Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – Ciara Gay (36, Austell, GA) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, Gay has agreed to forfeit $19,500, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. Her sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, a victim in Sarasota County received a phone call from a scammer who falsely and fraudulently represented himself as a law enforcement officer with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer told the victim she was in contempt of court for missing jury duty and had to pay a fine and instructed the victim to withdraw $19,500 in cash from her bank account and drive to the courthouse in Sarasota County, where a government official would meet her to collect the fine. Gay, a Georgia resident, traveled from Georgia to Sarasota, met the victim in person, and collected the cash from her.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa Division) – Sarasota Resident Agency, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture. 

Tampa, Florida – Jeremy Ryan (38, San Diego, CA) has indicted for cyberstalking by a federal grand jury. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, from October through December 2025, Ryan used electronic communications to message Victim 1 with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate Victim 1.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.

Tampa, FL – Lee Hughes (46, Pinellas Park) has pleaded guilty to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. Hughes faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer online for months with the understanding the undercover officer had a 9-year-old daughter. Hughes expressed his specific explicit desire to sexually abuse the purported 9-year-old girl. During those conversations, he also sent explicit photos and videos of himself, which he requested be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes arrived at a predetermined location with a purple teddy bear to engage in sexual activity with the 9-year-old girl. He was apprehended by the FBI on scene.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – Omar Pitter (45, San Diego) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 33 years and 4 months in federal prison for his role in shipping over 65 kilograms of methamphetamine to the Middle District of Florida and conspiring to launder the proceeds of his methamphetamine distribution. A federal jury found Pitter guilty after a four-day trial in September 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in February 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Colin Zirpoli for suspected methamphetamine distribution. The investigation into Zirpoli led to Zirpoli’s supplier, Elizabeth Poff, and later to her supplier, Tony Marsh. Investigation into Tony Marsh led to the identification of his source of supply, Hopeton Goslin. Search warrants executed at Goslin’s home and storage unit led to the recovery of more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. Goslin, Marsh, Poff, and Zirpoli have all pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and have all been sentenced. 

Further investigation led to the identification of Goslin’s source of supply in San Diego. Agents identified Omar Pitter as Goslin’s source of supply, and the investigation revealed that Pitter had been commercially shipping Goslin cocaine and methamphetamine since 2023. Investigators testified at trial that the estimated combined weights of the shipments were 34 kilograms of cocaine and 697 pounds of methamphetamine. 

DEA agents traveled to California to arrest Pitter and search two addresses he was associated with. At that time, they also learned of an additional co-conspirator, Pitter’s friend Ciara Guss. Text messages in Pitter’s and Guss’s phones showed that Pitter and Guss had been shipping packages, similar in size and weight to ones sent to Goslin, all over the country since 2021. Guss brokered the deals and received payments for the shipments. Guss was also found guilty at trial of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.

During a search of Pitter’s residence, agents located numerous money orders that were either blank or made out to a fictitious person. Agents also seized over $400,000 in appraised jewelry.

The photos below depict several items of jewelry located in Pitter and Fulton’s apartment.   

DEA then began investigating Pitter’s girlfriend, Keona Fulton, as well as Pitter, for money laundering. DEA’s financial investigation revealed that Fulton had four bank accounts, including a business bank account, which she used to layer and co-mingle Pitter’s narcotics proceeds. The investigation showed that Fulton and Pitter used some of the money to obtain high-end vehicles, clothing, and jewelry. Fulton was also convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit money laundering and is pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Jeffrey Dixon to four years and nine months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. Dixon pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,093,552.50, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and to pay restitution in the amount of $12,964,382.00 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, beginning in January 2019, and continuing through July 2023, Dixon engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Dixon prepared or assisted in the preparation of 458 false and fraudulent tax returns for 319 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2018 through 2022. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A and 1, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G. The returns contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.

“Tax fraud isn’t a shortcut—it’s a fast track to prison,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the tax system and ensure that those who steal from the American public face justice. IRS Special Agents will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can game the system.”

The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Dixon prepared was $42,359,399. The actual loss totaled $12,964,382, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers, including Dixon, either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Dixon personally profited $1,093,552.50 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients or refunds he received directly from the IRS.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

Ocala, Florida – Karen Torres (50, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to receiving a bribe as a public official. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, Torres has agreed to forfeit $43,550, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. Her sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, Torres was a public official employed by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer. She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Torres introduced contraband (marijuana, cigarettes, and K2) into FCC Coleman in exchange for $43,550 in bribes from inmates. 

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington is handling the forfeiture. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of a three-count indictment charging 11 individuals for their alleged roles in federal conspiracies related to marriage fraud and bribery. The indictment alleges the following charges against each defendant:

Charge

Offense Dates

Name

Maximum Penalties

Anny Chen (54, New York)

Sha Xie (38, China)

Linlin Wang (38, Chine)

Jiawei Chen (29, China)

Yafeng Deng (23, New York)

Hailing Feng (27, New York)

Kiah Holly (29, Maryland)

Xionghu Fang (41, China)

Tao Fan (26, China)

Jaden Bullion (24, Florida)

Kin Man Cheok (32, China)

Anny Chen

Linlin Wang

Anny Chen

Hailing Feng

Kin Man Cheok

According to the indictment, the above named individuals allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to recruit United States citizens, preferably members of the armed forces, to enter into sham marriages to Chinese nationals for the purpose of evading immigration laws and illicitly obtaining lawful permanent resident status for the Chinese nationals. The sham marriages took place around the country, including in Jacksonville, as well as in New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. To create the illusion of a real marriage, the conspirators took photographs of the couples to create evidence that could be presented to immigration authorities to suggest that the marriages were legitimate, and the couples were in loving, committed relationships. In reality, the conspirators had agreed to a payment plan whereby the United States citizen spouse would receive a cash payment up front for marrying the Chinese national, a second payment when legal immigration status was obtained, and a final payment after the divorce.

Anny Chen and Wang are charged additionally for a sham marriage that occurred in Jacksonville in August 2024.

In related cases, Raymond Zumba, Brinio Urena, Morgan Chambers, and Jacinth Bailey, former servicemembers in the United States Navy, have all pleaded guilty to charges related to the same scheme. Their sentencing hearings are pending.

