Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has reached an agreement with Autumn Leaf Academy, Inc., a day care center in Plant City, Florida that provides child care services for children ages 12 months to 12 years old, to settle allegations that it violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The United States Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into Autumn Leaf Academy after receiving a complaint from the parents of a child with Down syndrome, alleging that, in November 2022, Autumn Leaf Academy refused to enroll their daughter because she uses a gastronomy tube (i.e., “G-tube”) to eat. As a result of the investigation, the United States determined that Autumn Leaf Academy violated Title III of the ADA when it discriminated against the child and her parents, because of the child’s disability, by denying them the opportunity to participate in and benefit from its day care services. Specifically, Autumn Leaf Academy applied eligibility criteria that screened out the child and failed and refused to make the reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures that were necessary to afford her its services.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Autumn Leaf Academy must: adopt, maintain, and enforce a non-discrimination policy regarding the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability, and post such policy on its website; provide training to all personnel on all policies, practices, and procedures required under the settlement agreement, as well as the non-discrimination requirements under Title III of the ADA; designate and maintain a compliance monitor to ensure Autumn Leaf Academy complies with the terms of the settlement agreement; submit regular compliance reports to the United States; report any complaints received alleging Autumn Leaf Academy discriminated on the basis of disability to the United States; and pay the child’s family $2,000 in compensatory damages.

This case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios.

Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, including private day care centers, from discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations (“goods or services”). In general, Title III prohibits public accommodations from subjecting an individual on the basis of disability to a denial of the opportunity to participate in or benefit from its goods or services. Specifically, a public accommodation shall not impose or apply eligibility criteria that screen out or tend to screen out an individual with a disability or any class of individuals with disabilities from fully and equally enjoying any goods or services being offered. A public accommodation must make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures necessary to afford an individual with a disability the goods or services of the public accommodation. Title III also prohibits public accommodations from discriminating against an individual because of the known disability of an individual with whom the individual is known to have a relationship or association, such as the parents of a child with a disability.

Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination may contact the Civil Rights Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida by calling our Civil Rights Hotline at (813) 274-6095 or emailing us at [email protected]. To fill out our civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights-complaint-form.

The Attorney General is authorized to investigate alleged violations of Title III of the ADA and to bring a civil action in federal court if the United States is unable to secure voluntary compliance in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance. Ensuring that day care centers do not discriminate against children with disabilities is an issue of general public importance.

For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) or (833) 610-1264 (TTY). Accessibility specialists are available to answer questions from individuals, businesses, and state or local governments. All calls are confidential.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Tajmir Wyles (New Jersey, 31) has pleaded guilty to robbery of a postal mail carrier and receipt, possession or concealment of stolen property of the United States. Wyles faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, on May 15, 2023, Wyles robbed a postal letter carrier of his master keys while he was delivering mail at a shopping center. After a physical altercation over the keys, Wyles successfully fled the scene with the keys. In July 2023, Wyles was arrested in Dallas, Texas. Wyles was found with a binder of checks, stolen from the Middle District of Florida, as well as the master keys stolen in May 2023.  

This case was investigated by the Unites States Postal Inspection Service in Tampa, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, the Tampa Police Department, and the Dallas Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jason Shane Ejmali (51, Silver Springs) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Ejmali faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

According to the plea agreement, from July 24-26, 2025, Ejmali messaged an individual whom he believed was willing to provide their 13 to 14-year-old foster child to engage in sexual activity. That individual was actually an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent. Ejmali discussed the type of sexual activity he wanted have with the minor and agreed to meet for that purpose at a location in Marion County. Once Ejmali arrived at that location, law enforcement placed him under arrest.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and indictment of Phillip Washington III, a/k/a “Lil Phil” (32, Belleview) charging him with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Washington faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Washington is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.  

According to the indictment, on May 13, 2024, Washington possessed with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. He also possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

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 Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Marlon Jefferson Fajardo-Paiz (33, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. Fajardo-Paiz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the CSAM offense and 2 years on the immigration charge. Fajardo-Paiz is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.  

According to the plea agreement, Fajardo-Paiz is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2018, and has never received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States. On April 24, 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Fajardo-Paiz during an investigation of a Cybertip relating to the upload of CSAM. Fajardo-Paiz told investigators he had participated in viewing, downloading, and transmitting CSAM. A subsequent search of Fajardo-Paiz’s phone revealed at least 20 items of CSAM.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kimani Brennen Fletcher (26, Covington, GA) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Fletcher faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, between April 15, 2024, and April 22, 2024, co-conspirators of Fletcher placed telephone calls to victims in which they falsely and fraudulently identified themselves as members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The victims were told they had outstanding warrants and needed to pay money to avoid arrest. Fletcher posed as a bail bondsman and picked up money from these victims in the Middle District of Florida. Once Fletcher received the fraud proceeds, he provided the money to his co-conspirators. In total, Fletcher obtained approximately $40,800 in fraud proceeds.       

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Hillsborough County Sherrif office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas (23, Guatemala) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Pedro Tomas faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, between July 22 and August 11, 2025, Pedro Tomas attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual whom he believed had not yet attained the age of 18 years to engage in prostitution and sexual activity.

