Lawsuit Filed Against U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi by Ex-Justice Department Officials
In a case that has sparked controversy and raised concerns among victims and advocates, a federal prosecutor handling a high-profile fraud investigation has been removed from the case.
Michael Gordon, a federal prosecutor, has been at the forefront of the investigation into Leo Joseph Govoni, who is accused of embezzling over $100 million from nearly 2,000 medical trust funds set up for disabled and injured individuals, primarily children and adults unable to work.
Govoni allegedly transferred stolen money to his for-profit companies and purchased numerous properties with those funds. The FBI arrested him in June 2025 on charges including mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and bank fraud. The indictment reveals a complex scheme with a network of coconspirators and more than 120 limited liability companies tied to the money flow.
Gordon played a key role in securing Govoni’s detention for his obstruction and asset concealment during bankruptcy proceedings related to the nonprofit managing the trusts. This contributed to the denial of bail, an unusual step for non-violent crimes.
However, Gordon was unexpectedly removed from the case, a move that has left families of affected individuals shocked. They fear delays due to Gordon's removal will prolong their hardship, as the case progresses.
Three former U.S. Department of Justice officials, including Gordon, have filed a lawsuit against Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging unlawful terminations for being assigned to Trump-related investigations. The plaintiffs, which also include Patricia A. Hartman and Joseph W. Tirrrell, claim their dismissals violated federal law, the U.S. Constitution, and protections meant to shield civil servants from political retaliation.
The lawsuit does not specify the exact nature of the lost or jeopardized financial opportunities for Gordon and his colleagues. However, they claim they have suffered adverse and harmful effects, including lost or jeopardized present or future financial opportunities.
The Justice Department has not provided a public explanation for Gordon's removal. The lawsuit does not specify the number of victims of Govoni's alleged fraud, but each victim has a painful and personal story related to the alleged fraud.
Rep. Kathy Castor, a House representative from Florida, has raised concerns about the removal of a federal prosecutor potentially jeopardizing an ongoing fraud investigation into Leo Gavoni. She has asked the Justice Department to rehire Michael Gordon as soon as possible to ensure the ongoing fraud investigation continues.
Gordon stated on 'Morning Joe' that he hears from former colleagues and FBI agents every day who now wonder if they're next and are looking over their shoulder, wondering about any case they take. Some left-leaning politicians believe the firings were not only frivolous but could pose an imminent threat to the public.
In summary, the ongoing fraud investigation involves Leo Joseph Govoni, accused of embezzling over $100 million from special needs trusts. Michael Gordon, a federal prosecutor handling Govoni’s case, successfully argued for Govoni’s detention pre-trial. However, Gordon was removed from the case amid controversy, sparking concerns about the case's progression and justice for victims.
- The ongoing debate in politics and policy-and-legislation surrounds the removal of Michael Gordon, a federal prosecutor, from the high-profile Leo Joseph Govoni fraud investigation, with concerns being raised about war-and-conflicts of interest and potential delays in the resolution of general-news stories like this one.
- As the general-news about the Leo Joseph Govoni fraud investigation unfolds, it has become clear that this case is not just about war-and-conflicts and policy-and-legislation, but also about justice for the victims and the importance of shielding civil servants from political retaliation in politics.