The indictment also alleges that Anny Chen, Hailing Feng, and Kin Man Cheok conspired to bribe a public official. Specifically, in January 2025, a confidential source reported to law enforcement that Navy reservist Raymond Zumba (who has also already pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official) had offered to bribe the source and the source’s spouse who worked at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville in the personnel office that issues Department of Defense identification cards. The source reported that Zumba asked whether the spouse would be willing to issue real, but unauthorized ID cards for an under-the-table payment. Acting at the direction of federal agents, the source proceeded to engage in a series of communications with Zumba during which they discussed Zumba’s plan to obtain unauthorized ID cards in exchange for cash. After driving from New York, Zumba arrived in Jacksonville on February 13, 2025, with Anny Chen, Feng, and Cheok. 

Zumba brought these individuals to NAS Jacksonville where the source’s spouse let them into the personnel office after business hours and initiated the process for Anny Chen and Cheok to receive ID cards. The following day, Zumba met with the source, who gave him two cards in exchange for $3,500. Zumba was promptly arrested, and the cards were recovered.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Mesrobian and Michael J. Coolican.

Ocala, FL – Danny Anzardo (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Anzardo to forfeit the stolen jewelry seized from Anzardo at the time of his arrest. Anzardo pleaded guilty on September 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Anzardo robbed two Ocala establishments on October 29, 2024—a retail store and a local jewelry business located at the Paddock Mall. During the first robbery, Anzardo pointed a firearm at the cashier, demanding money from the cash register. Anzardo took approximately $88 from the cash register and fled. A few hours later, Anzardo robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo implied to the victim that he had a firearm inside his backpack and threatened to kill the victim. Anzardo stole more than $13,000 in jewelry from the store.

Anzardo was arrested the following day and confessed to both robberies. He admitted that he used a firearm during the first robbery and that he disposed of it in a lake before he robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo told officers he traded some of the jewelry for drugs, but officers were able to recover two necklaces and two charms that Anzardo still had in his vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Tony Leroy Bartley, Jr. (37, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Bartley faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between June 17 and July 30, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. On July 25, 26, and 29, 2025, UC and app user “keven” exchanged several private online messages on the app and via text message. After UC advised app user “keven” that “she” was only 13 years old, app user “keven” suggested that they engage in sexual activity texting, among other things, “I want you bad.” App user “keven,” who was subsequently identified as Bartley, described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child,” and sent an explicit photo of himself to the “child.”

On August 5, 2025, Bartley was arrested by FBI agents near his apartment in Jacksonville. During an interview, Bartley admitted that he had recently communicated online with a girl who was “underage” and that he had discussed having sexual activity with the “child.” Bartley added, “I should have stopped at 13, and that’s on me.”  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Orlando, Florida – Keith Oelerich (62, Apopka) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to five years and five months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $17,964,680, the proceeds of the wire fraud offense. Oelerich pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in December 2018, Oelerich, the owner of Empire Sheds and More, LLC, a portable storage shed company, entered into an agreement with a loan financing company. Under the agreement, Empire Sheds submitted to the loan financing company rent-to-own contracts between Empire Sheds and its customers for the rental and purchase of sheds. The loan financing company paid Empire Sheds the purchase price of the sheds, and Empire Sheds’ customers were required to pay the loan financing company regular monthly rental payments for the sheds under the terms of the rent-to-own agreements.

Between December 2018 and September 2023, Oelerich used the personal identifiable information of others to create 1,043 false and fraudulent rent-to-own agreements and submitted those false and fraudulent agreements to the loan financing company. As a result, the loan financing company paid Oelerich a total of $17,964,680, the purchase prices of the sheds referenced in the agreements. In fact, most of the sheds did not exist. Oelerich used this scheme to obtain loan proceeds to which he was not entitled and to enrich himself.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

Orlando, Florida – Amaris Delapena (50, Windermere) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to four years and six months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and bank fraud. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $194,060.09, the proceeds Delapena obtained from the fraud scheme. Delapena was found guilty by a federal jury on June 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Delapena embezzled funds from an Orlando law firm while employed there as a paralegal. Delapena re-routed checks addressed to and from the law firm’s clients and vendors into accounts that she controlled and transferred client payments from the law firm’s account to accounts that she controlled. Between the time Delapena committed the offenses and her trial, she earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

Ocala, Florida – Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to five years in federal prison for 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Ward to forfeit $4,197,981.28 in proceeds derived from his wire fraud offense. The court also ordered the forfeiture of Ward’s interest in four residential properties in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which were purchased with approximately $1,584,300 in fraud proceeds and were involved in money laundering. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

A federal grand jury indicted Ward on April 30, 2024. He subsequently was found guilty of all charges after a two-day jury trial in September 2025.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a trust in his name in which he falsely claimed on the return that his trust had paid over $7 million in taxes to the IRS in 2019. Ward claimed on the tax return that he needed a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. Despite Ward’s claim, IRS records show Ward’s trust has never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, however, the agency issued a $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the money, purchasing four residential properties and a luxury automobile. He also invested some of the money in brokerage accounts.

“Ward may have been able to fool the IRS into releasing a tax refund through his bogus tax claims,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “However, tax fraud carries significant criminal penalties, and Ward was justifiably sentenced to prison for his crimes.       

This case was investigated by the IRS - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington. 

Orlando, Florida – Jack James Molina (39, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to four years and nine months in federal prison for attempted smuggling of goods from the United States. The court also ordered Molina to forfeit the 11 firearms that he attempted to smuggle. Molina pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, Molina attempted to bring 11 broken‑down Glock semi-automatic pistols and 20 firearm magazines onto a flight from Orlando to Ecuador. The firearm parts and magazines were concealed inside a towel in one checked bag and inside a shirt in another checked bag.

“Weapons smuggling poses a serious threat to public safety both here and abroad,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville and Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “Illegally exported firearms often end up fueling violence, increases crime rates, and destabilizes other countries, including Ecuador. We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to illegally export firearms from the United States. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous schemes and hold offenders accountable.” 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Michele Harrington.

Orlando, FL — Delon Richard Smith, 47, of Daytona, Florida, was sentenced Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to 327 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same. Smith was ordered to pay the two victims $4800 in restitution.

“This sentence reflects the abhorrent acts of violence the defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Commercial sex trafficking depends on the systematic dehumanization of its victims and debasing victims by treating them as commodities. The Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute those who, like Smith, use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so.”

“The manipulation and brutality used by the defendant in this case against his victims was egregious and reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Due to the hard work and diligence of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and courage of the victims, this criminal was brought to justice.”