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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Gerald Douglas Dandridge, Jr. (25, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin. Scott Weaver (38, Anthony), Dandridge’s co-defendant, also was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison of his role in five of the six counts. Both men entered guilty pleas in early 2025.  

According to court documents, on five occasions between May and December 2023, Dandridge and Weaver worked together to sell fentanyl and heroin to a confidential informant who was cooperating with law enforcement. Dandridge also separately sold fentanyl to the confidential informant in February and March of 2024. Dandridge and Weaver both have been previously convicted of offenses involving the possession with intent to distribute or sale of controlled substances.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Reshawn Graham (36, Ocala) and Tyrone Pierson (29, Ocala) with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, each faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.  

According to court documents, on October 7, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer negotiated the purchase of a pound of methamphetamine with Graham. Later that day, Pierson met with the undercover officer and told her the source of supply was delayed. The next day, Graham again reached out to the undercover officer and stated that Pierson now had the methamphetamine. Afterward, Graham and Pierson were arrested by law enforcement at a predetermined meeting location. Pierson was wearing a bag that contained approximately 438 grams of methamphetamine.

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 Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced David Araujo (57, St. Petersburg) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Araujo entered a guilty plea on July 23, 2025. 

According to the plea agreement and court records, in July 2024 during an operation hosted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, an undercover officer from the Ocala Police Department posed online as a 14-year-old prostitute (UC). Araujo messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. During the conversation, Araujo also described to the UC a prior relationship he had had with another minor. Araujo was arrested by law enforcement when he drove from St. Petersburg to Marion County to meet with the UC to engage in sexual activity. A search of Araujo’s cellphone revealed he had produced CSAM with the previous minor victim on September 25, 2023. 

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Nicholas Van Duy (38, Riverview) to life in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl, the use of which resulted in death. Van Duy pleaded guilty on March 10, 2025.

According to court documents, on May 31, 2022, Van Duy supplied fentanyl to Jaime Sue Van Hooser. Van Hooser, in turn, sold the fentanyl to a man who ingested the fentanyl, overdosed, and died. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the victim’s residence and determined that the death appeared to be an overdose. Additional investigation resulted in the identification of Van Hooser as the person who had supplied the fentanyl to the victim, and Van Duy as Van Hooser’s supplier. After a detective arranged to purchased fentanyl from Van Duy at his residence, investigators obtained a search warrant. A search of the home revealed fentanyl, a large amount of cash, and numerous firearms. Van Duy admitted to investigators that he had sold fentanyl to Van Hooser. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office later determined that intoxication by fentanyl was the cause of the victim’s death.

Van Duy, who had a prior conviction for trafficking in illegal drugs, was subject to a mandatory life sentence. In a previous proceeding, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Jaime Sue Van Hooser to 20 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Obdy Mencia Guerrero (42, Honduras) guilty of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Following the guilty verdict in September 2025, Mencia Guerrero separately entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of illegal reentry into the United States. Mencia Guerrero faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the attempted enticement offense and a maximum of 2 years’ imprisonment for the illegal reentry offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 15, 2026. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Mencia Guerrero was previously removed from the United States on four prior occasions between 2003 and 2014. On July 27, 2024, Mencia Guerrero began communicating online with someone whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl. The “girl” was a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office working in an undercover capacity. After learning of her age, Mencia Guerrero traveled to a location in Marion County to pick up the “girl” to engage in sexual activity. When he arrived at the meeting location, Mencia Guerrero was arrested by law enforcement. Mencia Guerrero’s fingerprints confirmed he was the individual previously removed from the United States on four prior occasions. Mencia Guerrero had never applied for or received permission to apply for readmission to the United States. 

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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 the United States Attorney’s 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.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Bradly Dwayne Wimberly (32, Bradley) with attempted production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Wimberly faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. 

According to the indictment and evidence presented in court, between February 15, 2024, and July 10, 2025, Wimberly, believing he was communicating with a 13 to 14-year-old girl, asked the minor on multiple occasions to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him. In actuality, Wimberly was communicating with an undercover Homeland Security Investigations special agent. Wimberly is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jordon Roger Anchando (46, Palatka) with bank robbery. If convicted, Anchando faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Anchando was arrested on November 18, 2025. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

According to the indictment, on June 2, 2025, Anchando took money from a bank using force, violence, and intimidation. The bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

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 Belleview Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florda – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Christina Gates Thagard (40, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to bank robbery. Thagard faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026.

According to court documents, on May 3, 2025, Thagard entered a bank in Marion County wearing a hat, hoodie, sunglasses, a surgical mask, and one latex glove. Thagard told the teller, “This is a robbery!” She instructed the teller to put the money in the bag and stated she had a gun and would use it if necessary. Thagard also handed the teller a note that read: “This is a robbery I have a gun and will shoot if any alarms or dye packs are inclosed [sic] fill this bag with all at least 50 k big bills only wait 2 mins to call police.” The teller then placed all the cash from her drawer ($5,075) and a tracking device into Thagard’s purse.

