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CBS News
5 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Firings at Trump's DOJ complicate case against Florida man accused of bilking kids with special needs
An ongoing purge of federal prosecutors from the Justice Department has impacted the criminal case against a Florida businessman accused of fleecing children with special needs. The latest wave of firings included the prosecutor who was helping lead the criminal case against Leo Govoni, whose scheme allegedly bilked approximately $100 million from a fund to help people with disabilities. Michael Gordon, who also handled a series of U.S. Capitol riot prosecutions, was among several prosecutors fired in recent weeks, CBS News has learned. Gordon had recently taken over formal duties for prosecuting Govoni's case in Florida. Critics have accused the Trump administration of seeking political retribution for the U.S. Capitol insurrection cases by firing prosecutors, investigators and at least one administrator who worked on the cases. The Justice Department also fired investigators and prosecutors who helped former Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation of President Trump's alleged mishandling of classified records and efforts to overturn the 2020 election. More than 20 total firings have been confirmed by CBS News. The Justice Department has not commented on the firings. Gordon's dismissal risks complicating the timeline for the Govoni case. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Florida Democrat, is urging the Justice Department to reverse course and rehire Gordon. Castor said in a statement, "The victims of Govoni's alleged fraud number in the thousands—each with painful and personal stories. Mr. Gordon's removal places this case, and their hope for accountability, in jeopardy." Govoni is accused of being part of a scheme to embezzle money from an organization that was established to help manage money for people with special needs. The Justice Department said earlier this year, "The defendants conspired to use the funds of special needs clients as a personal piggy bank, stealing $100 million dollars meant for the most vulnerable members of our society to enrich themselves." Amparo Perales, a mother whose son Javier has needed care for blindness and severe encephalitis, said her family lost $2 million in the scheme. Perales told CBS News she was "shocked" by Gordon's firing. "These victims already have difficult lives and futures. A delay in the legal process is detrimental to the well being of the victims," Perales said. Rebekah Bowman of Florida, whose son, Kienen Freeman, suffers from a severe seizure disorder, said she lost more than $1 million in funds for her son because of Govoni's alleged scheme. "It took long enough to get him arrested. People have been through a lot and don't want any more delays," Bowman said. Govoni was charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, money laundering conspiracy and multiple counts of fraud. He has not yet entered a plea, and an arraignment is scheduled for Thursday. Govoni's lawyers asked for him to be released pre-trial, noting he has "no prior criminal history" and describing him as a "67-year-old in poor physical health." CBS News has reached out to his attorney for comment. An accountant for Govoni's company was also charged as part of the alleged conspiracy, and a not-guilty plea was entered in his case. Prosecutors said Govoni founded the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration in 2000 and helped manage approximately $200 million in funds and more than 2,000 special needs trusts. Prosecutors alleged Govoni used the organization's accounts as a "slush fund." Federal investigators said Govoni used the money to "purchase real estate, travel via private jet, fund a brewery, make deposits into his personal bank accounts, and pay personal debts." In a series of letters filed with the federal court in Tampa last month, one parent of a person with special needs wrote, "I wish you could look into the eyes of my son and the many other medically needy victims and tell them that you're going to do the right thing and keep that man behind bars where he belongs." Another parent wrote, "Please do not let this horrible criminal out of jail. He is clever and surely has money hidden and plans to go into hiding if released. All his victims have breathed a sigh of relief when we heard he was finally arrested. The first relief any of us have felt since this has happened." Another victim wrote, "Who steals from victimized children in foster care? The disabled? The most vulnerable amongst us? Someone who has no conscience, compassion, or mercy." Gordon is listed in court records as a Tampa-based prosecutor for the Justice Department. Like many federal prosecutors, he brought cases related to the Jan. 6 riots — which was the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history, with more than 1,500 defendants. Hours after Mr. Trump returned to office in January, he pardoned almost everybody convicted in the riot and ordered the Justice Department to drop charges against any remaining defendants. Gordon had a role in prosecuting one of the best-known Jan. 6 defendants, Ray Epps, who was at the center of conspiracy theories claiming — without any evidence — he was a government-planted agitator. Epps pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on restricted grounds and was sentenced to probation. The Justice Department declined to comment on Gordon's firing and its possible impact on Govoni's prosecution. Gordon did not offer a comment to CBS News. Many of the prosecutors who were fired were identified by a "weaponization working group" set up by the Trump administration to review Biden-era law enforcement policies, CBS News previously reported. Other prosecutors who handled Jan. 6 cases resigned their posts with the Justice Department, ahead of the recent firings. Greg Rosen, who was the chief of the agency's Capitol Siege section, departed last month. In a June 3 interview with CBS News, Rosen criticized the initial wave of firings. "To see those talented prosecutors be marginalized or removed from office is an affront to the independence of the department," Rosen said. Patty Hartman, a former public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorney's office in the District of Columbia, was fired last week. Hartman, who helped distribute press releases about the Jan. 6 cases, accused the Justice Department of seeking to launch a wave of retribution against employees who were part of the Capitol siege case. Hartman told CBS News she is troubled by the series of dismissals of colleagues. "I'm still very proud of all of them, even the ones that got removed, because they didn't deserve it," Hartman told CBS News.
