Veneziano Sentencing Delayed Again; Judge Signals Finality in Fort Myers

A federal judge has granted a fourth delay in the sentencing of former Oakes Farms executive Steven A. Veneziano Jr., setting the new hearing for 2 p.m. Jan. 11, 2027, in Fort Myers. The sentencing was previously scheduled for Oct. 26, 2026.

Court records indicate this delay may be the last. U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell previously moved Veneziano’s sentencing from Nov. 17, 2025, to March 23, 2026, then to July 26, 2026, and finally to Oct. 26, 2026.

Veneziano pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. These charges stem from a $5.18 million fraud scheme against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food and Assistance Program. Each count carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence.

Veneziano, who now lives in California, is cooperating with the federal government in an ongoing investigation, according to court filings.

In a separate federal lawsuit, his former employer, Naples businessman Alfie Oakes, accuses Veneziano of stealing millions. Veneziano counters in court filings that he engaged in numerous fraudulent schemes at Oakes’ direction for the benefit of Oakes, himself, and co-conspirators. These alleged schemes include government contract fraud, government relief program fraud, crop insurance fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Oakes Farms operates nearly 3,000 acres of farmland in Collier County and owns the Seed-to-Table farm market in Naples.