“Sex trafficking is a violent crime, not a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “This defendant deliberately used force and coercion to control and exploit vulnerable women to line his own pockets. Crimes like this are not victimless. They cause lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate those who use violence and exploitation to profit and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, Smith used threats and physical violence to compel the two victims to engage in commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Smith recruited the two victims separately in 2021 and 2022 by offering them narcotics and an opportunity to make money. He posted online commercial sex advertisements featuring one of the victims’ photographs. He then transported the victims to various locations to meet commercial sex buyers.

Smith kept all the money or payments for the commercial sex acts and would routinely force the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex for his profit by inflicting severe physical harm on the victims. Smith would regularly punch and choke the victims, while talking about his gang membership in the Bloods, to threaten and coerce them. On one occasion, to punish the victim for not bringing in enough money, he discharged a firearm and held the hot barrel of the weapon to the victim’s face. In another instance, when one victim left the hotel room without Smith’s explicit permission, he hit one of the victims in the head with the butt of a gun and dragged her into his car by her hair.   

The FBI Jacksonville Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Daytona Police Department.

Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Delon Richard Smith, 47, of Daytona, Florida, was sentenced Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to 327 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same. Smith was ordered to pay the two victims $4800 in restitution.

“This sentence reflects the abhorrent acts of violence the defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Commercial sex trafficking depends on the systematic dehumanization of its victims and debasing victims by treating them as commodities. The Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute those who, like Smith, use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so.”

“The manipulation and brutality used by the defendant in this case against his victims was egregious and reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Due to the hard work and diligence of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and courage of the victims, this criminal was brought to justice.”

“Sex trafficking is a violent crime, not a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “This defendant deliberately used force and coercion to control and exploit vulnerable women to line his own pockets. Crimes like this are not victimless. They cause lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate those who use violence and exploitation to profit and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions.”

According to court documents, Smith used threats and physical violence to compel the two victims to engage in commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Smith recruited the two victims separately in 2021 and 2022 by offering them narcotics and an opportunity to make money. He posted online commercial sex advertisements featuring one of the victims’ photographs. He then transported the victims to various locations to meet commercial sex buyers.

Smith kept all the money or payments for the commercial sex acts and would routinely force the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex for his profit by inflicting severe physical harm on the victims. Smith would regularly punch and choke the victims, while talking about his gang membership in the Bloods, to threaten and coerce them. On one occasion, to punish the victim for not bringing in enough money, he discharged a firearm and held the hot barrel of the weapon to the victim’s face. In another instance, when one victim left the hotel room without Smith’s explicit permission, he hit one of the victims in the head with the butt of a gun and dragged her into his car by her hair.  

The FBI Jacksonville Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Daytona Police Department.

Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Fort Myers, Florida – Christopher Davies (32, Cape Coral) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri P. Chappell to 27 months in federal prison for making a threat to assassinate the President of the United States. Davies pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Davies wrote a letter to an official at the Charlotte Correctional Institution stating that he had “orchestrated the most daring Presidential assassination that this country has ever seen,” and that “Donald J. Trump must perish.” During questioning by agent from the U.S. Secret Service, Davies admitted to writing the letter and explained that he wanted to kill the President. When asked hypothetically what he would do if President Trump was near him, Davies claimed that he would attempt to kill President Trump with his bare hands.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

Orlando, Florida – Nhan Pham (55, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to two years in federal prison for receipt in interstate commerce and proffered delivery of an adulterated device, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Pham pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between 2015 and 2019, Pham, a physician who performed cosmetic procedures, ordered silicone oil online and injected the silicone into his patients for gluteal and buttock enhancement procedures at his office and residence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of injectable silicone for body contouring or enhancement and has issued warnings to the public advising them of the illegality of and health risks associated with silicone injections.

Pham inaccurately represented to his patients before performing the procedures that the substance he was injecting into their bodies was “safe,” “natural,” and would dissolve over time. After receiving the silicone oil injections, patients experienced complications, such as sharp and severe pain, discomfort, discoloration, itchiness, burning, inflammation, soreness, and hardness in the injection areas. On September 24, 2019, Pham offered to perform silicone oil injections on an undercover law enforcement agent.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

Tampa, Florida – Taj Malik Taylor (27, Madison Heights, VA) has pleaded guilty to one count of false information and making threats. Taylor faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, on July 6, 2025, Taylor was a passenger on an aircraft en route from the Saint Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia. The plane was in the air and had just left Saint Pete-Clearwater International Airport when Taylor stated out loud that his laptop was a bomb. Several passengers heard Taylor make this statement. Taylor made the statement knowing that the information was false and with reckless disregard for the safety of human life. The flight crew rerouted the flight back to Saint Pete-Clearwater Airport because of Taylor’s statement.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

Orlando, Florida – Jonathan Yasko (46, Winter Springs) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Yasko pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Yasko owned or controlled various title companies that conducted real estate settlement services and issued title insurance policies on behalf of title insurance underwriters. Each of Yasko’s title companies was required to deposit the funds it received from the lenders, buyers, and homeowners into an escrow account to segregate these monies from its own funds and were also legally required to disburse the lender’s funds in the manner specified in the instructions sent by the financial institutions. Yasko’s title companies also had a fiduciary duty to the financial institutions and were required to act in the best interests of the party providing the funds, rather than using these funds for its own self-interest.

From January 2021 through August 2023, Yasko engaged in a scheme to defraud financial institutions through the use of interstate wires. As part of his scheme, Yasko promised to keep the financial institution’s funds segregated in escrow accounts prior to closing in according with Florida law; promised to disburse the financial institution’s funds that were sent via interstate wire transfers affecting interstate commerce in accordance with the financial institution’s closing instructions; initiated fraudulent interstate wire transfers of the lender funds from the segregated escrow accounts to other escrow accounts that had insufficient funds to conduct separate closings; and initiated fraudulent interstate wire transfers of lender funds from the segregated escrow accounts to Yasko’s title company operating accounts for illicit purposes and embezzled mortgage lenders funds, which prevented the real estate settlements from taking place. As a result, the title insurance underwriter paid out settlements to the victim financial institutions. Numerous botched real estate closings involved mortgage loans purchased or owned by Freddie Mac.