Arab News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
US ambassador asks Israel to investigate death of US citizen in West Bank
WEST BANK: US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said on Tuesday he has asked Israel to 'aggressively' investigate the death of an American citizen who was beaten to death in the West Bank. 'There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old,' Huckabee said in a post on X. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately provide comment. Israel's military previously said Israel was investigating the incident. US citizen Sayafollah Musallet, 20, also known as Saif, was severely beaten in the incident on Friday evening in Sinjil, north of Ramallah, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. I have asked @Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death. There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old. — Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@GovMikeHuckabee) July 15, 2025 His family, from Tampa, Florida, said in a statement that medics tried to reach him for three hours before his brother managed to carry him to an ambulance, but that he died before reaching the hospital. 'We must honor his memory by speaking out against violence and working toward a future of peace and dignity,' US Representative Kathy Castor, who represents Tampa, said in a post on X. 'The Administration must work with our international partners to ensure the protection of Americans abroad.' Some members of the US House of Representatives have condemned the killing of Musallet, and others have called on the US State Department to investigate the incident. The department did not immediately respond to those calls. Settler violence in the West Bank has risen since the start of Israel's war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza in late 2023, according to rights groups.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kathy Castor says NOAA, federal cuts have left Florida vulnerable to hurricanes
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Florida, said the federal agency cuts under the Trump administration may leave Tampa Bay vulnerable to potential hurricane dangers. Castor spoke at a press conference with St. Petersburg city officials Monday as the city discussed hurricane preparedness. VIDEOS: Tampa battered by quarter-sized hail 'Chief Holloway, under Mayor Welch's leadership, and Amber Bolding, head of emergency preparedness, they are really very forward leaning,' Castor said. 'In what you heard from Amber is they have taken so much of what they've learned from the catastrophes of Debby, Helene and Milton, and they're pouring that into preparing, for that worst-case scenario.' However, Castor was less optimistic about the federal government's ability to handle the 2025 hurricane season so far, blaming the 'chainsaw cuts' under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. 'We don't have the same number of meteorologists, hurricane hunter experts, folks on the job preparing for an active hurricane season,' the congresswoman said. 'Now, the National Hurricane Center says they will be able to deal with what comes, but it's a vulnerability moving forward.' She also said FEMA is 'not entirely prepared' for potential hurricanes this year due to their cuts. 'It was days after the storm surge of Hurricane Helene, and I saw the FEMA contractors on the ground checking on our neighbors, making sure they had the emergency funds necessary to get them through that, that emergency response period,' Castor said. 'And I cannot say, based upon what I've heard over the past months and talking with, with experts, that they are going to be there.' While she did say that Florida is still better equipped than any other state to handle natural disasters on the local level, the cuts to funds for local communities is going to hamper preparations and recovery. 'Right now, they have cut back on the building resilient infrastructure grants that local communities were relying on,' Castor said. 'They've cut back on the hazard mitigation grants. Those are the funds that help you rebuild seawalls, roads, water infrastructure, and they have announced over the past couple of weeks that that local communities will not get those same funds. So it's a time now for folks to be vigilant, to look out for their neighbors to take some extra added responsibility.' NOAA has predicted an above-average hurricane season for 2025. 'We know we just hope and pray this is not the new normal, but what we know is that the Gulf waters are very hot,' Castor said. 'We know … that NOAA has is predicting an active hurricane season. The climate is heating their longer, hotter summers. Just last week, we said we set, all time records for, in Tampa.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
20 high school graduates preparing to head to military academies after send-ff ceremony at MacDill
