DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Massachusetts travel agent accused of orchestrating a massive trip scam targeting Seabreeze High School students has been located in California and faces extradition to Florida.
Authorities say Robert Goodwin, 56, defrauded students, teachers, and chaperones out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for a European trip that never happened. Each participant reportedly paid more than $3,500 before the trip was abruptly canceled just days before departure.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood confirmed that investigators tracked Goodwin to California and are coordinating his return to Florida to face charges.
According to the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Goodwin is suspected of scamming multiple groups nationwide through his company, Stone and Compass Travel, stealing more than $400,000 in total.
Families and school officials were left stunned when the trip was canceled without warning. Goodwin vanished shortly afterward, prompting a multi-state investigation.
Authorities have not announced when formal charges will be filed or whether additional victims have been identified. The full scope of the alleged fraud remains under review.
