Pinellas County businessman's trial delayed until 2027

Leo Govoni faces charges for alleged $100 million theft from disabled clients

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of financial documents or accounting ledgers, with a stark, dramatic lighting that casts deep shadows, conveying a sense of the complexity and gravity of the financial crimes under investigation.A harsh, unforgiving spotlight on the financial records at the heart of an alleged multi-million dollar fraud scheme targeting the disabled.Today in Tampa

The trial for Leo Govoni, a Pinellas County businessman found liable for the disappearance of more than $100 million meant for disabled clients, has been delayed until February 2027. Govoni's attorneys say they are overwhelmed by the amount of evidence in the case and need more time. Govoni is currently being transferred from the Hernando County jail to the Charlotte County jail, though the reason for the transfer is unclear.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges victims face in recovering funds stolen by financial advisors and the lengthy legal process involved. Govoni is accused of a massive fraud scheme targeting vulnerable disabled clients, raising concerns about oversight and accountability in the financial services industry.

The details

Govoni was originally awaiting trial at the Pinellas County jail until November 2026, when he was transferred to Hernando County after being assaulted by an inmate. He is now being transferred to Charlotte County, though the specific reason is unknown. Govoni is facing multiple charges, including a 16-year money laundering conspiracy, and the defense says they have only reviewed 5 of the 92 boxes of evidence so far.

  • Govoni was originally awaiting trial at the Pinellas County jail until November 2026.
  • In November 2026, Govoni was transferred to the Hernando County jail after being assaulted by an inmate.
  • On April 16, 2026, Govoni was granted a continuance, delaying his trial from October 2026 to February 2027.

The players

Leo Govoni

A Pinellas County businessman found liable for the disappearance of more than $100 million meant for disabled clients. He is facing multiple charges, including a 16-year money laundering conspiracy.

Peggy Granier

The mother of one of the alleged victims, Sean Burke, who says her family is trying to recover some of her son's medical settlement that was stolen.

Sean Burke

One of the alleged victims listed in a 2024 lawsuit where the state attorney general's office sued Leo Govoni and others for stealing millions from disabled people.

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What they’re saying

“This journey with Sean has been going on since April 11th, 2018, when he was in Morton Plant Hospital, walked in the emergency room, and came out a quadriplegic...from there it has been a nightmare.”

— Peggy Granier, Mother of alleged victim

“Why can't this person just plead guilty? He is guilty. Why do the victims have to wait for him to be tried?”

— Peggy Granier, Mother of alleged victim

“I don't know how somebody can live and buy airplanes and properties and live like he's a millionaire or billionaire and contribute to political campaigns and not feel any kind of guilt whatsoever about what he's doing.”

— Peggy Granier, Mother of alleged victim

What’s next

The judge will decide on the reason for Govoni's transfer to Charlotte County. The trial is now scheduled for February 2027.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges victims face in recovering funds stolen by financial advisors and the lengthy legal process involved. It raises concerns about oversight and accountability in the financial services industry when vulnerable clients are targeted.