Fort Myers judge keeps Oakes Farms fraud case in federal court

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) - A legal battle involving former Oakes Farm Vice President Steven Veneziano Jr. and his companies took a new turn as a federal judge in Fort Myers denied a motion to send the case back to state court. 

The civil case, which centers on allegations of fraudulent actions involving Oakes Farms, has been closely followed by WINK Investigates for months. The lawsuit seeks $12.5 million in damages.

Attorneys for Oakes Farms argued that the case belonged in Florida, claiming Veneziano maintained "extensive ties" to the state through property and voter registration.

However, the judge ruled that Veneziano successfully proved he and his family moved to California in late 2024.

The court cited several factors for the decision, including the sale of their Florida home, the enrollment of their children in California schools, and the surrender of Florida driver’s licenses.

This ruling comes after Veneziano entered a sworn declaration last week, claiming he feared for his life because he was cooperating with a federal fraud investigation invo…

Due to the parties now being considered citizens of different states, the judge ruled the case will remain in federal court.