Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Ocala Felon Sentenced to More Than 8 Years for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Karon Dawson (38, Ocala) to eight years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2017.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2017, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office followed Dawson’s vehicle after they had witnessed him engage in a drug transaction. When Dawson observed the unmarked patrol car, he fled and led the deputies on a chase, ultimately abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. After a brief chase, Dawson was arrested in an Ocala neighborhood. Inside his abandoned vehicle, deputies recovered plastic packets containing small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
At the time of the incident, Dawson had 16 prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (Gainesville) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Downloading Child Sexual Abuse Videos and Images Using the “Dark Web”Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Jason Dean Barnes (42, Jacksonville) to six years in federal prison for downloading child sexual abuse images and videos over the Internet using the “dark web.” He was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervision following his release and must register as a sex offender. Barnes was found guilty on September 18, 2017, following a bench trial.
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. Agents identified Barnes after he had accessed child pornography on this website on February 28 and March 3, 2015. A search warrant was then executed at Barnes’s residence and, during an interview, he admitted to searching for, downloading, and viewing child pornography for his own sexual gratification. A forensic examination of his laptop computer revealed that it contained at least 500 videos and 5,000 images depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
Pill Mill Owner and Co-Conspirators Convicted and Sentenced for Roles in Opioid Distribution ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew has sentenced Yolanda Camara (49, Brandon) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for her role in operating and managing a medical clinic from which oxycodone, alprazolam, and other controlled substances were illegally prescribed. The Court also ordered her to pay a money judgment of $124,285.64, which are proceeds of the offenses.
Camara pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017.
According to court documents, Camara co-owned and managed Family Medical Express Center, Inc. in Brandon, Florida. She and her co-conspirators operated Family Medical as a purported medical clinic used to sell unlawful prescriptions to individuals who did not need them and to individuals who diverted them for sale in the community on a per-pill basis. In some cases, Camara’s co-conspirator, Dr. Anil Sahijwani, wrote prescriptions at Camara’s or another co-conspirator’s request in the names of individuals he never examined, never met, and, in some cases, who did not actually exist. During the sentencing hearing, Camara was held responsible for conspiring to illegally prescribe over 28,000 oxycodone pills and nearly 6,000 alprazolam (Xanax) pills.
Camara and her co-conspirators have all pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and drug distribution charges. Camara also pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators. In total, six defendants have been sentenced in this and related cases. Jonathan Wainwright, a “sponsor” who paid people to go to the clinic and obtain prescriptions for pills he could sell, was sentenced to 9 years and 2 months’ imprisonment. Dr. Anil Sahijwani was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in federal prison. Justin Oliveira, Camara’s son and clinic employee, and Jeremiah Foor, a patient/co-conspirator, were each sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. And, David Arbogast, a patient/co-conspirator, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.
More Than $1.7 Million in Forfeited Funds Presented to Law Enforcement AgenciesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville- FL - United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, along with Special Agent in Charge James Spero, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announce today the distribution of more than $1.7 million in civilly forfeited funds to three law enforcement agencies. These awards are the result of a federal civil forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in funds obtained fraudulently through the hacking of bitcoin accounts. Pursuant to the Department of Treasury Equitable Sharing Program, the funds were distributed to the Nassau County Sheriff’s ($1,044,550.05); the Florida National Guard ($627,487.74); and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office ($209,162.58). The presentations took place today at the Jacksonville Office of Homeland Security Investigations.
“I applaud the cooperation and diligence of our law enforcement partners in working with us to investigate and prosecute this case successfully,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Divesting criminals of their ill-gotten gains and returning these resources to our enforcement agencies is yet another step in continuing our fight against crime.”
“This asset sharing is a perfect example of how a criminal’s illegal profits can be used to protect the citizens of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Spero. “The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida National Guard’s Counterdrug Program and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office all worked with HSI to hold these criminals accountable and we are honored to be able to publically recognize them for their hard work, while sharing with them a large portion of the seized monies.”
According to court documents, in November 2013, HSI special agents learned of the theft of approximately 5,400 bitcoins from Sheep Marketplace, an illicit online marketplace that has since been shut down. Sheep Marketplace was used predominantly for the illicit sale of narcotics. Jacksonville residents Sean Mackert and Nathan Gibson determined that the Sheep Marketplace had a single online “wallet” that contained the bitcoins earned by individuals using the marketplace. They devised a scheme that tricked Sheep Marketplace’s “wallet” into transferring the bitcoins of others into “wallets” they controlled. During their investigation, HSI agents determined that Mackert and Gibson had routed the bitcoins through multiple online “wallets,” then wired them to a licensed money service business. At their direction, the money service business exchanged the bitcoins for United States currency, then wired the funds to bank accounts in Jacksonville that were controlled by Mackert and Gibson.
Mackert and Gibson both have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and are awaiting sentencing. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
During the criminal investigation, HSI agents and local law enforcement, with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office, seized the funds and two vehicles. The United States commenced a civil forfeiture action against the funds, alleging that they were the proceeds of fraud. The district court ultimately ordered the forfeiture of the funds and two vehicles.
In the Middle District of Florida, enforcement of federal asset forfeiture laws is an integral part of our law enforcement mission. Taking the profit out of crime is important in disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, deterring crime, and restoring property to victims. It is also an effective way to have criminals help fund law enforcement efforts. Through the Equitable Sharing Program, our state and local law enforcement partners receive resources to supplement their law enforcement mission. Asset forfeiture and equitable sharing are valuable law enforcement tools that send a clear message that crime does not pay.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida National Guard, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The civil forfeiture action was handed by Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie Glober. The criminal prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Frein.
Putnam County Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Child Sex Abuse Videos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Ryan Elton Devore (31, Satsuma) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse videos over the Internet. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2017, federal agents and local officers executed a search warrant at Devore’s home in connection with an online child exploitation investigation. When the agents asked Devore if he had come across pornography involving children under the age of 12, he responded, “Well, yeah, I was gonna say, I know, I, I probably have before, yeah.” Forensic analyses of Devore’s custom-built computer tower and a cellphone revealed that the devices contained numerous depictions of child pornography, including at least 400 videos of children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville (FL) Police Department, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
MEDIA ADVISORY - HSI Special Agent in Charge and U.S. Attorney to Present Forfeiture Proceeds to Law Enforcement AgenciesRead the Press Release
Maria Chapa Lopez
United States Attorney
Middle District of Florida
James C. Spero
Special Agent in Charge
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s
Homeland Security Investigations
Participating Agencies
Florida National Guard, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office
WHAT:
Agencies to receive forfeiture proceeds
WHEN:
WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018
2:00 P.M. EST
WHERE:
Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
13077 Veveras Drive
Jacksonville, Florida 32258
OPEN PRESS
NOTE:
All media must have government-issued photo I.D. (e.g. Driver’s License), as well as valid media credentials. Media may begin arriving at 1:30 P.M. for security clearance. Please RSVP to [email protected] by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17th.
Pharmacy Owner, Medical Doctor and Patient Recruiter Convicted in $4.3 Million Pain and Scar Cream Kickback Scheme Against Military Insurance ProgramRead the Press Release
The owner of an Orlando, Florida-area pharmacy, a medical doctor and a patient recruiter were convicted today for their role in a kickback scheme involving pain and scar creams that resulted in the payment of approximately $4.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE. TRICARE provides coverage for active duty military and their families, as well as retired veterans.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Resident Agent in Charge Brooke M. Harris of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG) Defense Criminal Investigative Service made the announcement.
Larry Howard, 53, of Oviedo, Florida; Nicole Bramwell, M.D., 52, of Apopka, Florida; and Raymond Stone, 57, of Orlando, were convicted after a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and paying and receiving kickbacks. Howard was also convicted of two counts of paying health care kickbacks, and Bramwell and Stone were convicted of one count each of receiving health care kickbacks. In addition, Howard was convicted of two counts of money laundering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howard was the owner of Fertility Pharmacy, located in Oviedo. The evidence showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Raymond Stone, who in return referred patients to doctors previously selected by Howard. The doctors then prescribed expensive pain and scar creams to the patients, which Howard then billed to TRICARE. The evidence also showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Dr. Nicole Bramwell, who in return wrote prescriptions for the expensive creams. The creams could cost up to $17,000 per bottle. Between October 2014 and May 2015, TRICARE paid Fertility Pharmacy over $4.3 million procured through illegal kickbacks.
The case was investigated by the DOD-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Senior Litigation Counsel John Michelich and Trial Attorneys Timothy Loper and Alexander Kramer are prosecuting the case. Former Senior Trial Attorney Christopher Hunter previously prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Pharmacy Owner, Medical Doctor and Patient Recruiter Convicted in $4.3 Million Pain and Scar Cream Kickback Scheme Against Military Insurance ProgramRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – The owner of an Orlando, Florida-area pharmacy, a medical doctor and a patient recruiter were convicted today for their role in a kickback scheme involving pain and scar creams that resulted in the payment of approximately $4.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE. TRICARE provides coverage for active duty military and their families, as well as retired veterans.
Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Eric Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Resident Agent in Charge Brooke M. Harris of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG) Defense Criminal Investigative Service made the announcement.
Larry Howard, 53, of Oviedo, Florida; Nicole Bramwell, M.D., 52, of Apopka, Florida; and Raymond Stone, 57, of Orlando, were convicted after a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and paying and receiving kickbacks. Howard was also convicted of two counts of paying health care kickbacks, and Bramwell and Stone were convicted of one count each of receiving health care kickbacks. In addition, Howard was convicted of two counts of money laundering.
According to evidence presented at trial, Howard was the owner of Fertility Pharmacy, located in Oviedo. The evidence showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Raymond Stone, who in return referred patients to doctors previously selected by Howard. The doctors then prescribed expensive pain and scar creams to the patients, which Howard then billed to TRICARE. The evidence also showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Dr. Nicole Bramwell, who in return wrote prescriptions for the expensive creams. The creams could cost up to $17,000 per bottle. Between October 2014 and May 2015, TRICARE paid Fertility Pharmacy over $4.3 million procured through illegal kickbacks.
The case was investigated by the DOD-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Senior Litigation Counsel John Michelich and Trial Attorneys Timothy Loper and Alexander Kramer are prosecuting the case. Former Senior Trial Attorney Christopher Hunter previously prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
Illegal Immigrant Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Jose Gerardo Mejia-Rangel (41, Dade City) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. He previously pleaded guilty in a separate case to illegally reentering the United States. Mejia-Rangel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for illegal reentry and a mandatory, consecutive two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing is set for January 23, 2018.
According to court documents, Mejia-Rangel, who has been previously deported from the United States at least four times, used a California man’s name, birth certificate, and Social Security number to apply for a state of Florida identification card and driver license. Upon his arrest for domestic battery in July 2017, Mejia-Rangel presented himself under the California man’s identity. He also admitted to using the identity to avoid detection from federal immigration authorities.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
Palm Coast Man Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Jason Dixon (32, Palm Coast) today pleaded guilty to distributing “crack” cocaine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Dixon provided crack cocaine to a confidential informant (CI) and an undercover ATF agent on multiple occasions. He bragged about his access to firearms and told the CI and the agent that he could sell them a gun “with no bodies on it.” During a meeting on June 30, 2017, Dixon sold the undercover agent a semi-automatic pistol and 47 rounds of ammunition.
