Rick Scott hasn't returned donations from businessman accused of trust fraud

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.

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