Travel Agent Accused of Defrauding $400K from Students for Cancelled Italy Trip

Students Confront Accused Travel Agent

• 😠 A crowd of students confronted Robert Goodwin, a travel agent accused of defrauding them out of $400,000.
• ✈️ The students had paid at least $3,500 each for a dream trip to Italy and Greece.
• 📧 A month before departure, Goodwin allegedly emailed students stating his travel agency was closing and the trip was canceled.

Allegations and Arrest

• 💸 Goodwin is accused of defrauding 104 high school students of a total of $400,000.
• 💰 Police state that no refunds were issued to the students after the cancellation.
• 🗣️ Goodwin, extradited from California, stated he was "very sorry and innocent until proven guilty."

Sheriff's Perspective

• 🚨 Valuchia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood expressed satisfaction in confronting Goodwin, calling it "Christmas Day."
• 🏦 The sheriff highlighted that many students used their own money, saved through jobs, for the trip.
• ⚖️ A judge set Goodwin's bond at $4 million.