As a previously convicted felon, Dixon is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
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.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty After Knocking on Stranger’s Window with A RevolverRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Tyree Alexia Hall (27, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to 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.
According to court documents, at around 2 a.m. on March 19, 2017, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call in a residential neighborhood involving Hall. Callers reported that Hall was holding a firearm and knocking on the window of a home, and that he had threatened to shoot a dog. Upon arriving at the location, two officers observed Hall standing in the road holding a dark object. After shining a light on him, the officers observed Hall drop the object in the street. Hall was apprehended and admitted to the officers that he had possessed a firearm. The gun was recovered and identified as a Ruger .38 caliber revolver.
Hall was previously convicted in 2010 and 2012 for possession of cocaine and burglary with assault or battery, respectively. 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 and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
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.
Titusville Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Trayone Lefferio Bell (42, Titusville) to 14 years and 6 months years in federal prison for one count of fraudulent possession of access devices, two counts of theft of government money, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $266,769, and ordered him to pay $823,797 in restitution.
A federal jury found Bell guilty on October 11, 2017.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bell possessed the stolen names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of hundreds of victims. He then used that information to file false federal tax returns and requested that the refunds be issued via prepaid debit cards in the victims’ names. Bell obtained more than 100 such cards and used them to make a series of large cash withdrawals and purchases.
This case was investigated by the St. Cloud Internal Revenue Service-Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Secret Service; the St. Cloud Police Department; the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office; the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office; the Palm Bay Police Department; the Casselberry Police Department; the Kissimmee Police Department; the Winter Park Police Department; and the Maitland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
Neo-Nazi Leader Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Explosives ChargesRead the Press Release
Brandon Clint Russell, 22, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for possessing an unregistered destructive device and for unlawful storage of explosive material. Russell pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2017.
Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Division, and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan made the announcement. The sentence was issued by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew.“Russell, an active and founding member of a neo-Nazi group, was sentenced today by a federal judge after he unlawfully possessed and stored dangerous explosive materials in his home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “This case is but one example of the National Security Division’s resolve to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist threats, whether domestic or international.”
“I am thankful for the great collaboration and coordination among our law enforcement partners in bringing this case forward,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Their quick response and in-depth investigation has resulted in a successful prosecution.”
“This investigation exemplifies the close working relationship between Tampa area federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and highlights the importance of collaboration in diffusing potential threats to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Sporre.
“This is the kind of case where our collaboration and close working relationships serve the public well,” said Police Chief Dugan. “We’re grateful to our federal partners for this successful investigation and prosecution.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 19, 2017, officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to a double homicide at an apartment in the Tampa Palms area where Russell had been living with the alleged shooter, Devon Arthurs, and the two deceased victims. According to Arthurs, the four roommates were active members of the “Atomwaffen,” a neo-Nazi group that was started and led by Russell. Arthurs also claimed to have seen Russell participating in online neo-Nazi chat rooms, where he threatened to kill people and bomb infrastructure. Arthurs further advised law enforcement that Russell had explosive materials in the house.
During a search of the residence, law enforcement officers discovered a cooler in the garage containing the explosive HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine), along with various other explosive precursors, multiple pounds of ammonium nitrate, nitro-methane, empty shell casings, fuses and electric matches in close proximity.
In Russell’s bedroom, officers found neo-Nazi and white supremacist propaganda, including a framed picture of Timothy McVeigh on his dresser. Russell’s closet contained his own military uniform, firearms and ammunition, and camouflage military-type gear containing the name and symbols of “Atomwaffen.” Law enforcement officers also located various books, military gear and flags throughout the apartment that are commonly associated with white supremacist extremist organizations.
Upon questioning, Russell admitted that he had manufactured the HMTD located in the garage and that the explosive precursors belonged to him. He also admitted to being a member of the “Atomwaffen.” The following day, Russell was arrested on federal criminal charges in Key Largo, where he was found with two long rifles and ammunition that he had purchased after leaving the Tampa area.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tampa Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Daniel A. George of the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Champagne and Thomas E. Brzozowski of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.Neo-Nazi Leader Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Explosives ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew today sentenced Brandon Clint Russell (22, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing an unregistered destructive device and for unlawful storage of explosive material. He pleaded guilty on September 27, 2017.
U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Division, and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan made the announcement.
“I am thankful for the great collaboration and coordination among our law enforcement partners in bringing this case forward,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Their quick response and in-depth investigation has resulted in a successful prosecution.”
“Russell, an active and founding member of a neo-Nazi group, was sentenced today by a federal judge after he unlawfully possessed and stored dangerous explosive materials in his home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente. “This case is but one example of the National Security Division’s resolve to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist threats, whether domestic or international.”
“This investigation exemplifies the close working relationship between Tampa area federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and highlights the importance of collaboration in diffusing potential threats to our community,” said Eric W. Sporre, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division.
“This is the kind of case where our collaboration and close working relationships serve the public well,” said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. “We’re grateful to our federal partners for this successful investigation and prosecution.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 19, 2017, officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to a double homicide at an apartment in the Tampa Palms area where Russell had been living with the alleged shooter, Devon Arthurs, and the two deceased victims. According to Arthurs, the four roommates were active members of the “Atomwaffen,” a neo-Nazi group that was started and led by Russell. Arthurs also claimed to have seen Russell participating in online neo-Nazi chat rooms, where he threatened to kill people and bomb infrastructure. Arthurs further advised law enforcement that Russell had explosive materials in the house.
During a search of the residence, law enforcement officers discovered a cooler in the garage containing the explosive HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine), along with various other explosive precursors, multiple pounds of ammonium nitrate, nitro-methane, empty shell casings, fuses, and electric matches in close proximity.
In Russell’s bedroom, officers found neo-Nazi and white supremacist propaganda, including a framed picture of Timothy McVeigh on his dresser. Russell’s closet contained his own military uniform, firearms and ammunition, and camouflage military-type gear containing the name and symbols of “Atomwaffen.” Law enforcement officers also located various books, military gear, and flags throughout the apartment that are commonly associated with white supremacist extremist organizations.
Upon questioning, Russell admitted that he had manufactured the HMTD located in the garage and that the explosive precursors belonged to him. He also admitted to being a member of the “Atomwaffen.” The following day, Russell was arrested on federal criminal charges in Key Largo, where he was found with two long rifles and ammunition that he had purchased after leaving the Tampa area.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Daniel A. George, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Champagne and Thomas E. Brzozowski of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Jacksonville Man Who Commuted over 20 Miles to Operate Northside Crack Houses Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Maurice Mervin (41, Jacksonville) to five years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute “crack” cocaine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a Dodge Challenger that he had used in his drug business.
Mervin pleaded guilty on July 13, 2016.
According to court documents, Mervin lived with his family in a suburban community in southern Duval County. Each day, he commuted more than 20 miles to Jacksonville’s northside to manage and supply crack houses operated by his underlings. In taking down Mervin’s drug ring, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed multiple search warrants that led to the discovery of a loaded firearm in Mervin’s home, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and equipment and chemicals used to “cook” crack cocaine. Mervin has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN) — 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.
Former Computer Security Specialist Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Videos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that William Marion Patterson, III (49, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse videos and images over the Internet. Patterson, who was previously employed as a computer security contract worker, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for April 26, 2018.
According to court documents, in 2015, the FBI conducted an undercover online child exploitation investigation of an individual using a file sharing network. At that time, this user was the most prolific trader of child pornography in the state of Florida on this network. The user’s IP address traced back to Patterson’s residence. On June 11, 2015, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the home and made contact with Patterson. During an interview, Patterson admitted, among other things, that he had used this file sharing network and that he was responsible for anything found on his computer. Subsequent forensic analyses revealed that Patterson’s computer media contained approximately 850 videos and 5,390 images depicting children being sexually assaulted.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
Bradenton Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Jarvis Rodrick Thomas (43, Bradenton) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a .25 caliber Beretta firearm, seven rounds of ammunition, and $23,486 that are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
Thomas pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017.
According to court documents, on June 26, 2016, a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) stopped Thomas in front of a Walgreens for driving with a suspended license. While the deputy was investigating the traffic stop, Thomas threw a black bag out of the car’s window. A short time after his arrest, another SCSO employee found the black bag in the Walgreens parking lot. The bag contained 20 small bags containing 69 grams of methamphetamine and 45 small bags containing 3.8 grams of heroin. Security video from the Walgreens showed Thomas throwing the bag out of the window, into the parking lot.
Following Thomas’s arrest, a SCSO detective learned that Thomas might be storing illegal narcotics at his home in Bradenton. SCSO detectives, in coordination with the Bradenton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, a loaded .25 caliber Beretta handgun, and $23,486 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Unite to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and various Middle District of Florida (MDFL) law enforcement executives highlighted recent human trafficking prosecutions in the MDFL during a presentation in Tampa today.
In 2017, the United States Attorney’s Office, in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, brought charges against individuals for human trafficking where victims, including minors, have been forced to commit commercial sex acts and engage in sex tourism.
“Investigating and prosecuting human trafficking remains a priority for our district,” stated U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “In order to tackle this problem, we must continue to collaborate with our law enforcement and other partners to bring human traffickers to justice and assist trafficking survivors.”
MDFL Human Trafficking Case Highlights
U.S. v. Rowy Vasquez – Vasquez (27, Altamonte Springs) provided a 14-year-old girl, who had run away from home, with a cellphone so that she could post advertisements for prostitution services online and communicate with potential customers. He also set the prices for her sex acts and kept all of the proceeds. Vasquez pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Abdhullah Hamidullah – Hamidullah (44) lured a young woman to travel to Florida on false pretenses, then forced her to engage in commercial sex acts with multiple customers a day for several months, and provide him the proceeds. He isolated her in his apartment, took away her money and phone, and installed an alarm without providing her the code. He also assaulted her, showed her his handgun, and branded her with a tattoo in the course of compelling her to prostitute for his profit. Hamidullah pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and to enticing and transporting individuals for prostitution. He was sentenced to 40 years and 2 months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $1.179 million in restitution to his victims.
U.S. v. Gary Paul Moorman – Moorman (35, Cincinnati, OH) systematically and violently abused multiple victims and induced them, against their wills, to travel between Florida, Ohio, and elsewhere to commit acts of prostitution. He took provocative photos of the victims and posted prostitution advertisements online. After the victims were forced to provide the sex acts, Moorman demanded and took all of the proceeds for himself. Moorman pleaded guilty to inducement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Michael Gallon, U.S. v. Kavin Carter, U.S. v. Thomas Carr – Gallon (52, Lakeland) recruited minor and adult women to travel and work at “parties” and “VIP rooms” as “models,” where customers paid to have sex with them. Gallon partnered with Carter (42, Lake City), who co-hosted parties at his home, and they charged the women to use the “VIP” rooms and kept most of the money the women had earned. Carr (50, Jacksonville) was identified as one of Gallon’s regular customers. Gallon would call Carr when he had girls available and the two would meet so that Carr could select girls to take back to his home. Gallon pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor and distributing child pornography and was sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison. Carter pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. A federal jury in Jacksonville found Carr guilty of using underage girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2018.
