Politician who owes thousands bought Super Bowl Tickets

Tampa, Florida -- Meet Tampa City Councilman Joseph Caetano, who has fallen on tough times. But, despite the fact Caetano closed his Bostonian Hair Studio and Spa and filed bankruptcy in November, he took advantage of the offer to elected officials and bought two Super Bowl tickets for $1,000 a piece.

Caetano says it was one of those last minute decisions that he debated whether he should or should not buy the tickets. In the end, Caetano decided he should buy the tickets.

Bob DiRaimo Comfort Keepers took care of Caetano's ailing wife 2 years ago and says his first thought when he heard about the purchase was that Caetano had other obligations.

Although Caetano received insurance money to pay for the care, he still owes Comfort Keepers $4,500.

DiRaimo says the councilman received the insurance money at a time when Caetano listed his net worth at 1.6 million dollars. However, court records show Caetano never paid the money to Comfort Keepers.

Others who were hurt by the bankruptcy are angry he bought the tickets as well. When Caetano clouded his Bostonian Spa it, also affected the people who were running the coffee shop next door. The coffee shop had subleased the property from Caetano. While the owners of Java Joes paid rent, they were tossed out and Caetano got to go to the Super Bowl.

Caetano says he worked hard all his life and he felt he deserved it.

If you're wondering who used the other ticket, Caetano says he took what he calls his insignificant other, because his wife is bedridden.

DiRaimo says Caetano's situation with his wife is something he would never wish on anyone. He adds that, to Caetano's credit, he has tried to do the right thing. However, DiRaimo says in Caetano's attempt to do the right thing, he has done many wrong things as well.

Some are saying buying super bowl tickets fits into that category.