Thagard at the teller line during the robbery.

Based on the tracking device information, officers from the Ocala Police Department (OPD) quickly located Thagard and her vehicle. Inside the vehicle, recovered the cash from the bank, the tracking device, and the items Thagard had been wearing during the robbery. A forensic analysis later confirmed Thagard’s fingerprint on the demand note as well as on a door inside the bank. 

This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Endy Gonzalez (20, Ocala) with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. 

According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer negotiated a transaction with Gonzalez for 1,000 fentanyl pills. When Gonzalez arrived at the predetermined meeting location, he was detained. A search of the vehicle that Gonzalez arrived in revealed approximately 999 fentanyl pills hidden under a seat. Testing by the DEA confirmed the pills contained fentanyl with a net weight of 109 grams.

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 Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Benjamin Hoover (44, Ocala) with attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted, Hoover faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Hoover is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

According to the indictment and evidence presented in court, on July 23, 2025, Hoover transferred a sexually explicit image of himself to someone whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. In actuality, the minor was an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. 

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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging nine defendants with a drug trafficking conspiracy, distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, bromazolam, and firearms offenses. A summary of the counts and associated minimum and maximum penalties follows:

Name

AGE, CITY

CHARGES

MAXIMUM PENALTIES

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl causing death

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl causing death

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl and bromazolam

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl

Drug trafficking conspiracy

The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms used during the commission of the offenses.

According to the 27-count indictment, between approximately August 2022 and May 2024, these individuals conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Roux-Rey, Falzone, Jacas, and Goen are all charged with distributing controlled substances. Maldonado is charged with distributing fentanyl which resulted in the death of C.P. Rivard is charged with distributing fentanyl which resulted in the death of S.F. Falzone is also charged with distributing bromazolam, a Schedule IV controlled substance analog. 

Roux-Rey, Rivard, Kidd, Jacas, Carrasquillo-Rodriguez, and Goen are each charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution.

Roux-Rey, Rivard, and Jacas, are each charged with possession a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Rivard and Jacas are both charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Cloud Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Terry Levi Brown (36, Summerfield) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Brown faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. On July 27, 2025, two detectives from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl. Brown messaged both undercover accounts. After learning he was speaking with a minor, Brown engaged in sexually explicit conversations with both undercover accounts. Brown was arrested when he subsequently traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the minors to engage in sexual activity. 

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shawn Adampeter Grunther (42, Marion County) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Grunther faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in July 2025, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent posed online as a 14-year-old girl (UC). Grunther messaged the UC account, and after learning the minor’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. On July 24, 2025, Grunther was arrested when he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Kahlil Yanier Amilivia Rodriguez (27, Groveland) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Amilivia Rodriguez pleaded guilty on July 22, 2025.

According to court documents, on October 5, 2023, Amilivia Rodriguez had an online conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Amilivia Rodriguez graphically described to the fictional child the sexual acts he wanted to perform with her. Amilivia Rodriguez was arrested when he arrived at a pre-determined location to meet with the minor to engage in sexual activity.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jon Don Bannister, Jr. (31, Clermont) to 28 years in federal prison for two counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bannister entered a guilty plea on July 21, 2025.

According to court documents, on April 26 and May 4, 2023, in Lake County, Bannister produced CSAM by filming himself engaging in sexual activity with a 14-year-old child. An investigation by law enforcement showed that Bannister had been supplying vape pens and drugs to minors. In return for these items, Bannister had asked the minors to provide him with nude images of themselves.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Mascotte Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jose Raul Andreu Rodriguez (23, Gainesville) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Andreu Rodriguez pleaded guilty on May 23, 2025.

According to court documents, an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations posed online as a 13-year-old girl on a social media platform. Andreu Rodriguez contacted the undercover agent’s account. On November 14, 2024, after learning the girl’s age, Andreu Rodriguez engaged in a graphic sexual conversation and sent multiple explicit videos of himself. Andreu Rodriguez then arranged to meet the minor for sexual activity at a predetermined location in Marion County. When Andreu Rodriguez traveled to that location, he was arrested by law enforcement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Keiron Jashua Williams (23, Deltona) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Williams faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in June 2025, a detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl (UC). Williams messaged the UC account. After learning he was speaking with a minor, Williams engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. On July 5, 2025, Williams was arrested when he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity. A search of Williams’s car revealed he had brought an unopened box of condoms, a video game system, and marijuana for the meeting with the minor.   

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Denis Napoleon Corea-Miranda (22, Nicaragua) has pleaded guilty to forcibly resisting, opposing, or impeding federal officers. Corea-Miranda faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to court records, on August 26, 2025, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) attempted to arrest Corea-Miranda in connection with a final order of removal from the United States. While being questioned by agents, Corea-Miranda attempted to flee which led to an extended struggle between agents and Corea-Miranda. During the struggle, Corea-Miranda ended up on top of the agents and held them to the ground. An ICE agent suffered a dislocated shoulder during the attempt to arrest Corea-Miranda. Corea-Miranda ultimately fled on foot before later being arrested by deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO), and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Traveous Anderson (39, Palmetto) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Anderson pleaded guilty on August 27, 2025. 

