Ex–Oakes Farms VP breaks silence on federal investigation, alleges Alfie Oakes involvement

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) - A civil lawsuit involving Oakes Farms has taken a new turn. Former Oakes Farms Vice President Steven Veneziano is speaking out against an October lawsuit accusing him of embezzling millions.

In court records, Veneziano claims he feared for his life because he was cooperating with a federal fraud investigation involving Alfie Oakes and several others.

In November 2024, WINK Investigates was the first to show video of federal agents raiding the home and warehouses of Oakes Farms founder Alfie Oakes. 

At least four former Oakes Farms employees have since taken plea deals, pleading guilty to federal crimes, including fraud and conspiracy.

Federal court records from August show Veneziano pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

On Wednesday, WINK News obtained Veneziano's sworn response to the ongoing civil lawsuit filed by Oakes Farms and its subsidiaries. The lawsuit seeks $12.5 million in damages, accusing Veneziano of creating shell corporations to facilitate theft. It accuses Veneziano of taking part in a "scheme to defraud Oakes Farms of millions of dollars."

Veneziano alleged, "I formed Veneziano Farms, LLC on or about July 30, 2018, at the request of the principal owner of Oakes Farms, Alfie Oakes," said Veneziano.

He further claimed, "Veneziano Farms was a sham company that was involved in committing fraud since its inception and is related to the ongoing fraud investigation involving Oakes Farms," said Veneziano.

Despite attempts to reach Alfie Oakes for comment, WINK Investigates has not received a response. Security at his gated community called his home and said no one answered. WINK Investigates Reporter Olivia Jean left her business card with security. His attorney, Joseph A. Davidow, has also not provided an immediate response.

In a statement to WINK Investigates, Veneziano's attorney, Nicole Hughes Waid said, "This frivolous lawsuit was filed against our client to promote a false narrative to the public that Mr. Veneziano stole from Oakes Farms. Let me be clear - Mr. Veneziano did not steal from Oakes Farms he stole for Oakes Farms."

It went on to say, "Mr. Veneziano acknowledged his participation in defrauding the federal government, and he pled guilty and accepted full responsibility for his actions. But he did not act alone. He continues to cooperate fully with federal prosecutors and law enforcement to ensure that all individuals who defraud the federal government are held accountable."

"We are confident that the full truth will be revealed. We are also confident that the facts will absolve Mr. Veneziano of the allegations in this lawsuit.  We will not engage in frivolous court filings, bullying tactics or theatrics; we will rely on the facts and evidence," Waid wrote.

The investigation remains ongoing, and Alfie Oakes has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

WINK Investigates will continue to pursue answers and provide updates on these federal cases as they unfold.