Middle District of Florida

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of a 10-count superseding indictment charging 11 individuals with conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, 400 grams of fentanyl, and 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue, the distribution of which resulted in four deaths and serious bodily injury to a victim. Hasan Pearson, a/k/a “Julio,” a/k/a “Hoov” (35, Lakeland); Salik Stevens, a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Dough” (35, Lakeland); William Jones, a/k/a “Book” (38, Mulberry); Dominic Matthews, a/k/a “Gargamel” (30, Lakeland); Ladarius Oglesby, a/k/a “Hitta” (23, Lakeland); Naboris Lampkin, a/k/a “Beezy” (32, Lakeland); Jeminine Poe (37, Lakeland); Prince Grant (36, Lakeland); Justin Lee Martin (33, Lakeland); John Evit Brown (51, Lakeland); and Dalyshia Dexter (27, Lakeland) each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the indictment, from at least March 2016 through August 30, 2017, these 11 individuals were part of a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues in the Middle District of Florida. During the conspiracy, the distribution of these substances resulted in four deaths and serious bodily injury to another individual.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced the indictment of Michael Ron David Kadar, 19, who holds dual United States and Israeli citizenship, in three jurisdictions for hate crimes and other offenses.

The indictment from Florida charges Kadar with hate crimes as a result of threatening calls he made to Jewish Community Centers in the state. In addition, the indictment from the District of Columbia charges Kadar with threatening the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League in Washington, D.C. The third indictment charges Kadar with cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding harm to private residents in Georgia.

An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations throughout the United States in 2016 and early 2017 led to Kadar being charged initially in criminal complaints on April 21, 2017 in Florida and Georgia following his arrest in Israel. Kadar remains in custody in Israel where he also faces charges.

The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that beginning on or about Jan. 4, 2017, and continuing until Feb. 27, 2017, Kadar made multiple threatening calls involving bomb threats and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made the bomb threats and active shooter threats. Finally, the indictment charges that Kadar made bomb threats to the Orlando International Airport and a middle school in the Middle District of Florida. Although no actual explosives were found, many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities, and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area.  

The indictment from the District of Columbia charges that on or about March 7, 2017, Kadar made a threatening call to the Anti-Defamation League involving a bomb threat. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2017, Kadar sent a threatening email to the Israeli Embassy involving a bomb threat.

The indictment from the Middle District of Georgia charges that on or about Jan. 3, 2017, Kadar made a phone call to a police department conveying false information about an alleged hostage situation in progress at a private residence in Athens, Georgia, which included a threat to kill responding police officers. Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene, only to learn that there was no emergency.

The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, and the interstate threats charge, the hoax charge, and the cyberstalking charge each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court ordered restitution.

“When individuals target victims of their crimes based on who they are, what they believe, or how they worship, they target the bedrock principles on which our nation was founded,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “These alleged threats of violence instilled fear in the Jewish community and other communities across the country, and it is the Justice Department’s duty to make sure all Americans can live their lives without this type of fear.”

“These alleged threats were very real for those individuals who were evacuated, for the first responders who quickly mobilized to get people out of harm’s way, and for those in Jewish communities across the United States who felt targeted and unsafe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This indictment demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working together with our partners to protect the safety and civil rights of all Americans, and shows that we will not stand by as someone threatens our communities based on their religion or their beliefs.”

“Threats, intimidation, or violence perpetrated against anyone because of their beliefs, their faith, or how they choose to worship is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Individuals should be free to exercise these rights without fear. We will continue to use our resources to enforce these precious rights for all individuals.”

“The indictment returned today in the District of Columbia is part of a broader nationwide fight against hate, terror, and threats in all of their forms,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia. “The charges also reflect the tireless dedication of the DOJ, the FBI, and our local and international partners to rooting out and prosecuting those who would terrorize our communities.”

“Hiding behind anonymous phone calls to threaten innocent citizens is cowardly and dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia. “The calls that this defendant allegedly made harassed innocent victims, endangered first responders and the victims themselves, and needlessly consumed law enforcement resources vital to protecting our communities.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Division; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia; the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. Federal authorities also acknowledge and appreciate the assistance and the investigative efforts of the Israeli National Police.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Jose Carlos Terra Izquierdo (24, Amarillo, TX) to 24 months in federal prison for credit card fraud, to run consecutive to the 12 month and 1 day prison sentence he received in the District of Nebraska. The court also ordered Izquierdo to pay restitution to the companies that he defrauded.

According to court documents, in 2016, Izquierdo was convicted of credit card fraud in the District of Nebraska. He was scheduled to turn himself in and begin his prison sentence in March 2017, but instead traveled to Florida in violation of his conditions of release. Federal authorities in Nebraska subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest. On March 2, 2017, Izquierdo was pulled over in Columbia County by the Florida Highway Patrol for an expired Texas tag. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers located a credit card reader and stolen credit card information belonging to more than 50 victims.

This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Tampa, FL – The Justice Department today announced that David H. Howard, 59, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, to one count of threatening, intimidating, and interfering with a Muslim family’s enjoyment of their housing rights, in violation of Title 42 U.S.C. § 3631. Howard intimidated and interfered with the victims, who sought to purchase a home in the Davis Islands neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, by threatening to burn down the home, simply because it was being purchased by a Muslim family.  

According to court documents, on Nov. 3, 2016, a Muslim man, identified as K.A., and his wife were conducting the final walk-through of a home they had placed under contract.  As K.A. arrived for the final walk-through, the defendant approached K.A. and the seller identified as H.D., and the accompanying realtors, and yelled, “This sale will not take place!”  Howard threatened to burn the house down, and told K.A., “You are not welcome here!” K.A. and his wife hurried away from the house and cancelled the closing of the home purchase that was scheduled to take place the next day. In the days that followed, Howard retold his version of the incident to neighbors, making insulting remarks about Muslims.

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate illegal threats or acts of intimidation against any individual because of their religious beliefs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute hate crime offenders.”

“Individuals and families should have the right to live wherever they choose, without intimidation or fear,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Crimes perpetrated against people because of their race, ethnicity, color, or religious beliefs simply cannot be tolerated. And, we will prosecute those who commit these crimes to the fullest extent possible.”   

“Hate motivated crimes are not only an attack on the victim, but are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community," said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre. “Reporting these types of crimes along with cooperation of the community is critical to ensuring a successful outcome in cases like this.”

A sentencing date has not yet been set. Howard faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine W. Thomas of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney William E. Nolan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

Tampa, Florida – William Patrick King (35, Columbia, Maryland) has pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between December 2016 and February 2017, King attempted to persuade a 17-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. King met the victim on a teen-dating website and communicated with her by phone and via Facebook, Skype, and text messages. He told the victim that he was 18 years old, when in fact he was then 34 years old. King asked the girl to produce and send him child pornography. He also engaged in nude chats with the victim, and she sent him photographs.