According to court documents, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted three controlled transactions for fentanyl – totaling approximately 28 grams – from Anderson between April and May 2024. On May 22, 2024, Anderson was arrested after bringing an additional 55.9 grams of fentanyl to a hotel in Sarasota. At the time, Anderson was serving a term of federal supervised release in connection with a prior conviction for distributing fentanyl. 

Anderson’s co-defendant, Alexis Soto Escalante, was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison on June 18, 2025.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Roseval Supreme (55, Valley Stream, NY) with seven counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Supreme faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison per count. The indictment also notifies Supreme that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $713,390, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

According to the indictment, Supreme is a Haitian national and United States Legal Permanent Resident who was employed as a country director for U.S. non-profit Action Against Hunger (AAH) from October 2020 to March 2023, and managed the AAH country office located in Haiti. AAH received foreign assistance funds, in part, from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Supreme abused his position of trust as the AAH country director, violated AAH conflict of interest and fraud and corruption policies, and steered AAH procurements to a company he owned or was affiliated with for his own financial benefit. Supreme also submitted fraudulent lease agreements and invoices to obtain AAH funding for a residence he already resided in.

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 U.S. Agency for International Development - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Joshua Keith Davis (53, Jacksonville) to 270 years in federal prison for production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). A federal jury found Davis guilty on August 12, 2025.

According to court documents, between 2011 and 2013, Davis produced CSAM depicting infants. He distributed the material to several individuals online. Davis was also found in possession of CSAM in 2022.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman and Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

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.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Nerio Alberto Ortega Delgado (45, Kissimmee) to 33 months in federal prison for bank fraud and passport fraud. Ortega Delgado pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025.

According to court documents, Ortega Delgado engaged in a bank fraud scheme in which he deposited fake checks into bank accounts and then withdrew or attempted to withdraw the funds before the bank detected the fraud. As part of the scheme, Ortega Delgado manufactured fake checks, obtained a false identity via a counterfeit foreign passport and other identification documents, used the false identity to create a shell company and fraudulent bank accounts, and paid other individuals to use their bank accounts to perpetrate the fraud. In total, Ortega Delgado attempted to steal over $867,000.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Del Mastro.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe has announced that Tyler Bruce McClure (24, Jacksonville) has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse materials using the internet. McClure faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 40 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. McClure was arrested on November 17, 2025, by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and made his initial appearance in federal court in Jacksonville the next day. He was ordered detained pending trial.

According to the indictment, on or about September 26, 2025, McClure knowingly distributed over the internet the visual depiction of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On October 7, 2025, the defendant possessed on a cellular telephone visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

An indictment is only an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay 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 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that James Hjelmeland (30, Canada) today pleaded guilty to one count of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, as well as two counts of distributing, one count of transporting, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Hjelmeland faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for his attempted enticement of a minor, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, for each distribution and transportation offense, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession offense. 

According to the plea agreement, on December 29, 2024, an Orange County Sheriff’s Office undercover detective posed as the guardian of a 12-year-old fictional child. Hjelmeland engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the undercover detective and made plans to travel from Canada to Orlando, Florida to have sex with the child. During the course of the conversation, Hjelmeland distributed CSAM to the undercover detective. When Hjelmeland was arrested in Orlando, Florida, he possessed CSAM material on his cellular phone that he had transported to the United States involving children who had not attained 12 years of age. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, United States Customs and Border Patrol, and the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti has sentenced Alexander William Czech (34, Palm Harbor) to 17 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for two counts of producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and one count of receiving CSAM. Czech was also ordered to pay $133,000 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender. Czech pleaded guilty on August 22, 2025.

According to court documents, the FBI obtained a federal search warrant to search Czech’s residence for evidence of CSAM and found thousands of videos and photos of CSAM in Czech’s computer and an external hard drive. In Czech’s cellphone, the FBI found chats with a 16-year-old girl whom Czech personally knew. The chats showed Czech directing the minor to take sexually explicit photos of herself to send to him via a mobile application. The investigation also revealed that, on several occasions, Czech engaged in sexual activity with the minor after picking her up from school.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

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

Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that they have launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. to determine whether it violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests with disabilities. United Parks & Resorts is a global theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses seven brands including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando.

The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including theme parks.

The Department opened this investigation after receiving complaints from members of the public with disabilities who allege that three of its parks violate the ADA by banning guest use of certain walkers, known as “rollator walkers.” Complainants allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollators and the only alternative the parks offer would require them to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities and to incur additional charges, among other allegations.

“The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.”

“Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.”

Trial Attorney David K. Gardner from the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling this case.

If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.civilrights.justice.gov, or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Terrence Denard Perkins (45, Sanford) guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Perkins faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2026. Perkins was indicted on January 8, 2025.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on January 9, 2024, law enforcement executed a narcotics search warrant on a house in Sanford, Florida, occupied by Perkins’ elderly stepfather. Inside the house, agents found an electronic money counter, revolvers in the bedrooms, and a loaded AR-15 semiautomatic rifle concealed behind a sofa cushion.

