Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jacksonville Man Guilty of Downloading Sexual Abuse Videos and Images Using the “Dark Web”Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Jason Dean Barnes (41, Jacksonville) has been found guilty of receiving child sexual abuse images and videos over the Internet using a “dark web” application following a bench trial. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has been set for December 18, 2017.
According to court documents, FBI agents began an online undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular anonymizing website on the “dark web” to access and receive images and videos depicting child pornography. In February 2015, FBI agents apprehended the administrator of this website and seized it from its web-hosting facility. Agents identified Barnes after he had accessed child pornography on the website on February 28 and March 3, 2015.
On July 29, 2015, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Barnes’s residence. During an interview, Barnes admitted to searching for, downloading, and viewing child pornography using the website, and that he had struggled with this addiction for a number of years. A forensic examination of Barnes’s laptop computer revealed that it contained at least 500 videos and at least 5,000 images depicting child pornography, including several videos that Barnes had downloaded earlier that same morning.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville 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 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.
National Center for Disaster Fraud Acting Executive Director Corey Amundson to Hold Press Call on Department’s Response to Disaster FraudRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Acting U.S. Attorney Corey R. Amundson of the Middle District of Louisiana who serves as the Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico, Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida and Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the Middle District of Florida will host a press call on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017, to discuss fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with Hurricanes Harvey and Irma and tips for the public to avoid being victimized by scams. All disaster fraud complaints should be reported to the toll-free NCDF hotline at 866-720-5721.
WHO:
Corey R. Amundson, Acting Executive Director of the National Center for Disaster Fraud
U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico
Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida
Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the Middle District of Florida
WHAT:
Acting Executive Director Corey R. Amundson will announce efforts of the NCDF in combating Hurricanes Harvey and Irma related illegal activity.
WHEN:
Thursday, September 14, 2017
9:30 a.m. EDT
WHERE:
Call-in #: (800) 369-1892Passcode: 54795
NOTE: Please RSVP to [email protected]. Press inquiries regarding logistics and the NCDF should be directed to Nicole Navas at [email protected].
Middle District of Florida, Along with Three Other U.S. Attorney Offices in Districts Affected by Hurricane Irma, Establishes Task Force to Combat Disaster Fraud and Urge the Public to Be Vigilant in Reporting Suspected FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, along with U.S. Attorney Offices in the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of Florida, and Northern District of Florida announced the formation of task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in our respective areas to combat Hurricane Irma related illegal activity. The NCDF and U.S. Attorneys in these districts urge residents and businesses to immediately report suspected fraudulent activity relating to recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to be providing relief for victims, individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief and any other disaster fraud related activity.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the NCDF has already received more than 400 complaints. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
“Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions,” said Acting Executive Director Corey R. Amundson of the National Center for Disaster Fraud. “Once the NCDF receives a complaint, it routes the complaints to the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in the appropriate jurisdiction. In the process, we are able to de-conflict and identify trends, national schemes, and offenders operating in multi-jurisdictions. The Justice Department will aggressively pursue those who commit disaster fraud.”
“We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to defraud or exploit the federal assistance programs established to help individuals, families, or businesses that have lost so much as a result of Hurricane Irma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the Middle District of Florida. “Our Office will continue to protect the rights of our honest citizens affected by this disaster and ensure that they receive the necessary public and charitable assistance they deserve. If you suspect any fraud, we urge you to call the NCDF Hotline. Our efforts to combat fraud associated with Hurricane Irma will supplement the outstanding and ongoing efforts by the State of Florida and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.”
“Our efforts are directed at enforcing a zero tolerance policy,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. “In the midst of the distress and losses caused by Hurricane Irma and the attending need for recovery and rebuilding, there can be no place for fraud and abuse.”
“As our South Florida community recovers from Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate and prosecute in federal court anyone who seeks to re-victimize, defraud or exploit the individuals and businesses in need,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida. “Our united enforcement front will work hard to combat criminal activity, including fraud schemes associated with the hurricane’s devastation. Our mission is to ensure that federal, state and local programs, as well as reputable public and charitable assistance initiatives reach those struck by the impact of our recent natural disaster and are not fraudulently diverted to the criminals’ pockets.”
“We do not tolerate fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher P. Canova for the Northern District of Florida. “Individuals, families, and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, tremendous losses. Emergency funds are needed to help them get back on their feet. Dozens of agencies, investigators, and prosecutors are ready to respond to credible allegations of fraud and abuse. If you are aware of fraud, we urge you to call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected].
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Four U.S. Attorneys' Offices in Districts Affected by Hurricane Irma Establish Task Forces in Combating Disaster Fraud and Urge the Public to Be Vigilant in Reporting Suspected FraudRead the Press Release
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) along with U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the District of Puerto Rico, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Florida and Northern District of Florida announced the formation of task forces comprised of local, state and federal agencies in their respective areas to combat Hurricane Irma related illegal activity. The NCDF and U.S. Attorneys in those districts urge residents and businesses to immediately report suspected fraudulent activity relating to recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to be providing relief for victims, individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief and any other disaster fraud related activity.
The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
While compassion, assistance, and solidarity are generally prevalent in the aftermath of natural disasters, unscrupulous individuals and organizations also use these tragic events to take advantage of those in need. In the wake of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the NCDF has already received more than 400 complaints. Examples of illegal activity being reported to the NCDF and law enforcement include:
- Impersonation of federal law enforcement officials;
- Identity theft;
- Fraudulent submission of claims to insurance companies and the federal government;
- Fraudulent activity related to solicitations for donations and charitable giving;
- Fraudulent activity related to individuals and organizations promising high investment returns from profits from recovery and cleanup efforts;
- Price gouging;
- Theft, looting, and other violent crime
“Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions,” said Acting Executive Director Corey R. Amundson of the National Center for Disaster Fraud. “Once the NCDF receives a complaint, it routes the complaints to the appropriate federal, state, or local law enforcement agency in the appropriate jurisdiction. In the process, we are able to de-conflict and identify trends, national schemes, and offenders operating in multi-jurisdictions. The Justice Department will aggressively pursue those who commit disaster fraud.”
“Our efforts are directed at enforcing a zero tolerance policy,” said U.S. Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez for the District of Puerto Rico. “In the midst of the distress and losses caused by Hurricane Irma and the attending need for recovery and rebuilding, there can be no place for fraud and abuse.”
“As our South Florida community recovers from Hurricane Irma, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate and prosecute in federal court anyone who seeks to re-victimize, defraud or exploit the individuals and businesses in need,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Benjamin G. Greenberg for the Southern District of Florida. “Our united enforcement front will work hard to combat criminal activity, including fraud schemes associated with the hurricane’s devastation. Our mission is to ensure that federal, state and local programs, as well as reputable public and charitable assistance initiatives reach those struck by the impact of our recent natural disaster and are not fraudulently diverted to the criminals’ pockets.”
