Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Town of Glenrock Wyoming Target of Show Cause in Wyoming Public Records Act Request Over QSF

July 24, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Coal Creek Law recently announced the filing of a show cause motion and motion to compel production in the Wyoming District Court against the Town of Glenrock, WY (Glenrock).

What is the Wyoming Public Records Act?

Wyoming Public Records Act Wyoleg.gov
- “All public records shall be open for inspection by any person at reasonable times, during business hours of the
  state entity or political subdivision . . . .”” W.S. 16-4-202
- Agencies may make rules and regulations reasonably necessary for the protection of records and prevention of unnecessary interference with the regular discharge of agency duties.
Like similar laws in other states, the Wyoming Public Records Act ensures public access to government records to promote transparency and accountability in state and local government operations.

Download Motion to Compel Compliance w WYPRA & for Order to Show Cause, 7-18-25 (130 pages)

The legal action stems from Glenrock’s alleged improper refusal to fully comply with a Wyoming Public Records Act (WPRA) request, including the inappropriate assertion of attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine to withhold documents related to Glenrock’s interactions with Flatirons Bank and Flatirons’s “Justice Escrow” Qualified Settlement Fund.

The WPRA requests , submitted earlier in 2025, sought all communications, contracts and records pertaining to Glenrock’s involvement and interactions in establishing or facilitating Qualified Settlement Funds (QSFs) utilizing Justice Escrow, a service offered by Flatirons Bank. QSFs are specilaized accounts used to manage settlement funds in legal cases
- Despite repeated demands, Glenrock, represented by Williams, Porter, Day, and Neville (WPDN), has produced only a fraction of the requested documents.
- Specifically, it has improperly sought to redact and withhold communications and contracts with third parties under the auspices of attorney-client privilege and work product. The complaint argues that these materials are public records under Wyoming statutes and are thus subject to disclosure under establish law because such communications involve third parties to Glenrock and its counsel such as Flatirons Bank.
The Complaint alleges that, based on information and belief, the Town of Glenrock WY improperly withheld documents that contain information that reveals Glenrock’s involvement with Flatirons Bank and an agreement to sponsor QSFs through Glenrock

Government transparency is the cornerstone of democracy, and the Wyoming Legislature has codified the public’s right to information in the WPRA,” said Caleb Wilkins, lead attorney for Coal Creek.

Quoting a recent court opinion, Mr. Wilkins noted, “The Wyoming Supreme Court has held ‘the WPRA creates a presumption that the denial of inspection of public records is contrary to public policy.’” He continued, “Wyoming Courts have vigorously upheld the public’s right to governmental transparency under the WPRA, are we are confident that the Court will order disclosure in this case.”

The motion to compel seeks a court order for the immediate release of all withheld documents and other remedies under the WPRA. Additionally, the motion to show cause requires that officials of the Town of Glenrock, WY, explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to fulfill their statutory duties under the WPRA.

Related Commentary

Lawsuit accuses town of Glenrock of hiding public records | State | wyomingnewsnow.tv July 31, 2025 (Updated August 1, 2025)

Wyoming legislators are eyeing tougher fines for officials who play hide-and-seek with public documents, according to a Cowboy State Daily report from May 2025.

Last updated October 28, 2025
Todd Lesk Led Company Still Makes False Claim to Offer Structured Settlement Annuities to Investors

July 20, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

MJ Settlements, a Coral Springs, Florida company led by CEO Todd Lesk, false claims to offer structured settlement annuities

The facts seem to tell a different story

Todd Lesk was permanently barred from FINRA in October 2023.

Despite being permanently barred by FINRA, Lesk’s LinkedIn profile, both at the time of posting and still as of the latest update, lists under Licenses and Certifications the FINRA Series 24, 6, 7, and 63, along with Lesk’s FINRA reference number 2788300, which confirms that Lesk is indeed permanently barred. As the Latin phrase goes, res ipsa loquitur.

If you followed the above link on the date of publication of this post, you would see that there was a still pending FINRA Claim dating from 2024

“Statement of Claim alleges RR ( full name is Todd Michael Lesk) used his position of trust to provide a false layer of legitimacy to structured settlement activities”.

Although structured settlement annuities are off-limits for sale, safely tucked away under the watchful eye of a qualified assignment company, MJ Settlements boldly trumpets the sale of structured settlement receivables as “annuities” (spoiler: they’re not) with a whopper so big it practically does cartwheels across its website.
They claim “SSAs are backed by prominent insurance companies with high ratings, providing a reliable level of security. safety and predictability, especially valuable in a volatile investment environment. The only difference is that with MJ Settlements, you’ll get higher yields.”

