Allegations of embezzlement, fraud, theft, and ethical violations have led to the termination of Field Stormwater Supervisor Jovan Stojisavljevic.
New investigative documents obtained by NBC2 News have shown that a former employee of the city of Naples was accused of misusing city-issued purchasing cards for personal and business-related expenses. An internal audit and investigation revealed significant breaches of policy and trust, culminating in his termination on Nov. 25, 2024.
The Naples Police Department has also launched a criminal investigation into the matter.
Background of Allegations
The investigation via the city of Naples began on Oct. 1, 2024, when city staff flagged unusual purchasing activity on cards assigned to employees under Stojisavljevic’s supervision. A subsequent inspection uncovered missing items and unsatisfactory explanations, such as claims that items had been “thrown away” or “returned for warranty work.” NBC2 also received an anonymous letter near that time, which was also sent to city council, the city manager, and the city's finance director.
The audit identified unauthorized purchases, including knives, camping equipment, automotive tools, and other personal-use goods, none of which were accounted for or deemed necessary for city stormwater operations.
"He has violated about four different requirements of the city of Naples Code of Ethics, at the minimum. Further than that, he has violated the law," said Pamella Seay, a law and criminal justice professor at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Policy Violations and Audit Findings
The investigation highlighted several violations to Naples City Code, including:
- Unauthorized Use : Stojisavljevic used purchasing cards issued to other employees other than himself.
- Falsification : He misrepresented purchase records and failed to provide truthful explanations.
- Mismanagement of Public Funds : Items purchased were either missing or unrelated to city business.
The city’s Public Works and Finance Departments conducted a detailed audit, confirming that the purchases violated procurement policies established in 2018 and the purchasing card agreement Stojisavljevic signed in 2019.
"He has taken something that does not belong to him, so that's theft. If they choose to press charges, and it's very possible that they would. If it were in my city, I would," Seay said.
Administrative Actions and Termination
On Oct. 14, 2024, Stojisavljevic admitted to using cards assigned to other employees and returned them (from his wallet) during a meeting with senior city officials. He was placed on paid administrative leave the following day.
However, his failure to cooperate during a November administrative hearing, citing the need for his attorney, prompted the city to place him on unpaid leave. Following a pre-disciplinary hearing on Nov. 25, 2024, city officials terminated his employment.
"The city of Naples did a phenomenal job in getting this done smoothly, efficiently, and quickly," Seay said.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Since the firing on Nov. 25, the Naples Police Department has opened up its own investigation into criminal activity.
"He is taking something that belongs to the city of Naples and taking it for his own use. That's problematic. So unless there is a realistic explanation, a criminal investigation and certainly the possibility of arrest is in order," Seay said.
NBC2 has reached out numerous times to the Naples Police Department since the end of November, but the Department maintains the investigation is still ongoing.
"The law enforcement side has a lot more ammunition. They've got more tools in their tool belt. They are able to subpoena documents that might not be available to the city. They are going to be able to interview additional people that maybe the city could not. They also will be able to get warrants for searching for the property. They can go actually to the property of this gentleman and see if they can find that property. They have access to investigative tools that the city does not have. So it will be more extensive and will probably take a little more time," Seay said.
NBC2 has been unable to reach former Stormwater Field Supervisor Jovan Stojisavljevic for comment.