In exchange for his role in the scheme to defraud, Yasko also received ill-gotten title insurance premiums. Yasko has agreed to forfeit $201,004.57, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Tampa, Florida – Marcus Jose Luis Brand (20, Sun City Center) has pleaded guilty to two counts of false impersonation of an officer. Brand faces a maximum penalty of six years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on October 3, 2024, Brand falsely claimed to be a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent and conducted canvas interviews of several individuals, at their homes, in a neighborhood in the Middle District of Florida. Brand was wearing a badge on his waist band and told the victims that he was a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent. Brand then proceeded to ask the victims questions, stating he was investigating a dispute between some of the neighbors.

Brand has never been a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent and has never had authority to conduct investigations. Several of his interactions with the victims were captured on home surveillance cameras.

Further, on October 18, 2024, Brand, attended a football game at Lennard High School wearing a badge and handcuffs and, again, falsely claimed to be a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

Jacksonville, FL – Donald Heflin Mitchell (49, Orlando), a/k/a Arissess Maven Anglo-Busari Jr., has been charged by indictment with six counts of bank fraud, two counts of false statements on loan applications, and one count of obstruction of justice. If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and making a false statement. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the obstruction offense. The indictment also notifies Mitchell that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $74,320, the proceeds of the alleged bank fraud. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, in October 2025, Mitchell went to two different car dealers and applied for credit for the purpose of purchasing vehicles. On one application, Mitchell claimed to have been an investment banker for a prominent institution making $1.5 million annually and owning a home outright. Four days later, Mitchell submitted another application in which he claimed to have been a programmer for the previous 10 years and made $6,000 per month. According to the Bureau of Prisons and court records, Mitchell was released from a previous 15-year federal prison sentence for bank fraud on August 18, 2025.

The indictment alleges that, later in October 2025, Mitchell met a person with diminished mental capacity and proceeded to financially exploit and defraud the victim by posing as the son of the victim’s deceased husband and obtaining funds from the victim’s bank accounts, including a $52,000 cashier’s check that Mitchell had issued to himself. Mitchell also presented a fraudulent power of attorney to the victim’s bank and attempted to gain control of the victim’s accounts.

The indictment further alleges that, on November 6, 2025, Mitchell attempted to obstruct justice by presenting fraudulent documents in federal court purporting to show that he was the son of the deceased husband of the victim with diminished mental capacity.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

Jacksonville, Florida – Jaime Rosario Ang (53, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ang pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Ang sold methamphetamine totaling over 1.2 kilograms to an undercover detective on multiple occasions between 2022 and 2023. During a separate interaction, Ang agreed to purchase a rifle from the undercover detective, who subsequently revealed himself as law enforcement. Federal agents then located and seized 517 additional grams of methamphetamine, 52 grams of fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and two additional loaded magazines from Ang’s residence.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

Ocala, Florida – Fernando Munguia, Jr. (24, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to nine counts of making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and nine counts of causing a federal firearm licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Munguia faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each false statement count and up to five years’ imprisonment for each count of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. As part of his plea, Munguia has agreed to forfeit the nine firearms related to these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Munguia illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms. During the purchases, Munguia indicated on the mandatory background paperwork that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms. Those statements were false since Munguia was being paid to purchase the firearms on behalf of someone else. Nine of the firearms purchased by Munguia—along with other guns—subsequently were intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 27, 2023, when another individual attempted to transport them from Eagle Pass, Texas across the United States’ border and into Mexico. Authorities intercepted Munguia’s firearms less than a month after he had purchased them.

The firearms and ammunition seized at the U.S. border on May 27, 2023.

A subsequent records check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed that between January and November 2023, Munguia had purchased 44 firearms for a total of $23,334.25—an amount representing approximately two-thirds of his reported annual income. The records also showed that his purchases frequently involved multiple, identical firearms of the same model and caliber.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Custom and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Jacksonville, Florida – Thomas B. Hoffman (46, Florahome) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for theft of federal funds. The court also ordered Hoffman to forfeit $155,706, the proceeds of the offense, and pay restitution to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Hoffman was an employee of the Palatka Housing Authority (PHA) which received federal funds from HUD to administer public housing programs in Palatka and neighboring municipalities. Hoffman was responsible for information technology and accounts payable. During an audit of vendors in 2025, PHA identified an unapproved company called “Data Max,” which had received approximately 48 fraudulently issued payments from PHA’s general account between July 2023 and February 2025, totaling $155,706. A federal investigation determined that Hoffman owned and controlled Data Max and its corporate bank account, and that he had caused the fraudulent payments to be issued. Bank surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed Hoffman cashing PHA checks issued to Data Max on numerous occasions. The investigation revealed that Hoffman used the funds for his personal benefit.

“Thomas Hoffman’s selfish actions caused harm to multiple potential victims.  He engaged in a multi-faceted fraud scheme by stealing over $155,000 in federal funds that were intended to provide housing for vulnerable community members,” said Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “He not only violated the public trust to oversee federal funds but also took away housing opportunities from our most vulnerable community members and job opportunities for other legitimate business owners. HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust to defraud HUD programs and our low-income housing communities.”    

This case was investigated by HUD – Office of Inspector General and the Palatka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

Jacksonville, Florida –David Neil Haas (38, Clay County) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Haas to forfeit a Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol and ammunition, which was used in the commission of the offense. Law enforcement arrested Hass on September 22, 2025, and he was subsequently detained. Haas pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on August 11, 2025, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) pulled over a motorcycle driven by Haas for driving without a tag. The CCSO also determined that Haas was driving on a suspended license. When speaking with Haas, a deputy observed a large bulge in the vest being worn by Haas. A subsequent search of the vest by the deputy revealed a black Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Haas had multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

Tampa, Florida – Joshua Allen (34, Houston, TX) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for two counts of enticing or coercing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The court also ordered Allen to forfeit a cellular phone, which was used in the commission of the offense, and to register as a sex offender. Allen pleaded guilty in August 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between October 2022 and April 2024, Allen used a social media application to persuade, induce, and entice minors to send him images and videos of child exploitation material in exchange for monetary payments. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Tampa, Florida – Temeko Evans (47, Brandon) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and the distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Evans pleaded guilty on October 2, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, Evans conspired with her co-defendant, Torrey Taylor, to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Between February 11 and March 26, 2025, detectives from the Tampa Police Department conducted a series of controlled purchases from Evans and Taylor, including approximately two ounces of crack cocaine and two ounces of methamphetamine. 