                     AR-15 found in the sofa

                 Revolver in Perkins' bedroom

In a backyard carport, agents found bags of cocaine and a cocaine cutting, packaging, and distribution station. Next to the packaging station, on the hood of Perkins’ Corvette, was another loaded AR-15 and a MAC-10 handgun wrapped up in a t-shirt.

AR-15 and MAC-10 on the hood of the Corvette

Hidden inside two broken-down cars on the back yard lawn, agents found Perkins’ cocaine inventory—18 vacuum sealed kilogram bricks of cocaine—along with more AR-15s, handguns, an AK-47 rifle, a machinegun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Financial records, DNA results, videos saved on Perkins’ stash house surveillance system, and Perkins’s own social media posts proved at trial that the seized items were tools and inventory of Perkins’ prolific drug trade. The United States is forfeiting the firearms and ammunition involved in the offense. 

Bricks of cocaine, firearms, and cocaine trafficking paraphernalia seized from Perkins' house

Perkins is a seven-time convicted felon, including convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and aggravating fleeing and eluding. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office’s City County Investigative Bureau (CCIB), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Michael P. Felicetta. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington is handling the forfeiture of firearms and ammunition.   

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced Bryan Byers (58, Jacksonville) to 30 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an unlawful drug user. Bryan Byers pleaded guilty on July 10, 2025.

According to court documents, a convicted felon was arrested with a Taurus 9mm pistol, which police learned had been purchased by Byers. The felon indicated that he got the firearm from Byers in exchange for crack cocaine, and that the sale was facilitated by a sex worker who would often set up deals where Byers would sell firearms to drug dealers in exchange for drugs. Law enforcement reviewed text messages between Byers and the sex worker, which demonstrated that Byers had been selling his prescription drugs, agreeing to sell firearms in exchange for drugs, and paying for sex work with money or drugs. 

On April 2, 2025, federal agents executed a search warrant at Byers’ residence and seized multiple firearms, including a Marlin .22 caliber rifle; a Norinco 7.62 x 39mm rifle with a large capacity magazine; a Palmetto State Arms 9mm pistol; two firearm frame/receivers; multiple rounds of assorted ammunition; and used crack (cocaine) pipes. The day after agents executed the search warrant and seized the firearms, Byers went to a licensed firearms dealer in Jacksonville and attempted to purchase another firearm. However, agents arrested Byers before he was able to make the purchase. 

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Mar’keise Bates (31, Jacksonville) to nine years and two months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Bates pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025.

According to court documents, police were dispatched to the River City Inn on March 3, 2025, in response to a disturbance. A hotel employee reported she had asked Bates to leave the hotel. Despite that, Bates returned with what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. The employee then saw another individual running while saying that Bates had pulled a gun on him. Police obtained surveillance video, which showed Bates holding a gun and pointing it at another person before running off. After viewing the surveillance video, police apprehended Bates and recovered the firearm he possessed, a Beretta M9 9mm semi-automatic pistol, in one of the hotel rooms. Prior to this, Bates was convicted of multiple felonies, including felony battery, robbery, aggravated battery upon a pregnant female, and sale of cocaine.           

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

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

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Rochelle Deborah Johnson (65, The Bahamas) with illegal voting, passport fraud, and false claim of United States citizenship to obtain state benefits. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Johnson was born in The Bahamas and is not a citizen of the United States. In 2016, Johnson used a passport that she secured by falsely claiming to be a United States citizen to take an international flight. Then in 2018, she attempted to renew her passport by, once again, falsely claiming to be a United States citizen. Johnson also unlawfully voted in the 2020 Presidential election and falsely claimed to be a United States citizen to renew and replace her Florida driver’s license. 

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 United States Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

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

Tampa, FL — U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that two U.S. citizens and two nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—all residing in the United States—have been charged with a conspiracy to illegally export cutting-edge NVIDIA Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which have artificial intelligence (AI) applications, to the PRC.

Those arrested include Hon Ning Ho, aka “Mathew Ho,” a U.S. citizen born in Hong Kong, 34, residing in Tampa, Florida; Brian Curtis Raymond, U.S. citizen, 46, Huntsville, Alabama; Cham Li, aka “Tony Li,” PRC national, 38, San Leandro, California, and Jing Chen, aka “Harry Chen,” PRC national on F-1 nonimmigrant student visa, 45, Tampa, Florida.  On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Ho and Chen were arrested and appeared in court in the Middle District of Florida, while Raymond was arrested and appeared in the Northern District of Alabama.  Li was also arrested yesterday and is scheduled to appear today in the Northern District of California. 

“As demonstrated by this indictment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida is firmly committed to safeguarding our country’s national security,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the dedicated investigative work by our law enforcement partners, these defendants who wrongfully exported this sensitive technology are facing justice.”

According to the indictment, the PRC seeks to become the world leader in AI by 2030 and seeks to use AI for its military modernization efforts and in connection with the design and testing of weapons of mass destruction and deployment of advanced AI surveillance tools. The PRC seeks cutting-edge U.S. technology in furtherance of that goal, including NVIDIA GPUs. To protect U.S. national security, beginning in October 2022, the Department of Commerce implemented new license requirements for the export of these technologies to the PRC.