King is a registered sex offender and has two prior convictions in Maryland for the sexual exploitation of children.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

It 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 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.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Thomas Leslie Carr (50, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for using underage “models” to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pornographic images and videos.  A federal jury found him guilty on June 1, 2017. 

According to court documents, in 2012, law enforcement officers began a human trafficking investigation involving the prostitution of minor and adult females throughout Florida by an individual named Michael Gallon.  The investigation revealed that Gallon had recruited his victims to travel and work at “parties” and “VIP rooms” as “models,” where customers paid to have sex with them. During the investigation, agents identified Carr was one of Gallon’s regular customers. 

On October 28, 2013, Gallon was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors and distribution of child pornography.  Two weeks later, a federal search warrant was executed at Carr’s residence. During an interview, Carr admitted that he had hired about 15 girls from Gallon over a three-year period. He stated that Gallon called him when he had girls available in Jacksonville and that the two would meet so that Carr could pay Gallon to select girls to take back to his residence. At home, Carr paid the females for photo sessions that usually consisted of photographing the female stripping off her clothing and then posing nude. He stated he attempted to have sex with the women and, if they were reluctant, Carr offered them more money.      

During the search of Carr’s residence, agents recovered computer media that contained images and videos of at least two minors, ages 15 and 17, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Carr admitted to doing “photo shoots” with each of these minors.  The videos depicted Carr engaging in sexual intercourse with one of the girls.

In 2014, Gallon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa and Jacksonville.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Stacie Harris.

It 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.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Miguel Pacheco-Lopez (35), an undocumented alien from Guatemala, to more than seven months in federal prison for sending money to Guatemala to help pay smugglers to bring an unaccompanied minor to the United States. He pleaded guilty on November 21, 2017.

According to court documents, on June 29, 2017, a U.S. Border Patrol agent encountered an unaccompanied 16-year-old Guatemalan boy in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. During an interview, the boy said that he had entered the country illegally and that he intended to live in Jacksonville with a brother-in-law named Miguel Pacheco-Lopez.

As part of an initiative to investigate those who smuggle unaccompanied children into the United States, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations located Pacheco-Lopez in Jacksonville on July 6, 2017. Pacheco-Lopez admitted that he was illegally present in the United States and was then administratively arrested for violating U.S. immigration laws.

During later interviews, Pacheco-Lopez stated that he had wired 20,000 Quetzals (Guatemala currency) to help pay smugglers to bring the boy to the United States. He said that his father-in-law (the boy’s father) had borrowed an additional 25,000 Quetzals to pay the smugglers. The total smuggling fee of 45,000 Quetzals is equivalent to approximately $6,100.

“This criminal jeopardized his own family members by paying human smugglers,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “He endangered a child’s life with a dangerous and unlawful journey into the United States, and now he will be held accountable.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced David Paul Lynch (56, Venice) to 330 years in federal prison for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and for possessing, receiving, and producing child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his home in Venice, Florida, as well as computers and other electronic devices that he had used to commit the offenses.

A federal jury found Lynch guilty on October 13, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Lynch traveled to the Philippines regularly between 2005 and 2016 to have sex with children and make recordings of the abuse. Prior to his trips, he communicated online with individuals in the Philippines in order to locate children to sexually exploit. Lynch produced child pornography of at least three Filipino children on these visits, and he solicited child pornography via email of a fourth. He was arrested in San Francisco as he attempted to board a flight to the Philippines on December 30, 2016. During a simultaneous search of his home in Venice, FBI agents located dozens of self-produced images and videos of child pornography from his trips.

“The FBI is focused not only on the children being victimized here at home, but those across the globe who are being preyed upon by offenders," said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre. "Thanks to our strong law enforcement partnerships, there are no borders in these types of cases and we can achieve great outcomes as demonstrated in this case."

This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Sarasota Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Peresie and Eric K. Gerard.

It 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 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.

Jacksonville, Florida – A federal jury has found Gregory Greer (35) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Greer was indicted on September 21, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on August 17, 2017, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office vice squad were conducting an undercover operation at the Hometown Inn and Suites in the Southpoint area of Jacksonville. As the officers were making a prostitution arrest inside a hotel room, Greer knocked on the door. A detective answered the doored and asked Greer how he could be helped, but Greer continued to gesture toward the prostitution arrestee, attempting to get her attention. Greer provided his Georgia identification card to assisting officers, one of whom observed Greer making repeated hand movements toward his right side. The officers instructed Greer to sit on the floor of the hotel hallway, and he complied.

After repeatedly warning Greer not to make movements toward his right side with his hand, and advising Greer that he was going to pat down him for safety reasons, Greer said “ok,” stood up, and immediately began running for the hotel stairwell. As officers gave chase down the stairs, through the hotel parking lot, and through the back lots of several businesses, a detective heard a sound consistent with a metal gun being dropped in the stairwell. Another responding officer ran towards the stairwell and found a discarded .45 caliber pistol. Following a brief pursuit, Greer was arrested and officers located an empty nylon pistol holster on his right hip. The rightful owner of the pistol testified that it had been stolen from his home in 2015.

At the time of the incident, Greer had five prior felony convictions, including aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, distribution of PCP, escape, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Troy Bennett (30, Orange County) to 25 years in federal prison for ­­­possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for failing to register the firearm, a short-barreled rifle, with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Due to his prior multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

A federal jury found Bennett guilty of the offenses on December 6, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on two occasions in August 2017, Bennett met with a confidential informant (CI) to sell firearms and drugs. During the first meeting, Bennett sold the CI crack cocaine and discussed his ability to obtain and sell a rifle to the CI. About a week later, during their second meeting, Bennett sold cocaine, a short-barreled rifle, and 28 rounds of ammunition to the CI. As a previously convicted felon, Bennett is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced three individuals for their involvement in a marriage fraud ring operating out of Brevard County. William Matthew Tex Price (31, Cocoa) was sentenced to two years in federal prison for marriage fraud to run concurrent to a two-year sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Maria Rogacheva (28, Russia) was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and Khagan Mushfig Oglu Nabili (24, Azerbaijan) was sentenced to time served.

According to court documents, in October 2015, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations worked with the Brevard County Clerk of the Court to investigate a significant surge in the number of aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other former Soviet countries marrying U.S. citizens in Brevard County. This led to the arrest of Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) on July 13, 2016.

After his arrest, Yakovlev admitted to introducing approximately 100 individuals to each other over an 18-month period for the purpose of them entering into sham marriages for immigration benefits. Yakovlev claimed that his payment ranged from $1,000 to $2,000 per sham marriage, and that the American citizens were paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each.