Seen on July 20, 2025

The former name of MJ Settlements was MJ Structured Settlement Annuities (MJSSA).
20pt;”>Lesk and/or MJ Settlements still does not and cannot sell structured settlement annuities to investors today, just like they have not sold over the last 15 years under either entity, despite his/its bogus marketing. Investors beware.
In my June 6, 2025 blog, I exposed how MJ Settlements recklessly utilized trademarked insurance company logos to reinforce their misrepresentation to investors. After my blog post and subsequent notification to the affected structured settlement annuity issuers, those logos were removed. See MJSettlements Reckless Addition of More Annuity Issuer Trademarked Logos to Sell Receivables Not Annuities – Structured Settlements 4Real® Blog: Structured Settlements | Settlement Planning News and John Darer Reviews

What if MJ Settlements were selling an annuity? How does the MJ Settlements FAQ align with Florida’s Anti-Rebating Statute?
. Hint: It wouldn’t

Claim that it’s a structured settlement annuity (as per FAQ above)

MJ Settlements CEO has a Florida insurance license (Florida DFS)

Claim that with MJ Settlements you will get a higher yield (as per FAQ above)

Florida law regulates rebating to maintain fairness and prevent unethical sales tactics. The primary statute governing this practice is Florida Statute 626.572, which outlines the conditions under which rebating is permitted. This law is part of the broader Florida Insurance Code, enforced by the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) and the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR). These agencies ensure compliance and protect consumers from deceptive practices.

“Any rebate program must be filed with the insurer and consistently applied to all qualifying policyholders. Insurers cannot prohibit agents from offering legally compliant rebates. This ensures transparency and prevents companies from imposing internal policies that contradict state law”.

So if Todd Lesk as CEO is ginning up investors with the promise of higher yield for ” Structured Settlement Annuities”, has Lesk filed the rebate schedule in compliance with Florida statute 626.572?

OR

Is it really not an annuity?

Lesk is not even appointed with many of the annuity issuers underlying the receivables per Florida DFS; and

Is MJ Settlements is engaging in false and misleading advertising?

Todd Lesk and MJ Settlements can’t have it both ways.

The State of Florida may need to examine this issue, along with every state in the United States where Lesk and MJ Settlements operate. Currently, Todd Lesk, the CEO of MJ Settlements, who holds an active insurance license in Florida, appears to be disregarding Florida statutes (and similar statutes in other states) by advertising and misrepresenting structured settlement receivables to consumers as annuities.

2021 Florida Statutes 627.4554 Annuity investments

(2) b) “Annuity” means an insurance product under state law which is individually solicited, whether classified as an individual or group annuity.

What Lesk and MJ Settlements are selling is not an insurance product. In addition to Florida, see the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Statutory Issue Paper No.160 (finalized April 6, 2019). Also see 2017 Revisions to the Life & Health Guaranty Associations Model Act, adopted by the majority of US states, including Florida.

Lesk and MJ have been exposed for using insurer names and logos to gin up investors. Following is yet another recent example

Outrageous MJ Settlements Tweet of April 16, 2025 (still posted)

MJ Settlements posted and maintains the following advertising, without any disclaimer, that falsely implies that “US Life Insurance Comp” has had a rate hike. The use of a Bank Vault and pallet of cash also present a mischaracterization of the risk profile of the receivable. The investor would have no contact with US Life. There is no disclosure that there is any payment servicing which would be the case for any such receivable. Several words come to mind ” SuttonPark” and “NIghtmare”.

The Florida Department Financial does not show that Lesk is appointed with the insurer who being used to attract investors. Nevertheless what is on offer by MJ Settlement is not an annuity no matter what Todd Lesk or MJ Settlements is representing it is in their tweet or any other marketing materials such as their buyers guide imaged above.

Consumers deserve the clearest path to accurate information about structured settlements. They should not be subjected to misleading advertising about potential investments.

The three images in the body of this post captured between 7-20-2025 and 7-23-2025 were used solely for reference purposes for critical commentary provided in the public interest and no independent rights are claimed.

Last updated August 6, 2025
Crap on Crapola

“When an original structured settlement annuity is sold, either partially or in full, it then becomes known as a Secondary Market Structured Settlement Annuity. MJ Settlements offers their investors the safety and guarantee of high yield Secondary Market Structured Settlement Annuity”

How is Lesk Spreading the Crap Here?

Remember that a structured settlement annuity is generally owned by a qualified assignment company. This fact is set forth in the terms of a Settlement Agreement and Release and applicable aulified assignment agreement. The qualified funding asset cannot be sold by the annuitant to Lesk, MJ Settlements or anyone who else marketing receivables to investors. It’s a receivable not an annuity.