U.S. v. Xavier Villanueva, Jose Carmona, Ashley Barnett, and Keith Romby – Orlando residents Villanueva (28), Carmona (24), Barnett (28), and Romby (27) agreed to recruit and entice a 14-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts. Over a period of nine days, they used drugs, intimidation, and physical restraint to cause the minor to engage in prostitution with customers they solicited online. The minor ultimately escaped from the house where she was being held captive. Villanueva, Carmona, and Romby were part of the “Nine Trey Billy Bad Ass” gang, which is affiliated with the “Bloods” street gang. A federal jury found Villanueva, Carmona, and Barnett guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Carmona and Barnett were also found guilty of aiding and abetting each other in the commission of the offense. Romby pleaded guilty to both charges. Villanueva was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison; Carmona was sentenced to a term of 12 years and 6 months; Barnett was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; and Romby was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison.
U.S. v. Maurice Williams and Antawan Hudson – Tampa brothers Williams (32) and Hudson (27) worked together to post online prostitution ads for underage females and then transported the girls throughout central Florida to have sex with customers. After the victims had sex with the customers, Williams and Hudson took some or all of the money and, in exchange, offered the victims drugs, alcohol, and beauty appointments. Hudson pleaded guilty to sex trafficking minors on the first day of trial and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. A federal jury found Williams guilty of child sex trafficking and possessing child pornography; he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Kennedy Harris, Jr. – Harris (24, Cocoa) took in a 16-year girl, after she ran away from home. He took sexually suggestive photographs of the girl and advertised her for sex on Backpage.com. He also enticed the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of photographing her. Over the course of approximately two weeks, the teen had sex with up to eight individuals per day, and gave the money to Harris. In exchange for her sex acts, Harris gave the girl crack cocaine nearly every day. The victim was recovered by the Cocoa Police Department. A federal jury found Kennedy guilty of sex trafficking a child and producing child pornography. In May 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Alysia Algere – Algere, a/k/a “Coco” (30, Tampa), recruited two boys and a girl, who were between 14 and 16 years of age, to engage in commercial sex acts. She took sexually explicit photos of the teens and posted advertisements on online, selling them for sex. After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.
U.S. v. Devin Pemberton – Pemberton (40, Tampa) recruited adult and minor women, via the Internet, to work for his “escort” business. Law enforcement identified multiple women, including at least three minors that he had trafficked. Pemberton recruited his victims and took photographs of them in sexually explicit clothing. He posted the photos online, scheduled clients for them to meet with, and provided housing and hotel rooms for the sex acts. He then took the proceeds from the sex acts. Pemberton was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison.
U.S. v. Nathan Madsen – Madsen (37, Tampa), a music professor at the University of Tampa, was sentenced to nearly 18 years in federal prison for enticing a child to produce child pornography, and for possessing child pornography. Madsen responded to an online ad for prostitution services posted by Homeland Security Investigations. He requested and negotiated the price to have sex with a 14-year-old-girl. In an attempt to verify the existence of the minor, Madsen asked for her picture, spoke to her on the phone, withdrew money from the ATM, drove to the designated location, and met with an undercover special agent. Madsen paid the agent $140 to have sex with the teen. After his arrest, law enforcement determined that Madsen had engaged in a series of sexually explicit online conversations with a 16-year-old girl and had persuaded her to produce explicit images and videos for his personal benefit. At the time of his arrest, Madsen had 61 images and 14 videos of the girl, at least some of which depicted violence.
Armed Robber Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Patrick D. Cummings (43, Pinellas County) to 27 years in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to the robbery count on July 26, 2017. Following a bench trial on November 28, 2017, Chief Judge Merryday found him guilty of the firearm offense.
According to court documents, at approximately 4:09 a.m. on March 24, 2017, Cummings entered a Walgreens in St. Petersburg. He pressed a black handgun against a cashier’s back, demanded all of the money from her register, and repeatedly threatened to shoot her. He then stole approximately $374 and fled. Investigators traced fingerprints left at the scene to Cummings.
This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as part of the St. Petersburg Violent Crime Reduction Initiative. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
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.
Three Sentenced for Their Roles in A $4.5 Million ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States District Judge Brian Davis today sentenced Justin Pennington (30, St. John’s County), Marcelene M. Keesbury (54, Ft. Wayne, Indiana), and Charles M. French (50, Ft. Wayne, Indiana) for their roles in a multi-million dollar conspiracy. Pennington was sentenced to five years and five months in federal prison and ordered to pay $4,075,000 in restitution. Keesbury and French were both sentenced to three years and five months’ imprisonment and were also ordered to pay $4,075,000 in restitution. A federal jury found Pennington guilty in April 2017. Keesbury and French pleaded guilty in October 2016.
According to evidence presented at trial, while Pennington was employed as an Information Technology Director at The Wholesale House, an Ohio-based company with offices in Jacksonville, he and his co-conspirators created a fraudulent company, 3 Kings, LLC. 3 Kings was incorporated in Delaware in an attempt to conceal the identity of the owners who purchased products from The Wholesale House at or near cost and then resold those products to consumers and retailers. Unbeknownst to the owners of The Wholesale House, 3 Kings illegally competed with The Wholesale House’s customers and thereby caused significant financial difficulties for the company’s legitimate customers. In all, 3 Kings purchased nearly $40 million of products from The Wholesale House and never paid the entirety of its bills owed to them. Instead, Pennington and his co-conspirators spent tens of thousands of dollars themselves, with Pennington incurring credit card balances of up to $100,000 per month, while owing his employer millions of dollars.
During the trial, Pennington’s co-conspirators testified that he was the mastermind of the scheme, created detailed proposals, named the corporation, incorporated the company, and controlled the corporation’s bank accounts. Further, The Wholesale House owners testified that they had personally infused more than $7 million into the company to ensure its survival and to protect the jobs of the company’s more than 60 employees.
"The subjects in this case developed a sophisticated scheme to deceive a local business owner using a competing business," said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. "Incidents of fraud, like this, are not victimless crimes. The FBI is dedicated to working closely with government and private entities to track down and stop scams in an effort to protect the business community."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Devereaux.
Pinellas County Inmate Sentenced to 65 Years’ Imprisonment for Plot to Murder WitnessesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Priscilla Ellis (51, Killeen, Texas) to 65 years in federal prison for murder-for-hire, witness retaliation, and securities counterfeiting. A federal jury found her guilty of these offenses on March 9, 2017. The judge ordered the 65-year sentence to run consecutive to a 40-year sentence previously imposed following a prior federal conviction.
According to court documents, following a three-week trial in October 2016, Ellis and her two co-defendants were convicted of conspiracies to commit international money laundering and mail and wire fraud and were remanded to federal custody. After arriving at the Pinellas County Jail, Ellis immediately began soliciting other inmates to assist her in finding a hitman to murder one of the witnesses who had testified during her trial, as well as the mother of a second trial witness. Meanwhile, she directed coconspirators in Nigeria and Texas to create electronic images of counterfeit cashier’s checks with face values totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars that were to be cashed and used to pay for the murders.
Over the course of the next week, Ellis “hired” an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman and provided explicit instructions on how she wanted her targets killed. On October 28, 2016, a family member acting at Ellis’s direction provided a down payment on the murder contracts to the undercover agent posing as the hitman in Texas, with the remainder to be paid only after the intended victims were killed.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Austin (Texas) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric K. Gerard and Patrick D. Scruggs, both of whom tried the prior case as well.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Wire and Tax Fraud After Stealing More Than $150,000 from His EmployerRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Albert Jason Miller (46, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax-related document. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the fraud count and up to 3 years’ imprisonment on the false filing count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Miller was an employee of CEVA Logistics, a Netherlands–based contract logistics and freight/transportation management company that has offices in Jacksonville. From 2008 through March 2013, he worked in the company’s procurement department. In May 2010, Miller created a fictitious business named “CEVA” and told vendors to make checks payable to CEVA because CEVA Logistics was undergoing a legal name change. He then began diverting those checks and depositing them into a bank account he had opened in the name of CEVA, where he was the sole authorized signor. Miller diverted a total of $162,281.96 and failed to disclose the stolen proceeds as income on his 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 tax returns. Miller used the stolen proceeds to pay for personal expenses.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as part of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Northeast Florida Financial Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Furanyl Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Antonorio Nelson (29, Lakeland) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute furanyl fentanyl resulting in death. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison.
Furanyl fentanyl is a Schedule I controlled substance that is used in the same manner as fentanyl. Because of its potency, a small amount of furanyl fentanyl is potentially lethal.
According to the plea agreement, between February 2 and 6, 2017, Nelson conspired to distribute furanyl fentanyl that resulted in the death of “T.C.,” who died from furanyl fentanyl intoxication. The investigation of “T.C.’s” death identified Nelson as the supplier. “T.C.” had purchased baggies of furanyl fentanyl with green dragon stamps on them from Nelson on February 3, 2017. The next morning, “T.C.” was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.
On February 6, 2017, detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Nelson’s residence. Inside the home, detectives found 73 baggies of furanyl fentanyl and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. Several of the furanyl fentanyl baggies recovered during the search had a green dragon stamp consistent with the bags “T.C.” had purchased from Nelson before dying.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Unite to Combat Crimes Against ChildrenRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) last year charged 84 individuals as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood (PSC) initiative. Since 2006, this nationwide initiative has collectively marshaled federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims of abuse. Since the inception of the program, the Middle District of Florida has charged more than 1,000 individuals with child exploitation offenses.
“Child predators are using more cunning and persuasive techniques and technologies to lure and exploit innocent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The individuals who prey upon children are becoming bolder and more violent and must be stopped. As a community, we also must educate ourselves and raise awareness on how to best protect our children against these threats. We are thankful to the men and women who investigate, prosecute, and seek justice for these victims.”