Yakovlev “employed” Price, who recruited at least 20 U.S. citizens to participate in the scheme. In August 2015, Price recruited a U.S. citizen to enter into a sham marriage with Nabili. The citizen then filed an immigration petition on Nabili’s behalf in an attempt to obtain lawful status for him. The following month, Price recruited his ex-wife, Toole, to enter into a sham marriage with Bakhramovich Yadigarov (26, Uzbekistan). Toole filed an immigration petition on Yadigarov’s behalf in an attempt to gain lawful status for him.

Price also engaged in fraudulent marriages with Maria Rogacheva and Svetlana Vladimirovna Shakhramanyan (28, Azerbaijan). Rogacheva attempted to avoid prosecution by filing a lengthy petition falsely claiming to be a battered spouse based on her sham marriage to Price. She later admitted that she had not entered into the marriage in good faith, she had never lived with Price as husband and wife, and she had never been battered by Price.

“These criminals defrauded the government and undermined the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system” said HSI Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This case should send a clear message that we will continue to target those who try to circumvent our nation’s immigration laws.”

Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in this conspiracy. In November 2016, Yakovlev was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for encouraging or inducing an alien to reside in the United States, and Toole was sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment for marriage fraud.

April Coleen Moore (24, Satellite Beach) pleaded guilty on January 2, 2018, for her sham marriage to Valriy Tsoy (33, Kazakhstan). Her sentencing hearing is on March 23, 2018. Tsoy, Yadigarov, and Shakhramanyan are set for trial in May 2018.

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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina R. Downes who is on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Marc Jason Levene (56, Sarasota) with three counts of possessing explosives as a convicted felon, two counts of improper storage of explosive materials, and one count of possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each of the possession counts and up to one year in federal prison for each improper storage count. The indictment also notifies Levene that the United States intends to forfeit approximately 4,362 pounds of quick match and 858 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, which are alleged to be explosive materials and ammunition involved in the charged offenses.

According to the indictment, Levene stored explosives in an exterior shed at his home and in a storage unit at a commercial storage facility in Sarasota. Last Thursday, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Levene’s home and storage unit and seized explosives and ammunition.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Gaugush.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Jacksonville, Florida – Seyed Ali Soroushjou (38, Cockeysville, Maryland) has pleaded guilty to sending threatening communications online via Facebook. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set. Soroushjou has been in federal custody since his arrest.

According to court documents, on August 29, 2016, a Jacksonville resident (Person A) contacted law enforcement to report that she had received threatening messages through Facebook from an individual she did not know who had identified himself by the user name “MobyDick NahanghaVahshi.” A subsequent investigation identified the user as Soroushjou and revealed that he had sent the messages in response to a photograph that Person A had posted on her Facebook page of her posing with three officers from the New York Police Department. In his first message to the victim, sent on August 24, 2016, Soroushjou threatened to assault the officers depicted in the photo. In a second message three days later, Soroushjou graphically stated that he intended to sexually assault Person A.

Following the execution of a search warrant at Soroushjou’s home in Maryland, he was arrested. Agents also seized three computer devices that he had used to access Person A’s Facebook account.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Isaac Thomas (Winter Haven, 25) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Judge Merryday said Thomas is an immediate and lethal threat to the community and stated that the court had only “one intelligent” option, before sentencing him to the statutory maximum sentence. Thomas pleaded guilty on August 24, 2017.        

According to evidence presented during the six-hour sentencing hearing, in January 2017, Thomas and several others were ejected from a Plant City High School basketball game for fighting. They then moved to a parking lot near the school, where fighting again broke out. When officers from the Plant City Police Department responded to the scene in marked vehicles with lights and sirens activated, all but Thomas dispersed. He stood in the middle of the road as the  officers arrived, aimed his weapon toward the oncoming vehicles, and fired. He then led the officers on a foot and high-speed vehicle chase that ended with Thomas’s vehicle crashing into a local business. Thomas then exited the damaged vehicle, pointed his firearm at another officer, and was ultimately shot in the buttocks.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Sergio Cuandon-Alvarez (23, Mexico) to one year in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2017.

According to court documents, Cuandon-Alvarez, a Mexican citizen, was removed from the United States on three occasions in 2013. On April 30, 2013, he was convicted of illegal entry, a federal misdemeanor.

Following his conviction, Cuandon-Alvarez again illegally reentered the U.S. and has been arrested numerous times resulting in convictions for driving under the influence, possession of cocaine, leaving the scene of an accident without giving information, careless driving, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. On August 28, 2017, after immigration officers encountered Cuandon-Alvarez following his arrest for driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury, he was charged with illegal reentry after deportation.

“This case is an example of ICE’s focus on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes criminal aliens,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Christina R. Downes and Brandon Bayliss, both on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, in the Middle District of Florida.

Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found five individuals guilty of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of “crack” cocaine. Jimmy Remy Fernetus (30, Miami), Edson Gelin (40, Orlando), Raymond Mike Ayap (Orlando, 41), Kissinger St. Fleur (36, Orlando), and Gerardson Norgaisse (33, Orlando) were found guilty of separate counts of distribution of cocaine or possession with the intent to distribute cocaine or “crack” cocaine. The jury also found Fernetus and Gelin guilty of two counts each of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Ayap, a citizen of Haiti, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison, and potential deportation from the United States. Because of their prior felony drug offenses, the remaining individuals each face a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Fernetus and Gelin each face additional consecutive sentences for the firearms convictions. The sentencing hearings are scheduled for May 15, 2018.

 According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, these individuals were members of a drug trafficking organization with ties to Miami. Fernetus and other conspirators sold cocaine and “crack” cocaine from two houses south of downtown Orlando. Gelin, who was stopped on the Florida Turnpike by law enforcement in June 2016 while heading toward Orlando with two kilograms of cocaine, had also been selling cocaine in Orlando. Fernetus and Gelin were armed with handguns when purchases were made from the houses. Gelin also later sold cocaine from a third house in Orlando. Ayap, St. Fleur, and Norgaisse each purchased distribution amounts of cocaine or “crack” cocaine on numerous occasions during the course of the investigation. Agents recovered multiple firearms, cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and thousands of dollars in cash during searches conducted at the three houses.

Members of the Orlando organization had also been expecting to receive at least a portion of the cocaine being transported from Haiti to Miami on a 160-foot cargo ship named the Lady Philomena, which was seized from the Miami River. On March 25, 2017, 47 kilograms of cocaine were unloaded from that ship.

Eric Jean Gilles (37, Miami), Ronny Joseph (33, Orlando), and Cristobal Sotomayor-Cebollero (32, Orlando) previously pleaded guilty to charges related to this investigation and are awaiting sentencing. The cocaine trafficked into Orlando was determined to originate from Miami. Numerous others have been convicted or are awaiting trial in related cases.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Miami-Dade Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys E. Jackson Boggs Jr. and Shawn Napier.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado (44, Volusia County) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Due to his multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sanchez-Rosado pleaded guilty on December 1, 2017.