“How Safe are Structured Settlement Annuities” appears in the FAQ section of the MJ Settlements website

Todd Lesk holds an active life insurance license in Florida*; however, Todd Lesk is not appointed with any structured settlement annuity issuer.

*Todd Lesk is appointed with two annuity issuers in Florida according to public records See Lesk Licensee Detail. None of the two annuity issuers that Lesk is appointed with issue structured settlement annuities.
Key Takeaways
- MJ Settlements, led by CEO Todd Lesk, falsely claims to offer structured settlement annuities but faces scrutiny due to Lesk’s permanent bar from FINRA as of October 2023.
- Despite his bar, Lesk inaccurately represents his licensing on LinkedIn, claiming to hold multiple FINRA certifications.
- MJ Settlements misrepresents structured settlement receivables as annuities, which they are not according to legal definitions.
- Structured settlement annuities are generally owned by a qualified assignment company, not the annuitants. The annuitants cannot sell something don’t own to MJ Settlements, Lesk, or their investors. Investors take note.
- Although Lesk holds a life insurance license in Florida, he is not associated with any issuer of structured settlement annuities.
Stop “Medicare” Robocallers and Scammers in Their Tracks

July 11, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Robocallers pretending to be “from Medicare” managed to trip over their own scam in spectacular fashion
- Robocallers from India and Pakistan inundate American phone lines claiming to be calling from Medicare.
- When I’m in the mood to engage, I respond “So you’re calling from CMS, eh?”
- The invariable response is ” no I’m calling from Medicare”.
- Their script doesn’t contemplate that Medicare is part of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and their charade is thwarted in less than a half a minute.
Home – Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS

The Judicious Use of Wilson Surname in an Alias

Surname is purportedly “Wilson”, Mark, Mike, Tom (it’s a grab bag).

Did You Know?

Eight of the top 15 last names in 1790, 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 have stayed in the top 15 since the first census in 1790. The names are Brown, Davis, Johnson, Jones, Miller, Smith, Williams and Wilson. Source: Census.gov
Understanding Court Approval for Structured Settlement Payment Transfers

July 10, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

With Structured Settlement Payment Transfers Are Two Judges’ Heads are Better than One?
- When it comes to structured settlement payment transfers, maybe two judges’ heads are better than one—after all, it’s harder to miss the fine print when you’ve got double the wig power.
- Structured settlements are often preferred in cases involving minor plaintiffs, as they provide financial security over time.
- Court approval is typically required when structured settlements are arranged for minors.
- In some instances, multiple courts may need to be involved. For example, in a wrongful death case in New York where a minor is the payee, the settlement might be addressed by the Supreme Court, while distribution approval could fall under the jurisdiction of a Surrogate Court judge.
- Protective measures to safeguard structured settlement payees became increasingly common following reports of abusive sales tactics by certain participants in the secondary market, which drew attention from both local and national media. These measures generally required that any transfer of structured settlement payment rights also receive approval from the original court, where judges were more likely to be familiar with the payee and the circumstances surrounding the original settlement.
Moving Right Along…

There might come a time when a minor relocates with their family multiple times for various reasons.
- Parent change of job
- Divorce of parents
- Parent remarriage
- Rehabilitation or injury to sibling requires specialized care in another states
- Death of one or both parents
- Child moves away for advance schooling
- Child moves for an employment opportunity
- Marriage
- Natural Disaster
- Fire
Underlying Court Approval is Required

For example, if you were a minor born in New York and living in Westchester County when your structured settlement was established, but later as an adult you move to Charleston, South Carolina, and choose to sell part of your structured settlement payments, you would need court approval in your current county of residence in South Carolina and also need to secure Underlying Court Approval (UCA) in Westchester County, New York. While this process might seem inconvenient, this “speed bump” is a safeguard against rushing through a transaction when potentially encountering unethical actors in the secondary market.
Annuity Company was Sued After it Unilaterally Changed Structured Settlement Payments’ Due Date

July 6, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Can Structured Settlement Annuity Issuer change structured settlement payment dates for its own convenience?

The above question stems from a class action lawsuit complaint filed in the District of Connecticut in November 2024, which was voluntarily withdrawn without prejudice the following month. What Does Dismissed Without Prejudice Mean in Legal Terms? – LegalClarity

An November 19, 2024 article by Allison Bell in Think Advisor discussed the Anthony Ortez-Diaz case shortly after it was filed. In short, she says that an administrator now processes all payments at the end of the month instead of being paid on the 3rd of the month. The plaintiff said that violates his contract.

