The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida identified Friday, August 14, 2026, as the deadline for victims to submit a plea-resolution conferral questionnaire. That deadline had passed as of August 15. The request does not mean a plea agreement has been reached. The Justice Department says victims’ views are among the factors prosecutors may consider while evaluating possible negotiations.

The defendants, Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck, have pleaded not guilty and remain presumed innocent. The case is still on the court’s February 2027 trial calendar, with a tentative trial date of February 2, 2027, according to the Justice Department case page.

What prosecutors allege

A superseding indictment returned May 28, 2026, did not substantively change the criminal charges, but modified the forfeitures alleged in the case. It says Govoni and Witeck participated in a conspiracy involving more than $100 million and “hundreds, if not thousands,” of potential victims, many of whom had physical or mental disabilities.

The indictment says the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration, or CSNT, managed more than 2,100 special-needs trusts containing approximately $200 million as of February 2024. From 2009 through 2024, it says, the organization served more than 5,000 distinct client-beneficiaries.

Prosecutors allege that client funds were pooled for investment through CSNT and related entities, while individual beneficiary accounts were required to remain separately tracked and used for each beneficiary’s benefit. The indictment alleges that money was diverted and used improperly. Those claims have not been proven in court.

Why special-needs trusts matter

Special-needs trusts can hold assets for people who receive means-tested benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income. When established and administered under applicable rules, these trusts can help preserve eligibility while paying for needs that public programs may not cover.

That structure makes accurate accounting and careful administration important for beneficiaries, families, guardians and trustees. A problem with a trust administrator can affect both money held in an account and a person’s broader benefits planning.

Who may still need information

The FBI is separately seeking information from people who may have been connected to CSNT or related entities. Its voluntary questionnaire is directed to beneficiaries, guardians, trustees and representatives of potential victims. The form asks about account records, deposits, statements, possible losses and the impact on beneficiaries and families.

Submitting the FBI form does not guarantee compensation, establish victim status or guarantee notice of a plea. People who believe they or someone they represent held an affected account should review the official Justice Department and FBI materials and consider consulting an attorney about individual circumstances.

Criminal case and bankruptcy are separate

CSNT filed for bankruptcy in February 2024 after disclosing that more than $100 million in client-beneficiary funds was missing from its trust accounts. The bankruptcy proceeding, overseen by a court-appointed trustee, is separate from the criminal prosecution. The Justice Department says many people affected by the alleged criminal conduct are also unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy case.

Potentially affected people may need to follow both proceedings. Participation in the FBI’s victim-information process does not itself establish bankruptcy creditor rights or guarantee recovery.

What happens next

The FBI investigation remains active, and the criminal case includes continuing court proceedings and monthly status conferences. The tentative February 2, 2027, trial date could change if the case is resolved earlier, delayed or otherwise modified by the court.

The Justice Department case page and FBI questionnaire provide official contact and submission information. The DOJ says it cannot provide legal advice, so people with individualized questions about victim rights, bankruptcy claims or trust accounts should consider consulting an attorney.

Sources

• U.S. Department of Justice case page
• FBI victim-information questionnaire
• Associated Press report