“We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to defraud or exploit the federal assistance programs established to help individuals, families, or businesses that have lost so much as a result of Hurricane Irma,” said Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the Middle District of Florida. “Our Office will continue to protect the rights of our honest citizens affected by this disaster and ensure that they receive the necessary public and charitable assistance they deserve. If you suspect any fraud, we urge you to call the NCDF Hotline. Our efforts to combat fraud associated with Hurricane Irma will supplement the outstanding and ongoing efforts by the State of Florida and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.”
“We do not tolerate fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher P. Canova for the Northern District of Florida. “Individuals, families, and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, tremendous losses. Emergency funds are needed to help them get back on their feet. Dozens of agencies, investigators, and prosecutors are ready to respond to credible allegations of fraud and abuse. If you are aware of fraud, we urge you to call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected].
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Learn more about the NCDF at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud. Tips for the public on how to avoid being victimized of fraud are at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tips-avoiding-fraudulent-charitable-contribution-schemes.
Former Jacksonville Chief Financial Officer Resolves Healthcare Fraud Allegations for $100,000Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces today that Scott Quinn, the former Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, a Jacksonville-based orthopedic medical group, has agreed to pay the government $100,000 to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act.
According to the settlement agreement, while Quinn was employed at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, he was responsible for overseeing operations and the financial performance of the practice. The United States contends that it has certain civil claims against Quinn arising from his role in billing, or causing to be billed to federal healthcare programs, certain services that Quinn knew or should have known were not medically necessary and reasonable. Specifically, between May 2013 and September 29, 2016, Quinn routinely sought, or caused to be submitted for reimbursement, certain claims for ultrasound-guided injections even in the absence of medical necessity. These claims were not appropriately billable to the Medicare program. As part of today’s settlement, Quinn is agreeing to pay the United States $100,000 for his conduct.
Last year, the United States announced a False Claims Act settlement against Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. At that time, the company agreed to repay the United States $4.48 million to resolve allegations that it had violated the False Claims Act.
“The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General will relentlessly seek to hold corporate officers who defraud the Medicare program personally accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon Richmond. “Obtaining tax dollars which Medicare providers are not entitled to impacts our entire healthcare system and the OIG will pursue company executives who misrepresent services to boost profits.”
This settlement is part of the Department of Justice’s focus on identifying specific individuals who participate or further financial fraud. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has prioritized holding individuals accountable for corporate malfeasance.
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 matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Florida National Guardsman Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Attempting to Entice A Minor for SexRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced John David Stahlman (35, Longwood) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for attempting to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury found him guilty on May 24, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on November 10, 2016, Stahlman posted an advertisement on Craigslist seeking a “young ‘looking’ girl” for possible “physical pleasure.” An FBI agent acting in an undercover capacity responded to the advertisement and introduced himself as the single father of an 11-year-old child. During a two-and-a-half-month period, Stahlman made plans to meet and have sex with the “child,” and he eventually traveled to meet with the minor. Stahlman was subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alejandro J. Salicrup and Karen Gable.
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.
U.S. Attorney Establishes Middle District of Florida Disaster Fraud Task Force and Urges Floridians to Be Vigilant in Reporting Suspected FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow has established a Disaster Fraud Task Force within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL). The MDFL encompasses 35 of Florida’s 67 counties, has offices in Jacksonville, Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, and Ft. Myers, and serves over 11.5 million citizens in Florida. Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow also urges all Florida residents and businesses to immediately report suspected fraudulent activity relating to recovery and cleanup operations, fake charities claiming to be providing relief for victims, and individuals submitting false claims for disaster relief.
In anticipation of fraudulent activity in connection with federal disaster relief following Hurricane Irma, the newly created MDFL Task Force will be headed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg, one of the MDFL’s Criminal Chiefs who has extensive experience investigating and prosecuting these types of fraud schemes. The Task Force will be staffed by experienced prosecutors throughout the MDFL and will work closely with our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to protect the benefits destined for citizens who are victims of this disaster.
The Task Force will also work closely with the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF), which was established to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the NCDF, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
“We will aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to defraud or exploit the federal assistance programs established to help individuals, families, or businesses that have lost so much as a result of Hurricane Irma,” said Acting U.S Attorney Muldrow. “Our Office will continue to protect the rights of our honest citizens affected by this disaster and ensure that they receive the necessary public and charitable assistance they deserve. If you suspect any fraud, we urge you to call the NCDF Hotline. Our efforts to combat fraud associated with Hurricane Irma will supplement the outstanding and ongoing efforts by the State of Florida and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.”
Florida residents should continue to report fraud, price gouging, and other fraudulent schemes to the agencies and hotlines established by the State of Florida. The public is reminded to be extremely cautious before providing personal identifying information or account data to anyone, especially those who may contact you. Residents should also remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the hurricane.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. You may also visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl.
Tampa Woman Arrested on Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the arrest and unsealing of an indictment charging Ashley Stanback with five counts of theft of government property in connection with income tax fraud. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the
indictment , from October 2012 through August 2013, Stanback stole more than $1,000 in government funds in connection with fraudulent tax refunds issued in other individual’s names. The United States is also seeking forfeiture of the proceeds from these fraudulent tax refunds in excess of $38,000.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.
St. Petersburg “Spice” Manufacturers SentencedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Fayez Abu-Aish (51)and Nedal Abu-Aish (48) to 14 years in prison each for conspiring to distribute, distribution of, and possession with the intent to distribute a substance containing XLR-11. A federal jury found them both guilty in April 2017.
Trial testimony revealed that XLR-11 is a synthetic cannabinoid, typically imported from China, that is applied to plant material to create a smokable drug often called “Spice.” On March 28, 2014, following a lengthy investigation, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force raided a clandestine laboratory in St. Petersburg where the Abu-Aish brothers were manufacturing these smokable synthetic cannabinoids using the chemical XLR-11. Agents seized finished product, other chemicals, plant material, and packaging materials. Searches of storage units resulted in the seizure of thousands of packages containing XLR-11-laced plant material ready for distribution. Some of the brands seized included “Scooby Snax,” “OMG,” “Mr. Happy,” and “Mind Trip.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston
Jury Convicts Atlanta-Based Supplier of Heroin and Methamphetamine to Cartel-Linked Drug Trafficking Organization in BradentonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Alexis Hernandez (52, Lilburn, GA) guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and more than five hundred grams of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 30, 2017.
Hernandez was charged in a superseding indictment on April 25, 2017, along with five other members of a Bradenton-based drug trafficking organization. Damien Avellaneda-Hernandez, Gonzalo Delarosa, a/k/a “Gordo,” Glenn Olvera, and Sergio David Gutierrez-Olmos, a/k/a “Chavo,” a/k/a “Chilango” previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case. On August 31, 2017, Gutierrez-Olmos was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. The others will be sentenced in the near future. Francisco Avellaneda-Hernandez, a/k/a “Flaco,” remains at large.
According to evidence presented at trial, Hernandez was a supplier of heroin and methamphetamine to the Francisco Avellaneda-Hernandez Drug Trafficking Organization, a group with ties to a cartel based in Michoacan, Mexico, and operating in Florida, Georgia, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. Between January and August 2016, law enforcement officers seized more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida linked to the organization. In addition, evidence was presented at trial showing that Hernandez and others had arranged the transport of 2 kilograms of heroin and 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to Manhattan. Hernandez was arrested in Manhattan on September 27, 2016.