A preliminary matter to address is Allison Bell’s analysis of a lawsuit brought by a highly competent Stamford, CT law firm on behalf of a structured settlement payment recipient and others similarly situated. The case pertains to an alleged administrative action by Wilton Re following its 2021 acquisition of Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York. Bell’s assertion, made in the context of the reported case, that “Life and annuity issuers are realizing that millions of heavily customized life insurance policies and long-term care policies sold in the 1960s through the mid-1990s, before modern computer systems were in use, are starting to pay benefits” is highly implausible. The idea that these companies are only now becoming aware of this is absurd. With 42 years of experience in the insurance industry, including over 30 specializing in structured settlements, I find this claim irrelevant to structured settlements or the specific allegations against Wilton Re. If Bell suggests that Wilton Re lacks expertise or erred in its pre-acquisition cost-benefit analysis, relevant evidence should be presented to substantiate such a claim.

The most relevant question being addressed here is the one posed at the beginning of this post: “Can a Structured Settlement Annuity Issuer Change Structured Settlement Payment Dates for its Own Convenience?”

Background

Allstate was a prominent and innovative issuer of structured settlement annuities until early 2013. Structured settlement annuities were issued in 49 states using Allstate Life Insurance Company as the structured settlement annuity issuer and using Allstate LIfe Insurance Company of New York when the settlement was concluded in a New York matter. In November 2021, the entities were spun off in two separate directions. Read the details in the following two links.

Allstate Life Insurance Company—> entities managed by Blackstone (insurer renamed Everlake)

Allstate Life Structured Settlements | What You Need To Know

Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York———> Wilton Re

Allstate – Business Wire Press Release – Wilton Re

What was at issue?

Lead Plaintiff : Anthony Ortiz-Diaz

Origin of Structured Settlement: Settlement with National Rail Passenger Corporation (“Amtrak”) Amtrak | FRA

The Gist of Allegations
- The plaintiff had been receiving monthly structured settlement annuity payments on the third day of the month for years.
- In 2024, an administrator began processing the payments for all structured annuities at the end of the month.
- The plaintiff says the new payment schedule violates the annuity contract terms.
See Annuity Beneficiary Sues Reinsurer Over Payment Timing

The Bigger Picture
- Is this permissible?
- Is this happening to others? If so, how often is it happening?
How is a structured settlement established?

Note that the Payee/former plaintiff doesn’t own the annuity contract. The annuity contract is a qualified funding asset used to fund an obligation to make future periodic payments. in the Anthony Ortiz-Diaz case the settlement agreement with Amtrak would have included:
- an obligation to make periodic payments as part of the consideration for the settlement (Step1)
- a qualified assignment (Step 2)
- the purchase of any annuity contract(s) by the qualified assignment company as a qualified funding asset, which would occur only following the qualified assignment. (Step 3) Only under rare circumstances would a Defendant buy the annuity and hold it.
A plaintiff would not be eligible to purchase a structured settlement annuity contract themselves.

What was odd about the Policy Exhibit to the Complaint?

The application attached as exhibit to the Complaint shows the $1,500 per month for life, with 360 months (30 years certain) certain, but the policy does not.

Allstate had a unique and peculiar way of issuing annuity contracts. All of the guaranteed and certain payments were typically on one contract (let’s call it the A contract) and any lifetime payments were on the B contract with the same contract number.

When Allstate stopped writing business, this A/B peculiarity led to some odd occurences. Following are links to my two April 16, 2015 blogs which discuss this topic

Allstate Life Structured Settlements | What You Need To Know (4structures.com) November 4, 2024 update

Spin Offs to Piss Offs | Discontinued Lines Leave Allstate Customer Service Lacking – Structured Settlements 4Real® Blog: Structured Settlements | Settlement Planning News and John Darer Reviews

Are Delays Related to Third Party Payment Servicers?

Since 2023, Wilton Re has been using Alliance One Services for structured settlement payment servicing. Alliance One Services, Inc. is a company that provides various services, including third-party administration for insurance products and debt collection. It is a subsidiary of DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 global IT services leader. In addition to Wilton Re, Alliance One also provides payment servicing to Genworth.

Here is a 2024 blog I authored about the Alliance One experience of a Long Island annuitant in relation to another of Wilton Re’s acquisitions. Mystery Surrounds Late EFT Payment to Long Island Structured Settlement Payee and Response – Structured Settlements 4Real® Blog: Structured Settlements | Settlement Planning News and John Darer Reviews September 15, 2024
Factoring Company Imposters of Structured Settlement Annuity Issuers Are On the Radar

July 2, 2025

by Structured Settlement Watchdog

A few sketchy denizens of the structured settlement factoring industry impersonate structured settlement annuity issuers (at least one from Florida claiming to be from “the Courts” in their approach to the parent of a California minor. Structured settlement annuitants, whether minors or adults, should not be confused or deceived by a representaive of a buyer of structured settlement payments from Florida (or elsewhere), that target them with a fake approach.