According to court documents, in June 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives received information that Sanchez-Rosado had worked at a gun store in Deltona, handled firearms, and provided tactical training in the use of firearms for customers. Further investigation revealed that Sanchez-Rosado had possessed and pawned a 5.56-millimeter caliber rifle at a pawnshop in Orange City. Due to his prior felony convictions, Sanchez-Rosado is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by ATF and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Patrick W. Riley (67, Sumter County) today pleaded guilty to violating the animal fighting provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act. He faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

According to the plea agreement, in November and December 2016, Riley arranged for his dog “Rocket” to participate in animal fighting ventures in Mississippi and Texas. In furtherance of the conspiracy, he trained eight dogs to fight. Riley utilized equipment commonly used to train dogs for fighting, including treadmills, water tanks, turntables, leashes, collars, syringes, needles, intravenous solutions, enemas, laxatives, worming medications, charcoal pills, vitamins, collapsible dog rings, and scales. On March 1, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Riley’s property and seized the dogs and dog training equipment.

The federal Animal Welfare Act makes it a felony to knowingly sell, buy, possess, train, transport, deliver, or receive any animal, including dogs, for purposes of having the animal participate in an animal fighting venture. Under federal law, an animal fighting venture means “any event, in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce, that involves a fight conducted or to be conducted between at least two animals for purposes of sport, wagering, or entertainment.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. yesterday sentenced Joshua Alan Dunlap (38, South Carolina) to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling to engage in sexual conduct with a minor. The court also ordered him to forfeit an iPhone, which had been used in furtherance of the commission of the offense.

Dunlap pleaded guilty on November 20, 2017. 

According to court documents, from July 25 to July 30, 2017, Dunlap communicated with federal and state undercover agents in an attempt to set up meetings with two fictitious minors – ages 11 and 14. He expressed his intent to teach the 11-year-old about bondage, domination, submission, sadistic, and masochist conduct by having sex with her and treating her as his pet and toy. He also said that he wanted to take the girl to his “play dungeon.” Dunlap said that he intended to provide rudimentary sexual education, involving masturbation and oral sex, to the 14-year-old girl. Dunlap was in St. Johns County when he arrived at the home of the older “child.”

During the execution of a search warrant at Dunlap’s home following his arrest, agents found a room consistent with Dunlap’s description of his “play dungeon.” Suitcases containing whips, sex toys, masks, condoms, and personalized dog collars with tags that read “Joshua’s Pet” and “Joshua’s Toy,” were found inside the room, along with a 4-poster bed with chains and eyebolts on the corners.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.

This 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 United States Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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.

 

Jacksonville, FL – Ronald Combs and the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust have agreed to pay to the government $650,000 to resolve allegations that Combs wrongfully deposited tainted compounding pharmacy proceeds into the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust.

The United States previously settled allegations that QMedRx, a compound pharmacy in Maitland, Florida, knowingly billed federal healthcare programs for services that were not reimbursable and thus violated the False Claims Act. In the case at hand, the government contends that proceeds from QMedRx’s improper activities were deposited into the Healthmark Investment Trust and that Combs withdrew funds from the Healthmark Investment Trust and deposited them into the Ronald Combs Healthmark Trust. The government contends that Combs was not entitled to withdraw these funds, as they represented the ill-gotten gains of QMedRx’s misconduct, and the withdrawal was otherwise improper under state law.

“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting TRICARE and other federal health care programs from any improper practice that harms our nation’s subsidized health programs,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The diligence required in this case aptly demonstrates the lengths to which we will go to protect the fiscal integrity of these programs.”

“This settlement is the result of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s continuing commitment to protect the integrity of the U.S. Department of Defense health care program (TRICARE) against fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office. “In partnership with the Department of Justice, DCIS will pursue all remedies to recover ill-gotten proceeds from fraudulent schemes.”

This case illustrates the government’s continued emphasis on pursuing compounding pharmacies that have defrauded federal health care programs. In the Middle District of Florida, the government has recovered almost $60 million in fines and penalties for compounding cases. In fiscal year 2017, over $700 million was recovered in affirmative civil enforcement cases.  

Today’s resolution illustrates the government’s commitment to combating improper practices that implicate the nation’s federally subsidized health care programs, using all statutory and common law remedies available to address such schemes. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This matter was investigated by the Department of Justice and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shea Gibbons, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Chris Sabis in the Middle District of Tennessee.

The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Tirso Hernandez-Astudillo (35, Ocala) guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, on each count. Hernandez-Astudillo, a citizen of Mexico in the United States illegally, also faces potential deportation. He remains in federal custody pending a sentencing hearing on May 17, 2018.

According to court documents, on May 24, 2017, in a parking lot in Ocala, co-defendant Simon Rodriguez-Flores (48, Ocala) sold a cooperating witness approximately 4 ounces of crystal methamphetamine. On June 2, 2017, at the same location, Rodriguez-Flores delivered 2 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine to the same cooperating witness, but was arrested by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. The agents detained Hernandez-Astudillo, a passenger in Rodriguez-Flores’s car.

Immediately after the arrest, a search warrant was executed at the residence Hernandez-Astudillo shared with his cousin and co-defendant, Gilberto Astudillo-Carbajal (34, Ocala). Agents recovered items used in the manufacture and packaging of crystal methamphetamine from the home. From another trailer across the street, where Hernandez-Astudillo had been earlier in the day, agents recovered a suspicious package containing approximately one kilogram of an undetermined powdery substance. Subsequent analysis of the substance revealed that it contained fentanyl. 

Rodriguez-Flores and Astudillo-Carbajal have previously pleaded guilty and remain in custody pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Gainesville Resident Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, assisted by task force officers from the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team assisted in the execution of the search warrant and the arrests. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale R. Campion.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Adam Daniel Young (27, Sarasota) with one count of receiving and two counts of possessing child pornography. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.    

According to the court filings, Young possessed more than 3,000 images and 25 videos of child pornography, including files depicting children under the age 12. Forensic evidence on his computer revealed that he had received and attempted to receive child pornography through an online file sharing program.

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 FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, which is comprised of local law enforcement agencies, including the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Bradenton Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

It 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 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.

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Jonathan Kyle Lanier (24, Leesburg) to 13 years and 5 months in federal prison for carjacking, conspiracy to commit carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury found him guilty on November 15, 2017. 

According to court documents, on December 23, 2016, Lanier, along with his co-defendants Avery Tumer, Timotheus Reed, and Amy Scott, conspired to rob an individual of his money, other personal items, and his car by arranging a meeting at a gas station in Leesburg between the victim and Scott. The victim believed he was going to meet the woman only; however, shortly after he arrived, Lanier, Tumer, and Reed pulled the victim from his car and stole his wallet and other personal property. During the robbery, the three men wore masks and pointed firearms at the victim; Tumer later pistol-whipped the victim and took his car. All four individuals were arrested a short time later by officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Leesburg Police Department.