This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Amarillo Sky.” The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, the Plant City Police Department, and the New York Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Diego Novaes.
Internet Predator Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Chad Theodore Dillon (45, Okaloosa County) to 40 years in federal prison for online enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the 2006 Ford F-150 truck he had used to meet a victim.
Dillon pleaded guilty on January 18, 2017.
According to court documents, this investigation began in April 2016, when an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted an undercover investigation to identify users of a particular app who were attempting to entice and sexually exploit children. On April 22, 2016, an FDLE undercover agent published a post that read, “Being 13 and being alone is just no fun at all.” Within a few minutes, the agent received a private message from “Ice Whale,” that read, “R u m or f?,” which initiated a conversation between the two. During the conversation, “Ice Whale,” later determined to be Dillon, repeatedly solicited the “child” for sexual acts. Dillon 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. He also claimed to have had sex with 12-year-olds a “couple times.” Dillon provided his cellphone number to the “child” and claimed that his name was “Cory.” Despite repeated conversation, Dillon declined to meet with the “child” for the sexual encounter discussed. However, further investigation revealed that Dillon had previously solicited a 13-year-old child online to produce nude images of herself.
After determining that “Ice Whale” was Dillon, FDLE agents obtained a warrant for Dillon’s cellphone and found chat messages revealing he had traveled to Georgia to have sex with a minor, and had enticed a different child to produce pornography and to meet him for sex.
“FDLE appreciates the assistance of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the FBI in safely apprehending this predator, and commends the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s diligence in prosecuting this case,” said Commissioner Rick Swearingen. “We are focused on protecting families and removing these threats to our children.”
"The FBI Jacksonville Division and our law enforcement partners are committed to identifying those who prey on our children, and this case is one example of our relentless efforts to stop them," said Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer. “Today’s sentencing sends a message that child exploitation is a threat that will not be ignored, and we will stop at nothing to protect these innocent victims, and seek justice for the heinous acts committed against them.”
This case was investigated by Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Former Clearwater Pawnshop Owner Sentenced in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Craig Reckley to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for his role in a stolen identity refund fraud scheme. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered him to pay $166,745.61 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Reckley pleaded guilty on May 4, 2017.
According to court documents, Reckley obtained and deposited 37 United States Treasury checks into his business’s bank account. The checks represented refunds from the filing of false and fraudulent income tax returns in the names of victim taxpayers. During his involvement in the scheme, Reckley was the owner and proprietor of Quick Cash Pawn of Pinellas, located in Clearwater.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Federal Prison for Credit Card Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Yuneski Perdomo (35, previously of Tampa) to four years and ten months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device (credit card) fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $31,016.32, the proceeds of the credit card fraud.
Perdomo pleaded guilty on June 1, 2017.
According to court documents, in 2013, Perdomo was the ringleader of a conspiracy that included co-defendants Edel Gomez, Tonysbell Calero-Alvarez, and Jorge Duran-Blanco. The conspirators obtained stolen credit and debit account numbers that they then used to create or purchase counterfeit or cloned credit cards. The true owners of the accounts remained in possession of the cards, so they did not know to report them stolen. The conspirators then spent hours each day traveling around Florida, making purchases at various retail stores using the counterfeit credit cards. They purchased cigarettes and gift cards, among other things, that could be sold for cash, and shared the proceeds. In one instance, at Perdomo’s direction, Gomez, Calero-Alvarez, and Duran-Blanco used counterfeit credit cards at approximately 14 different Walmart locations in the Tampa Bay area over a 24-hour period. Agents identified $30,000 in actual losses and approximately $148,000 in intended losses attributable to the fraud, and they determined that more than 40 individuals’ stolen account information had been used.
Gomez, Calero-Alvarez, and Duran-Blanco pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and were sentenced in 2014 to 36 months’ imprisonment, 44 months’ imprisonment, and 5 years’ probation, respectively. Perdomo was a fugitive from late 2013 until late 2016.
This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Tampa Police Department, all of whom are members of the USSS’s credit card fraud and identity theft task force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Raymond Adams (29, St. Petersburg) to eight years and five months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. He pleaded guilty on May 31, 2017.
According to court documents, Adams and others planned to break into a St. Petersburg home to steal marijuana and later distribute it. Adams was armed with a 9-mm handgun during the attempted burglary and, when detected by law enforcement officers, he left with his associates in a vehicle that later crashed. Adams then fled on foot and discarded the gun. Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department apprehended him and recovered the gun.
At the time of the incident, Adams was a felon whose prior criminal history included a 2010 manslaughter conviction. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. This case was also prosecuted as part of the St. Petersburg Violent Crime Reduction Initiative.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years for Possessing Destructive Device, Firearms, and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Steven M. Pace (25, Sarasota) to nine years and one month in federal prison for possessing four destructive devices and for knowingly possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized as part of this case.
Pace pleaded guilty on January 23, 2017.
According to court documents, in February 2016, Pace, along with Katie Smith, possessed two improvised pipe bombs and two improvised grenades. He also possessed with the intent to distribute approximately 280 grams of AB-fubinaca, a synthetic form of marijuana. Pace and Smith had a number of firearms in their home, one of which was stolen. Pace admitted to carrying at least one of those firearms during his drug transactions.
Smith previously pleaded guilty to possessing destructive devices and was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment.
This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime in our communities.
Plant City Woman Sentenced in Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell today sentenced Sharmekia Young (36, Plant City) to three years in federal prison for conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. Young pleaded guilty on March 29, 2017.
According to court documents, Young worked at a healthcare company’s billing center in Lakeland, Florida. As an employee of the company, she had password-protected access to the company’s secure computerized databases, which contained medical records and the Personal Identifiable Information (PII) of its customers and patients, including names, dates of birth, and social security numbers.
Young agreed with another employee, Fontella James, to steal hundreds of patients’ records containing the PII of their customers, to sell to another co-conspirator, Vickie Bryant. Young and James provided the PII to Bryant so that Bryant could sell the information to another individual who then manufactured, sold, and used counterfeit credit cards and counterfeit State of Florida Drivers Licenses. On or about June 9, 2016, and again on June 16, 2016, Bryant met with the individual and sold him PII of 957 different victims.
In December 2016, Bryant was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment for access device (credit card) fraud and aggravated identity theft. James was sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy and aggravated identity theft in June 2017.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Tampa Police Department, as part of the Secret Service’s Financial Investigations Strike Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Jones, Amanda Riedel, and Adam Saltzman.
Former State Representative Convicted on Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury today found former Florida House of Representatives member Dwayne L. Taylor (49, Daytona Beach) guilty of nine counts of wire fraud. Taylor faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. His sentencing is scheduled for November 16, 2017.
According to evidence presented at trial, during Taylor’s 2012 and 2014 reelection campaigns, he falsely reported thousands of dollars of expenditures to the State of Florida in order to conceal his misappropriation of over $60,000 in campaign funds through a series of unreported cash withdrawals, checks written to himself, and checks written to petty cash, in violation of Florida law. Taylor then used the misappropriated funds for personal expenditures unrelated to his re-election campaigns.
