Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Carnisha Maurica Rogers (31, Jacksonville) to 36 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, false representation of a Social Security number involving a line of credit scheme, and wire fraud involving COVID relief fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The court also ordered Rogers to pay $108,867.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to forfeit $20,832, which is traceable to proceeds of the wire fraud offense involving COVID relief fraud. Rogers pleaded guilty in June 2025.

According to court documents, Rogers and her co-conspirators fraudulently obtained the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of others. From November 2017 through September 2019, Rogers and others recruited individuals to obtain lines of credit at various businesses using the SSNs. After fraudulently obtaining the lines of credit, they obtained jewelry and other merchandise. Rogers and her co-conspirators resold some of the merchandise and lines of credit on social media platforms.

In May 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Rogers operated her own business. Throughout the loan application Rogers made multiple false statements regarding her purported gross income and expenses associated with operating her business. In support of her PPP loan application, she submitted a false IRS Form 1040 - Profit or Loss From Business containing false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for her purported business. In truth, Rogers’s business did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in her loan application, her application was approved and she received a PPP loan totaling $20,832.

After receiving the PPP loan proceeds in her bank account, Rogers began making withdrawals and spending the funds on personal expenses. In October 2021, Rogers submitted a PPP loan forgiveness application to the SBA that included multiple false representations. In the application, she falsely claimed that she spent more than $18,000 on payroll costs and that the PPP loan proceeds were only used for eligible purposes. In reliance on her false statements, the SBA forgave the entire loan, plus accrued interest.

In March 2025, a related defendant, Crystal Denean Harvell (37, Jacksonville), was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud involving the line of credit scheme and wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program. The court also ordered Harvell to pay $131,782.63 in restitution to the victims she defrauded and to the United States government.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Noel Daniel Simonca (48, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a minor child to engage in sexual activity. Simonca faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Simonca was arrested by FBI agents on January 19, 2025, and has been in custody since that time. 

According to court documents, on December 10, 2024, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adults who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, UC posted a short message in a public chat room on a particular online social messaging app. A short time later, an individual using the app name “mdesase” contacted UC using a private text messaging feature of the app. User “mdesase” confirmed that he would “love to see [the 11-year-old child],” and indicated that he had a preference for children aged “8-13.” On December 11, 2024, UC and “mdesase,” who was subsequently identified as Simonca, discussed meeting to have a “play date” and to “trade [daughters].”

During further online text conversations between UC and Simonca, they discussed meeting in person. On December 26, 2024, Simonca texted UC and described in detail the sexual activity that he intended to engage in with UC’s 11-year-old “child.” Simonca and UC ultimately agreed to meet at a location in Jacksonville Beach so that Simonca could meet the “child” and take photos of “her.”

During text communications between Simonca and UC in January 2025, they discussed the planned photo shoot with the “child,” including the time and location of this meeting. For example, on January 10, 2025, Simonca stated that he was “available to help” teach the “child” about sex. On January 19, 2025, Simonca drove from his residence to the place where he had planned to meet the UC and the “child,” and was arrested by FBI agents.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Jordan O’Keefe Woods (32, Seffner) with two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of inducement to travel to engage in prostitution. If convicted on all counts, Woods faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, on or about September 22, 2024, and July 22, 2025, Woods knowingly trafficked Victim 1 knowing and in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, fraud and coercion would be used to cause the victim to engage in a commercial sex act. The indictment also alleges that on or about September 20, 2024, and July 20, 2025, Woods knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced Victim 1 to travel from North Carolina to Florida 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Teresa Brady (70, Jacksonville) and Ruby George (82, Jacksonville) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Brady also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Brady and George have also agreed to forfeit the traceable to proceeds of the offense, which cumulatively total at least $2.6 million.

According to the plea agreements, Brady and George were the President and Executive Vice President of Duval Teachers United (DTU), a labor union that represents Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) teachers, paraprofessionals, and office personnel. DTU has approximately 6,500 members and represents approximately 80% of eligible DCPS employees. DTU’s annual revenue is approximately $5 million, which is comprised of funds paid by dues-paying members.

Between 2013 and 2022, Brady and George engaged in a conspiracy to steal more than $1.2 million apiece from the DTU by selling leave time to DTU that they had not accrued or earned back. They hid their scheme by providing false information to a DTU’s auditor and by signing each other’s checks when distributing the unaccrued and unearned leave money, hiding those payments from the DTU Secretary/Treasurer. Brady and George also withheld this unearned compensation from the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC), responsible for public labor unions in Florida, in required annual financial statement filings, some of which were mailed to PERC. Brady then used the fraud proceeds and engaged in at least one monetary transaction of more than $10,000 to pay personal credit card debt.   

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Glenn Thomas Berger (50, Lehigh Acres) has pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit golf putter grips. Berger faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine. Berger has agreed to forfeit $170,570.45 in proceeds obtained from the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Berger, who owns and operates a company that manufactures and sells sporting goods, sold thousands of counterfeit “Scotty Cameron” branded golf putter grips utilizing an online selling platform. Berger then shipped the counterfeit products through the U.S. mail. From November 2020 through at least August 2024, Berger sold and shipped more than $170,000 worth of counterfeit goods.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Shane Valmont (45, Tampa) guilty of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Valmont faces a minimum prison term of 10 years, up to life. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2025. 

According to evidence presented at trial, on December 27, 2022, Valmont sold approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant working with the Clearwater Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Guzman and Muriel Moore.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Karen Torres (50, St. Cloud) with one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official. If convicted, Torres faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also specifies that the United States will seek an order of forfeiture for $43,550—an amount representing the proceeds of the criminal offense.  