In 2017, the USAO-MDFL, in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, brought charges against various individuals for traveling to engage in sexual conduct with minors, and for producing, advertising, distributing, receiving, possessing, soliciting, and accessing child pornography. In addition, the Office has prosecuted cases involving human trafficking where individuals, including minors, have been forced to commit commercial sex acts and engage in sex tourism. MDFL prosecutors also charged cases involving convicted sex offenders who failed to register with authorities as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
2017 MDFL PSC Case Highlights January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017
Fort Myers Division
U.S. v. William Lee – Lee produced a video of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child. On September 16, 2016, deputies responded to the victim’s residence in Lehigh Acres and made contact with the girl and her mother. The child’s mother provided Lee’s deactivated phone to the deputies. Pursuant to a search warrant, a forensic examination of the phone revealed two videos capturing Lee engaging in explicit conduct with the girl. Lee pleaded guilty to production and possession charges. On October 2, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Jorge Guerrero-Torres – While residing with a family in Fort Myers, including four children, Guerrero-Torres used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photos of one of the children. Shortly after moving out, he became a person of interest in the disappearance of the child that he had photographed and attempted to flee the area. He was apprehended by law enforcement and the images were recovered from his discarded phone. A federal jury found Guerrero-Torres guilty of producing and possessing child pornography and, on August 14, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Brian Author Thomas – During an FBI Task Force investigation, agents were able to download images and videos of child pornography from Thomas’s computer using a file sharing program. Agents executed a search warrant at his home and seized his laptop computer and cellphone. Forensic analyses of the electronic media revealed that from at least July 18, 2012, through March 30, 2016, Thomas had collected more than 6,000 images and 35 videos depicting young children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. His cellphone also contained videos that he had produced of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On February 23, 2017, Thomas pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. On August 7, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Joseph Spradlin – An FBI Task Force officer was able to download images and videos of child pornography from Spradlin’s computer using a file-sharing network. A search warrant was executed at his residence and agents located more than 65,000 images and 668 videos of child pornography on four separate thumb drives. Further investigation revealed that Spradlin had produced child pornography images and videos of an 8-year-old girl on at least two occasions. He pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child pornography, and on March 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Jacksonville Division
U.S. v. Chad Theodore Dillon – As part of an undercover investigation to identify users of an app who were attempting to entice and sexually exploit children, an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement published a post purporting to be from a 13-year-old child. Within a few minutes, the agent received a private message from “Ice Whale,” that initiated a conversation between the two. “Ice Whale,” later identified as Dillon, repeatedly solicited the “child” for sexual acts. He also offered to have sex with the “child’s” 12-year-old “friend,” who he believed to be sleeping over at the “child’s” house. Dillon claimed that he had had sex with 12-year-olds a “couple times,” and he provided his cellphone number to the “child.” Dillon ultimately declined to meet the “child” for the sexual encounter they had previously discussed. However, further investigation revealed that Dillon had previously solicited a 13-year-old girl online to produce nude images of herself. During the execution of a search warrant, agents found chat messages revealing that Dillon had traveled to Georgia to have sex with a child, and had enticed another child to produce child pornography and to meet him for sex. Dillon pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. On September 6, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.
U.S. v. Justin Laurence McKinley – McKinley, a Jacksonville resident, communicated online via a video streaming program with individuals in eastern Europe who molested young children for broadcast over the Internet. This sexual abuse was live-streamed to McKinley and others in the United States. Over a two-year period, McKinley paid the abusers more than $31,000 for these live “sex shows.” FBI agents executed a search warrant at McKinley’s home and seized computer media that contained, among other things, videos depicting the child sexual abuse that he had commissioned and paid for. The victims depicted in the videos ranged in age from a newborn to an 8-year-old child. Forensic analyses of McKinley’s computer media revealed that his external hard drive contained at least 613 videos and 6,846 images depicting the sexual abuse of children. McKinley pleaded guilty to advertising for child pornography and was sentenced on July 20, 2017, to 30 years federal in prison.
U.S. v. Wilfrido C. Baldera – In March 2016, detectives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office began investigating possible child exploitation offenses after they had identified an IP address that was a prolific sharer of child pornography. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a search warrant for the address associated with the IP address, Baldera’s residence. Baldera admitted that he had viewed and downloaded child pornography and acknowledged his attraction to young girls. He told agents that he had visited Walmart to look at girls between the ages of 8 and 16 who “put it out there” for sexual arousal, before going home to his wife and described it as being better than going to a strip club. A forensic review of Baldera’s devices revealed videos and photographs that he had produced depicting him raping a 10-year-old girl. Baldera pleaded guilty to producing child pornography and, on October 4, 2017, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. He also faces capital sexual battery charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville.
U.S. v. Andrew Ryan Leslie – Leslie was an information technology specialist and part-time babysitter in Middleburg, Florida. During an investigation by ICE-HSI into websites known to host images and videos depicting child pornography, Leslie was identified as a member of one of the sites. When law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at his residence, Leslie had a two-year-old child in bed with him, who the agents then rescued. A digital camera located next to Leslie’s bed had an SD card containing a series of images depicting Leslie engaged in sexual acts with two different children. Several of the images were of the child that had been in bed with Leslie that morning. Other images depicted a different child, who was less than a year old, being sexually abused by Leslie. Forensic analyses of Leslie’s other digital media items revealed that he had produced, received, distributed, and possessed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography. Leslie pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. His sentencing is set for January 30, 2018, where he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Kyle Adam Kirby – Kirby was a sergeant with the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD). Following an undercover online child exploitation investigation, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Kirby’s home. They also consensually obtained his patrol car computer and an LOPD desktop computer that he had used. During the investigation, Kirby unsuccessfully solicited another officer to delete evidence from the desktop computer. A forensic examiner recovered several deleted thumbnail images of child pornography from the computers, including images of two children that Kirby had produced using hidden cameras. After using his patrol car computer to access and share videos of child pornography, Kirby used a wiping program in an attempt to delete the evidence. On December 7, 2017, a federal jury found Kirby guilty of producing, attempting to produce, possessing, and accessing child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 120 years, in federal prison.
Ocala Division
U.S. v. Thomas Edward Abney, Jr. – Abney used his cellphone to produce pornographic images of a two-year-old relative, which he then traded online for other child pornography images. In June 2017, Abney communicated with an undercover agent using an Internet messaging service and claimed that he had performed oral sex on the same child. He sent the agent a link to an 11-minute video depicting child pornography. After his arrest, Abney admitted that he had used his cellphone to produce, distribute, receive, and possess child pornography, including the images of a relative. Abney pleaded guilty to producing and transporting child pornography and will be sentenced in January 2018. Due to his prior state convictions for qualifying child sex offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years, up to 90 years, in federal prison.
Orlando Division
U.S. v. Meinrad Kopp – Between April and June 2017, Kopp communicated via the “dark web” with a law enforcement officer, posing as the father of a 13-year-old child, about engaging in sadistic sexual activities with the child. He stated that he wanted to humiliate and inflict severe pain on the child for his sexual gratification by treating her like a dog and torturing her with certain instruments he intended to bring with him. According to Kopp, he had previously beaten an 11-year-old child using a leather belt. On June 16, 2017, Kopp flew to Orlando and was arrested. Inside his luggage, he had packed weights, clamps, rope, tape, a bottle brush, and a flashlight that he intended to use on the minor, along with a camera to record his activities. Kopp pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced on December 13, 2017, to life in federal prison.
U.S. v. Billy Leon Dyer – Between June 2016 and February 2017, Dyer induced at least three teenage girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce child pornography. He paid the girls, who were between 14 and 15 years old, $140-$200 each time he had sex with them. Sometimes, he gave them drugs in exchange for sex. Agents discovered Dyer’s conduct after he discussed the details during jail calls that he made to adult inmates at the Brevard County Jail. In March 2017, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation using an undercover officer posing as an adult woman online. The “woman” said that she was unable to have sex with Dyer, but referred her 15-year-old cousin. Dyer told the “woman” that he would pay her a $40 finder’s fee for referring her “cousin,” and that he would pay her “cousin” $150 to have sex with him. When Dyer arrived to meet the “cousin,” agents arrested him. On his phone, computer, and thumb drive, agents located more than 170 images depicting the teen girls that Dyer had engaged in sex with at his house. Dyer pleaded guilty to producing images depicting child pornography and on December 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his residence and the vehicle that he had used during the offense.
U.S. v. Jamie P. Esposito – Esposito sexually abused a 7-year-old child once or twice a month over an 18 to 24 month period and chronicled it with photos and videos that he then shared with several individuals online. When agents executed a search warrant at Esposito’s home, they found more than 2,700 images of child pornography, including the images and videos that he had produced. In July 2016, Esposito brought the child to Tampa to be sexually abused by Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli, who were later separately charged in Tampa. Esposito took photos and video of the abuse. On August 15, 2017, Esposito was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.
U.S. v. Michael Michalak – During the course of several months, Michalak sent links to thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography to an FBI agent who was acting in an undercover capacity on social media. The victims in the images and videos included infants, toddlers, and other young children. Michalak had also sexually assaulted several children, including a preschooler, prior to the commission of these offenses. Michalak pleaded guilty to transporting and distributing child pornography. On February 23, 2017, he was sentenced to 36 years and 8 months in federal prison.
Tampa Division
U.S. v. Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli – This couple engaged in abusive sexual activity with a 7-year-old child, with the consent and in the presence of the child’s relative. McDonald and Boselli met the relative, Jamie P. Esposito online and engaged in explicit conversations regarding sexual acts with the child. Esposito brought the child to Tampa to meet McDonald and Boselli. After spending time at the zoo and taking the child for ice cream, McDonald and Boselli sexually abused the child at their Tampa home while Esposito watched. Two days later, McDonald and Boselli met Esposito and the child at their hotel, where the couple continued the sexual abuse. A search of McDonald and Boselli’s residence revealed more than 1,300 images and videos of child pornography, including some with the child victim that Esposito had taken. McDonald and Boselli pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and 40 years in federal prison, respectively. Esposito was charged with producing child pornography in the Orlando Division and was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison (see above).
U.S. v. Nathan Madsen – Madsen requested and negotiated a price to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, took steps to verify the minor’s existence, and met with and paid an undercover agent to have sex with her. During a search of Madsen’s electronic devices following his arrest, agents discovered that he had persuaded a 16-year-old girl to produce and transmit explicit images and videos, some of which depicted violent, sadistic, or masochistic conduct, for him. Madsen pleaded guilty to enticing a child to produce child pornography and possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison.
U.S. v. David Paul Lynch – According to evidence presented during 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 “facilitators” in the Philippines to locate children to exploit. He produced child pornography of at least three Filipino children on these visits, and he solicited child pornography via email of a fourth. In December 2016, Lynch was arrested in San Francisco while attempting to board a flight to the Philippines. Simultaneously, FBI agents executed a search at his home in Venice, Florida, and located dozens of self-produced images and videos of child pornography accumulated during his trips abroad. In October 2017, a federal jury found Lynch guilty of eight counts of production of child pornography, two counts of sex tourism, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each production count, up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each travel count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, for receiving child pornography, and up to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography.
U.S. v. Robert Ware – According to court documents, in December 2011, Ware produced three images of child pornography depicting “E.F.,” who was 18 months old at the time, and sent them to an individual in New York. The investigation of Ware began after law enforcement agents in New York discovered the images of “E.F.” on another defendant’s phone and traced them to Ware. “E.F.’s” mother reported that Ware, a relative, had babysat for the victim during the time the photos were taken. She also recognized the bedding in two of the images as matching that in Ware’s bedroom. Ware pleaded guilty on December 20, 2017, to producing child pornography. His sentencing date has not yet been set. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Paul Fabrizio Solis – In February 2017, undercover FBI agents located a user, later identified as Solis, who was sharing numerous images of child pornography on a file-sharing network. During the execution of a search warrant, agents learned that Solis had taken explicit photographs of a 5-year-old that had been entrusted to Solis’s care by a longtime family friend. Solis kept the photos on a thumb drive in a locked safe in his home. In addition to these images, Solis had more than 4,000 videos and images of child pornography on his laptop computer. Solis pleaded guilty in November 2017 and will be sentenced in February 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions Appoints Maria Chapa Lopez as Interim United States AttorneyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Maria Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.” This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.
