Scoop: Scott hasn't returned donations from businessman accused of trust fraud
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U.S. Sen. Rick Scott speaks to the press. Photo: Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images
Months after fraud allegations against Leo Joseph Govoni came to light, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott hasn't returned tens of thousands the Pinellas businessman donated to support his campaign, federal election records show.
Why it matters: Thousands of families watched their money evaporate after entrusting it to Govoni's nonprofit, which managed trust funds for vulnerable people, according to court records.
- Scott called the situation "heartbreaking" in an April letter he sent to the Social Security Administration, adding that Govoni should be "held accountable" in a manner that also makes the victims "whole."
- Govoni has not been charged criminally and has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
Driving the news: Axios asked Scott in late June why he hadn't returned Govoni's contributions to his fundraising committees, which totaled at least $85,000.
- Scott's campaign spokesperson, Will Hampson, said in text messages on June 27 that the committees had donated "contributions from this donor to charity."
- He declined repeated requests for specifics about when and where the money was donated.
- FEC filings released on Monday show that Scott's campaign donated only $15,800 to a foundation for those with disabilities — the day after Axios inquired about the money.
What they're saying: Hampson told Axios that amount represents "everything [Govoni] donated to [the] campaign and affiliated groups this [election] cycle that we have the power to donate."
Catch up quick: Govoni is accused in court filings of loaning himself $100 million from the nonprofit between 2009 and 2020, money the organization's new management says he never repaid.
- His Center for Special Needs Trust Administration filed for bankruptcy in February.
- These funds were allegedly funneled into various businesses, including Clearwater-based Big Storm Brewing, co-owned by his son, Leo John (L.J.) Govoni.
- Attorney General Ashley Moody (R) filed a lawsuit against Leo Joseph Govoni last month.
By the numbers: Leo Joseph Govoni and his family donated six-figure sums to Republicans during the time he's accused of siphoning money from the nonprofit.
- Joint fundraising committees for Scott received $116,800.00 from Govoni, his wife, Jane, and his son between Aug. 8, 2018, and May 21, 2021, according to FEC records.
- Leo Joseph and Jane Govoni also held a fundraiser for Scott in 2018, while their son donated the maximum amount allowed to Scott's campaign that year, FEC records show.