VICTOR THOMAS CLAVIZZAO

Victor Thomas Clavizzao, 56, of St. Petersburg, recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Clavizzao, using the name of “Victor Thomas,” opened a series of companies, and represented to others, including a local church, that he had the ability to help them conduct real estate transactions.

Clavizzao convinced the church, which was seeking to construct a new building, to give him money. The church members believed that the money they gave to Clavizzao would be used to secure financing and to handle issues related to their construction project.

Instead of aiding the church, Clavizzao used $16,350 of the church’s funds for his personal benefit.