“With one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes, we are facing the deadliest drug crisis in American history,” said Attorney General Sessions. “I am appointing today, as Interim U.S. Attorney, someone with a lot of experience taking dangerous drugs off of our streets. Maria Chapa Lopez has secured convictions of Columbian cocaine smugglers, Tampa crack dealers, and doctors and pharmacists overprescribing and illegally dispensing opioids. This is incredible work and I am convinced it has saved lives. She will undoubtedly keep up this good work as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.”
Ms. Chapa Lopez has worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the MDFL for the past 16 years, from April 2000 to April 2016, prosecuting transnational drug trafficking organizations, complex domestic narcotics trafficking cases, large-scale money laundering cases, and complex opioid cases. From April 2016 to the present, Ms. Chapa Lopez has been the DOJ Deputy Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Ms. Chapa Lopez received her B.A. from the University of Texas, her J.D. from South Texas College of Law, and her L.L.M. from the Judge Advocate General’s School, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Upon the appointment of Ms. Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.
More Than 120 Individuals Charged and over 220 Firearms Removed from the Middle District of Florida as Part of Violent Crime Reduction InitiativeRead the Press Release
Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today the results of the first phase of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in the Middle District of Florida. Over the past three months, 125 individuals have been charged with firearm and violent crime offenses, and 227 firearms and assorted ammunition have been removed from the streets.
Since 2001, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO/MDFL) has participated in “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a national strategy to reduce gun violence in communities through coordination and cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. To increase the prosecutorial resources dedicated to firearm and violent crime cases across the District, multiple initiatives have been implemented. These initiatives include:
- In Orlando, the District established a “Gun Unit.”
- In Jacksonville, the District launched a joint initiative with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to locate and seize unlawfully possessed guns and then swiftly prosecute the offenders using both federal and state gun laws.
- In Brevard County, State Attorney Phil Archer is calling the initiative "Operation Cease Fire."
- In Tampa, the District collaborates with law enforcement agencies in eight counties, including the State Attorneys’ Offices for the Sixth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits, to investigate and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- In Ft. Myers, the District works in concert with the State Attorney’s Office for the Twentieth Circuit to identify and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.
- District-wide, in an effort to prevent and decrease future gun-related incidents, the USAO-MDFL employs a proactive community outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, outreach to youth. In 2017, more than 2,500 youths have been engaged and administered the National Gun Pledge to reduce violence.
To support these efforts, beginning on August 23, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow directed every prosecutor in each of the District’s five offices to prosecute firearm or violent crime cases. Of the 125 individuals charged so far, offenses include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence, possession of a stolen firearm, robbery, and bank robbery. A chart containing the details for each case is below.
“In August 2017, I directed every prosecutor in the Criminal Division to assist in the prosecution of firearm and violent crime cases,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Over the past three months, we have dedicated additional resources to the prosecution of violent crime and firearm cases. I would like to commend our local, state, and federal partners that have investigated these cases. Our community is safer because of their tremendous efforts. We pledge to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute these cases.”
The cases identified in the attached chart were investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Hirt Adams, Callan Albritton, Daniel Baeza, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., E. Jackson Boggs Jr., Chauncey A. Bratt, D. Rodney Brown, Dale Campion, Vincent S. Chiu, Charlie Connally, Michael J. Coolican, Arnold B. Corsmeier, Christina R. Downes, Kristen Fiore, Kevin C. Frein, Carlton Gammons, Daniel George, Eric Gerard, Beatriz Gonzalez, Michael Gordon, Shauna Hale, Nathan W. Hill, Rachel Jones, Kelly S. Karase, Embry J. Kidd, Michael Leeman, Robert Mosakowski, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Frank Murray, Shawn P. Napier, Gregory Nolan, Diego Novaes, Kaitlin O’Donnell, Thomas Palermo, Matthew Perry, Christopher Poor, James Preston, Mandy Riedel, Alejandro J. Salicrup, Charles Schmitz, Sean Shecter, Taylor Stout, Jay Taylor, Laura Cofer Taylor, Frank Talbot, Lisa Thelwell, Josie Thomas, Ashley Washington, Kara M. Wick, and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow.
Fort MyersMonth of Indictment/ Information
Defendant, Age, City of Residence
Status
Number of Firearms Seized/Recovered
8/2017
Herman Fleming, 25, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer and one count of receipt of a firearm by a person under felony indictment or information; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
3
8/2017
Sondrejah Wilbon, 23, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer; facing up to 5 years in federal prison
Included in total for Fleming
8/2017
Oliver Rocher, 33, Alva
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Javier M. Rascon, 32, Perry
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Christopher Jones, 29, Indiantown
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in the total for Rascon
10/2017
Reginald Lakeith Hodge, 24, Fort Myers
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Alejo Guerrero, 36, Lehigh Acres
Pending*; charged with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felone; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison
3
11/2017
Robert E. Clifton, 35, Immokolee
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prisonPending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Jacksonville9/2017
Johnnie Spydale Thomas, Jr., 24, Bunnell
Pending*; charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Serome Bell, 27, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Spydale
9/2017
Jason Dixon, 31, Palm Coast
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and three counts of distribution of cocaine base; facing up to 70 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Bruquanna Griffin, 21 Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to steal a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer and two counts of stealing a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
2
9/2017
Gregory Greer, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to ten years in federal prison.
1
9/2017
Brandon Oxendine, 39, St. Augustine
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
4
9/2017
Derek Hatcher, 35, Tallahassee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Michael Anthony Deyton, 59, Sanderson
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
20
10/2017
Tantai Vo, 27, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marihuana, one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of structuring; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 40 years
4
10/2017
James Edward Moultrie, 42, Jacksonville
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
John Robert Horner, 29, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Michael A. Crider, 37, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Derrick Burney, 40, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of marijuana; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
11/2017
Daniel Francesco Vidal, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
11/2017
Ronald Andrews, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Nathaniel Harrison, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Charles Robert Alexander, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
John Stevenson Jordan, 51, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Sheldon Tarence Wright, 27, Savannah, Georgia
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Andrew James Ward, 29, Middleburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edward Lamont Thomas, 44, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
5
11/2017
Joseph Arnold Thomas, 47, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Darrick Flozell Stafford, 41, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of distribution of cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 130 years
8
11/2017
Daryl D. Shack, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Bernandino G. Bolatete, 69, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of an unregistered silencer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
11
12/2017
Maurice Sanders, 27, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
James Robert Cotton, 33, Jacksonville
Pending*, charged with one count of manufacturing (cultivation) of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
5
12/2017
Dorothy Pearl Smith, 49, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of crack cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
William Charles Nolan, 50, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Daniel Dwain Lundeby, 42, Jacksonville Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Walter John Smith, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rashann Lamont Bennet, 31, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison
1
12/2017
Sauvier Addorinn Wright, 35, Jacksonville
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
Ocala8/2017
Anthony Michele Decotis, Jr., 29, Eustis
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Devion-tae Wess, 25, Ocala
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
Orlando8/2017
William Matthew Tex Price, 31, Cocoa
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of marriage fraud; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
8/2017
James Arthur Van Meerten, 35, Palm Bay
Sentenced to 210 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
1
8/2017
Aniceto Aguirre- Cardenas, 56, San Pedro, Michoacan, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and ammunition, and one count of illegal reentry after removal as an aggravated felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Chad Wycoff, 40, Kissimmee
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life
1
8/2017
Arkee Vernard Howard, 27, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Tyrondrick Madry, 32, Orlando
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Eric Jean Gilles, 36, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life
6
9/2017
Edson Gelin, 39, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Jimmy Remy Fernetus, 30, Miami
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Gilles
9/2017
Silky Johnson, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Jeffrey Noel, 24, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
2
9/2017
Herichie Paul, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Awetu Megersa, 22, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Noel
9/2017
Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado, 43, Volusia County
Pending*, charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Bakari McCant, 26, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
3
10/2017
Deandre Brewer, 25, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Jarvis Wingster, 27, Ocoee
Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for McCant
10/2017
Rodolfo Luna Fernandez, 42 Mexico
Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Frederick Hankins, Jr., 30, New Symrna
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Thomas Porter, 39, Daytona Beach
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Hector Luis Santiago-Jorge, 47, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of dealing in and manufacturing firearms without a license and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
10
11/2017
Jamus Dixon, 35, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 50 years
1
11/2017
Windesthon Junior Pierre, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Stephon Te’vonta Johnson, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Pierre
11/2017
Bernard Henry, 27
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Franceschi, 22, Kissimmee
Pending*; charged with one count of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Harold Omar Vargas-Delgado, 32, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
11
11/2017
Theodore Vazquez, 43, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
0
11/2017
Michael Gordon Watson, 41, Melbourne
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, marijuana, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
11/2017
Taylor John Creevy, 23, Orlando
Pending*; charged with three counts of bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
0
12/2017
Cedrick Antwain Gant, 27, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Tariq Malik Cherry, 20, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison.
4
12/2017
Lamarcus Demane Harvey, 40, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Coryell Demond Robinson, 30, Orlando
Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Walter Lee Jones, 39, Mt. Dora
Pending* charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
Included in total for Cherry
12/2017
Raymond Lee Kelly, 50, Cocoa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
12/2017
Prince Toburas Jermaine Rolle, 31, Orlando
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
1
Tampa8/2017
Keagan Williams, 27, Winter Haven
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Thomas Paul Stephens, 49, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
6
8/2017
Devante Moreno Smith, 26, Clearwater
Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
2
8/2017
Kevin Lopez Duerte, 19 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
8/2017
Jonathon James Dryburgh, 23, Ellenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Woodrow Pressey, 46, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison
5
9/2017
Tramel Ronsha Middleton, 25, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Miguel Angel Algarin, 41, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Chauncey Gregory, 33, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
9/2017
Demario Cornelius Buckner, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Edward Lamont Dash, 29, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Dallan Bolden, 23, St.
Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
9/2017
Lawrence Xavier Freeman, 34, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
3
9/2017
Rakim Jamal Philon, 27, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Richard Deandre Walton, 23, Tampa
Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
Included in total for Freeman
9/2017
Zane Coraderell Brassfield, 23, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Antwan Williams, 34, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 47 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tronesh Sparkels Akerman, 24, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Cedrick Lee Taylor, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Jason Michael Trigger, 34, Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Tracy Lee Williams, 37, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
2
10/2017
Joshua Christian Cantrell, 24, Dade City
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
Included in total for Williams
10/2017
Arvester Lamonica Anderson, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Devan DI’Andre Bristol, 29, Spring Hill
Pending*; charged with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, codeine, and marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Lecardo Renard Albury, 32, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
10/2017
Doga Kuyon Yuoh, 25, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
10/2017
Jodarin Marquis Whitfield, 27, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Herbert Adelphus Pinckney, 39, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
10/2017
Rashica Shaguana Ford, 39, Palmetto
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years
0
11/2017
Raheem Davis, 46, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Steven Garcia, 22, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
7
11/2017
David Valentin, 27, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Jeremy Dwayne Simmons, 36, Brandon
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Joshua Dekoyer, 30, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute U-47700, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Pierre Rashawn Walker, 31, Sarasota
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 80 years in federal prison
3
11/2017
Ashanti Roundtree, 42 Bradenton
Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life
1
11/2017
Kurt Gell, 36, Bartow
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of felon in possession of a short- barreled shotgun; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 100 years
2
11/2017
Ian Brook Weigant, 44, Bradenton
Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison
2
11/2017
Clifford Etheridge, 28, St. Petersburg
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Edgar Delgado, 26, Plant City
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
11/2017
Steven Lawrence Moore, 41, Lakeland
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Juan Carlos Ramrez-Arcos, 32, Mexico
Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Rico Remon Washington, 44, New Port Richey
Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, on count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.