According to Florida law, all campaign contributions and expenditures must be reported to the State of Florida, and neither a candidate nor the spouse of a candidate may use funds deposited in a campaign account to defray normal living expenses for the candidate or the candidate’s family, other than expenses actually incurred for transportation, meals, and lodging during travel in the course of the campaign.
“These types of crimes erode the public trust in our elected officials,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow. “This conviction sends a clear message that such acts will not be tolerated and that we will hold anyone who breaks the law accountable for their actions.”
“It is disappointing that an elected official would exploit the generosity of his constituents to advance his personal lifestyle,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Corrupt public officials undermine the integrity of our government and violate the public’s trust, which is why combating public corruption remains the FBI’s top criminal priority."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roger B. Handberg and Embry J. Kidd.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Three Years for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Sciven yesterday sentenced Weldon Malveau to three years in federal prison for theft of government property. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a 2010 Porsche Panamera, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. As part of his sentence, the Court entered a money judgment in the amount of $342,563, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
Malveau pleaded guilty on February 7, 2017.
According to court documents, between January 2011 and March 2012, Malveau was involved in a scheme to file false and fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in order to generate large refunds that were deposited onto debit cards. When law enforcement officers arrested Malveau in March 2012, he had 26 debit cards in his possession, in the names of different individuals, along with ledgers containing names and social security numbers. The investigation revealed that the IRS had received fraudulent tax returns and had issued refunds in the names of many of those individuals, totaling $342,563, which was traced back to Malveau.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam M. Saltzman.
Pill Mill Doctor Sentenced to Nearly Four Years for Role in Opioid Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Anil Sahijwani (43, Tampa) to 45 months in federal prison for illegally prescribing oxycodone, Adderall, and other controlled substances. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his DEA registration number, $182,266.66, and the value of a personally owned Porsche, all of which constitute proceeds of the offenses, or which were used in furtherance of the offenses.
Sahijwani pleaded guilty on February 23, 2017.
According to court documents, Sahijwani worked at Family Medical Express Center, Inc. in Brandon, Florida, along with several co-conspirators. He and his co-conspirators implemented a plan to sell unlawful prescriptions for oxycodone and other controlled substances to people who did not need them and who instead diverted them for sale in the community on a per-pill basis. In some cases, Sahijwani wrote prescriptions at the request of his co-conspirators in the names of people he had never examined or met. Sahijwani also sold prescriptions for oxycodone out of his car in a Tampa parking lot. During the course of the conspiracy, Sahijwani wrote unlawful prescriptions for over 18,000 oxycodone pills.
“As law enforcement addresses the ongoing opioid crisis, it is unconscionable that a physician would be part of the Pill Mill problem that has left its indelible mark on the Tampa area and the country,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Adolphus P. Wright. “DEA, and our law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in finding these unscrupulous medical professionals and clinics and see to it that they are prosecuted accordingly.”This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.
West Virginia Woman Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Obstructing A Federal Kidnapping/Death InvestigationRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Belenda Sandy (57, Buckhannon, West Virginia) to seven years and three months in federal prison for obstruction of justice. She pleaded guilty on May 26, 2017.
According to court documents, Sandy obstructed justice and hindered a federal kidnapping/death investigation by making false statements and omitting material information during interviews with investigators. The investigation began on November 27, 2016, after a victim went missing in Ormond Beach, Florida. Investigators eventually determined that the victim had recently relocated to Florida from Indiana to get away from her estranged husband, Jarvis Wayne Madison, who was also in an intimate relationship with Sandy. In the days leading up to the victim’s disappearance, Madison stayed with Sandy at her West Virginia residence, where she provided him with food, money, and new tires for his vehicle. Eventually, Madison left Sandy’s residence and drove to Florida, where he located the victim as she was jogging on Ormond Beach. Phone records reflected that Madison had a 23-minute phone conversation with Sandy, just before the victim disappeared.
On November 28, 2016, an investigator contacted Sandy by telephone and interviewed her to determine Madison’s whereabouts. During this interview, Sandy denied having any recent contact with Madison. This statement was false. Even after the investigator informed Sandy that the victim had likely been abducted by Madison, she continued to claim that she had not seen Madison in a long time. Following the interview, Sandy met with Madison at a 7-11 gas station near her home and told him that law enforcement was looking for him in connection with the victim’s disappearance. Sandy’s false responses to the investigator’s inquiries ultimately delayed Madison’s arrest on federal kidnapping charges, and delayed the recovery of the victim’s body.
After learning from Sandy that law enforcement was looking for him, Madison drove to Tennessee, where he buried the victim’s dead body. He then drove to Kentucky, where law enforcement arrested him on December 2, 2016. On the same date, FBI agents recovered the victim’s body in Tennessee and determined that Madison had shot and killed her sometime after her disappearance on November 27, 2016.
Madison is currently charged in a superseding indictment with kidnapping that resulted in a death, interstate domestic violence, and interstate stalking. 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. A trial date for Madison is currently set for the March 2018 trial term.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Indiana State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to Nearly Five Years for Role in Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Obenson Cerulist (27, Sarasota) to 4 years and 11 months in federal prison for theft of government property. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2017.
According to court documents, in September 2013, a search warrant was executed at a home in Bradenton that Cerulist was sharing with Brandon Taylor. During the search, more than 250 items of personal identifying information (PII) belonging to others were found in the home. In February 2014, a second search warrant was executed at the home of Cerulist’s girlfriend, Loretta Gilchrist, where Cerulist occasionally stayed. PII was also found in Gilchrest’s home, along with prepaid debit cards and additional evidence linking Cerulist to the filing of fraudulent tax returns.
The direct loss to the Internal Revenue Service from fraudulent tax returns filed during the course of this scheme was $156,399.39. The total amount claimed as a result of fraudulent tax returns was $571,708.
Taylor and Gilchrist were also prosecuted for their roles in this scheme. On August 2, 2016, Taylor was sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for theft of government funds, and on February 28, 2017, Gilchrist was sentenced to 30 months for the same offense.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam M. Saltzman.
Florida Men Sentenced for Assault and Cross Burning Aimed at Intimidating an Interracial Couple Living Next DoorRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Thomas Herris Sigler, III, 46, and William A. Dennis, 56, to serve 33 and 21 months incarceration, respectively. Sigler and Dennis both pleaded guilty to civil rights violations for their roles in attacking and intimidating an interracial couple in Port Richey, Florida. A third co-defendant, Pascual Carlos Pietri also pleaded guilty to the same charge and was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment on March 23, 2016. A fourth co-conspirator is now deceased.
According to the evidence presented in court proceedings and documents, in September 2012 an interracial couple moved in next door to Sigler and Dennis. Sigler and Dennis began regularly harassing the African-American male neighbor shortly after the couple moved in with racial slurs and derogatory statements. Then in mid-October 2012, Sigler physically attacked the African-American neighbor, while Dennis looked on and prevented another neighbor from intervening.
“Acts of intimidation and violence perpetrated against people because of their race, ethnicity, color, or creed are reprehensible,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow. “Individuals and families should have the right to live wherever they choose, without fear. Acts of hatred such as this simply cannot be tolerated and we will investigate and prosecute those who commit these crimes.”