On November 30, 2017, a federal jury found Tumer and Reed guilty for their roles in this case and they are currently awaiting sentencing. Scott previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Daytona Resident Agency), the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Gregorio Lucas-Ramos (29) to nine years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on October 25, 2017.

According to court documents, Lucas-Ramos is a Mexican citizen who entered the country illegally and resided in Alabama. In June 2015, an individual in Pasco County advised law enforcement that a Mexican man in Alabama, known to him as Gregorio, contacted the individual and discussed selling methamphetamine. During a series of phone calls, Lucas-Ramos arranged to deliver a half pound of methamphetamine to the individual. On June 25, 2015, Lucas-Ramos and a co-defendant, Josuel Ortiz, met the individual in a parking lot near a restaurant in Wesley Chapel. Ortiz retrieved the methamphetamine from under his vehicle and handed it to Lucas-Ramos. After Lucas-Ramos sold the methamphetamine to the individual, he said that his associate would make any future deliveries.

The next day, Lucas-Ramos and the individual working with law enforcement arranged for another delivery of methamphetamine. On July 1, 2015, Ortiz arrived at the agreed upon location, driving the same vehicle he used during the previous transaction. Ortiz and the individual drove to another location and parked their cars. Ortiz exited his vehicle and retrieved methamphetamine from a hidden compartment underneath the car. Law enforcement officers who had been surveilling the transaction then arrested Ortiz, searched his vehicle, and recovered the methamphetamine.

In total, law enforcement seized over four kilograms of high purity methamphetamine. On August 5, 2016, Ortiz, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez and Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Leeman and Michael Sinacore.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging David Lyle Morgan (53, Tampa) with two counts of bankruptcy fraud and one count of falsification of records in a bankruptcy proceeding. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Morgan, a licensed realtor, entered into a contract with a homeowner to sell a property in foreclosure. In order to prevent the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) from lawfully foreclosing on the homeowner’s property, Morgan engaged in a bankruptcy fraud scheme whereby he filed fraudulent bankruptcy petitions in the homeowner’s name, without the homeowner’s knowledge or consent, just prior to the scheduled foreclosure sale dates. These fraudulent bankruptcies invoked the automatic stay provision of the bankruptcy code and prevented Fannie Mae from conducting the sale and obtaining title to the property. They also allowed Morgan to continue his efforts to sell the property to obtain illegal real estate commissions.

The indictment further alleges that Morgan made false declarations on a fraudulent bankruptcy petition that he had filed in the name of the homeowner, impeding the proper administration of a bankruptcy proceeding.

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 Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. The Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa Division) also provided substantial assistance. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Javis D. Wilson (39, Tampa) to 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

Wilson pleaded guilty on November 8, 2017.

According to court documents, for well over one year, Wilson sold undercover agents cocaine, ammunition, and several firearms, including a Mossberg 30-06 caliber rifle, a Lorcin Engineering .25 caliber handgun, and a Taurus International .40 caliber handgun. In total, Wilson was held responsible for the sale of 9 firearms. Wilson had reason to believe that the firearms would be trafficked to and resold in the New York area. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury has found Devin Fabian Collins (25, St. Petersburg) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2018.

Collins was indicted on May 18, 2017.

According to evidence presented at trial, Collins drove recklessly through St. Petersburg as he was being followed by a police helicopter. After he pulled into an apartment complex, officers arrived at scene. Collins fled on foot, while tossing drugs and a gun. At the time of the incident, Collins had a prior felony conviction and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pinellas County Violence Crimes Task Force. The Violent Crimes Task Force is comprised of officers from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James Preston and Callan Albritton.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Kyle Dale Ritsema (35, Land O’ Lakes) with production, possession, and distribution of child pornography. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years and a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, 20 years in federal prison for each of two counts for distributing child pornography, and 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography.

According to the indictment, in or about March 2015, Ritsema employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. The indictment also states that he distributed two visual depictions of child pornography on or about March 21, 2015. 

Government records indicate that Ritsema is an Assistant Principal at Cypress Creek Middle High School, in Pasco County, Florida.

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 is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury today found Eugene Willis (24, Orlando) guilty of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in relation to a carjacking. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been set.

Willis was indicted on October 26, 2016, along with two co-conspirators, Sedrick Hamilton and Justin Crumpton.

According to testimony presented at trial, on October 8, 2016, Willis, Hamilton, and Crumpton traveled from Orlando to the Tampa Bay area to commit commercial burglaries. They decided to carjack a victim of his Dodge Charger, after getting the idea from a rap song. After a high-speed chase with law enforcement, they crashed the stolen car and carjacked a second victim of her Kia Optima. The individuals crashed that vehicle as well and fled to a nearby fast food restaurant, where two employees were taken as hostages. Law enforcement ultimately took all three men into custody.

Hamilton and Crumpton previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Benjamin McKenzie (42, Largo) to four years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse videos and images. He was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervision and ordered to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

McKenzie pleaded guilty on November 28, 2017.      

According to court documents, FBI agents began an online undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular anonymizing website on the “dark web” to access and download images and videos depicting child pornography. Further investigation revealed that McKenzie had accessed child pornography on this website between September 2014 and March 2015. FBI agents executed a search warrant at McKenzie’s residence and a forensic examination of his computer revealed that it contained at least 400 videos and 100 images depicting children being sexually abused, as well as evidence that McKenzie had downloaded child pornography over the Internet.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

It 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 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 – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Vasty Araceli Jimenez (32, Ellenton) has pleaded guilty to theft of government money.  She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 19, 2018. 

According to the plea agreement, between 2011 and 2014, Jimenez applied for child care subsidies for her children through the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (“ELC”). The funding for these subsidies was administered by the Office of Early Learning (“OEL”), a component of the Florida Department of Education that administered federal and state child care funds, including federal Child Care and Development Fund dollars, for the state of Florida. OEL funded various local early learning coalitions to assist families who qualified for subsidized daycare services. The subsidies were paid directly to the daycare providers.

During the relevant time period, Jimenez provided the ELC with pay stubs purportedly from her employer, the Social Security Administration. Jimenez, however, had altered the pay stubs to make it appear that her gross pay was less than it actually was. Based on these falsified pay stubs, the ELC determined that she qualified for child care subsidies. In addition, in her applications and re-certification paperwork, she failed to disclose that she was married and that her husband was part of her household, which would have affected the family’s eligibility for child care. Likewise, Jimenez failed to disclose any of her husband’s income in her ELC paperwork. These omissions resulted in Jimenez receiving child care subsidies to which she would not have otherwise been entitled. In total, Jimenez received approximately $48,895. She resigned from her position with the Social Security Administration prior to pleading guilty. 