12/2017
Madio Morris, 36, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison
1
12/2017
Reginald Hollie, 35, Tampa
Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 15 years, up to life in federal prison
1
*An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Tax Preparers Plead Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Elizabeth M. Jordan (52), and her daughter, Dolores A. Youmans (30), both of Jacksonville, have pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting others with the filing of fraudulent tax returns. Each faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreements, Jordan had been working as a tax preparer since approximately 1990. Since 2011, she was the owner and operator of a business that offered tax return preparation services. At the business, Jordan, Youmans, and others prepared individual income tax returns, with accompanying forms and schedules, on behalf of clients. In doing so, they reported false information, including false deductions, false claims for education and other credits, and false claims of business expenses. These false representations reduced the amount owed by, or increased the amount refunded to, the taxpayers.
Jordan pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2011 tax return in which she represented that the taxpayer owned a business with no income and $34,755 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,000. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation who had not operated a business in 2011, and had not incurred any education expenses that year.
After Jordan filed the return, the IRS issued a refund of $10,021 to the taxpayer. In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $533. The tax loss to the IRS was $9,488.
Youmans pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2012 tax return. On the return, she represented that the taxpayer had a business with no income and $36,895 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,500. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation, had not operated a business in 2012, and did not incur any education expenses during that year. She further represented that the taxpayer had bought 5,255 gallons of gasoline and was entitled to a $962 fuel tax credit. Although the taxpayer was a truck driver, the employer had paid for all of the fuel and the taxpayer was not entitled to the credit. After Youmans filed the return, the IRS issued a refund to the taxpayer of $16,469. In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $5,182. The tax loss to the IRS was $11,287.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Illegal Alien Convicted of Possessing Loaded Firearms and Felony Assault on A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Oniel Christopher Russell (40, Jamaica), a/k/a OG Russel, guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition as an illegal alien and felony assault on a federal officer. He faces a maximum penalty of 18 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2018.
Russell was indicted in May 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, Russell last entered the United States on October 29, 2008, as a non-immigrant visitor with authorization to remain in the country until January 3, 2009. He failed to depart and remained without any lawful immigration status thereafter. On August 24, 2013, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office pulled Russell over for a traffic violation and subsequently conducted a search of his vehicle. They located a loaded firearm in the glove compartment and another loaded firearm, with one round in the chamber, under the passenger seat where a female passenger had been sitting prior to the traffic stop. Russell gave a written confession to the gun recovered from the glove compartment, but denied knowledge of the other firearm. During the trial, the female passenger testified that Russell had handed her the gun right before the deputy pulled them over, and told her to put it under the seat and say it was hers. Neither were arrested that night on firearms charges.
In October 2016, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received a lead as to Russell’s whereabouts and attempted to locate him for six months. On April 25, 2017, the officers located Russell and attempted to execute an administrative warrant for his arrest. While trying to handcuff him, Russell dragged one of the officers 6 to 10 feet, slamming him against the house in an attempt to flee back into the home. Only when another officer pulled his firearm out and ordered Russell to stop resisting, did he allow himself to be handcuffed and taken into custody.
This case was investigated by ICE, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
United States Settles False Claims Allegations Against Haven Hospice for More Than $5 MillionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Haven Hospice (Haven), a hospice company headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, has agreed to pay $5,085,024 to resolve allegations that Haven violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the government for medically unnecessary and undocumented hospice services.
The government alleges that Haven knowingly submitted false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary hospice care for certain patients who had lengths of stays greater than three years. Typically, federal health care programs only pay for hospice care when patients are in a terminal condition and have a life expectancy of less than six months.
Since June 1, 2011, Haven treated at least 63 patients with lengths of stay exceeding three years. The government contends that for those 63 patients, Haven either knowingly or recklessly failed to document a valid basis for the initial start of hospice care and/or subsequent hospice coverage. Haven’s diagnoses were not adequately supported, or were supported only with inconsistent practitioner information. Many patients failed to demonstrate objective indications of decline throughout their time in the company’s care, despite some being in hospice for nearly six years. Some patients had their hospice diagnoses changed after several years when they did not show decline under their original “terminal” diagnosis. The government has agreed to accept $5,085,024 to resolve these allegations based on Haven’s ability to pay.
“Unfortunately, some healthcare providers seek to defraud Medicare by billing for unnecessary hospice services,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Left unchecked, this misconduct would deplete funds available for terminally ill patients desperately in need of the relief that hospice care provides. This settlement should serve as notice to others who consider similar practices that we will vigorously pursue them.”
“Charging taxpayers for unnecessary health care services such as hospice care is intolerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will vigorously protect the integrity of our Federal health care programs and hold health care companies accountable.”
The settlement concludes a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by a former employee of Haven Hospice, Dr. John Simons. The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act that permits private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The Act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action. Dr. Simons will receive roughly $900,000 of the proceeds from the settlement with Haven.
The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. 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 settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, SafeGuard Services LLC (Medicare’s Zone Program Integrity Contractor), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Shea Gibbons.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Simons v. North Central Florida Hospice, Inc. d/b/a Haven Hospice, Case No. 3:16-cv-330-J-32JRK. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims in that case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Michael O. Johnson (28, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on August 10, 2017.
According to court documents, Johnson sold undercover agents six firearms over a period of several months, including a Russian model SKS 7.62x39-caliber rifle with an extended magazine. He sold the guns to agents even after they told him that the guns would be resold illegally in other markets within the United States, including in New York City.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
St. Cloud Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Jeremy Craig Traylor (32, St. Cloud) to 60 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. He pleaded guilty on October 6, 2017.
According to court documents, on September 1, 2016, a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) led law enforcement officers to identify Traylor as a suspect involved in the distribution of child pornography. During the execution of a search warrant at Traylor’s residence, agents found several items of computer media containing thousands of images of infants, toddlers, and young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During an interview, Traylor admitted that he had used file sharing software to search for, download, and view child pornography for at least the past six years. Forensic analyses of his computer media revealed images and a video that depicted Traylor sexually assaulting an infant girl and sexually explicit images of a minor boy that he had also produced. Traylor shared these images with others via text messaging and other applications on his phone.
"Two young lives are forever impacted by these incomprehensible crimes," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. "Nothing will return the innocence of these children, but we hope putting this criminal behind bars will help them in their recovery.”
This case was investigated by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. 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.
Second Woman Sentenced and Denaturalized for Obtaining U.S. Citizenship Through LiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore sentenced Natasha Pierre (46, Davenport), a/k/a Elsie Petitfrere, to six months in federal prison for obtaining U.S. citizenship through false and misleading representations to U.S. immigration authorities. She pleaded guilty on August 30, 2017. The Court also entered an order denaturalizing Pierre and stripping her of her United States citizenship; she is now subject to deportation to Haiti.
According to her plea agreement and evidence presented in Court, Pierre first applied for asylum protection to remain in the United States in 1993, claiming that she had entered the United States from Haiti and feared persecution and arrest if she returned there. In June 1995, the INS rejected her application and ordered her to appear before an immigration judge for possible deportation proceedings. In July 1995, she failed to appear as directed and the court ordered her removal from the United States. The immigration judge also entered a warrant for her arrest and deportation.
While her case was still pending before the immigration court, Pierre assumed the new identity of Elsie Petitfrere and filed for legal protection and permanent resident status in the United States using this new identity and a different set of biographical data. In 2012, she applied for U.S. citizenship, and Petitfrere ultimately became a U.S. citizen on September 11, 2012.
In her immigration paperwork and application for citizenship, Petitfrere denied the use of prior names, denied having been subject to an order of deportation, and denied lying to immigration authorities. Photographic and fingerprint evidence later established that Pierre and Petitfrere were the same person and that Pierre had lied on several keys parts of her citizenship application.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This investigation was a part of “Operation Second Look,” a nationwide initiative of the Department of Homeland Security to review the files of hundreds of persons who were ordered deported from the United States but have not left the country as directed. The Pierre case is one of four similar investigations in the Tampa Bay area. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Palmetto Woman Sentenced to More Than Three Years on Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Latronda Brooks to three years and six months in federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft in connection with income tax fraud. She was taken into custody immediately following the pronouncement of her sentence today. In addition, she was ordered to pay $327,521 in restitution, representing the proceeds of the tax fraud. She pleaded guilty on June 30, 2017.
According to court documents, Brooks opened an Urban Trust Bank account in her name, doing business as Magnificent Tax Services, and used it to deposit more than $327,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks. These fraudulent checks were falsely endorsed with the taxpayer signatures and deposited with a falsely-endorsed “permission” form that purportedly gave Brooks permission to deposit third-party tax refund checks into her bank account. Brooks spent the money on personal expenditures, including paying others involved in the tax fraud, and did not provide any of the funds to the taxpayers.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.
Former Executive of Defunct Tampa Technology Company Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Terrance F. Taylor (52, Bradenton) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also ordered him to pay $3,341,500 in restitution to the victims of the fraud.
Taylor pleaded guilty on September 9, 2015.
According to court documents, in 2010, Taylor and Timothy Roberts founded Savtira Corporation Inc., a technology company headquartered in Ybor City. Savtira purported to offer a centralized, cloud-based shopping cart platform for online and traditional retailers to sell products, regardless of the device used by the online purchaser. Roberts and Taylor marketed Savtira stock to investors by making false claims about the company, including that Savtira was profitable and that the company had entered into executed agreements with nationally recognized technology firms. They also falsely claimed that Savtira owned patents and/or that the company was valued between $450 and $540 million. Roberts and Taylor then misused and misappropriated some of the investors’ funds for personal expenses and cash withdrawals without the investors’ consent or knowledge. They also failed to disclose that Roberts had entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2008 that required Roberts to pay a fine and banned him from selling unregistered securities.
Roberts previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2018.
This case was investigated by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation’s Bureau of Financial Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Rachel Jones.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Billy Leon Dyer (78, Melbourne) to 24 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his residence located at 7664 Candlewick Drive and a vehicle that he used during the offense.
Dyer pleaded guilty on September 20, 2017.
According to court documents, between June 22, 2016, and February 9, 2017, Dyer induced at least three teen girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce child pornography. Dyer paid the girls, who were between 14 and 15 years old, $140-$200 each time he had sex with them. Sometimes he gave them drugs in exchange for sex. Agents discovered Dyer’s conduct after he discussed the details of his explicit activity during jail calls that he made to adult inmates at the Brevard County Jail.