Taylor was sentenced to six years in federal prison on November 20, 2025. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

Tampa, FL – Wesley Anderson (Lakeland, 46) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Anderson pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on January 4, 2024, Anderson was arrested outside of a Lakeland hotel pursuant to an unrelated warrant. The hotel manager asked officers to clear the room. The officers encountered a customer who was waiting for Anderson to return to purchase narcotics from him. A search of the room recovered a backpack with over 1,300 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

Tampa, Florida – Jennifer Rodriguez (37, Puerto Rico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to five months in federal prison for interfering with flight attendants by assault and intimidation. Rodriguez pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on April 21, 2024, Rodriguez was a passenger on a commercial flight departing Tampa International Airport headed for San Juan, Puerto Rico. After the plane had pushed back from the gate, a flight attendant repeatedly requested that Rodriguez end her cellphone call. Instead, Rodriguez began arguing with the flight attendants. Rodriguez began yelling at the flight attendants and threatened to hit, slap, “beat up,” pull their hair, and drag them down the plane’s aisle by their scarves. She also interfered with their ability to provide medical assistance to a nearby passenger and to prepare the cabin for takeoff. The pilot was forced to return to the gate, and the passengers were required to disembark so that Rodriguez could be escorted off the plane by law enforcement.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa International Airport Police. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

Fort Myers, Florida – Jason Allen Henning (43, Cape Coral) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 10 years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025. Henning was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, from April 2022 through January 2024, Henning knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sex abuse material that he had searched for, downloaded, and saved from the internet. 

In 2013, Henning was convicted in federal court of distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. In 2021, Henning began serving his then life term of supervised release. 

On January 19, 2024, while Henning was on supervised release and subject to a search of his residence, officer from U.S. Probation conducted a search of Henning’s residence and located unauthorized devices. A subsequent forensic preview of the devices revealed files depicting child sexual abuse material and the FBI was contacted to further investigate. Pursuant to a search warrant, the FBI seized and conducted a forensic analysis on Henning’s devices, which revealed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, FL – Lizbet Sanchez-Alvear (29, Dade City) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernadez Covington to 16 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Judge Covington also sentenced Cecelia Yalitza Ruiz (29, Dade City) to 27 months in federal prison for destroying evidence relating to Sanchez’s investigation. Sanchez pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025, and Ruiz pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, over the last three years, Sanchez was the main source of supply and broker for mid-level narcotics dealers in Pasco County, distributing to one dealer alone at least 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of fentanyl. Sanchez specialized in connecting the sources of narcotics supply in Mexico and Atlanta with mid-level narcotics dealers in the Middle District of Florida, brokering numerous deals and receiving payment for her services. Brokering and coordinating narcotics transactions was Sanchez’s primary source of income, and Sanchez often conducted narcotics transactions in the presence of her young children.

On March 6, 2025, Sanchez arranged for one of her customers to retrieve 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from one of her suppliers in Apopka. After coordinating the logistics of the transaction and arranging her fee, Sanchez sent her customer the address to retrieve the drugs, which were later seized by law enforcement.

Picture of seized methamphetamine

On March 11, 2025, federal and local law enforcement officers attempted to interview Sanchez about her narcotics activities. Sanchez and Ruiz exited a restaurant together in Zephyrhills. Once Ruiz realized that law enforcement was trying to question Sanchez about her narcotics offenses, Ruiz became agitated, causing a chaotic scene in the parking lot, screaming and cursing at law enforcement officers. Ruiz then walked to Sanchez’s vehicle and retrieved Sanchez’s phone, knowing it contained evidence of Sanchez’s narcotics trafficking. Ruiz brought the phone to her vehicle and destroyed the device. During a break in law enforcement’s questioning of Sanchez, Ruiz told Sanchez that she had destroyed Sanchez’s phone. Sanchez then told Ruiz not to give the phone to the law enforcement officers. Shortly after this conversation, Ruiz drove away from the scene with the destroyed phone, which was never recovered by law enforcement.

Ruiz has previous convictions for assaulting and battering law enforcement officers, including for punching a police officer in the face.  

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Tampa, FL – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to vigorously pursue and prosecute human traffickers throughout the Middle District of Florida and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “In addition, we have partnered with non-governmental organizations, advocates, and concerned citizens throughout our district’s 35 counties to raise awareness within communities and facilitate critical resources to victims.”

“This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”

“Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”

“During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.

In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States.

Since January 20, 2025, the Middle District of Florida has charged six defendants, including Delon Smith, Demontrae Fagan, Jazzmen Gaskins, Jordan Woods, Fredi Agustin-Vasquez y Guardado, and Marlon Ronaldo Canas Trochez with human trafficking-related offenses. Several other active investigations are currently underway.

The MDFL has also successfully pursued the extradition of an alleged fugitive trafficker.

Throughout 2025, the USAO-MDFL collaborated with law enforcement and community partners to host forums about human trafficking and online safety for children. On August 14, 2025, in partnership with the Space Coast Human Trafficking Task Force, U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe delivered opening remarks and served as a panelist during the 2025 Human Trafficking Symposium – Fight for Child Online Safety. More than 200 attendees, comprised of law enforcement, government entities and NGOs, educators, victim advocates, social service providers, and others participated. Interactive sessions included information about federal prosecutions, online safety, public safety partnerships, and prevention strategies to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.

In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including:

• Identifying ongoing investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states.
• Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery.
• Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains.
• Running advertisements related to $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG.
• Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking.

On August 25, 2025, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including:

• 1,041 Sinaloa members,
• 856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members,
• 641 MS-13 members,
• 456 Tren de Aragua members,
• 1,067 weapons
• More than $3,250,000 in currency
• Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics

Ocala, Florida – Jairon Michael Juarez-Gomez (36, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. Juarez entered a guilty plea on October 22, 2025.

According to court documents, Juarez is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He is also a registered sex offender following his 2020 Florida conviction for sexual battery with a child. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) a sex offender is required to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where the offender resides and is employed.

On December 29, 2020, Juarez was deported from the United States to Guatemala. Afterward, he illegally returned and began living in the Middle District of Florida. When he did so, he failed to update his sexual offender registration as required by SORNA. On August 8, 2025, law enforcement discovered Juarez during a traffic stop. Juarez provided the officer with a false name and date of birth, but authorities soon confirmed his identity. When interviewed by law enforcement, Juarez eventually admitted that he had unlawfully been in the United States for the previous four years.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Ocala, Florida – Edwin Tollinchi-Rodriguez (40, Indiana) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tollinchi pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025.