This case was investigated by the United States Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Public Assistance Fraud, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Albert Larry Harris, Jr. (27, Lake County) to 24 months in federal prison for accepting a bribe as a public official. He pleaded guilty on November 15, 2017.  

According to the plea agreement, Harris worked as a Correctional Officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex. In June 2017, he began providing inmates at the prison with contraband (drugs and tobacco products) in exchange for large cash payments. On August 22, 2017, Harris met with an undercover agent in Ocala and accepted a $5,000 bribe and 200 Suboxone strips for delivery to a federal inmate. Following the exchange, Harris was arrested.

This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Timothy Whittington, Jr. (37, Kansas) to eight years in federal prison for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause bodily harm. The Court ordered the sentence to run consecutively to Whittington’s existing sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, which he was serving at the time he committed the offense.

Whittington pleaded guilty on November 16, 2017.

According to court documents, on June 22, 2017, while Whittington was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex, he repeatedly stabbed another inmate in the arm and neck with a shank in the prison cafeteria.

“The rule of law does not stop at the prison walls,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer. “Inmates in federal prisons have the right to pay their debts to society without being subject to violent crimes while incarcerated, and the FBI will continue to investigate these incidents fully.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jovon McClures (40, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the firearm used during the offense. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2017.

According to court documents, on January 29, 2017, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department located a loaded firearm in McClures’s jacket pocket while investigating a loud argument in an apartment parking lot. As a previously convicted felon, McClures is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a jury has found Akbar Fard (53, formerly of Tampa) guilty of wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; his sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 24, 2018.

Fard was indicted on March 22, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Fard defrauded the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Missile Defense Agency, and the United States Navy out of approximately $2.1 million. The SBIR/STTR programs support scientific excellence and technological innovation through the investment of federal research funds. Fard thwarted the fundamental purpose of these programs by using the funds to support his lifestyle instead of purchasing research materials.

“The NASA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate those who undermine and defraud NASA programs and operations,” said Special Agent in Charge John Corbett, Central Field Office. “This jury verdict serves as a staunch reminder that such conduct will not be tolerated. The NASA OIG applauds the efforts of the entire investigative and prosecution team during this multi-year investigation, and we look forward to our continued cooperation with our law enforcement partners in the pursuit of justice.”

“This verdict demonstrates the effectiveness of investigations by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our law enforcement partners to ensure that federal contractors do not defraud the U.S. Government and waste precious taxpayer dollars. DCIS protects the integrity of DoD programs by rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse that negatively impacts critical programs,” said Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office.

“The Naval Criminal Investigative Service works tirelessly to identify individuals who attempt to defraud United States Naval and Marine Corps forces around the globe. This verdict reflects a joint effort with our partner agencies and the Department of Justice to bring accountability to those individuals who waste taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Wiest, NCIS Southeast Field Office.

This case was investigated by NASA’s Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Bobby L. Ratcliffe (59) and Wanda F. Ratcliffe (55), both of Reddick, Florida, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to structure financial transactions to evade reporting requirements. Each faces up to five years in federal prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Bobby and Wanda Ratcliffe structured cash deposits and withdrawals into and out of bank accounts that they controlled. The couple often traveled to Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa to conduct the transactions. To avoid Currency Transaction Reports, which are required for currency transactions exceeding $10,000 in a single day, they made individual deposits of less than $10,000 at different credit unions, or branches of the same credit union, on the same day or over consecutive days.

In addition to structuring cash deposits, the Ratcliffes made structured cash withdrawals by writing and cashing numerous personal checks made payable to themselves. Between August 2014 and July 2015, they wrote more than 1,750 checks to themselves for cash. Although the aggregate amount of withdrawals exceeded $10,000, no individual check was greater than $10,000 on a single day. In less than a year, the couple structured more than $4.5 million. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Insurance Deposit Corporation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administriation – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Talbot and Bonnie Glober.

 

Naples, FL – Today, the U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) for the Jacksonville District, submitted to the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida a proposed consent decree that would resolve alleged violations of the Clean Water Act by condominium developers Lodge/Abbott Investments Associates LLC and Lodge/Abbott Associates LLC.

The Clean Water Act requires any person who plans to fill federally protected wetlands to receive a permit from the Corps. The defendants in this case did not obtain a permit from the Corps before they filled over an acre of high quality wetlands that abut and function in close proximity to the tidal waters of Wiggins Pass and the Cocohatchee River in Naples, Florida. The purpose of the fill was to create “Tower 200,” one of five towers comprising a high-end condominium development known as “Kalea Bay” in North Naples.

Under the proposed consent decree, the defendants are required to pay a $350,000 civil penalty. In addition, to offset the environmental impact of the alleged violations, the defendants have purchased approximately $54,000 in mitigation credits from a Corps-approved wetlands mitigation bank. The proposed decree also enjoins the defendants from filling any additional wetlands without first obtaining a permit or other clearance from the Corps. 

“The coastal wetlands in this case are a stone’s throw from the Gulf of Mexico and Cocohatchee River,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H. Wood for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resource Division. “Federal law requires Corps of Engineers approval before development projects like this can take place in these protected areas. We are pleased to reach this agreement that serves the public interest in enforcing the Clean Water Act.”

“When wetlands are filled in violation of the Clean Water Act, the loss is felt not only today, but by all generations to come,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The substantial penalty obtained in this case sends a message to anyone who fails to abide by our nation’s environmental laws that they will be held accountable.”   

“The district's enforcement staff, with DOJ assistance, is pleased to have reached an expedited resolution of this section 404 Clean Water Act violation,” said Jacksonville District Enforcement Chief Bobby Halbert for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “Our regulatory enforcement program intends to continue working to deter unauthorized activities such as this, while continually maintaining the integrity of our Nation's aquatic and wetland resources.”

Compliance and enforcement are important components of the Corps’ regulatory program, as it assures that the public interest and environmental resources are protected.  The Corps’ Jacksonville District has a routine compliance inspection program throughout Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The Corps’ Jacksonville District Enforcement Section is often aided by state and federal agencies as well as groups and individuals who report suspected violations.  To address violations, the Corps is authorized to prescribe corrective action, impose fines, and/or prescribe removal of the offending fill, work, or structure.

The proposed consent decree, lodged in the U.S. District Court in Fort Myers, is subject to a 30-day comment period and final court approval.  The consent decree will be available for viewing at https://www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

For more information on the Jacksonville District and the Corps’ Regulatory program, visit: http://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced former Latin Kings game member Anibal Angel Rios-Mulero (33, Tampa) to nine years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking offense.  The Court also ordered him to forfeit the firearms and ammunition.

Rios Mulero pleaded guilty on October 16, 2017.