On Halloween night, Sigler and Dennis attended a party at the home of the fourth co-conspirator. The men made a plan to intimidate the couple into moving from their residence by burning a cross in their front yard. Using wood and tools from the fourth co-conspirator, Sigler and Dennis constructed a wooden cross, and Dennis poured gasoline on the cross. Dennis and Pietri carried the cross to the victims’ front yard, leaned it against their mailbox, and Dennis instructed Pietri set the cross on fire, which he did.
“The victims were attacked and threatened in their own neighborhood and home because of their race,” said John M. Gore, Acting Assistant Attorney for Civil Rights. “Such violence and intimidation has no place in our society, The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, and will continue to vigorously prosecute individuals who commit such atrocious acts of hate.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Simon A. Gaugush of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney William E. Nolan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Jacksonville Woman Sentenced to 35 Years for Sex Trafficking, Conspiracy to Distribute Crack Cocaine, and A Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Shaquana Quenella Brookins (32, Jacksonville) to 35 years in federal prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute crack cocaine; and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court set scheduled separate hearing to determine restitution owed to two of her victims.
Brookins pleaded guilty on October 21, 2016.
According to court documents, from the summer of 2013 through late 2015, Brookins was trafficking illegal drugs, including crack cocaine, heroin, and flakka, in Jacksonville and routinely carried firearms for intimidation purposes. She also engaged in commercial sex trafficking.
In March 2014, Brookins met a woman who she began prostituting using the website Backpage.com. The victim was addicted to crack cocaine, and Brookins controlled her by exploiting her addiction. Brookins also repeatedly beat the victim in order to cause her to engage in commercial sex acts and to punish her if she stole drugs or withheld money. On several occasions, the victim attempted to escape from Brookins, but was forced by Brookins to return.
Brookins’s criminal enterprise included a driver, Victor Billy Parra, who would take the victim and others to commercial sex “dates” in exchange for crack cocaine. Parra was prosecuted in a separate case for selling crack cocaine to an undercover ATF agent and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison.
Brookins also used crack cocaine to compensate an attorney, Tomislav Golik, who represented the sex trafficking victims in various criminal cases brought against them. Golik was prosecuted in a separate case for possessing firearms while an unlawful user of crack cocaine and sentenced to 33 months in federal prison.
Brookins obtained a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver from Golik, which she paid for with crack cocaine. Prior to possessing the firearm, she had been convicted of four felonies, including grand theft auto, sale of cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “The announcement of this sentencing today means that this individual will no longer be able to hurt, harm or intimidate this community. ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Former Top Ranking Executive at Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinic Pleads Guilty to Falsifying Patient RecordsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that John Christopher Walcutt (40, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to falsifying patient progress notes of children with autism and other behavioral health issues, in response to a federal audit. He faces a maximum term of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , Walcutt was the former managing member of Keystone Behavioral Pediatrics, a developmental center, where children with developmental, learning, and behavioral issues ostensibly received counseling and therapy. In late 2011, Keystone received an audit request from the government for randomly selected patient files.In submitting claims for reimbursement from TRICARE, which is a health care program for military personnel, Keystone certified that some of its pediatric patients had received “one on one” counseling and therapy. Some of the patients were also represented to have received therapy for autism from licensed and credentialed providers. In reality, many of the patients had not received “one on one” counseling or therapy from licensed and credentialed providers and, in some cases, had been left unsupervised in a small “play pen” area. Only some of the children had received therapy in a group setting. In most cases, non-credentialed employees, including graduate students, were treating the children.
Walcutt and others participated in the altering of patient files that were sent in response to the government’s audit request. As a result of the falsified patient records, TRICARE paid Keystone approximately $600,000 for claims that otherwise would not have been reimbursable.
This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.
Career Offender Sentenced to More Than Ten Years for Dealing Methamphetamine and Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Dameon Q. McDonald (38, Plant City) to 12 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on May 22, 2017.
According to court documents, on February 24, 2017, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Plant City home. As soon as they entered, McDonald tried to flee, carrying a blue bag in his hand. Officers stopped him as he was about to exit the backdoor. Among the items in McDonald’s bag were $4,078 in cash, more than 20 grams of 99%-pure methamphetamine, and distribution quantities of crack cocaine and marijuana. McDonald has numerous prior convictions, including several prior drug-trafficking offenses.
This case was investigated by the Plant City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gregory T. Nolan.
Bradenton Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Jarvis Lanard McCants (29, Bradenton) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. He pleaded guilty on May 4, 2017.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers received information on McCants and his drug trafficking activities. They then executed a search warrant at McCants’s residence in Bradenton. Agents approached McCants as he sat in the driver’s seat of a vehicle near his home, identified themselves, and ordered him out of the vehicle. McCants disregarded the commands and drove away at a high rate of speed, eventually striking another vehicle. He then exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but was soon apprehended.
During a search of the residence, agents recovered narcotics, including 22 grams of a brown powdery substance that tested positive for fentanyl and 23 grams of white powder that tested positive for cocaine, along with drug paraphernalia, a loaded firearm, and $8,656 in cash.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 75 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II today sentenced Jamie P. Esposito (32, Orlando) to 75 years in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography. He pleaded guilty on March 29, 2017.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Esposito sexually abused a 7-year-old child one to two times per month over an 18 to 24-month period. He chronicled the abuse by taking pictures and videos, and shared them with multiple people online. When federal law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Esposito’s home on November 29, 2016, they discovered more than 2,700 images of child pornography, including the images and videos he had produced of the child.
In addition, in July 2016, Esposito arranged to take the child to Tampa to be sexually abused by Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli. Esposito took pictures and video of the acts. McDonald and Boselli have been charged separately (case number 8:16-cr-517-T-33AEP) and have pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor. They are scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2017.
“This crime is beyond comprehension and no punishment can bring back the innocence of this child,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “But we hope that today’s sentencing can bring some solace to this young victim.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Semi-Automatic Handgun with Extended MagazineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Reginald Kevin Winford (26, 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 the court documents, police officers stopped Winford for a traffic offense and saw a baggie of cocaine on the floorboard of his car, prompting a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun and an extended magazine containing 29 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon on multiple offenses, Winford is prohibited from possessing a firearm 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 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 - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.
Developer Sentenced for Embezzling from A Bankruptcy EstateRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich today sentenced Clark D. East (59, Sugarland, TX) to 30 months in federal prison for embezzlement from a bankruptcy estate. He pleaded guilty on April 3, 2017.
According to the plea agreement, East obtained a loan from Stearns Bank, a member bank of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Minneapolis, to develop a property located at 3700 Ulmerton Road Plaza in Clearwater. He subsequently defaulted on the loan and Stearns Bank obtained approval to sell the property at foreclosure on March 27, 2012. The day before the scheduled foreclosure sale, East filed for bankruptcy protection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court through his company, 3700 Ulmerton Road, LLC. During the bankruptcy proceedings, East was ordered to sell the property and to remit $1.2 million in sales proceeds to Stearns Bank. Rather than repaying the bank, East embezzled approximately $800,000 of proceeds that were part of the bankruptcy estate and due to Stearns Bank.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. The Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Middle District of Florida (Tampa Division) also provided substantial assistance. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor and Assistant United States Attorney Jay G. Trezevant.