According to court records, Tollinchi was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (“FCC Coleman”) in Sumter County. On September 5, 2024, a correctional officer conducted a pat-down search of Tollinchi’s person and discovered a package containing a white substance. A DEA laboratory subsequently analyzed the substance and determined it was methamphetamine hydrochloride with a weight of approximately 236.6 grams. When interviewed, Tollinchi told DEA agents that he was asked to collect some prohibited items from a shower at the prison and provide them to others in exchange for $500. Tollinchi also described how the amount of methamphetamine that ordinarily would fit in the lid of a lip balm container would typically sell for $400 inside the prison.  

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Jacksonville, Florida – Thomas Edgar Hall (36, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to 14 years in federal prison for multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hall pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, an undercover detective purchased fentanyl and/or crack cocaine from Hall six times in less than four months. Hall had a firearm either on his lap or within reach for most of the drug transactions. During the last transaction, Hall sold the undercover detective a pistol as well as fentanyl. Approximately one week later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Hall was selling drugs from. In that residence, law enforcement located a safe which contained a shotgun, a rifle, three pistols—one with an extended magazine—and assorted ammunition. The firearms in the safe matched those Hall had possessed during the drug transactions. Law enforcement also located additional sums of fentanyl and items commonly used for selling drugs.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

Tampa ― U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,802,832.17 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 (FY 2025). Of this amount, $35,353,280.69 was collected in criminal cases and $12,449,551.48 was collected in civil actions.    

The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $163,931,176.51 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to civil recoveries in local cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $151,481,625.03 in FY 2025 in these jointly handled cases.

“The Middle District of Florida has a proud record of achievement in the recovery of losses suffered by crime victims and federal programs damaged by white collar fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “The substantial criminal and civil penalties collected in the past fiscal year is tangible evidence of our commitment to this vitally important part of our district’s mission.”

U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Acting Chief Nicole Andrejko, recovered a total of $35,393,845.89. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $35,353,280.69 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $40,565.20 in criminal monetary penalties in cases pursued jointly by these offices. 

Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $28,968,242 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. For instance, in FY 2025, $22,441,475 forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $2,203,808 was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases

United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance

Case no. 1:15-cv-5452 (N.D. Ill.)

Four independent qui tam whistleblowers filed lawsuits under the False Claims Act in various districts around the country, including one in the Middle District of Florida captioned United States ex rel. K&V Group v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, et al., case no. 8:19-cv-2736-MSS-CPT (M.D. Fla.). Each whistleblower alleged that Walgreens had engaged in a nationwide scheme to defraud federal and state healthcare programs by dispensing dangerous opioid medications pursuant to facially illegitimate prescriptions. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Federal Programs Branch, as well as with a number of other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country, the Middle District of Florida investigated these claims and corroborated the allegation that Walgreens had ignored “red flags” associated with opioid prescriptions on a nationwide basis, and falsely billed government programs for having dispensed those medications. The United States transferred the qui tam cases to the Northern District of Illinois where Walgreens is headquartered and filed a complaint in January 2025. In April 2025, the United States announced a settlement of these allegations in return for $350 million, in what is the largest civil Controlled Substances Act settlement in MDFL history.

Press release:  https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-350m-illegally-filling-unlawful-opioid-prescriptions-and-submitting   

United States ex rel. Kane v. Semler Scientific, Inc.

Case no. 3:16-cv-1516 (M.D. Fla.)

A whistleblower filed a complaint in the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida alleging that Semler Scientific, a manufacturer of a device used for non-invasive vascular testing services, conspired with a distributor of the device (C.R. Bard, Inc.), to defraud Medicare through a scheme that falsely billed federal healthcare programs for testing services used in assessing certain arterial diseases. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section, the MDFL Civil Division corroborated the allegation that these defendants caused false billings to the Medicare program for services that did not meet the program’s reimbursement requirements. On September 26, 2025, the United States announced settlements with Semler Scientific and Bard to resolve these claims for $29.75 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/semler-scientific-inc-and-bard-peripheral-vascular-inc-pay-nearly-37m-resolve-false-claims

United States ex rel. Stuckmeyer et al. v. LiveCare Health

Case no. 8:22-cv-1880 (M.D. Fla.)

In August 2022, a whistleblower filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act in the Middle District of Florida alleging that LiveCare had entered into an agreement with a marketing company that violated the federal anti-kickback statute. In July 2023, LiveCare made a voluntary disclosure of an agreement that paid a marketing company a flat rate for lead generation services. LiveCare cooperated with the government’s investigation and in December 2024, agreed to pay the United States $4.9 million to resolve the claims in full.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/livecare-inc-agrees-pay-49-million-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations

United States v. Mahir Taneja

Case No. 8:21-cv-2102 (M.D. Fla.)

The United States filed a civil suit in the Middle District of Florida in January 2021 alleging that a Tampa investor, Mahir Taneja, had conspired with Larry Smith and Smith’s pharmacy, Oldsmar Pharmacy, LLC, as well as with a marketing company, Centurion, Inc., to defraud the TriCare health program through a kickback scheme associated with compounded pain creams. Smith resolved the civil claims against him through an ability to pay agreement that paid the government $600,000. After four years of litigation, the United States announced a settlement that paid $2 million in resolution of its claims with Taneja.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-man-agrees-pay-us-government-2-million-his-role-medical-kickback-scheme

Brandon Eye Associates, LLC and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A.

Working jointly with the DOJ Civil Frauds Section, the Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division investigated allegations that two Tampa Bay area ophthalmology practices, Brandon Eye Associates and Pinellas Eye Care, had defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs by submitting false claims for reimbursement of ultrasound procedures that were medically unnecessary, premised upon false diagnoses, and arose from unlawful kickback arrangements. The allegations were corroborated, and ultimately the government’s claims under the False Claims Act were resolved in two separate agreements, with Brandon Eye and Pinellas Eye Care for $1.3 million and $615,000, respectively.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-615000-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-13m-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims

New Horizons Computer Learning Center.

The Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division participated in a national investigation into allegations that franchises of a federally subsidized provider of computer technology training had defrauded the Veterans Administration’s subsidy program in various ways, notably by paying improper incentives to recruiters for the program and by defying program rules governing the numbers of veterans who could participate in the program on a subsidized basis at any given time. The government’s claims against the Jacksonville franchise of New Horizons were resolved pre-suit for $500,000.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-center-jacksonville-and-owner-resolve-gi-bill 

A Jacksonville businessman pleaded guilty yesterday to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years.

Mak also took steps that moved his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak, instead of paying his taxes, transferred $1 million to his domestic partner. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account. Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law.

Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

A Jacksonville businessman pleaded guilty yesterday to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years.

Mak also took steps that moved his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak, instead of paying his taxes, transferred $1 million to his domestic partner. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account. Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law.

Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

Orlando, Florida – Quentes Durrelle Simpson (33, Melbourne) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 30 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Simpson to forfeiture firearms and ammunition, which were used in the offense, and $600 which constituted proceeds from his drug distribution. Simpson was found guilty by a jury on October 23, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Palm Bay Police Department used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of drugs from Simpson at his home, totaling over 220 grams of pure methamphetamine and about 7 grams of fentanyl. A search warrant was then executed at Simpson’s residence, resulting in the recovery of more than 700 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 46 grams of fentanyl, over 40 grams of cocaine, drug processing materials, two loaded firearms, a loaded drum magazine, and more than $36,000 in cash.

At that time of the search, Simpson had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Simpson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Melbourne Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – Armoni Tyree Moody (24, Davenport) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to 11 years and 9 months in federal prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking, and possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Moody was found guilty by a federal jury on October 22, 2025. The court also ordered Moody to forfeit the firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition used in the commission of the offense. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, Moody arranged to meet the victim of the carjacking over social media to purchase marijuana. Moody entered the passenger seat of the victim’s car, brandished a loaded handgun, and pressed it against the victim’s head. Moody then forced the victim to hand over the victim’s two cellphones and told the victim to get out of the car or that he would shoot him, before driving away with the victim’s car. 

The following day, a search warrant was obtained for Moody’s residence. The victim’s belongings and the loaded firearm were recovered from Moody’s bedroom, and the victim’s car was found nearby. Upon further investigation, detectives recovered text messages from Moody’s cellphone where he discussed his intent to commit the robbery and videos of Moody in possession of the same firearm on his social media account.

Prior to the offense, Moody was convicted of robbery with a weapon for which he was still serving a term of probation at the time of the carjacking.

This case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Sean Anthony Christie (43, Sarasota) guilty of production, distribution, and receipt of child sex abuse material and access with intent to view child sex abuse material. Christie faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Christie used a social media application to solicit, receive, and distribute child sexual abuse material depicting minors under 12 years of age. Christie also used another social media application to meet minor girls, including a 12-year-old victim whom he used to produce child sex abuse material.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – Pete Supan (36, Bradenton) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 15 years in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and production of child sex abuse material. Supan pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, Supan used an app to coerce and entice an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. Supan misrepresented his age as 19 years old and persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Supan admitted to communicating with the victim who he knew was a minor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Stephen L. Gurba (69, Belleair) guilty of wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft. Gurba faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on each wire fraud count (2 counts), up to 30 years in prison on the false statement charge (one count), and a 2-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment on each of the aggravated identity theft counts (2 counts). U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between March and June 2020, Gurba submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications and supporting documentation on behalf of Big Red Express Trucking, LLC and Zenith Express, LLC. To obtain approval and funding for the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans, Gurba fraudulently assumed the identity of his former business partner who passed away in 2019, listed his former business partner’s name, signature, and other means of identification on the EIDL loan applications certifying under criminal penalty that the applications were true and correct. Gurba also used his deceased business partner’s name and forged his signature on the EIDL loan authorization agreements and loan notes he submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During post-loan related communications with the SBA, Gurba continued to impersonate his deceased business partner. As a result of his fraudulent scheme, Gurba induced the SBA to approve and fund the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans.

Additionally, Gurba applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Big Red from an SBA authorized financial institution. Gurba certified and signed under criminal penalty that all the PPP loan proceeds would be spent on payroll, mortgages, rent, or other SBA authorized expenses. In reality, Gurba used PPP proceeds at a casino, to enrich himself and family members, payoff unrelated business debts, and other impermissible expenses. As a result of Gurba’s false statement, the financial institution approved and funded a $955,448.75 PPP loan to Big Red.

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Jacksonville, Florida – Malcolm Jewell Williams (39, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after he was convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and for possessing cocaine. The court also ordered Williams to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. Williams was found guilty after a jury trial on July 25, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Williams was previously convicted of 16 felonies and 2 misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, each of which prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law. On January 23, 2024, a detective from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was posing as a drug user and encountered Williams in a gas station parking lot where Williams agreed to sell “molly” to the detective. After the sale, Williams fled from JSO officers on foot across a four-lane divided highway before being tackled in an alleyway next to a palm tree. In the base of the tree was a loaded firearm. Williams also had in his possession cocaine and a drug scale with residue.

After Williams was transported to the Duval County Jail, he broke free from his flex cuffs and fled once again through downtown Jacksonville before being apprehended by JSO a second time. Four months prior, Williams had been arrested by the Camden County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office for possessing a half pound of methamphetamine, for which he was on bond at the time he committed this offense.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Camden County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelli Swaney.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Orlando, Florida – Jaime Pelletier (39, Melbourne) has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Pelletier pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of drugs from Pelletier at her home, totaling over 420 grams of pure methamphetamine. A search warrant was then executed at Pelletier’s residence. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Pelletier began flushing methamphetamine down the toilet. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of additional methamphetamine, digital scales, cutting agents, and other drug processing materials. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Jacksonville, Florida – Geoffrey Lee Dudding (40, Concord, NC) was sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 50 years in federal prison for using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. He was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was previously convicted in North Carolina of indecent liberty with a minor in 2007 and solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act in 2024. He was also convicted of criminal solicitation of a minor in South Carolina in 2023. On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested in North Carolina and was later transported to Jacksonville for prosecution.

According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, UC posted several short messages in a public chat room on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the app name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted UC by private text message on the app and expressed sexual interest in UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” and “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent UC a video of himself performing a sex act to show to the “child.”