One insurer that has taken a very strong stand is The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Following is a link to Prudential’s published statement on the misuse of Prudential branding.

Misuse of Prudential Name in Fraud Schemes | Prudential Financial

New Structured Settlement Factoring Company Predatory Phone Number Capture Scheme? – Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog August 2, 2025

Brandjacking may be used to solicit investors to buy structured settlement receivables that are mislabeled as annuities

Structured Settlement Receivables | What Financial Professional Liability Insurers Need to Know – Structured Settlements 4Real® Blog: Structured Settlements | Settlement Planning News and John Darer Reviews February 18. 2024

Here is a link to 4structures.com LLC’s extensive web page

Selling A Structured Settlement in 2026? Get The 411 on Cash Now. Don’t Be a Victim
SellStructuredSettlement.Online manages to sidestep the basics entirely, delivering consumers a masterclass in confusion with a side of frizzled misinformation.

June 25, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

If you want to learn about structured settlements visit How Structured Settlements Work: A Comprehensive Guide – Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog

Let’s examine why sellstructuredsettlement.online is in serious need of improvement.

How “thoughtful”. A blog “Summery” in The Summer!

How thoughtful! A blog “Summery” in the Summer
- They ask Is there government oversight, for companies that deal with settlements?
- They say Structured settlement firms are overseen by regulations, at both the state levels to guarantee ethical standards and lawful adherence.
- Can “rules” perform the physical act of overseeing? Let’s solve this puzzle shall we?!
What are Regulations?
- State regulations, or administrative laws, are rules adopted by the executive branch and agencies of each state. These regulations provide guidance on how to follow the laws (statutes) passed by the legislative bodies of each state. In Connecticut, regulations are rules adopted by Connecticut state agencies and some boards and commissions. Regulations are adopted in Connecticut pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act Chapter 54 of the General Statutes and the rules of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee (LRRC). Generally, a regulation must (1) be properly noticed, (2) have a public comment period, (3) be approved by the Attorney General as to legal sufficiency, (4) be approved by the LRRC, and (5) be filed in the Secretary of the State’s office. Source: Regulations in Connecticut eRegulations – eRegulations Information
- “Regulations, on the other hand, are standards and rules adopted by administrative agencies that govern how laws will be enforced” Source: FindLaw
With few exceptions, regulatory oversight of sales practices of structured settlement factoring companies remains minimal-a flawed approach that has resulted in harmful consequences for over two decades. In many jurisdications, existing regulations fail to act as an effective deterrent or uphold ethical standards in transaction targeting vulnerable individuals
- Despite the fancy title of “Structured Settlement Protection Acts” in all 50 states, and it taking two decades to get there—talk about a slow-moving train, only a few states bothered to regulate the shady sales practices of certain structured settlement settlement transfer companies.
- Some acted only after scathing exposés uncovered shocking accounts of misconduct. Maryland, Minnesota, and South Carolina were effectively compelled into action by public outrage.
- Fast forward to today, and just six states require transferee registration. Yep, Georgia, West Virginia, and Louisiana joined the party too. Six out of fifty—what a stellar accomplishment for the structured settlement secondary market and financial regulators in the remaining states!
- A case pending in the District of Columbia involves a pillaging of a structured settlement of a woman with a 56 IQ who has only held employment for a grand total of 6 months in her life. DC has a structuredued settlement protection act and it utterly failed.this woman.. see my August 21, 2024 blog DC Lead Paint Victim with 56 IQ Exploited by Delaware Structured Settlement Factoring Company Says DC Lawsuit – Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog
This past weekend I finished up the CE credits due biennially for my home state insurance license. I only needed 1 ethics credit but the course was for 3. I can think of a few partcipants in the structured settlement secondary market by name that might benefit from a course like this to rejigger their ethical compass away from claiming to be “from the Courts” while soliciting a 17 year old minor through his mother, or wearing a insurance company branded shirt in a Zoom call, or insurer logo wheel on theri webiste without having been appointed with any of the companies displayed.

By the way, are you as curious as I am about “at both the state Levels” ? LOL

Does the Sale of Structured Settlement Payments Hinge on a Court “Sanction”?

What are Court Sanctions? Court sanctions are legal remedies imposed by a court to address violations of legal rules or misconduct by parties in litigation, aimed at maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.

Sanctions are a completely different thing to the act of “approving a structured settlement transfer” or “making a finding that a structured settlement transfer is in the best interest of a proposed seller and any applicable dependents” of the proposed seller.