The Brief Twenty high school graduates are deploying into their next chapter as they head to their chosen military academy. Congresswoman Kathy Castor and Laurel Lee held a special send-off ceremony at MacDill. Each cadet had to get a nomination from their congressperson to gain acceptance. TAMPA, Fla. - Twenty Bay Area high school graduates will soon head to their military academies. Congresswomen Kathy Castor and Laurel Lee held a special ceremony Tuesday night at MacDill to officially send them off. What they're saying "I want to commission as a United States Naval pilot. That'd be awesome," Cadet Gregory Murashkin said. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube They've made the ultimate decision to serve their country, which is no small feat. "I'm thinking of being a pilot, either F-15 or the PAVE Hawk for the Air Force," Cadet Anthony Murashkin said. Each received a nomination from their Congressperson, granting them admission to their chosen military academy. READ: Memorial Day marks first American Legion Post 273 ceremony since reopening after hurricanes "I'd like to get my helicopter pilot's license and hopefully serve in either the Coast Guard or maybe the Navy," Cadet Ava Booker said. Big picture view Tuesday night, U.S. Representatives Kathy Castor and Laura Lee hosted a special ceremony and send-off with their families at MacDill Air Force Base to congratulate them on their acceptance. Local perspective "It's definitely nervous, but it's the excitement. It's that anticipation. Everybody here has volunteered, raised their right hand, and chosen to serve the United States of America and the Constitution. And I think that's really impressive," U.S. Air Force Major Kaitlin Butler said. Major Butler knows exactly what it's like for these cadets, because 10 years ago today she was at her cadet send-off ceremony before heading to the Air Force Academy. MORE: Bay Area fallen hero's legacy lives on in his hometown "It's a really hard place to be at. It's tough, it's challenging, it is meant to be that way, but it's really a great place to be from. The amount of pride you have when you graduate is really second to none," Butler said. Identical twin brothers, Anthony and Gregory Murashkin, are first generation Americans. "Both my parents are from Ukraine. They grew up in the Soviet Union and kind of seeing what life was like in a dictatorship really wasn't pretty," Gregory said. They said their parents story inspired them both to serve their country. "I'm really proud of them, and I'm really happy that they've gotten the opportunity to live here," Anthony said. READ: At 101, Dunedin World War II veteran reflects on service during 'Victory in Europe Day' Ava Booker is following in the footsteps of her dad, who served in the Army, and her grandpa, who served in the Air Force. "My dad encouraged me to try out the service academy, and I worked really hard for it, and now I'm here," Booker said. Major Butler message to the cadets as they head to academy: "Stick it out, stick with it. It's worth it in the end." The Source FOX 13's Jordan Bowen gathered the information in this story from MacDill Air Force Base. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Florida SNAP recipients express fears about Trump tax bill's cuts to food assistance
U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor stands next to Jennifer Nicholson speaking about the proposed cuts to the SNAP benefit program in St. Petersburg on May 27, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/ Florida Phoenix) Here are some of the consequences that will follow if Congress cuts a key federal nutrition program, as proposed in the U.S. House's version of Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.' 'I won't be able to get healthy foods like I am right now, as I have health issues,' said Peggy Shannon, 70, who lives in a senior rental apartment complex, whose only other income comes from her monthly Social Security check. 'The SNAP program helps provide all of that for me,' said Shannon, who described becoming 'very depressed' upon learning of the potential cuts to the program, which still must go through the U.S. Senate before becoming law. 'Receiving SNAP benefits does help, especially if you're trying to get your education or if you're income is not where it needs to be,' said Jennifer Nicholson, a partially disabled single mother of four who is allowed to work a certain number of hours per month. 