Dudding and UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told UC that he intended to book a hotel room in Jacksonville for the sexual encounter with the “child.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (NC) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Jacksonville, Florida - Jennifer Susan Cruz (40, Jacksonville) has been charged by complaint with assaulting officers conducting an immigration operation. If convicted, Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the complaint, federal immigration officers, assisted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), were conducting an operation in Jacksonville to locate and administratively arrest aliens who were illegally present in the United States. Cruz was driving by and was recording on her cell phone as an FHP Trooper was pulling over a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Cruz parked near the site of the traffic stop and was yelling at the Trooper as she continued to record. Immigration officers subsequently determined that the two occupants of the vehicle were aliens who were illegally present in the United States.

Another Trooper approached Cruz and talked with her about using her cell phone while driving. He asked for Cruz’s driver’s license, and she stated that she did not have it but that she had a photograph of it on her cell phone. During this interaction, Cruz was argumentative, standoffish, and continued recording. The Trooper advised Cruz that he had no issue with her recording and that his concern was solely her unsafe and unlawful use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. During the encounter, Cruz made unsolicited and inflammatory statements, asking whether the Trooper supported the “Nazis,” which she clarified as referring to ICE, and asking him not to shoot her in the face. The Trooper advised Cruz that ICE officers were present in an official capacity and that he was not there to discuss personal or political beliefs, but solely to address her traffic violation.

Cruz showed the Trooper a photograph of her driver’s license and the Trooper told Cruz to remain in her vehicle while he conducted further investigation. A records check revealed that Cruz’s license was suspended as of June 17, 2025. Because Cruz’s license was suspended, the Trooper requested a tow truck to impound Cruz’s vehicle, as she was not legally authorized to operate it. While the Trooper was waiting for the tow truck, Cruz drove away. Multiple Troopers immediately activated their emergency lights and sirens and maneuvered their patrol vehicles to box in Cruz’s vehicle, and they stopped it approximately 200 feet away from the traffic stop.

After the vehicle was stopped, the Trooper advised Cruz that the traffic stop had not been concluded, and that the vehicle was going to be towed because her license was suspended. He told her to exit the vehicle and surrender the keys so that the vehicle could be released to the tow company. Cruz exited the vehicle but immediately became verbally hostile, cursing at the officers, and repeatedly refusing to surrender the keys. In response to the Trooper’s directives, Cruz said that she was “ready to go” and, when asked, stated that she meant that she was ready to fight. When a Trooper attempted to retrieve the keys from Cruz, Cruz struck the Trooper in the face with a closed fist. Multiple officers then converged on Cruz to arrest her for the assault.

Cruz resisted arrest, including by attempting to strike and kick the officers. As Cruz continued to struggle with them, officers took her to an FHP patrol vehicle, during which she attempted to kick the Trooper whom she had punched. As officers were trying to place Cruz inside the vehicle, Cruz kicked at an ICE officer, a Customs and Border Protection agent, and a Trooper, and successfully struck the CBP agent and ICE officer, whose left hand was injured. Officers were eventually able to secure Cruz in the patrol vehicle, but she continued kicking at the vehicle’s windows, roof, and in-car camera.

While being transported in the patrol vehicle, Cruz stated that her actions were not worth the incident escalating “over a set of car keys.” Later, while awaiting further transportation, Cruz made a phone call in which she said that she messed up “really ugly” and that what she did was not okay. She subsequently told the Trooper who she had punched that she was sorry for hurting her, that she was not sure why she acted that way, and that she knew that the Trooper had a job to do.

A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO), the Florida Highway Patrol, FBI-Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Jacksonville, Florida – Gyasi Wallace (33, California) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 20 years and 10 months in prison for producing of child sexual abuse material. He pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025. Wallace is also required to serve 25 years of supervised release and register as a sexual offender.

According to court documents, on November 2, 2023, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a Greyhound bus station to investigate a missing person, a 12-year-old female. Officers located the child with Wallace, who had purchased a bus ticket to California for himself and the child. Wallace was arrested and the child was reunited with her mother. A search of Wallace’s electronic devices revealed that the child and Wallace began talking on a social media application when the child was 10 years old. Wallace’s cellphone contained videos of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. There were also numerous videos and images found on Wallace’s devices containing children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

“The exploitation of children leaves scars that last a lifetime—including invisible scars not only for the victims, but for their families and communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “Wallace’s actions were calculated, predatory, and deeply destructive. His calculated attempt to flee across state lines with a minor victim—boarding a bus bound for California—shows the lengths predators will go to evade justice and continue their abuse. Child exploitation is not a crime that ends when the abuse stops; it inflicts lifelong trauma on victims and their families. HSI and our INTERCEPT Task Force partners will remain relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims.” 

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – Terrance Bradford (47, Tampa) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 30 months in federal prison for obtaining multiple fraudulent COVID relief loans. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, which represents the proceeds he obtained through these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, between April 2020 and March 2021, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan applications. On these applications, Bradford was asked whether he was suspended from contracting with the federal government or whether he was presently in bankruptcy. In response to each question, Bradford answered “no.” Despite Bradford’s certifications, based on a prior investigation from the Department of Labor, Bradford was excluded from receiving any federal contracts or grants. Furthermore, Bradford’s business was in bankruptcy proceedings when he submitted his applications. By concealing this information on his loan applications, Bradford obtained $533,648.32 in COVID relief funds to which he was not entitled.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.

Tampa, FL – Lorenzo Valerio-Popoca (31, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 25 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and for distributing methamphetamine in the Tampa Bay area. A jury found Valerio guilty on July 31, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.

Valerio, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, was indicted in 2019 for trafficking methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2017 and 2018, Valerio routinely brokered and received kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine directly from his narcotics sources of supply in Mexico. Valerio then sold the methamphetamine in bulk to others in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, among other locales. On behalf of Valerio, other conspirators regularly transported the methamphetamine throughout the Middle District of Florida to the respective buyers.

Valerio often arranged the sale of at least 1-2 kilograms of methamphetamine per transaction. In March 2018, Valerio’s courier delivered two kilograms of methamphetamine to a buyer in Hillsborough County; the drugs were later seized by law enforcement. Below are photos of the seized methamphetamine from March 2018.

Before he was arrested in 2019, Valerio left the Middle District of Florida and remained a fugitive from justice until 2022, when he was arrested for trafficking over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine in Pasadena, Texas. Pictured below is the seized methamphetamine from Texas belonging to Valerio and his transnational criminal organization.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Tampa), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pasadena (TX) Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Asheville (NC) office and the United Stated States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (Houston office). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.