Former Tampa Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Stolen Government PropertyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that LaJoyce Caldwell Houston (51, Riverview) today pleaded guilty to receiving stolen government property. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in 2011 and 2012, while working at the Tampa Police Department, LaJoyce Houston received goods, services, money orders, and cash that were obtained with debit cards tied to accounts that had been loaded with fraudulently obtained tax refunds. The fraudulent refunds deposited into these accounts totaled $284,490.41 and were the result of fraudulent federal income tax returns that had been filed by Rita Girven.
For example, in March 2011, Girven paid off LaJoyce Houston’s Target Visa credit card, with Houston’s knowledge, by making two in-store payments totaling $3,863.08. These in-store payments were made using a debit card loaded with nine fraudulently obtained tax refunds, eight issued in the name of identity theft victims, and one issued to Girven.
LaJoyce Houston’s co-defendant and husband, Eric Houston, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2017, to receiving stolen government property. He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2017.
In a related case (case no. 8:15-cr-58-T-17EAJ), Rita Girven pleaded guilty on March 16, 2015, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. On November 20, 2015, she was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
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 Mandy Riedel and Megan Kistler.
Former Assisted Living Facility Worker Sentenced for Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Willie L. Lee to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. The Court also ordered him to pay $32,933 in restitution. He pleaded guilty on May 17, 2017.
According to court documents, during 2012 and 2013, Lee was employed at an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) where he conspired with another individual to defraud the United States by stealing personal identifying information (PII) from ALF patients and deceased individuals. The PII was then used to file fraudulent income tax returns that were electronically deposited into an account that Lee had opened and maintained.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Federal Correctional Officer Arrested for Allegedly Taking BribesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the arrest late Tuesday of Albert Larry Harris (27, Lake County) on a federal criminal complaint charging him with receipt of a bribe by a public official. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the
criminal complaint , Harris works as a correctional officer in a penitentiary at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex. Beginning in June 2017, he began providing inmates at the facility with contraband in exchange for large cash payments. Harris met with an undercover federal agent in Ocala on August 22, 2017, where he accepted a $5,000 payment and 200 Suboxone strips for delivery to a federal inmate. In the recorded transaction, Harris promised to take the drugs “straight to [the inmate].” He was arrested by federal agents after accepting the drugs and the money.A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Tampa Man Sentenced for Stealing Firearms from Lakeland Gun StoresRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Oscar Garcia Garcia (33, Tampa) to 30 months in federal prison for stealing firearms from a federal firearm licensee. He pleaded guilty on May 15, 2017.
According to court documents, on January 9, 2017, Garcia and his co-defendant, Jerry Nelson Reyes Torres, burglarized Rapture Guns and Knives in Lakeland and stole 58 firearms from a display case. On January 29, 2017, Garcia and Torres broke into Guns Galore in Lakeland and stole 46 firearms. On both occasions, the men arrived in a vehicle, entered the store by dismantling the lock on the front door, broke into display cases, used duffel bags to remove firearms, and then returned to their vehicle and fled the area.
In February 2017, law enforcement detained Garcia and another male after observing them smoking marijuana in a vehicle outside the residence of Garcia and Torres. The other individual told the officers that Garcia had given him two firearms to hold, and he consented to a search of his nearby residence. Officers recovered two of the firearms stolen from Rapture Guns and Knives from a suitcase found in that home.
On March 14, 2017, a superseding indictment was returned charging Jerry Nelson Reyes Torres with stealing firearms from a federal firearm licensee and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and he is currently at large. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.
Pinellas Park Man Pleads Guilty to Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Ramon Green (35, Pinellas Park) today pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in February 2017, officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired in a St. Petersburg neighborhood and found Green, covered in blood, standing outside a residence. Green told the officers that he had been inside the house when he heard a gunshot and then found his girlfriend outside the backdoor bleeding from a gunshot wound to her chest. He also told the officers that he had dropped his girlfriend off at the hospital and then returned to the house to lock it up.
Further investigation revealed a large pool of blood outside the backdoor of the home. The officers also confirmed that Green’s girlfriend was in the hospital with a gunshot wound to her chest. The officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the home. A search of the house revealed approximately 15 pounds of marijuana, several ounces of cocaine, drug packaging materials, and a variety of personal items and paperwork indicating that the house belonged to Green. A bullet was also found in the wall near the pool of blood, outside the backdoor. Although Green denied shooting his girlfriend, his hands tested positive for gunshot residue.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor G. Stout.
Eleventh Circuit Affirms Conviction and Sentence of Pinellas County Man for Terrorist PlotRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has affirmed the conviction and sentence of Sami Osmakac (30, Pinellas Park) for attempted use of weapons of mass destruction and possession of a fully automatic firearm. A federal jury found him guilty in June 2014. In November 2014, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Osmakac to 40 years’ imprisonment.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on January 7, 2012, as part of a terrorist plot, Osmakac attempted to use weapons of mass destruction, including a car bomb, grenades, and a suicide explosive, at two locations in the Tampa Bay area, specifically; MacDinton’s Irish Pub and the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Additionally, on January 7, 2012, Osmakac possessed a machinegun without the firearm being registered to him on the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
On appeal, Osmakac argued that his surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) had violated the law, that a misstatement by the government during closing arguments had made his trial unfair, and that the district court should have imposed a lower sentence based on the government’s purported sentencing-factor manipulation.
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected each of these arguments. The evidence at trial, the Court observed, had established that, as early as December 2010, Osmakac had “demonstrated a commitment to Islamic extremism.” As to the FISA argument, the Court held that the surveillance of Osmakac pursuant to FISA had been proper and constitutional. The Court also held that the government’s misstatement in closing argument had been corrected by the district court and had been counteracted by the “substantial evidence of Osmakac’s guilt.” Finally, the Court held that the district court had correctly rejected Osmakac’s sentencing-factor manipulation argument because Osmakac, not the government, had “initiated and greatly escalated the planned terrorist attack by asking” to use weapons of mass destruction as part of his violent plot. The Court further noted that, even though Osmakac had “multiple chances” to decline to use a car bomb, “he never did, even after multiple warnings.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted in the district court by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney and Trial Attorney Clement McGovern from the National Security Division at the Department of Justice. The appeal was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Cherie L. Krigsman, David P. Rhodes, and Sara C. Sweeney.
St. Augustine Pharmacist Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Compound Pharmacy Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Dino Ajloni (40, St. Augustine) has pleaded guilty to healthcare fraud in connection with his role in a fraudulent compound pharmacy scheme. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Ajloni was the operator of Wellness Pharmacy in St Augustine. He performed various jobs, including marketing prescriptions, recruiting physicians to write and fill prescriptions at Wellness Pharmacy, and other jobs.