According to court documents, on November 12, 2015, Rios-Mulero, a convicted felon, possessed and fired a Taurus.380 caliber pistol during an altercation outside his residence. After the shooting, law enforcmeent officers went to Rios-Mulero’s house and seized a .380 caliber shell casing in the driveway, and a another .380 caliber shell casing around the sidewalk area in front of the house. Two days later, on November 14, 2015, officers searched Rios-Mulero’s house and found a loaded black Taurus .380 caliber pistol, ammunition, and 56 baggies bags of heroin packaged for distribution in the attic. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon A. Gaugush.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Antonio Chavez (34, Arcadia), a/k/a “Cino,” to 17 ½ years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and for possessing over 500 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a Ford F250 truck that had been used to facilitate the offenses. In addition, $37,182 in cash was administratively forfeited as proceeds of the conspiracy.

Chavez pleaded guilty on May 4, 2017. His co-defendants, Johnny Carter and Adam McCumber, were previously sentenced to 15 years and 3 years and 10 months in prison, respectively.

According to court documents, Chavez was a supplier of methamphetamine in DeSoto and Manatee counties. In the fall of 2015, he arranged for the sale of methamphetamine to a confidential source on two occasions. Carter delivered the methamphetamine in the first sale, and McCumber made the delivery in the second sale. After a third deal to deliver a pound of methamphetamine in Myakka City (Manatee County) was agreed upon, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Chavez’s house in Arcadia. Inside, agents found over 700 grams of methamphetamine and $37,000 in cash.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Lakeland Police Department, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Travis Marcel Hickman (32, Bradenton) to 15 years and 1 day in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He pleaded guilty on June 13, 2017.

According to court documents, on November 17, 2017, deputies from the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on Hickman’s car. He fled, leading the deputies on a chase that resulted in him colliding with another vehicle in a residential neighborhood. Hickman emerged from his car with a backpack containing various narcotics, including morphine and crack cocaine. Law enforcement officers recovered a loaded .40 caliber pistol from his disabled vehicle, and a subsequent search of Hickman’s motel room revealed a loaded 9mm pistol, ammunition, and various narcotics, including opioids, cocaine, and crack cocaine. At the time, Hickman was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury has found Woodrow Pressey, Jr. (47, Bradenton) guilty of possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing five firearms and several rounds of ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

Pressey was indicted on September 6, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on June 12, 2017, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Pressey’s home and found crack cocaine, fentanyl, a razorblade used for cutting crack cocaine, and two digital scales in his bedroom. In a locked shed in the backyard, investigators found a .38 caliber revolver, a .357 magnum caliber revolver, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .30-06 caliber rifle, a 7.62 caliber assault rifle, five rounds of 12-gauge shotgun ammunition, five rounds of .357 magnum caliber ammunition, and two rounds of .38 caliber ammunition. Pressey had two keys in his possession that unlocked the shed.

Following his arrest, Pressey told investigators that he had been released from Florida state prison on April 29, 2017, and began selling heroin and crack cocaine two days later. He said he had hidden the firearms in the shed while he was in prison and was planning to find a buyer for the guns.

Pressey has prior felony convictions for trafficking heroin, possessing cocaine with the intent to sell it, and aggravated assault and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Hot Batch.” It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and it is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shauna S. Hale and Michael Gordon.  

It is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Edrick McCary (25, Sarasota) to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on October 31, 2017.

According to court documents, McCary and two of his associates traveled to a Walmart parking lot to rob a person who was scheduled to arrive with drugs that had been paid for in advance. Police, acting on information, arrived in the parking lot and approached McCary and his associates’ car. Police found three firearms in the car, including a Glock 9mm handgun and a Ruger 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine. McCary had previously been convicted twice in Florida for possession of cocaine. As a result of his convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Kenyatta Biafra Bellamy (48, Davenport) to 24 months in federal prison for theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered him to pay $40,232.34 in restitution, the proceeds of the fraud.

Bellamy pleaded guilty on November 6, 2017.

According to court documents, Bellamy began receiving Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in November 2011. In his application for SSI disability benefits, Bellamy stated that he had not been accused or convicted of a felony and that he was not on probation under federal or state law. He also stated that he rented his residence, maintained one checking account that contained less than $2,000, and had not received any other income. An investigation ultimately revealed that all of Bellamy’s statements were false and that he had previously been convicted of a felony and maintained bank accounts containing significant amounts of money.

Between December 2011 and October 2014, Bellamy received monthly wire transfers of $2,000 from a New York-based company that disperses pre-settlement funds. And, in October 2014, he received a final settlement check of $635,249.21. Bank statements show that Bellamy used the money that he had concealed and fraudulently obtained from the Social Security Administration to purchase residential properties in Winter Haven and Haines City. He also traveled frequently and made large cash withdrawals and purchases. Based on his fraudulent statements and submission of false documents, Bellamy received a total of $40,232.34 in federal benefits to which he was not entitled.

This case was investigated by Social Security Administration—Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sherri Polster Chappell today sentenced Andre Bernard (65, Mount Kisco, NY) to seven years and three months in federal prison for his role in a multi-state scheme to defraud biodiesel buyers and U.S. taxpayers by fraudulently selling biodiesel credits and fraudulently claiming tax credits. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $10,500,497.92, the proceeds Bernard personally received as a result of the charged criminal conduct. Two accounts previously seized accounts worth more than $1.5 million will be credited against the money judgment.

Bernard pleaded guilty on August 2, 2017.

According to court documents, Bernard and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud biodiesel credit (known as “RIN” credits) buyers and U.S. taxpayers. The conspiracy involved having Gen-X Energy Group (Gen-X), headquartered in Pasco, Washington, and its subsidiary, Southern Resources and Commodities (SRC), located in Dublin, Georgia, generate fraudulent RINs and tax credits multiple times on the same material.

Bernard and his co-conspirators operated several shell companies that claimed to purchase and sell the renewable fuel. The co-conspirators also cycled the funds through these shell companies’ bank accounts to perpetuate the fraud scheme and conceal its proceeds.

From March 2013 to March 2014, the co-conspirators generated at least 60 million RINs that were based on fuel that was either never produced or was merely re-processed at the Gen-X or SRC facilities. The co-conspirators received at least $42 million from the sale of these fraudulent RINs to third parties. In addition, Gen-X received approximately $4,360,724.50 in false tax credits for this fuel.

“The successful prosecution of these fraudsters is a testament to our commitment to combat crime at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to support our investigative partners in dismantling such criminal schemes.”

“Today’s sentencing shows that the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute those who defraud the federal government and the American taxpayer through unlawful schemes,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wood.  “We applaud the work of DOJ and EPA’s law enforcement teams that sought and obtained justice in this case.”