In March 2017, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation using an undercover officer posing as an adult woman online. Dyer began a conversation with the “woman” and asked to “meet her soon.” The “woman” said that she was unable to have sex with him, but referred her 15-year-old cousin. Dyer told the “woman” that he would pay her a $40 finder’s fee for referring her “cousin,” and that he would pay her “cousin” $150 to have sex with him. During their conversation, Dyer admitted that he liked young girls and arranged a time to meet the “cousin” for sex. When he arrived at the predetermined location, agents arrested him. On his phone, computer, and thumb drive, agents located more than 170 images depicting the teen girls that Dyer had sex with at his house.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.
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.
Three Florida Men Sentenced to Life Imprisonment and Fined $2 Million for Trafficking Methamphetamine from California to Florida and GeorgiaRead the Press Release
Ft. Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Brown Laster, Jr. (37, Tampa), Jerry Browdy (44, Riverview, FL), and Wesley Petiphar (30, Davenport) each to life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The Court also ordered Browdy to forfeit $106,060 and Petiphar to forfeit $22,400, which are traceable to the proceeds of the offense. As part of their sentences, the Court imposed a fine of $1 million for Laster and $500,000 each for Browdy and Petiphar.
A federal jury found the individuals guilty on July 28, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Laster, Browdy, and Petiphar were part of a conspiracy to ship kilograms of methamphetamine from Sacramento, California to various hotels in Florida and Georgia via Federal Express.
The evidence showed that, throughout 2015, the men had sent approximately 40 packages of methamphetamine through the mail per week. The packages were delivered to co-conspirators who had been recruited to wait at the hotels for the packages of methamphetamine to arrive. The packages were then delivered to local drug traffickers. In addition, witness testimony revealed that the men enforced the conspiracy through violence, including one incident where a cooperating witness had a gun placed in his mouth with such force that the gun knocked out some of his front teeth.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia), the Placer County Sheriff’s Office (California), the Lakeland Police Department, and the Miami-Dade Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Mike Leeman.
Former SunTrust Bank Employee Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Embezzling Almost $600,000Read the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Connie Moorman Willis (52, Morriston) to six years and three months in federal prison for mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, embezzlement by a bank employee, and access device (credit card) fraud. She pleaded guilty on July 14, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, Willis worked at SunTrust Bank as a business banker with wide-ranging authority over customer accounts. Beginning in February 2013, she stole the identities of two customers by using their personal information to create a fraudulent bank account. She had all written correspondence for this account mailed to her home address in order to keep the customers from learning of her activities. Willis subsequently transferred large amounts of money from other customers, without their permission, into this fraudulent account. She then used the stolen funds to pay for her personal expenses.
Willis’s victims included customers who were elderly or in poor health. In one instance, investigators learned that Willis had opened two fraudulent credit card accounts and had taken out a $140,000 mortgage in the name of an elderly relative. She then used stolen funds to pay off the mortgage and to make payments on the fraudulent credit cards.
Once Willis’s fraud was discovered, she texted one of her customers and admitted that she had “made a big mistake.” In total, Willis stole $591,545.33.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the City of Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Clay County Man Enters Guilty Plea to Bomb ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Joshua Ryne Goldberg (22, Orange Park) today waived his right to indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with attempted malicious damage and destruction by an explosive of a building. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with a 5-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , in the summer of 2015, the FBI and law enforcement officers from Australia began investigating the online name “AusWitness” and determined that it was Goldberg. He had come to the attention of law enforcement due in part to his postings concerning the May 3, 2015, attack by two gunman at the Muhammad Art Exhibit and Contest in Garland, Texas. Prior to the attack, Goldberg posted a map of the location of the contest and urged anyone in the area to attack the event. Goldberg’s posting was copied by gunman Elton Simpson, one of the two individuals killed during the May 3, 2015, attack. The FBI later located an online posting in which Goldberg took responsibility for inspiring the Garland attack, as well as two other planned attacks.In late July 2015, an FBI confidential human source (CHS) began exchanging messages with Goldberg as “AusWitness” on social media. Between July and mid-August 2015, Goldberg discussed getting an individual in Melbourne, Australia to carry out a terrorist attack and to having the CHS commit a bombing in the United States. During portions of those conversations, Goldberg sent the CHS five website links containing instructions for making an explosive device, including pipe bombs and other incendiary devices. On August 20, 2015, Goldberg stated that he was thinking of pipe bombs at a large public event and later said that a pressure cooker bomb may be better. Later that month, Goldberg told the CHS that he had found the “perfect place” to target on September 11, 2015, and sent the CHS a link to a Kansas City, Missouri firefighter’s event that memorialized first responders that had been killed in the September 11th attacks. On August 27, 2015, Goldberg instructed the CHS to place the bomb near the crowd at the memorial event and to ensure it was very well hidden.
The following day, Goldberg provided the CHS with a list of items to use in the pressure cooker bomb, including shards of metal, nails, and broken glass. He then instructed the CHS to dip screws and other shrapnel in rat poison before putting them in the pressure cooker bomb in order to inflict more casualties. Goldberg stated he would post a video of the bombing. A forensic analysis of the bomb making information determined that it could have been used to make explosives that would cause property damage, personal injury, and/or death.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Members of the Jacksonville JTTF include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Highway Patrol, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein of the Middle District of Florida, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Mara Kohn of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Bradenton Man Convicted of Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Alfonzo Lee Churchwell, a/k/a Boo Boo (30, Bradenton), guilty of possessing with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Churchwell was indicted on October 3, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, two days after Churchwell, who had no source of legitimate income, was released from a prior 10-year prison sentence, he posted photographs of himself with large amounts of cash. Text messages sent from his phone advertised various controlled substances for sale. At the time of his arrest, he had fentanyl in his pocket.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.
More Than 30 Opioid Drug Traffickers Charged as Part of Operation Hot BatchRead the Press Release
Bradenton, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells announce drug trafficking charges against 34 individuals as a result of “Operation Hot Batch.” This joint law enforcement effort began in November 2016, to target drug trafficking organizations engaged in the illicit distribution of fentantyl, carfentanil, and other controlled substances. The chart below outlines the charges against each individual.
“The Department of Justice is committed to combatting the opioid epidemic,” said Acting United States Attorney Muldrow. “The charges announced today demonstrate that commitment, as well as the strength of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partnerships. Together, we will continue to use all available law enforcement tools to dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
“Our goal for this investigation is to find drug traffickers who are destroying lives in this community, and hold them accountable,” said Sheriff Wells.
As a result of a committed collaboration between the DEA and its law enforcement partners, a criminal and dangerous drug trafficking organization that distributed deadly drugs such as fentanyl has been successfully dismantled,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wright. “Along with our partners at all levels of government, we will continue to stay committed and dedicate all our efforts and all our resources to ridding communities of this poison so that they are better able to live safe and drug free lives.”
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.
These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Sarasota Police Department as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation known as Operation Hot Batch. 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.
These cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Adams, Callan Albritton, Dan Baeza, Carlton Gammons, Michael Gordon, Shauna Hale, Frank Murray, James Preston, Michael Sinacore, and Taylor Stout.
Operation Hot Batch
Name
Age, Residence
Status
Traveous Anderson
31, Palmetto
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
George Calhoun
41, Bradenton
Charged with 3 counts of distribution of carfentanil.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Manvel L. Canady
26, Palmetto
Charged with 2 counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute carfentanil.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Michael Bernard Code
36, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Gavino Corona
24, Bradenton
Charged with 2 counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute carfentanil.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Shane Daniels
26, Manatee County
Pleaded guilty to 3 counts of distribution of crack; 2 counts of distribution of carfentanil; 1 count of distribution of heroin and carfentanil; 1 count of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; and 1 count of distribution of heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Tanikous Daughtry
39, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Ever Marie Davis
46, Bradenton
Charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Kwame Henri
26, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Jamey Michael Hardy
44, Bradenton
Charged with 4 counts of distribution of methamphetamine and 1 count of distribution of heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Carla Marie Hendrickson
38, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Shaunquez S. Houston
26, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, carfentanil, and methamphetamine.
Sentenced to 5 years’ probation.
Jerrell Jackson
29, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carfentanil and 1 count distribution and possession with intent to distribute carfentanil; sentenced to 18 months’ probation.
David E. Johnson
36, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and 1 count of distribution of fentanyl.
Faces 20 years, up to life, in federal prison on count 1 and up to 20 years in federal prison on count 2.
Tony Marvin Johnson
34, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Andrew Aaron Kutt
46, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
Corey Matthews
29, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute and 1 count of possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Jarvis McCants
29, Lecanto
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison.
Kevon Melendez
22, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute carfentanil and 1 count of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Shavon Montgomery
37, Bradenton
Charged with 2 counts of distribution of crack cocaine; 1 count of distribution of heroin and fentanyl; and 1 count distribution of heroin, carfentanil, and fentanyl.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Troy J. Perkins
35, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
Sentenced to 46 months in federal prison.
Woodrow Pressey
46, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of possession of cocaine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute and 1 count of possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the narcotics charge and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the firearm charge.
Brandon J. Randolph
29, Bradenton;
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, carfentanil, and fentanyl.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Davion Rivers
22, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of distribution of hydromorphone; 1 count of distribution of heroin, carfentanil, methamphetamine, and furanyl fentanyl; 1 count of distribution of furanyl fentanyl; and 1 count of distribution of heroin, fentanyl, and furanyl fentanyl.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Bryan Luis Lopez Rosario
27, Bradenton
Charged with 2 counts of distribution of heroin and morphine and 4 counts distribution of heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Anthony Sanchez
25, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of distributing carfentanil and 1 count of possessing a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Sentenced to 11 years in federal prison.
Skyler C. Sanders
32, Bradenton
Charged with 1 count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, carfentanil, and fentanyl; 1 count of distribution of crack cocaine; 1 count of distribution of crack cocaine, heroin, cocaine, carfentanil, and fentanyl; 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and carfentanil; and 1 count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Jateria Simmons
28, Palmetto
Charged with 2 counts of distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Jonathan Solomon
29, Bradenton
Charged with 5 counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
Faces up to 30 years in federal prison.
Michael Taylor, Sr.
46, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
Sentenced to 27 months in federal prison.
Latessa Timmons
35, Bradenton
Charged with 4 counts of possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
Jennifer Lynn Varvel
35, Bradenton
Charged with possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
Faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
Sergio Viera
26, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Sentenced to six years and one month in federal prison.
Rakim Waters
27, Bradenton
Pleaded guilty to 1 count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute carfentanil; 2 counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin and carfentanil; 2 counts of distribution and possession with the intent to distribute carfentanil; and 1 count distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin.
Sentenced to 48 months’ probation.
Drug Trafficking Organization Dismantled, Leader Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that 13 individuals have been sentenced in connection with their involvement in an international heroin distribution conspiracy. During this investigation, investigators seized approximately 6.5 kilograms of heroin, 9 firearms, and approximately $600,000 in drug proceeds.