Ajloni also relied on marketers to help recruit patients to get prescriptions filled at his pharmacy. One of these marketers brought his family in to become “patients” of Wellness Pharmacy. The pharmacy filled numerous prescriptions for the marketer’s family and received nearly $200,000 in government reimbursement. Ajloni admitted paying the marketer almost $50,000 for the referral of work, in violation of the Anti-Kickback statute.
Ajloni also recruited patients himself. For example, he offered patients access to “anything in the store” if they agreed to receive compound prescription drugs. At other times, he offered gift baskets, with chocolate, deodorant, nuts, and other accessories, to patients that accepted compounded prescriptions.
In 2016, TRICARE developed suspicions regarding the legitimacy of these compound prescriptions. Because the vast majority of Wellness Pharmacy’s claims were purportedly written by a doctor who had never separately billed for these patient visits, TRICARE asked Wellness Pharmacy to complete an audit. During the course of the audit, Ajloni and others made a variety of false and misleading statements. Among other things, Ajloni noted that all patients paid co-pays, no patient was offered anything of value to receive prescriptions, and that Wellness Pharmacy called the doctor prior to dispensing the prescriptions.
Ajloni received $1,916,206.97 in healthcare reimbursement that he was not otherwise entitled to receive.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Mehta.
Pasco Woman Found Guilty of Tax Fraud and ObstructionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Ingrid McBride Rich (New Port Richey, 52) guilty of presenting a false claim to an agency of the United States and obstructing and impeding the Internal Revenue Service in the collection of taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the false claim charge and up three years in federal prison for the obstruction charge. Her sentencing hearing has been set for November 14, 2017.
Rich was indicted on December 13, 2013.
According to evidence presented at trial, in March 2009, Rich submitted a fraudulent tax return to the IRS for tax year 2008 that resulted in her obtaining a refund in the amount of $510,222. After obtaining the refund check, she deposited it into a new bank account, and then immediately began transferring the money into various accounts (in her name and in the name of entities she owned) using cashier’s checks and cash transfers to thwart the efforts of the IRS in recouping the funds. She also sent the IRS frivolous correspondence, including bogus money orders and tax documents, with the intent that such correspondence impede the IRS’s collection efforts. Due to Rich’s 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Jones and Adam Saltzman.
Two Largo Ministers, Both Convicted Felons, Indicted for Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the return of indictments charging Anner Javier Maldonado-Reyes (39, Largo) and Maria Guadalupe Maldonado (38, Largo) with illegal reentry into the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictments, Anner Maldonado-Reyes, who has operated under several aliases over the years, including “Jose Martinez-Reyes,” “Juan Martinez,” and “Pedro Vargas-Monteramos,” has previously been removed from the United States on at least two occasions: in February 1999 and in February 2008. His February 1999 removal came after a conviction in Los Angeles County, California for possession of cocaine base for sale.
Maria Guadalupe Maldonado, who also has had several aliases over the years, including “Stephanie Sanchez,” was removed from the United States in October 1996 following a conviction in Los Angeles County, California for transportation/sale of a controlled substance.
These individuals do not have legal status in the United States and have not received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission. Government records indicate that Anner and Maria Maldonado are the founders of, and employed as ministers in, the church Ministerio Internacional Jesucristo Es Mi Refugio located at 1550 Belcher Road South in Largo.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
Texas Cocaine Supplier Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced George Pena (42, Edinburg, TX) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. He pleaded guilty on May 24, 2017.
According to court documents, in October 2016, following a month-long investigation, special agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at a home where Pena was located and recovered 12.5 kilograms of cocaine, over $17,000, and a loaded firearm.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
Tampa Man Caught in Undercover Sting Pleads Guilty to Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Michael O. Johnson (28, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces up to life in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Johnson sold six firearms to undercover agents over several months, including a Russian model SKS, 7.62x39-caliber rifle. He sold the guns even after being told that they would be trafficked and resold illegally in other markets in the United States, including New York.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy on reducing violent crime in communities.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Production and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Jorge Guerrero-Torres (29, Orlando) to 40 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit the cellphone that he had used to commit the offense. A federal jury found Guerrero-Torres guilty on May 16, 2017.
According to testimony and evidence presented during trial, Guerrero-Torres resided with a family in Fort Myers, including four children who Guerrero-Torres had known for several years. While living with the family, Guerrero-Torres used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photos of one of the children.
After moving out of the family’s residence in May 2016, Guerrero-Torres was questioned regarding a complaint of alleged inappropriate conduct related to one of the children. After learning that detectives from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office wished to further question him, Guerrero-Torres fled and discarded his cellphone. He was apprehended in Okeechobee while attempting to make arrangements to flee to Mexico. Guerrero-Torres’s cellphone was located in Orlando and a subsequent search revealed the sexually explicit images of the child. Guerrero-Torres acknowledged that he had taken the images while living with the child’s family.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Okeechobee Police Department, and the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Chief Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas and Assistant United States Attorney Charles Schmitz.
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.
Gang Member Sentenced for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Rorn Sorn (34, St. Petersburg) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2017.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2016, Sorn and another individual entered Club Lust in St. Petersburg and went into the restroom. A few moments later, a security guard heard a gunshot go off in the restroom and observed Sorn and another male as they were exiting the restroom. The security guard asked the men if they had fired a gun. Sorn replied, “It was an accident, man. I was just trying to take a selfie.” Nightclub employees observed a bullet hole in the bathroom mirror that went through the wall into the ladies’ room.
Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department arrested Sorn a short time later. A .40 caliber firearm, a gun magazine, marijuana, and Xanax pills were recovered from his pockets. Sorn, a member of the Asian Pride Gang, has prior convictions for burglary of a dwelling and attempted first-degree murder and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Putnam County Man Arrested and Charged with Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a grand jury has returned an indictment charging Ryan Elton Devore (30, Satsuma) with one count of transporting and two counts of possessing child pornography. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint and information presented in court, on July 18, 2017, federal agents and local officers executed a search warrant at Devore’s residence in connection with a child exploitation investigation involving online users of a file sharing program. Agents recovered a custom-built computer tower and a cellphone that belonged to Devore. A preview of the devices revealed that they contained numerous depictions of child pornography. Shortly after, agents located videos of minor children engaged in sexually explicit conduct that had been arranged and maintained in several folders on the computer, at which time Devore was arrested.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security 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 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.
Palm Harbor Man Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding More Than 1,000 Companies over FEMA ContractsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Michael Pirolo (48, Palm Harbor) to four years and two months in federal prison for wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $594,000, the proceeds of the criminal conduct. Pirolo pleaded guilty on April 10, 2017.
According to court documents, Pirolo served as the president of Government Contract Registry, Inc. (“GCR”), doing business as FEMA Contract Registration. He employed telemarketers who, during communications with victim-companies, falsely claimed that, for a fee, GCR would “register” the companies with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to enable them to receive preference in obtaining contracts from FEMA. The GCR telemarketers’ communications were based on instructions and scripts that they had received from Pirolo. In particular, the telemarketers falsely and fraudulently stated that for a one-time fee of $500, the customer would be registered with FEMA, and that this registration would place the customer on a list of preferred vendors. When the need for a vendor arose, the GCR telemarketer falsely stated that FEMA would bypass the contract acquisition process, contact the registered victim-company, and then offer a no-bid contract. At times, Pirolo also instructed GCR telemarketers to go back to victim-companies that had already paid the $500 one-time fee and seek renewal and payment of another fraudulent $500 fee.
