Latest sentencing delay may be last for former Oakes Farm executive

A federal judge has granted a motion to postpone Steven A. Veneziano Jr.’s sentencing for the fourth time — though court records show it might be the last time the date is put off.

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has granted a motion to delay the former Oakes Farms executive’s sentencing until 2 p.m. Jan. 11 in Fort Myers. It was previously scheduled for Oct. 26.

The most recent extension is the fourth time the date has been pushed back. Veneziano was scheduled first for a Nov. 17, 2025, hearing and then one on March 23. That was then pushed back until July 26 and then until October.

But the delays appear to be coming to an end.

According to the minutes from a status conference held on Sept. 28, the “court will allow one more continuance.” Polster Chappell, according to the minutes, then granted the latest motion seeking a delay.

Veneziano pleaded guilty last year to one charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stemmed from a case involving a $5.18 million fraud against the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food and Assistance Program.

Each count carries a potential 20 years prison sentence.

Veneziano, who now lives in California, is cooperating with the federal government on the investigation prosecutors and defense attorneys have said in court papers.

In addition to the criminal charges, he has been sued in federal court by his former employer, Naples businessman and political provocateur Alfie Oakes, who claims he stole millions from the company.

Veneziano has countered that he “engaged in numerous fraudulent schemes, at the direction of Alfie Oakes, for the benefit” of Oakes, himself, and other co-conspirators.

“These criminal schemes include, but are not limited to, government contract fraud, government relief program fraud, crop insurance fraud, wire fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering,” the filing contends.

Oakes Farms is an agribusiness with just under 3,000 acres of farmland in Collier, where it grows fruits and vegetables. It also owns the popular Seed-to-Table farm market on Immokalee Road in Naples.