St. Petersburg, FL – William Yovic, the husband of State Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Petersburg), has been charged with stealing state funds after failing to pay over $100,000 in sales taxes. According to investigators from the Florida Department of Revenue, Yovic, who operates a business selling motorcoaches on Ulmerton Rd., owes approximately $105,000 in unpaid sales taxes from December 2022 to January 2024.
Legal analyst Anthony Rickman stated, “At the end of the day, the state of Florida keeps track of who’s paying their taxes and who isn’t,” emphasizing the seriousness of the charges.
The investigators found that Yovic had used the sales tax money to operate his business, with the intention of paying the taxes once he made a profit from selling one of his motorcoaches. Despite being given multiple opportunities to settle his debt, Yovic failed to make the required payments.
Although Yovic’s wife, Rep. Linda Chaney, who is the vice-chair of the state administration budget subcommittee, was aware of discrepancies in the company’s financial records, she has not been charged in connection with the case. Rickman clarified, “At the end of the day, this defendant stands charged alone. His wife is not charged in this offense.”
Yovic claims that his business suffered significant financial loss due to fraud committed by two former employees. He told investigators that these employees “systematically stole over $400,000” from him and his business, which led to the current financial difficulties.
Yovic’s attorney, Brett Metcalf, issued a statement to Fox 13, stating, “Since discovering this crime, Mr. Yovic has been diligently working to repay any debt owed to the state. We are confident Mr. Yovic will reach a quick resolution with the state and that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing. I am equally hopeful that the real bad actors will be held to account.”
Two open cases in Pinellas County court involve charges against two individuals accused of stealing from Yovic. However, investigators subpoenaed his bank records and found that he had sufficient funds to cover the taxes due. This has led to the felony charges against him.
Legal experts indicate that Yovic could face prison time, with Rickman noting, “He does look at the possibility of going to prison. One of the ways to avoid prison is paying the state of Florida those taxes.”
Yovic’s case is scheduled to be heard in Pinellas County Court on March 24. The Florida Department of Revenue emphasized the importance of holding businesses accountable for failing to remit collected sales taxes, stating, “Businesses that collect but fail to remit sales taxes steal funds that go toward public services at the state and local level.”
The lawyer representing the two individuals charged with stealing from Yovic has not yet responded to Fox 13’s request for comment.