To further the scheme, the GCR telemarketers provided victim-companies with an online GCR form that requested the same information as a form on FEMA’s website. FEMA does not charge a fee to companies to complete its form, which assists the agency with market research and does not “register” companies. Completing this form is not part of the United States government’s contract acquisition process. Once GCR telemarketers received the victim-companies’ information, GCR completed and submitted the online FEMA form that then enabled emails to then be sent from FEMA to the victim-companies, giving the appearance that the companies had been “registered.” The FEMA emails gave GCR the appearance of legitimacy.
Approximately 1,200 victim-companies were misled by this scheme, paying GCR at least $604,500.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General and the General Services Administration, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam M. Saltzman.
Orlando Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Copyright Infringement of Microsoft Products and Conspiracy to Commit Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Robert F. Stout (51) and Kasey N. Riley, a/k/a Kasey Stout (33), both of Windermere, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and copyright infringement relating to the sale of illegal activation keys for Microsoft products. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The defendants have also been notified that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $1,480,227, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to court documents, Stout and Riley advertised Microsoft software products for sale online, using a variety of sham business names. They purchased unauthorized activation keys from various websites and provided them, in exchange for PayPal payments, to at least 13,000 customers throughout the United States. They received at least $1.4 million from customers in exchange for providing them with the unauthorized, and often invalid, activation keys. Even after receiving customer complaints that specific activation keys were not functioning properly, Stout and Riley continued to sell them. For example, between September 2013 and June 2014, Stout and Riley sold one specific activation key approximately 880 times.
The Better Business Bureau received at least 140 complaints from customers who purchased the unauthorized software from the sham businesses. Over the course of two years, Stout and Riley also received – and ignored at least four warnings to stop from Microsoft.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, in the Middle District of Florida, and Assistant United States Attorney Wayne A. Myers from the Northern District of New York.
Nassau County Man Indicted for Multiple Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces today the return of an indictment charging Charles Cory Thornton (36, Yulee) with production and attempted production of child pornography; receipt, transportation, and attempted transportation of child pornography; and possession of child pornography. He faces potential cumulative penalties of not less than 45 years, up to 140 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. Thornton was arrested on July 28, 2017, and has been detained pending trial.
According to the criminal complaint and information provided in court, on July 20, 2017, FBI agents and local officers executed a search warrant at Thornton’s residence based on suspected online child exploitation activity. Thornton was not at home, but he was located and interviewed later that day at Naval Air Station Jacksonville where he worked as a machinist. During an interview, Thornton admitted that he had been searching for child pornography for several years using a file sharing program, that he knew that other users were able to download images and videos from his computer, and that he was a “pedophile” and was sexually attracted to children. In subsequent interviews, Thornton admitted that he had used a small camera hidden in a digital clock in a bathroom to surreptitiously film videos of children during 2008 and 2009. Agents recovered this camera from Thornton’s home. A search of his electronic media revealed numerous images of at least two children in various stages of undress in a bathroom taken from several different vantage points, as well as images of Thornton setting up the hidden camera.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia 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 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.
Port Charlotte Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Brian Author Thomas (27, Port Charlotte) to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his laptop computer and cellphone, which were used to commit the offense.
Thomas was found guilty on February 23, 2017.
According to court documents, FBI agents were able to download approximately 14 images and 2 videos depicting child pornography from Thomas’s computer between January 18, 2016, and March 2, 2016, using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Agents executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence on March 30, 2016, and seized his laptop computer and cellphone.
During an interview with agents, Thomas admitted that he had been downloading images and videos of child pornography for a few years. Thomas stated that he lived in the residence with a minor and her parents and that he had taken numerous videos of the minor while she was sleeping in her bed at night. He also admitted that he had started video recording the minor when she was nine years old.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Thomas’s laptop computer and cellphone revealed that from at least July 18, 2012, through March 30, 2016, he had collected in excess of 6,000 images and 35 videos depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Thomas’s cellphone contained approximately 11 videos that he had produced between May 1, 2014, through June 12, 2014, depicting the identified minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
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.
Ocala Woman Who Buried Father’s Body and Stole His Social Security Benefits Pleads Guilty in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Susan Marie Kort (61, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with theft of government funds. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and will be required to pay $35,577.60 in restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA). A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Kort’s elderly father passed away at his Lake County residence in approximately November 2011. After discovering the body, she buried her father in the backyard of her Eustis home. Kort never reported the death to authorities. Over the next two years, she used forged checks and a power of attorney for her father’s financial affairs to withdraw and spend the SSA benefit payments that were being direct-deposited into his bank account. The SSA eventually suspended these benefit payments in December 2013, when they were unable to contact Kort’s father.
Inquiries into the father’s well-being by other relatives prompted a law enforcement investigation in late 2016. When confronted by investigators, Kort admitted to hiding her father’s body and to defrauding the SSA by unlawfully taking his benefit payments. Kort eventually led investigators to her father’s grave at her residence. Subsequent DNA testing confirmed the identity of the remains as Kort’s father.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration—Office of the Inspector General and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Nevada Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Transportation and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced David R. Rivenbark (39, Las Vegas, Nevada) to 20 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for transportation and possession of child pornography. He was found guilty by a federal jury on April 13, 2017.
According to the trial evidence, Canadian law enforcement authorities initiated an international investigation into individuals using chatrooms within a social media website to trade child pornography. In August 2014, Rivenbark, then a resident of Oviedo, Florida, posted a link within the social media website directing its users to a Dropbox location that contained 111 videos of child pornography. A Canadian agent preserved the evidence and referred the investigation to U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Orlando. In November 2014, HSI agents contacted Rivenbark at his residence. Rivenbark admitted that he had posted the link to a child pornography website and that he had searched for and viewed child pornography on his computer.
A forensic examination of Riverbark’s computer subsequently revealed 462 images and 2 videos containing child pornography in the deleted space. Additional forensic evidence showed that Rivenbark had actively searched for and viewed child pornography, which he later deleted using cleaning software.
“While this sentence cannot restore the lost innocence of the children depicted in these images, it should serve as a warning to those who engage in this behavior — HSI and our law enforcement partners, like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, will be relentless in our pursuit of online predators," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.
This case was investigated by the York Regional Police Service (Ontario, Canada) - Special Victims Unit, and 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.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Robbing Tire Store at GunpointRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Roderick Randolph Lester (38, Jacksonville) with robbery of a Jacksonville tire store, brandishing a firearm during the robbery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Lester that the United States intends to forfeit the Taurus semiautomatic pistol he used during the robbery.
According to the indictment, on September 26, 2016, Lester robbed Glover’s New and Used Tires, in Jacksonville, of a Michelin-brand tire while brandishing a firearm. Lester had been previously convicted of seven felonies, including manslaughter, burglary, and two previous convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additionally, he was subject to federal supervision by the U.S. Probation Office when he committed the recent robbery and related offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow, along with Daryl R. McCrary, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.