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The State Attorney’s Office has announced that plea negotiations are currently in progress for Spencer Calvert, a builder from Nocatee facing allegations of defrauding clients to the tune of approximately $18 million.
Residents in Nocatee are expressing outrage at the prospect of Calvert potentially sidestepping a trial by agreeing to a plea deal. They feel this move would deny them the chance for their voices to be heard in court.
“The idea of a plea deal is simply unacceptable,” stated Captain Sandy Yawn, a homeowner affected by the alleged fraud. “Why do I want a trial? It’s because the public needs to hear our story and understand the extent of the damage he’s caused. We’re talking about $20 million. That’s a massive betrayal. People have ended up divorcing over this; entire families have been shattered.”
Both Captain Sandy Yawn and another homeowner, Brenn Krebs, recount similar stories of paying substantial amounts for houses that were never constructed. Krebs describes how she and her husband handed over checks totaling more than $400,000, only to find themselves with nothing but an empty dirt lot and no building permits issued.
“It was outright theft,” Krebs lamented. “There were no services provided whatsoever. It was just money handed over and then taken away.”
Calvert was charged with three felonies, including an organized scheme to defraud. According to the arrest warrant, investigators identified 13 victims and an estimated loss of $18 million.
Captain Sandy Yawn says she and her wife, Leah, paid $1.6 million to Calvert and his Pineapple Corporation. They say it was their life savings.
“And it’s gone. It’s gone,” she said.
An investigative report from the State Attorney’s Office shows Calvert’s American Express accounts included $730,000 spent on restaurants, sporting events, furniture stores, plane charters, and liquor retailers.
Records also show $19,000 spent on Jaguars tickets.
“That’s our money. That’s all of our money,” she said.
The State Attorney’s Office confirmed plea negotiations are underway but that details are not being released at this time.
“We cannot discuss details as negotiations are currently ongoing. However, we are seeking restitution for our victims, which remains a top priority,” said Haley Harrison, Public Information Officer and Community Engagement Specialist for the Office of State Attorney R.J. Larizza.
Harrison says once negotiations are complete, the case will either be resolved with a plea and sentencing or move forward to trial.
Calvert’s defense attorney, Mitch Stone, said in a statement to First Coast News that discussions with prosecutors are still ongoing and no agreement has been reached.
“We are currently evaluating an offer from the State to resolve the case. No decisions have been made at this time. Negotiations are continuing. We will be in court on February 11 to inform the court of our progress. We expect the case to be reset for trial unless we have reached an agreement by then,” said Stone, Calvert’s defense attorney.
Stone has said in defense of his client that labor and supply trouble from the pandemic hit Calvert’s business hard and he always intended to pay back the homeowners.
Next week is expected to be a critical moment for the case. On Wednesday, February 11, victims are expected to give impact statements, and the court could learn whether Calvert will accept a plea deal or take the case to trial.
The case will be heard in St. Johns County, where the court proceedings could determine the next chapter for homeowners who say their lives were upended.
Captain Sandy Yawn says public attention instigated from a First Coast News report has already made a difference.
“When your story broke, it changed everything. He has destroyed lives. My reaction is finally justice,” she said.
Still, some homeowners say justice will only be complete if Calvert serves time.
“He needs to go to jail,” says Leah Shafer, Captain Sandy’s wife.