As alleged, from September 2023 to November 2025, Ho, Raymond, Li, and Chen conspired to violate these critical U.S. export controls, by illegally exporting advanced GPUs to the PRC through Malaysia and Thailand. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the conspirators used Janford Realtor, LLC—a Tampa, Florida-based company owned and controlled by Ho and Li—as a front to purchase and then illegally export controlled GPUs to the PRC. Despite its name, Janford Realtor, LLC, was never involved in any real estate transactions. Raymond, though his Alabama-based electronics company, supplied NVIDIA GPUs to Ho and others for illegal export to the PRC as part of the conspiracy.

As further alleged in the indictment, the conspiracy encompassed four separate exports of NVIDIA GPUs to the PRC. The first and second exports resulted in 400 NVIDIA A100 GPUs being exported to the PRC between October 2024 and January 2025. The third and fourth exports to the PRC were disrupted by law enforcement and therefore not completed. These attempted exports related to ten Hewlett Packard Enterprises supercomputers containing NVIDIA H100 GPUs and 50 separate NVIDIA H200 GPUs.   

Despite knowing that licenses were required to export these items to the PRC, none of the conspirators ever sought or obtained a license for any of these exports. Instead, they lied about the intended destination of the GPUs to evade U.S. export controls. The indictment further alleges that the conspirators received over $3.89 million in wire transfers from the PRC to fund this unlawful scheme.

As set forth in the indictment, the United States will also seek forfeiture of 50 NVIDIA H200 GPUs, which are property constituting an item or technology that was intended to be exported unlawfully.

The chart below summarizes the charges against each defendant:

Name and Nationality

Age and Residence

Charges

Max. Term of Imprisonment

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (4 counts),

smuggling (3 counts),

conspiracy to commit money laundering, and

money laundering (9 counts)

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (2 counts),

smuggling (1 count),

conspiracy to commit money laundering, and

money laundering (7 counts)

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (1 count),

smuggling (1 count), and

conspiracy to commit money laundering

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (1 count),

smuggling (1 count), and

conspiracy to commit money laundering

An indictment is merely an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.     

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph K. Ruddy and Lindsey N. Schmidt of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Court Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Hopeton Goslin (57, St. Petersburg) to 20 years in federal prison, Tony Marsh (25, Bradenton) to 10 years in federal prison, and Colin Zirpoli (46, Sarasota) to 30 months in federal prison for their roles in conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida.   

According to court documents, as well as testimony and evidence presented during court hearings in the case, in February of 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Colin Zirpoli for suspected methamphetamine distribution, which led to led to Zirpoli’s supplier, Elizabeth Poff. The investigation into Poff led to her supplier, Tony Marsh, which led investigators to Marh’s supplier, Hopeton Goslin. Search warrants for Goslin’s home and storage unit led to the recovery of over 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. Goslin, Marsh, Poff, and Zirpoli all pled guilty to their roles in the conspiracy. Poff was previously sentenced to 37 months in federal custody. 

Subsequent investigation led to the identification of Goslin’s source of supply in San Diego, California, an origin city for narcotics to be distributed to the east coast. Agents identified Omar Pitter as Goslin’s source of supply, and the investigation revealed that Pitter had been shipping Goslin cocaine and methamphetamine since 2023 via FedEx and UPS. Investigators testified at trial that the estimated combined weights of the shipments were 34 kilograms of cocaine and 697 pounds of methamphetamine. 

Pitter, and two additional co-defendants, Keona Fulton and Ciarra Guss, were arrested in California. Their case proceeded to trial in September of this year and a federal jury convicted Pitter and Guss of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine on September 25, 2025. The jury also convicted Pitter and Fulton of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Pitter, Guss’s and Fulton’s sentencings are scheduled for December 2025.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Myles Andrew Strickland (36, Bartow) guilty of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Strickland faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Strickland was a convicted felon and fugitive wanted on a state arrest warrant out of Polk County. A U.S. Marshals Service task force located Strickland in Lee County. When confronted, Strickland led authorities on a foot chase. During the chase, Strickland turned to face a Deputy U.S. Marshal that had been pursuing him and racked the slide of a firearm he was carrying inside of a jacket, thus preparing the firearm to fire. Strickland was then struck by gunfire from pursuing law enforcement. A spent cartridge casing showed that Strickland had discharged his firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Shymiere Montese Howell (31, Ocala) to five years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Howell entered a guilty plea to the offense on July 22, 2025.

According to court documents, Howell is a 19-time convicted felon with prior convictions that include possession of a firearm by a felon, child neglect, felony battery, and drug possession. On November 8, 2024, Howell entered a Leesburg pawn shop and attempted to sell a loaded handgun. When law enforcement arrived at the pawn shop, Howell attempted to push past them and run out of the store. He was quickly apprehended. As a convicted felon, Howell is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury found Shawn Michael Simmerer (49, Florida) and Seth Downes (30, Michigan) guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). Simmerer was also found guilty of four counts of submitting false claims to the IRS, related to fraudulent Employee Retention Credits and Sick and Family Leave Credits. Simmerer and Downes face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count, and Simmerer faces a maximum penalty of 5 years on each false claim count. Their sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026.