My longstanding aim as the Structured Settlement Watchdog is to pave the way for accurate structured settlement information through critical commentary, education, and baloney detection.

Last updated November 23, 2025
Leo J. Govoni and Accountant Arrested, Indicted for Embezzlement from Special Needs Trusts of the Disabled

June 24, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Grand Jury Indicts Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck

Govoni along with John Leo Witeck, a 60-year-old accountant from Tampa who worked for him, was arrested on June 23,2025, in
connection with a scheme that prosecutors allege involved embezzling over $100 million and ultimately causing the bankruptcy of the Center for Special Needs Trust Administration (CSNTA), a nonprofit organization based in Clearwater, Florida, that managed funds for vulnerable individuals with special needs and disabilities across the United States.

Who is John Leo Witeck?
1. The Center for Special Needs Trust Administration retained the accounting firm Fiduciary Tax & Accounting Services, LLC (“FTAS”), which was purportedly owned by a Mr. John Witeck (“Witeck”), to provide all required annual trust accounting and the tax filing services for each trust. Source: CSNTA Bankruptcy filing Case 8:24-bk-00676-RCT Doc 7 Filed 02/09/24 Page 7 of 13
2. The Center relied on FTAS to provide beneficiaries with the required annual accountings and paid FTAS approximately $650,000 annually for these services. Based on a review of the records filed with the Florida Secretary of State, Govoni formed FTAS. Golden, Govoni’s business partner, was the registered agent of FTAS at the time of its formation. Through its investigation, The Center confirmed that Govoni—not Witeck—does in fact own FTAS. Source: Ibid
3. In a lawsuit filed by a former beneficiary of an SNT administered by The Center, Witeck testified that Govoni created FTAS and currently holds a majority ownership interest in FTAS. Witeck explained that Govoni gratuitously transferred a minority ownership interest in FTAS to Witeck shortly after FTAS’s formation. According to Witeck, FTAS has prepared the trust accountings for The Center since FTAS’s founding, and 95% of FTAS’s work comes from The Center. Source: Ibid
4. Based on these facts, it is believed that Govoni formed FTAS and retained Witeck to prepare the required trust accountings specifically to ensure that Govoni could control the financial disclosures to The Center’s beneficiaries and to further monetize his relationship with The Center. Source: Ibid
“Witeck’s job was to protect the trust beneficiaries by providing accurate financial statements to them on a routine basis,” said Greg Kehoe, Interim U.S. Attorney. “He was supposed to keep track of their money, but instead he joined the fraud scheme and misled the victims.” See Leo Govoni to stay in jail until trial, judge rules | WFLA

The Grand Jury Indictment of Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck

The 32 page Grand Jury Indictment was filed June 18, 2025 in the United States District Court Middle District of Florida Tampa Division in United States of America vs Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck Case 8:25-cr-00290VMC-NHA and was available online via PACER, unsealed at time of posting, alleges as sets forth therein, the following counts:

COUNT ONE Consipiracy to Commit Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud 18 USC Sec 1341 and 18 USC Sec. 1343

COUNTS TWO-FIVE Mail Fraud

COUNTS SIX-ELEVEN Wire Fraud

COUNT TWELVE Money Laundering Conspiracy

The Indictment alleges that this continued through in or around May 2025

COUNT THIRTEEN Bank Fraud (as to Leo Joseph Govoni)

COUNT FOURTEEN Illegal Monetary Transactions (as to Leo Joseph Govoni)

COUNT FIFTEEN False Bankruptcy Declaration (as to Leo Joseph Govoni)

Copy of Grand Jury Indictment Against Govoni and Witeck

Download Govoni Indictment 6-18-2025

United States Department of Justice Issues Press Release June 23, 2025

Middle District of Florida | Florida Non-Profit Founder And Accountant Charged With Stealing Over $100 Million From Special Needs Victims | United States Department of Justice

FBI arrests Leo Govoni after probe into missing $100 million June 24, 2025

In the Lead Up to Leo Govoni Arrest

Govoni given ‘final, final’ chance to avoid criminal contempt of court charge Tampa Bay Times May 2025

Leo Joseph Govoni Mugshot

See Pinellas County businessman Leo Govoni criminally charged | WFLA

Leo Joseph Govoni Denied Bail

See Judge denies bail for Clearwater businessman charged in $100 million fraud | Business Observer June 23, 2025

Victim Reactions to Leo J. Govoni Criminal Arrest

‘About darn time’: Victims’ families react to Leo Govoni’s arrest in $100M fraud case WFLA NBC Florida June 24, 2025

My prior blogs on Leo J. Govoni

Structured Settlements 4Real® Blog: Structured Settlements | Settlement Planning News and John Darer Reviews: Leo J. Govoni

How do you pronounce Govoni?

