Clearwater businessman fired his lawyer and faced bankruptcy proceedings

TAMPA — Clearwater businessman Leogovoni faced questions in court Friday morning since being accused of receiving $100 million from the Medical Trust Fund.

Goboni took the position of an eyewitness as the bankruptcy lawyer quizzed him about his ownership and found documents in his office on North 49th Avenue, so he took the position of an eyewitness. The court previously banned Govoni from the building and granted bankruptcy officials control over the facility and some control over his company.

Fifth time, 67-year-old Govoni refused to answer the advice of his lawyer or granted the Fifth Amendment. It included questions about how he funded ownership of some companies and whether he had their tax records.

Govoni is not being charged during the investigation of the FBI, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Internal Revenue Agency. However, the federal bankruptcy court held that he was liable for the money from the missing trust fund and $20 million in interest. The money was taken from a St. Petersburg nonprofit organization that Govoni established to administer trusts set up to assist disabled and injured people.

Judge Roberta Colton, Central District of Florida, indicated that it would allow bankruptcy officials to be managed for all but two companies identified in Gobony’s office records.

She delayed controlling motions by bankruptcy councillors asking the court to sanction Govoni for his lack of cooperation, particularly by failing to prepare accounting and tax records.

The allegations stated that Govoni violated a court order by removing the property from his office building on March 26, forcing bankruptcy officials to secure the building with the assistance of Pinellas Park police.

“I’m not ready to keep you lightly empty yet, but I look forward to your cooperation,” Colton told Gobony.

His appearance in court showed how much fell a former financial advisor who once owned a civilian plane and spent more than $900,000 on contributions to political campaigns. He represents himself, wearing a slightly crumpled navy jacket. Apart from Paul Cisco, a criminal trial lawyer who is not a party to bankruptcy proceedings.

Both his previous lawyers filed an allegation of withdrawal as his lawyer, citing irreconcilable differences.

Gobony’s testimony under oath was often muttered, and he was repeatedly asked to speak to Mike. He was asked about his shares of ownership and the assets of eclectic companies, including logging companies in New England, shopping centre development interests in Ohio, and companies that manufacture Bloody Mary Mixers.

In many cases, Govoni responded that he didn’t know, despite the state’s establishment records indicating that he was the registered owner. To other questions, he said he could only answer if he was allowed to review records within the office where it was prohibited.

Other companies that he described as no longer operating, not a fictitious name that was registered in the possibility of a future business venture but not used.

Many of his answers included when he was asked about Austin Colby, the technology company he owns, and when he supported a St. Petersburg nonprofit until he became a bust.

“Don’t know if the company you own has assets?” Bankruptcy attorney Stephen Worth asked him.

“That’s right,” replied Gobony.

Govoni answered a question about another one of his company, which purchased the Cessna 525a Jet in 2014. This business, BCL Aviation, employed pilots for seven years.

“I sold more than I paid for it,” Govoni said of the aircraft. Industry records show that the selling price was $3.4 million.

Colton said at the April 18 hearing he would consider Govoni’s level of cooperation and make a decision on sanctions. She said she hopes bankruptcy officials who manage Govoni’s business offices will provide access to the facility’s computers and passwords. She is also open to Govoni, who is permitted to oversee access to his office in order to obtain documents requested by bankruptcy lawyers.

Govoni’s final statement to the judge was a request that he be allowed to remove personal items from the grounds, which is the heart of his business empire. The judge said she would allow it.