'Kids eat, especially with the summer months coming. They're going to be home and they're going to eat more and more. So cutting SNAP at this time would be very hard for some people,' she added. SNAP means Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, cuts to which could cause nearly 3 million Floridians to lose access to federal food assistance, Tampa Bay area Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor and social service advocates warned during a press conference featuring the two women in St. Petersburg on Tuesday. The program provides low-income people and families with financial assistance to pay for groceries. It's funded through a combination of federal and state resources. The federal government now pays 100% of SNAP benefits, while the states and the feds share the administrative costs. Included in the major tax bill advocated for by the Trump administration, and passed last week in the U.S. House, is a mandate that states pay between 5% and 25% of monthly SNAP benefit costs based on each state's payment error rates (which reflect the amount of underpayments and overpayments.) Florida's error rate in 2023 was 12.6%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That puts the state on the hook for 25% of the costs, or $1.6 billion in 2028 alone, if the bill were to take effect, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). And all states would also have to increase their portion of administrative costs from 50% to 75%. Whether Florida's Republican-led Legislature would be willing to fill that gap is questionable, and Castor isn't optimistic. 'Part of the proposal is to say that, 'Well, we're not really cutting everyone, we're just asking states to provide more money,'' she said. 'We know here in the state of Florida we have an unfortunate track record that often comes when the feds say we're backing off,' she added. 'Part of the responsibility here in the state of Florida, a state without an income tax, and one where we don't want an income tax, means that you have to be good stewards of the tax dollars that are there, and right now I would question if they are fundamental good stewards of our tax money as they send more money off to private, for-profit charters,' she said. In addition, Florida economists project budget deficits starting as early as the summer of 2026 — another potential obstacle for the Legislature to get involved in increasing its share to SNAP. More than 59% of SNAP participants in Florida are in families with children, and more than 41% are in families with older adult or disabled members, according to the CBPP. Citing U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the Florida Policy Institute estimates that 99,000 veterans in Florida participate in the SNAP program. FPI bills itself as an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing state policies and budgets that improve the economic mobility and quality of life for all Floridians. U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson praised the restrictions on SNAP after the proposal passed his committee earlier this month. A spokesperson for Thompson told Newsweek that SNAP spends more than $13 billion per year in erroneous payments. Among the new requirements in the bill are expanding work requirements for 'able-bodied adults without dependents' to people up to age 64, from the existing gap of 59. Also, administrative requirements would increase, including more stringent identity and income documentation. 'What we know about SNAP in particular is that most people are working. Or they're on a pathway, as you heard from [the people who spoke today] to get there,' said Castor. The Tampa Bay area representative labels the legislation 'the billionaire giveaway bill.' She says it increases bureaucratic hoops that will make it more difficult for people to collect benefits, adding that because individuals have busy lives they might miss one of those reporting periods. 'Which would mean that they would lose their food assistance, and that's what Republicans in Congress are banking on, because the independent Congressional Budget Office [CBO] did an analysis … that says that all those bureaucratic barriers do nothing to reform the system, they simply work to kick people off, and that's where they achieve savings to give the billionaire tax breaks,' she said. The Florida Legislature, which is in the midst of budget impasse, fueled by disagreement over the amount of tax relief to pass and how much money the state should spend, has not discussed what the loss of SNAP funding would mean to the state. Florida Republican members of Congress are hailing the passage of the bill, noting other provisions of the measure. 'No tax on tips; No tax on overtime; Permanently Secures the Border; Largest Deficit Reduction in 30 years; Ends Taxpayer-Funded Healthcare for illegals,' U.S. Rep. and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds noted in a social media message last week. 'Huge win! The House just passed the Big Beautiful Bill — lower taxes and bigger paychecks,' South Florida U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar said in a video posted on X. 'Your wallet just got a raise!' Florida U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is reported to be concerned about the fiscal implications of the Trump tax bill, which economists have said could raise the federal deficit by at least $3 trillion. 'I want to get a deal done; I support the president's agenda. I support the border, I support the military, I support extending the Trump tax cuts — but we have to live in reality. But we got to live in reality here: We got a fiscal crisis,' Scott said, according to The Hill. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