Various news reports pronounce Leo’s surname as “GA-VAH-NEE”. When the late Richard Halpern warned me off who he referred to as “Phony Govoni”, more than 16 years ago (Halpern died in 2009), he pronounced it as ” GA-VONEY””
Henry County Georgia Closing in on 6 Years Record as Top Plantiffs Docket in USA

June 22, 2025

by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Henry County has done it again to the delight of Plantiffs in Henry County Georgia.

Henry County GA Lays Down Marker as it Nears Unassailable 6 Year Status as a Plantiff Venue

We’ve got a “Holy Grail” of Winners in Q2

Henry County Calendar For Honorable Judge Chaundra D. Lewis ID:CDL Date:5/28/2025 5 pages of Plantiff Cases!

I’ve traced Henry County’s plantiff docket back to November 2019.

The City of New York is Sued by Plantiffs in Civil Rights Case April 25, 2025

Plantiffs 1-3 v. The City of New York 1:25-cv-02397 (E.D.N.Y.) | Civil Rights Litigation Clearinghouse

For PACER’s information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/70026469/parties/plantiffs-1-3-v-the-city-of-new-york/

Goldsboro North Carolina Plantiff Lawyers (as of June 21, 2025)

Personal Injury Plantiff – Baddour, Parker, Hine & Hale, PC

Montana Plantiffs

Original Held v. Montana plantiff speaks about new federal lawsuit

Plantiff Payor in Realtor Lawsuit Covered on Tik Tok

Realtor Lawsuit Plantiff Payout 2025 | TikTok

“Planting the Seeds” Early is Winning Strategy in Kings Park, New York

William T. Rogers Middle School – Daily Announcements March 20, 2025

“CONGRATULATIONS to our Student Court Club for their performance yesterday at the competition. Our Defense Team won both the competition and case and our Plantiff Team won the competition. We are so proud of the hard work of all of our members”.

Plantiff Evidence

XSane scanned image

Amicus Brief in Support of Plaintiffs 2nd Amendment Rights

DOJ Files Amicus Brief in Support of 2a Plantiff’s arguing IL Semi Auto Ban is UNCONSTITUTIONAL : r/Firearms

Wow, Just Wow! Photo’s and Plantiff Videos Too!

103 Plantiff Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images – Getty Images
Unreliable Paymaster.Co Information | Bad Definitions | Billboards Dissolved Competitor to Fill Up Space?

June 14, 2025
by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Paymaster.co, one of the honeypots of unreliable information purporting to be about structured settlements, that are controlled by Jovan Johnson, California lawyer and self proclaimed chocolate chip cookie lover, is missing a tombstone on one of the competitor websites listed on the site.

Crowfly, LLC, was registered in New York 11-20-2017 and dissolved 10-21-2022, according to New York State public records. Then there’s this Crowfly.com for sale for $21K Plus Flag Day 2025 on GoDaddy. The ending for CrowFly was notably bookended by the local Buffalo media which boasted of glorious success in April 2022 and shuttering which was reported in August 2022.

Jovan Johnson had previously billboarded the names of companies in the primary market to drive traffic to his websites, Paymaster.co and Annuitypaymentfreedom.Net. Highlighting this in my 2023 blog resulted in Johnson removing the names of structured settlement companies in the primary market after receiving calls from several of them.

Structured Settlement Brokers Are Being Billboarded by San Francisco Lawyer Shilling Factoring – Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2025 April 2, 2023

Tracking Misinformation from Jovan Johnson Honeypots Since the Beginning of the Decade

Example 1

What is a Structured Settlement Company?

Jovan Johnson Inaccurate A structured settlement company is either a broker that helps set up payment streams to meet legal requirements or a buyer that purchases structured settlements.

Accurate A structured settlement company is a term that may refer to:
- a licensed insurance company that is issues structured settlement annuities;
- a licensed agent or broker under state insurance law, that is appointed by a structured settlement annuity issuer and/or issuers to sell its/ or their structured settlement products to the public;
- a licensed agency or brokerage under state insurance law, that is appointed by a structured settlement annuity issuer and/or issuers
Explanation
- Jovan Johnson lists companies that buy structured settlement receivables.
- Structured settlement receivables are not structured settlement annuities. Source: National Association of Insurance Commisisoners Statutory Issue paper No. 160
- Investors in Structured settlement receivables are expressly excluded from statutory protections in most states. See 2017 Revisons to Life & Health Guaranty Assocaution Model Act.
- While some of the companies listed by John may buy retirement annuities, none of the listed companies can buy structured settlement annuities because such annuities are usually purchased and owned by a qualified assignment company
Example 2

What is a Structured Settlement Buyer?