According to court documents, during the course of the conspiracy, Felix Mejia Lagunas oversaw the importation of at least 30 kilograms of heroin into the United States from Mexico, and the subsequent transportation of the narcotics to Jesus Alberto Bermudez Caraballo in Orlando. Bermudez Caraballo provided a portion of the heroin to Jose Carlos Polanco Vasquez, Raul Vicente Espada Ortiz, and Deyvis Lee Echevarria for redistribution in the Orlando area. Angel Alexis Alicea transported the remaining amount of the heroin from Orlando to the Tampa Bay area where Jose Leonardo Jimenez, Jose Leonardo Jimenez, and Jose Antonio Crespo Negron mixed the narcotics with cutting agents, packaged it for distribution, and then provided the drugs to street level distributors Freddie, Resto, Juan Carlos Lopez, Robert Kelly, and Rachel Augustine Thomas. These street level distributors then sold the heroin in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and elsewhere.
Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office." “By combining federal, state and local resources, a major heroin trafficking ring was dismantled; removing large quantities of a dangerous drug off the streets.”
FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “The hard work of our partners at the federal, state and local level helped to bring these violent offenders to justice and get them off our streets. The sentences handed down should send a clear message to traffickers and help to make Florida safer.”
“This is a perfect example of the kind of multi-agency teamwork necessary to dismantle these complex conspiracies and bring criminals to justice,” said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. “Our communities are safer today as a result of the work of this task force."
Name
Age, Residence
Term of Imprisonment
Felix Mejia Lagunas
42, California
27 years
Jose Leonardo Jimenez
29, Tampa
21 years, 10 months
Jose Carlos Polanco Vasquez
29, Orlando
12 years, 7 months
Jesus Alberto Bermudez Caraballo
29, Orlando
11 years, 3 months
Raul Vicente Espada Ortiz
40, Orlando
11 years, 3 months
Freddie Resto
59, Tampa
11 years, 3 months
Deyvis Lee Echevarria
30, Orlando
10 years, 1 month
Angel Alexis Alicea
29, Tampa
10 years, 1 month
Jose Angel Jimenez Villa
27, Tampa
10 years
Jose Antonio Crespo Negron
30, Tampa
10 years
Juan Carlos Lopez
34, Tampa
7 years
Robert Kelly
56, Tampa
4 years, 9 months
Rachel Augustine Thomas
56, St. Petersburg
2 years
These cases were investigated by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Agencies involved in this OCDETF operation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
Atlantic Beach Drug Dealer Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Sunshine Marie McEwen (43, Atlantic Beach) has pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a lifetime term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on August 20, 1998, McEwen was convicted of sexual battery on a minor child in Jacksonville. After her release from state prison in September 2013, she resided in Atlantic Beach. On May 15, 2015, McEwen sold drugs to an individual in Atlantic Beach and later fled to California without updating her sex offender registration. She also failed to register in California as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. On November 28, 2015, McEwen was arrested in Palm Springs and extradited to Florida to face her drug charges. On July 6, 2016, she was convicted for selling cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church and was sentenced to 78 months in state prison.
The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The Adam Walsh Act provides for the use of federal law enforcement resources, including the United States Marshals Service, to assist state and local authorities in locating and apprehending non-compliant sex offenders.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Atlantic Beach (Florida) Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Palm Springs (California) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
Orlando Woman Convicted of Tax Refund Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury found Jeanine Jeanty guilty of one count of conspiracy to steal tax refunds, five counts of theft of tax refunds, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy charge, up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the theft charges, and a mandatory minimum of two years in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft charges. The sentencing hearing will take place on March 16, 2018.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Jeanty conspired with others to steal federal tax refunds by filing false tax returns using stolen personal identifying information. She also purchased fraudulently-obtained tax refund checks from others for half of the face value of the checks. In less than two years, Jeanty and her co-conspirators stole more than $2.7 million in tax refunds from the Department of the Treasury.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
Federal Jury Convicts Two Colombian Nationals in Plan to Smuggle over $45 Million of CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Gustavo Enrique Llanos Miranda (62) and Jair Mendoza Montoya (49), both of Colombia, South America, guilty of conspiring to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and possessing with the intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Llanos Miranda faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Mendoza Montoya faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing hearings are scheduled for March 20, 2018. They were indicted on September 19, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, Llanos Miranda and Mendoza Montoya participated in a plan to smuggle more than 1,500 kilograms of cocaine on board a large oil tanker named FAT CROW. In August 2017, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) interdicted the vessel in international waters in the Caribbean Sea. After conducting an exhaustive search of the ship, the USCG found 1,504 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment that the crew had constructed in the ship’s bow. Llanos Miranda and Mendoza Montoya, along with several other FAT CROW crewmembers, had participated in extensive negotiations with a drug cartel representative concerning their compensation for smuggling the cocaine and participated in loading the cocaine onto the ship. Five other crewmembers pleaded guilty to the conspiracy prior to trial. The wholesale value of the cocaine exceeds $45 million.
This case was investigated by agents of the Panama Express Strike Force, an OCDETF Strike Force comprised of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command’s Joint Interagency Task Force South. 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. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor G. Stout and Carlton C. Gammons.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Prince George Kelly (36, Apollo Beach) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to serve three years of supervised release and to forfeit the ammunition seized in the offense.
Kelly pleaded guilty on September 28, 2017.
According to court documents, on December 16, 2016, officers with the Tampa Police Department responded to a domestic violence call. When the officers arrived at the home, Kelly was standing outside. He informed the officers that he did not have any weapons on his person and invited the officers to pat him down. When Kelly raised his arms, the officers observed the bottom of a Glock magazine sticking out of his front pants pocket. The magazine was loaded with .45 caliber ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Kelly is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell.
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, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Pasco County Woman Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Tax Fraud and ObstructionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Ingrid McBride Rich to four years in prison for presenting a false claim to an agency of the United States, and for obstructing and impeding the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the collection of taxes. As part of her sentence, the Court also ordered her to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $510,222.
Rich was found guilty by a federal jury on August 17, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, in March 2009, Rich submitted a fraudulent tax return to the IRS for tax year 2008, which resulted in her obtaining a refund check in the amount of $510,222. After obtaining the check, she deposited it into a brand new bank account, then immediately began transferring the money into various accounts, in her name and in the names of entities she owned. In an attempt to prevent the IRS from recouping the funds, Rich used cashier’s checks and at least 10 bank accounts and 4 banking institutions to hide the money. She bought nearly 100 cashier’s checks and engaged in hundreds of financial transactions over a period of nearly three years. The evidence also showed that Rich incorporated two companies in order to hide the tax refund, and hid additional money in accounts of corporations she had previously controlled.
Rich also sent the IRS various frivolous correspondence, including bogus money orders and tax documents, with the intent that it would impede the collection of the funds. Because of this obstruction, the IRS was only able to recoup a nominal amount of the fraudulently obtained funds.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Jones and Adam Saltzman.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegally Reentering the United States and Failing to Register as A Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Isidro Diaz-Sanchez (31), a Mexican national, to 30 months in federal prison for illegally reentering into the United States after deportation, and for failing to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty on September 28, 2017.
According to court documents, Diaz-Sanchez was previously deported from the United States as an aggravated felon on October 8, 2015. At the time of his deportation, he had been convicted of taking indecent liberties with a child in North Carolina, after having engaged in sexual activity and impregnating a minor child. As a result of his conviction, Diaz-Sanchez was required to register as a sex-offender and maintain his sex offender registration for a period of 30 years.
In January 2017, Diaz-Sanchez reentered the United States illegally and was subsequently found in the Hardee County Jail pending charges of resisting without violence and attempting to use the identification of another person. A review of the Florida Sex Offender Registry revealed that Diaz-Sanchez had failed to register as a sex offender.
“This criminal alien was a dangerous threat to our youth and ICE is proud to increase community safety by putting him behind bars,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of ERO.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Citrus County Woman Convicted of Federal Workers’ Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury in Orlando today found Susan J. Gissy (54, Crystal River) guilty of one count of theft of government funds and two counts of concealing a material fact in connection with the receipt of workers compensation benefits. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the theft charge, and up to five years on each of the concealment offenses. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2017.
A superseding indictment was returned against Gissy on June 14, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Gissy was employed as a rural mail carrier with the United States Postal Service. In 2011, she filed a federal workers’ compensation disability claim in connection with a lower back injury. In 2014, based in part on her misrepresentations to her treating physician regarding her back injury, Gissy received a permanent disability impairment rating. In 2016, federal agents observed Gissy engaging in strenuous physical activity, including scuba diving, boating, and riding 12-meter-tall waterslides. Further investigation revealed that Gissy had systematically misrepresented the extent of her recovery. As a consequence, she had received over $112,000 in workers’ compensation disability benefits to which she was not entitled. Gissy had also knowingly concealed and covered up her recovery by twice filing false documentation in support of her claim.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Riverview Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury today found Chris J. McDonald, Sr. (53, Riverview) guilty of conspiracy to commit theft of government property and nine related substantive counts of theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each theft count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
This case is related to the earlier federal prosecution of Jeanette Hevel, a former Tampa Police Department (TPD) corporal with more than 20 years’ experience who stole 13 United States Treasury tax refund checks, money orders, and a refund anticipation loan check from various locations inside TPD, including its secure evidence property room. Her unlawful conduct occurred over an approximately 9-month period beginning in September 2011. In April 2015, Hevel pleaded guilty for her conduct pursuant to a plea agreement in which she agreed to cooperate in the government’s ongoing investigation of those responsible for cashing the stolen tax refund checks. (See United States v. Jeanette Hevel, Case No. 8:15-cr-59-T-33MAP).
On December 9, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against McDonald and Joseph Lugo for their roles in the criminal conduct. According to the indictment and other court records, Hevel provided 9 of the 13 stolen tax refund checks to Lugo who then delivered them to Robert Sanders and McDonald. McDonald deposited the checks into one of his bank accounts and then typically returned to the bank the next business day and withdrew the funds and shared them amongst the conspirators, including Hevel. None of the conspirators knew any of the payees listed on the tax refund checks nor did they have permission from any of the payees to possess or deposit the checks.
In June 2017, Lugo pleaded guilty for his role in this case. Sanders pleaded guilty in 2014 and testified for the government during the trial. (See United States v. Robert Sanders, Case No. 8:14-cr-411-T-23AEP).
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and Frank Murray.
Mexican National Sentenced to 21 Months for Reentering the United States After Previous DeportationsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Humberto Nunez-Ocampo (38, Mexico) to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after he had been deported. He pleaded guilty to the offense on September 28, 2017.
According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, Nunez-Ocampo was encountered by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportation officer in July 2017, following Nunez-Ocampo’s arrest in Suwannee County for domestic battery. Further investigation revealed that Nunez-Ocampo had previously been deported in 2008, 2010, and 2012. In 2012, he received a felony conviction for leaving the scene of an accident with personal injury. Additional criminal convictions after his initial deportation included domestic battery, third-degree burglary, and fourth-degree assault.
“This case highlights ICE’s commitment to getting criminal illegal aliens out of our communities,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of ERO.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, with assistance from the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.