A Travel Scam Leaves Florida Students and Parents in the Lurch

Marblehead Man in Serious Trouble

A man from Marblehead, Massachusetts, is in serious trouble after being accused of swindling over 100 Florida high school students and their chaperones out of a huge sum of money.

Robert Goodwin, the owner of a travel agency called Stone & Compass, is facing serious charges. He is accused of grand theft and running an organized scheme to defraud. The bond set for his release is a staggering $4 million.

The Trouble Begins

The trouble started when Goodwin's travel agency promised an exciting international trip to Italy and Greece for students and chaperones from Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach. The trip was supposed to happen in June 2024, but just one month before departure, the agency suddenly announced it was going out of business. This left the students and chaperones high and dry, with no refunds in sight. The agency's website disappeared, and all contact information became inactive.

Financial Impact

Each traveler had paid at least $3,550 for airfare, lodging, and excursions. That's a lot of money for young people and their families.

Investigation and Legal Action

Investigators in Florida started looking into the matter in May 2024 after receiving a referral. They found out that the agency was already being sued by other organizations, including Flagler College, for similar issues.

Arrest and Extradition

Goodwin was arrested in California and is now in custody, waiting to be extradited to Volusia County. The sheriff's office has announced that students and parents who lost money will have the chance to meet Goodwin upon his arrival.

A Tough Lesson

This is a tough lesson for everyone involved, highlighting the importance of doing thorough research before handing over large sums of money to travel agencies.