Simmerer and Downes were indicted on February 28, 2024. A superseding indictment was later returned on January 29, 2025. 

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, starting in April 2020, the defendants participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain PPP proceeds and to then live off the proceeds. The scheme involved the submission of PPP loan applications on behalf of multiple companies, including two applications on behalf of “Your 10 Life Foundation,” a “leadership training” company founded by Simmerer. These applications falsely claimed employees and payroll that did not exist. The applications also attached phony payroll records and tax returns that were either never filed, or differed from the versions filed, with the IRS. Through these applications, the defendants were able to obtain over $344,000 in PPP loans. They were later able to have the loans forgiven through a series of loan forgiveness applications, which also included false and fraudulent information.

In addition, Simmerer prepared and submitted tax returns on behalf of Your 10 Life Foundation, which claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars of COVID-related tax credits. The evidence at trial showed that these tax credits, Employee Retention Credits and Sick and Family Leave Credits, were fraudulent. Based on these fraudulent credits, Simmerer was ultimately able to obtain over $680,000 in refunds from the IRS.

“These defendants didn’t just cheat the system—they stole from the American people,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Their scheme was built on lies, but thanks to the relentless work of IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners justice caught up with them. We will continue to follow the money and hold fraudsters accountable—no matter how complex the scheme.”

“These two individuals engineered a multi-pronged fraud scheme that included exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program to steal valuable funds meant for small businesses that depended on them,” said Caroline O’Brien-Buster, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Orlando Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring fraudsters like Mr. Simmerer and Mr. Downes are held accountable for their crimes.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert D. Sowell and Noah P. Dorman.

Two U.S. citizens and two nationals of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)—all residing in the United States—have been charged with a conspiracy to illegally export cutting-edge NVIDIA Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), which have artificial intelligence (AI) applications, to the PRC, announced Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg for the Justice Department’s National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida.

Those arrested include Hon Ning Ho, aka “Mathew Ho,” a U.S. citizen born in Hong Kong, 34, residing in Tampa, Florida; Brian Curtis Raymond, U.S. citizen, 46, Huntsville, Alabama; Cham Li, aka “Tony Li,” PRC national, 38, San Leandro, California, and Jing Chen, aka “Harry Chen,” PRC national on F-1 nonimmigrant student visa, 45, Tampa, Florida.  On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Ho and Chen were arrested and appeared in court in the Middle District of Florida, while Raymond was arrested and appeared in the Northern District of Alabama.  Li was also arrested yesterday and is scheduled to appear today in the Northern District of California.

“The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges a deliberate and deceptive effort to transship controlled NVIDIA GPUs to China by falsifying paperwork, creating fake contracts, and misleading U.S. authorities,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security. “The National Security Division is committed to disrupting these kinds of black markets of sensitive U.S. technologies and holding accountable those who participate in this illicit trade.”

“As demonstrated by this indictment, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida is firmly committed to safeguarding our country’s national security,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida.  “Thanks to the dedicated investigative work by our law enforcement partners, these defendants who wrongfully exported this sensitive technology are facing justice.”

According to the indictment, the PRC seeks to become the world leader in AI by 2030 and seeks to use AI for its military modernization efforts and in connection with the design and testing of weapons of mass destruction and deployment of advanced AI surveillance tools. The PRC seeks cutting-edge U.S. technology in furtherance of that goal, including NVIDIA GPUs. To protect U.S. national security, beginning in October 2022, the Department of Commerce implemented new license requirements for the export of these technologies to the PRC.

As alleged, from September 2023 to November 2025, Ho, Raymond, Li, and Chen conspired to violate these critical U.S. export controls, by illegally exporting advanced GPUs to the PRC through Malaysia and Thailand. In furtherance of the conspiracy, the conspirators used Janford Realtor, LLC—a Tampa, Florida-based company owned and controlled by Ho and Li—as a front to purchase and then illegally export controlled GPUs to the PRC. Despite its name, Janford Realtor, LLC, was never involved in any real estate transactions. Raymond, though his Alabama-based electronics company, supplied NVIDIA GPUs to Ho and others for illegal export to the PRC as part of the conspiracy.

As further alleged in the indictment, the conspiracy encompassed four separate exports of NVIDIA GPUs to the PRC. The first and second exports resulted in 400 NVIDIA A100 GPUs being exported to the PRC between October 2024 and January 2025.  The third and fourth exports to the PRC were disrupted by law enforcement and therefore not completed. These attempted exports related to ten Hewlett Packard Enterprises supercomputers containing NVIDIA H100 GPUs and 50 separate NVIDIA H200 GPUs. 

Despite knowing that licenses were required to export these items to the PRC, none of the conspirators ever sought or obtained a license for any of these exports. Instead, they lied about the intended destination of the GPUs to evade U.S. export controls. The indictment further alleges that the conspirators received over $3.89 million in wire transfers from the PRC to fund this unlawful scheme.

