessperson Leo Govoni, accused of taking an unsanctioned $100 million loan from a charity that administers trust funds for the medically needy but is now seeking protection in bankruptcy court, is also one of the Tampa Bay area’s big political donors.
Giving in his own name or through numerous businesses registered at the same addresses in Clearwater, Govoni has given hundreds of thousands of dollars over the last several years to state, local and federal candidates, the vast majority to Republicans.
An exact accounting is difficult because Govoni has given political money through numerous corporations. Florida law allows corporate political contributions, and it’s not unusual for numerous corporations controlled by a single individual to make separate contributions.
But a partial survey of campaign finance reports suggests the Govoni state and local contributions reach well into six figures over the last decade or so.
At the federal level, where corporate contributions aren’t allowed, Govoni has given nearly $500,000 under his own name since 2009, with major beneficiaries including the Republican Party; Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott; and Reps. David Jolly, Anna Paulina Luna and Dennis Ross.
https://www.tampabay.com/news/clearwater/2024/02/24/clearwater-man-accused-taking-improper-loan-gave-freely-politics/
Apple Valley family loses over $46,000 for special needs son after suspected embezzlement
Marcus and Donna Rollins lost nearly $46,000 for their special needs son after a trust founder's suspected embezzlement of millions of dollars.
The Apple Valley couple shared their shock and heartbreak, knowing the money they saved for their son, Matthew, 21, is gone.
“These are special needs families just trying to do what's good for their loved ones' futures —and just like that, you lose it all,” Donna said. “The idea of a trust is that you can pay for the things not covered and to give Matthew a quality of life otherwise not possible.”
Matthew, who uses a wheelchair, is a 2020 Apple Valley High School graduate and an active member of the local Lions Club, along with his parents.
Donna Rollins said her family lost nearly $46,000 for their special needs son, Matthew, after a trust founder's suspected embezzlement of millions of dollars.
Accounts drained
Leo Govoni, founder of The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, is accused of taking $100 million and causing the business to file for bankruptcy, according to Tampa Bay’s FOX13.
https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2024/03/05/apple-valley-family-loses-over-46000-after-suspected-embezzlement/72774787007/
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