“Fraud against the United States and its citizens will continued to be targeted by the Secret Service,” said Resident Agent in Charge Jeff Kelly with the U.S. Secret Service. “These complex investigations are only successfully accomplished with the dedication and partnership of our partner agencies and the U.S. Attorney Office in bringing accountability.”

“We will not tolerate environmental fraud in the Renewable Fuels Program, or anywhere else.” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “This case highlights EPA's resolve in working with partners, nationally, to hold bad actors accountable."

Six of Bernard’s co-conspirators were previously sentenced for their roles in this biodiesel fraud scheme. Thomas Davanzo and Robert Fedyna were prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida and were sentenced to 10 years and 1 month imprisonment and 11 years and 3 months’ imprisonment, respectively. In the Eastern District of Washington, Scott Johnson was sentenced to 8 years and 1 month in federal prison; Donald Holmes was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment; Nancy Bush-Estes received a sentence of 6 years and 1 month; and Richard Estes was sentenced to 8 years and 9 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Environmental Protection Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara C. Sweeney and Megan Kistler and Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice.

WHO
Attorney General Jeff Sessions

WHAT

Attorney General Jeff Sessions will deliver remarks on efforts to combat drug trafficking and end the opioid crisis. 

WHEN

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

12:50 p.m. EST

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida

Press Room (Check-in: 32nd floor // Press will be escorted up to 35th floor)

400 N. Tampa St. 

Tampa, FL 33602

OPEN PRESS   

(Final access and Camera Preset: 12:10 p.m. EST // Final access time for print media: 12:40 p.m. EST)  

NOTE:  All media must RSVP and present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license) as well as valid media credentials.  The RSVP and any inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to Kelly Laco in the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 305-5219 or [email protected].  Please RSVP with the email address of the person(s) attending the event, so that we may reach them directly if details change. Media may begin arriving at the USAO lobby on the 32nd floor at 11:45 a.m. for a security screen. ALL gear must be in place in the press room by 12:10 p.m. EST. Note--the AG will not be taking questions upon the conclusion of his remarks. 

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced William B. Pringle, III to three years in federal prison for tax evasion. He also was ordered to pay $1,650,744 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.

A federal jury found Pringle guilty on November 3, 2017.

According to evidence presented at trial, Pringle owed more than $2.1 million in federal income taxes, interest, and penalties for the years 1996 and 1998-2010.  Over a period of at least nine years, he avoided paying income taxes by hiding his substantial income and luxury assets from the IRS, and by engaging in tactics to stop the IRS from locating and seizing his assets to pay the taxes he owed. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Tedderick Fields (40, Lake Wales) has pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false claims with the Internal Revenue Service. He faces up to five years in federal prison on each count. 

Fields was indicted on January 18, 2017, and arrested in the Southern District of Florida on June 13, 2017.

According to court documents, Fields filed false tax returns in his name from 2011 through 2013. In 2012, his false tax return resulted in the issuance of a fraudulent tax refund check in the amount of $400,000.

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the St. Lucie County Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.

Tampa, Florida –U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. has sentenced Clayton Junior Thornburg (55, Iuka, Mississippi) to 28 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor, transporting child pornography, and being a registered sex offender who committed another sex offense involving a minor.

Judge Moody found him guilty on November 7, 2017, following a bench trial.

According to evidence presented during the trial, between August and November 2015, Thornburg communicated online with an undercover agent who he believed was a 13-year-old girl. He repeatedly expressed explicit interest in having sex with the “child,” and he sent multiple pornographic images and videos to illustrate what “it’s like for a young girl to have sex.” Thornburg is a two-time convicted sex offender and was on probation in Illinois for possession of child pornography at the time of the offenses in this case.

“This case should reassure the public that HSI is paying close attention to the safety of our children,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “HSI special agents will continue to take child predators off our streets.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

It 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 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.  

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Anyi (“Angie”) Artica-Romero (32) and Milton Noel Romero (35), both of Orlando, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Both are Honduran citizens who do not have legal status in the United States, and each faces up to 20 years in federal prison. As part of their guilty pleas, both have agreed to forfeit $812,149, the amount of proceeds obtained as a result of the offenses, and $127,624 that was seized in cash and from bank accounts.

According to the plea agreements, Artica-Romero and Noel Romero facilitated the employment in the construction industry of undocumented aliens living and working illegally in the United States. Construction contractors and subcontractors entered into an agreement with shell companies controlled by the defendants to provide workers, most of whom were undocumented aliens, for the contractors and subcontractors.

By obtaining and paying the workers through the shell companies, the contractors and subcontractors could disclaim responsibility for ensuring that (1) the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States, (2) required state and federal payroll taxes were paid, and (3) adequate workers’ compensation insurance was provided.

After creating the shell companies, Artica-Romero and Noel Romero applied for workers’ compensation insurance policies covering the period from September 2, 2015, through July 27, 2017. In the applications, they represented that the policies would cover 6 to 19 employees, and estimated annual payrolls of $100,000 to $410,800. The insurance companies issued policies with annual premiums of $20,002 to $38,860, based on the payroll information in the applications. They then “rented” the insurance policies to numerous construction contractors and subcontractors who employed hundreds of workers, causing the insurance companies to send certificates of insurance to the contractors and subcontractors as purported proof of sufficient workers’ compensation insurance.

The contractors and subcontractors wrote payroll checks to the shell companies for work performed by the workers. Artica-Romero and Noel Romero cashed the checks and distributed the cash to construction crew leaders, who then paid the workers in cash. No state or federal payroll taxes, such as for Medicare and Social Security, were deducted from the workers’ pay, in violation of Florida and federal law.

Artica-Romero and Noel Romero kept approximately 4% of the amount of each payroll check as a “rental” fee. During the scheme, they cashed payroll checks totaling $20,303,737, with the 4% fee totaling $812,149. The annual premium for a workers’ compensation insurance policy covering a payroll of $20,303,737 would have been more than $2,800,000.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Andrew Goldberg (35, Sanford) to 30 years and 5 months in federal prison for attempting to entice minors to engage in sexual activity and distributing child pornography. As part of the sentence, the Court also ordered him to serve a life term of supervision following his release from prison. 

Goldberg pleaded guilty on October 30, 2017.

According to court documents, Goldberg was the administrator of two online social networking groups that he created to distribute child pornography. The groups had over 120 members. An FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity infiltrated the groups and met Goldberg online. During their communications, Goldberg arranged to have sex with the undercover agent’s fictitious daughters, ages 9 and 11, for his birthday. Goldberg planned to meet the undercover agent and the fictional children at a restaurant. When he arrived at the restaurant, agents arrested him. Goldberg was carrying condoms and a jar of vasoline. Subsequently, the agents located 84 videos of child pornography in Goldberg’s e-mail account and 405 images of child pornography on his smartphone. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable. 

It 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 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 Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.