As set forth in the indictment, the United States will also seek forfeiture of 50 NVIDIA H200 GPUs, which are property constituting an item or technology that was intended to be exported unlawfully.

The chart below summarizes the charges against each defendant:

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (4 counts),

smuggling (3 counts),

conspiracy to commit money laundering, and

money laundering (9 counts)

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (2 counts),

smuggling (1 count),

conspiracy to commit money laundering, and

money laundering (7 counts)

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (1 count),

smuggling (1 count), and

conspiracy to commit money laundering

Conspiracy to violate Export Control Reform Act (ECRA),

ECRA violations (1 count),

smuggling (1 count), and

conspiracy to commit money laundering

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph K. Ruddy and Lindsey N. Schmidt of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.

An indictment is merely an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty in a court of law.          

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Torrey Taylor (45, Tampa) to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Taylor pleaded guilty on August 28, 2025. 

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

Evans pleaded guilty on October 2, 2025, and her case is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2025. 

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

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Brent Adam Seaman (51, Sarasota) with five counts of wire fraud, four counts of money laundering, and two counts of making a false tax return. If convicted, Seaman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each money laundering count, and a maximum penalty of 3 years for each count of making a false tax return. 

According to the indictment, from approximately June 2019 to November 2022, Seaman was a resident of Naples, Florida and operated multiple Florida LLCs collectively referred to as “Accanito.” Seaman falsely perpetrated an investment fraud scheme representing himself as a successful investor, currency trader, and entrepreneur. As a part of the scheme, the indictment alleges that he falsely promised guaranteed rates of return on investments to investors, caused investors to lose substantial portions of their investments, and used investor funds to repay other investors. 

The indictment further alleges that Seaman used investor funds for luxury and personal items. He is charged with laundering money to pay personal rent, purchase a Ferrari, buy jewelry, and charter a private jet. Seaman is also charged with underreporting his income on his 2019 and 2020 federal tax returns.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan and Trial Attorney Timothy J. Coley of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Clayton Lee Harris (22, Ocklawaha) has pleaded guilty plea to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Harris faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.   

According to the court records, on July 26, 2025, Harris contacted an undercover officer on an online dating website. The undercover officer was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Harris agreed to meet the “girl” at a local gas station for a sexual encounter. When Harris arrived at the gas station, he was apprehended by law enforcement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr. (34, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Leeks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the court records, Leeks has been a convicted felon since 2013. His prior felony convictions include robbery with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon, Leeks is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. On July 13, 2019, a deputy from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office stopped an automobile driven by Leeks. During the traffic stop, Leeks had a passenger toss a loaded firearm out of the car window. Leeks subsequently confessed that he had stored the firearm under his seat in the automobile.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Billy Boortz (43, Duval County, TX) for one count of possession of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possession of contraband by a federal prisoner. If convicted, Boortz faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 40 years, on the drug distribution count and up to 20 years for the contraband offense.  

According to the indictment, on July 18, 2025, Boortz was a federal inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On that date, Boortz possessed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The methamphetamine possessed by Boortz is also a prohibited object in federal prison.

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

This case is being investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Micheal Jason Brooks (37, Citra) has pleaded guilty plea to one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Brooks faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery offense and up to 6 months’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the United States Department of Justice, United States Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. He knowingly and corruptly sought, and agreed to receive and accept, a bribe of $3,000 in return for smuggling 177.1 grams of loose tobacco into the federal prison for an inmate. Federal inmates are prohibited from obtaining and possessing tobacco in prison as it is contraband. Brooks provided the tobacco to the inmate on June 12, 2024. 

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek has sentenced Alexis Garcia to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. Garcia was also ordered to pay $4,262,797.34 in restitution to the IRS. Garcia pleaded guilty on August 18, 2025.

According to court documents, Garcia conspired with his co-defendant to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding or impairing the IRS in ascertaining, computing, and collecting federal payroll taxes, specifically Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes (Social Security tax, Medicare tax, and federal income tax).

Between 2017 and 2019, Garcia managed and directed the operations of Tape Drywall Services Inc., located in Naples, Florida. General contractors entered into agreements with Tape Drywall to provide workers for various construction contracts and provided checks in the name of Tape Drywall for payment. Garcia and his co-conspirator cashed the checks at a check cashing business and paid a fee out of every check cashed. Garcia and his co-conspirator provided cash to the foremen who used the cash to pay the workers. In total, Garcia and his co-conspirator cashed more than 3,600 checks totaling approximately $28 million. 

Garcia and his co-conspirator did not report the wages that were paid to the workers in cash to the IRS, and they did not withhold Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from those wages and pay them over to the IRS, as required by law. As a result, Garcia caused a loss to the United States of more than $4.2 million.

In addition, Garcia and his co-conspirator’s scheme to defraud facilitated the avoidance of the higher cost of obtaining adequate workers’ compensation insurance for many workers on the work crews when they substantially misrepresented the amount of Tape Drywall’s payroll. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava and Senior Litigation Counsel Michael C. Boteler of the United States Department of Justice, Tax Division.