Jovan Johnson Inaccurate A structured settlement buyer is a company that provides cash up front to people with structured settlements in exchange for rights to future payments. These factoring companies normally buy future payments rights from structured settlements and annuity holders.

Accurate What is often referred to as a structured settlement buyer is a misnomer. A structured settlement buyer is an individual or company that uses its own or investors’ capital to buy structured settlement receivables, or portions thereof.

Disclaimer

The good natured Golden Gate Bridge image is not Jovan Johnson, however those are some tasty looking chocolate chip cookies and a honeypot. Who doesn’t like warm chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookies as room temperature, or chocolate chip cookies with milk?

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Coal Creek Law recently announced the filing of a show cause motion and motion to compel production in the Wyoming District Court against the Town of Glenrock, WY (Glenrock).

What is the Wyoming Public Records Act?

Download Motion to Compel Compliance w WYPRA & for Order to Show Cause, 7-18-25 (130 pages)

The Complaint alleges that, based on information and belief, the Town of Glenrock WY improperly withheld documents that contain information that reveals Glenrock’s involvement with Flatirons Bank and an agreement to sponsor QSFs through Glenrock

MJ Settlements, a Coral Springs, Florida company led by CEO Todd Lesk, false claims to offer structured settlement annuities

The facts seem to tell a different story

Todd Lesk was permanently barred from FINRA in October 2023.

Todd Lesk and MJ Settlements can’t have it both ways.

2021 Florida Statutes 627.4554 Annuity investments

Outrageous MJ Settlements Tweet of April 16, 2025 (still posted)

Crap on Crapola

“When an original structured settlement annuity is sold, either partially or in full, it then becomes known as a Secondary Market Structured Settlement Annuity. MJ Settlements offers their investors the safety and guarantee of high yield Secondary Market Structured Settlement Annuity”

How is Lesk Spreading the Crap Here?

“How Safe are Structured Settlement Annuities” appears in the FAQ section of the MJ Settlements website

Todd Lesk holds an active life insurance license in Florida*; however, Todd Lesk is not appointed with any structured settlement annuity issuer.

Key Takeaways

Robocallers pretending to be “from Medicare” managed to trip over their own scam in spectacular fashion

The Judicious Use of Wilson Surname in an Alias

Did You Know?

With Structured Settlement Payment Transfers Are Two Judges’ Heads are Better than One?

Moving Right Along…

Underlying Court Approval is Required

Can Structured Settlement Annuity Issuer change structured settlement payment dates for its own convenience?

Background

What was at issue?

The Gist of Allegations

The Bigger Picture

How is a structured settlement established?

What was odd about the Policy Exhibit to the Complaint?

Are Delays Related to Third Party Payment Servicers?

If you want to learn about structured settlements visit How Structured Settlements Work: A Comprehensive Guide – Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog

How thoughtful! A blog “Summery” in the Summer

What are Regulations?

Does the Sale of Structured Settlement Payments Hinge on a Court “Sanction”?

Grand Jury Indicts Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck

Who is John Leo Witeck?

The Grand Jury Indictment of Leo Joseph Govoni and John Leo Witeck

Copy of Grand Jury Indictment Against Govoni and Witeck

In the Lead Up to Leo Govoni Arrest

Leo Joseph Govoni Mugshot

Leo Joseph Govoni Denied Bail

Victim Reactions to Leo J. Govoni Criminal Arrest

My prior blogs on Leo J. Govoni

How do you pronounce Govoni?

Henry County GA Lays Down Marker as it Nears Unassailable 6 Year Status as a Plantiff Venue

Henry County Calendar For Honorable Judge Chaundra D. Lewis ID:CDL Date:5/28/2025 5 pages of Plantiff Cases!

The City of New York is Sued by Plantiffs in Civil Rights Case April 25, 2025

Goldsboro North Carolina Plantiff Lawyers (as of June 21, 2025)

Montana Plantiffs

Plantiff Payor in Realtor Lawsuit Covered on Tik Tok

“Planting the Seeds” Early is Winning Strategy in Kings Park, New York

Plantiff Evidence

Amicus Brief in Support of Plaintiffs 2nd Amendment Rights

Paymaster.co, one of the honeypots of unreliable information purporting to be about structured settlements, that are controlled by Jovan Johnson, California lawyer and self proclaimed chocolate chip cookie lover, is missing a tombstone on one of the competitor websites listed on the site.

Example 1

What is a Structured Settlement Company?

What is a Structured Settlement Buyer?

Disclaimer

**Todd Lesk holds an active life insurance license in Florida*; however, Todd Lesk is not appointed with any structured settlement annuity issuer.**