According to the indictment, Torres was a public official employed by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer. She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Torres received monetary payments in return for being influenced to smuggle contraband into the 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 Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jane Doe, a/k/a Rosario Alaniz (69, Bradenton), with one count of passport fraud, two counts of Social Security fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and two counts of theft of government funds. If convicted, Doe faces a maximum penalty 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the passport fraud count and each theft offense, and a maximum of 5 years in prison for each count of Social Security fraud.  

According to the indictment, Doe fraudulently obtained a United States passport and using this fraudulent identity received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the Department of Agriculture, as well as benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through disability insurance benefits. Doe failed to disclose employment, fraudulently securing payments when either no payment was due or in a greater amount than authorized. Doe has received government benefits of approximately $183,800. 

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. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Darius Lavon Williams (40, Hudson) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to court documents, deputies with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Williams. During a search of the vehicle, deputies located two firearms, two ounces of cocaine, an ounce of fentanyl, over two ounces of cocaine base, marijuana, THC wax, psylocibin gummies, and a digital scale. Williams has an extensive criminal history, including aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, felon in possession of a firearm, and eight prior convictions for sale of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.

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.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe and United States Attorney and Jason A. Reding Quiñones announce the  unsealing of an indictment charging Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez (64, Cuba) with fraud and misuse of visa, permits, and other documents, and making a false statement to a federal agency. If convicted on all counts, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

“This man’s past as a longtime military pilot for the evil Castro regime — which has wrought untold suffering on the Cuban people — should have been front and center in his immigration file,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute anyone who lies about their past to take advantage of America’s immigration system.”

According to the indictment, on or about April 20, 2025, Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez presented or caused to be presented a Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status containing false statements to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Specifically, the false statements pertained to his prior membership in the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force from 1980 to 2009. In the Form I-485 Application, the indictment alleges that Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez falsely stated he had never received any weapons or military training, never participated in any group of any kind that used weapons or threatened to use weapons, and never served in a military or police unit, when in reality, he received such training and served in the Cuban military as part of the Air Defense Force. The indictment included a photograph depicting Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez in the Air Defense Force:

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.        

FBI Miami is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Jacksonville Field Office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Miami Field Office. The Middle District of Florida and Southern District of Florida are partners in this investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron for the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant United States Attorney Abbie D. Waxman from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. 

Tampa, Florida–United States Attorney announces that after a little more than two weeks of trial, a federal jury returned a verdict finding Lenard White (37), a/k/a “Len,” “Mike Williams,” and “Stick,” and Sheldon Robinson (22), a/k/a “Poboy,” guilty of all charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire, premeditated first-degree murder, discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which caused the death of I.S., discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, tampering with witnesses, and obstruction of justice. White and Robinson each face multiple mandatory life sentences. They scheduled to be sentenced on January 30, 2026.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on February 6, 2023, 17-year-old high school student I.S., a member of her school’s tennis team and ROTC program, and her mother L.P., reported to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office that I.S. had been sexually assaulted. The next day, Sheldon Robinson came to their house and knocked on the door. When the door was opened, Robinson fired a barrage of gunshots at I.S. and L.P., killing I.S. The bullet that killed I.S. struck her in the back as she ran away from her front door for help. L.P. was struck several times but survived. She collapsed on the ground and watched her daughter die.

The murder was organized by Lenard White, the man who had sexually assaulted her, and who left the state prior to her murder to give himself an alibi. White’s cousin, Sheldon Robinson, committed the murder for $6,000.

The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, working alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) immediately began investigating the case. After more than 70 federal and state search warrants, investigators obtained a step-by-step blueprint for how Robinson killed I.S., including the individuals that he too recruited to help him carry it out. Six months after I.S.’s murder, and as the investigation was unfolding, Hernando County detectives and ATF agents executed a second search warrant at Robinson’s home. Buried in a forest area behind his home, investigators found the gun Robinson used to murder I.S. 

As the investigation continued, White and Robinson repeatedly attempted to hinder that investigation by disposing of evidence, tampering with witnesses, obstructing justice, and making false statements to law enforcement. The two also discussed plans at having another witness against them killed, just as they did I.S.

A third defendant, Keshawn Woods, previous pleaded guilty to his role in the murder of I.S. and is pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with substantial assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office – Fifth Judicial Circuit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Samantha Newman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Robert Logan Shoecraft, III (35, Tampa) with interstate communication of a threat to injure and kill. If convicted, Shoecraft faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. 

According to the complaint, in May 2024, Shoecraft called the office of a Member of the United States House of Representatives and left an offensive, expletive-laden voicemail which included the following: “we’re coming for you, we’re gonna f***ing kill you,” and “we have f***ing guns too, you stupid c***.” 

On October 31, 2025, Shoecraft sent a direct message through social media to the wife of a federal official who serves as an Advisor to the President of the United States, stating, “You and your husband will be dragged through the streets like Mussolini and his b**** after all this is done. This is our country, and they will make sure you and your husband suffer for what you've done. You have no idea what's in store for you.”

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, and the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

TAMPA, Fla. — The Justice Department today announced a criminal complaint charging George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, with mailing a threatening communication. Isbell was arrested on Oct. 7 in San Diego.

“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many – do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”

According to the complaint, on or about Sept. 18, Isbell mailed a letter from San Diego threatening to injure his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida, and telling his victim that the victim needed “to be exterminated.” In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who had recently been killed during a public engagement on a college campus. After writing that he hoped that the American flag “strangles the life out of you,” the letter went on to state: “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.

If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Justice Department today announced a criminal complaint charging George Russell Isbell Jr., 69, of San Diego, with mailing a threatening communication. Isbell was arrested on Oct. 7 in San Diego.

“Thanks to the incredible teamwork between state, local, and federal law enforcement, this coward hiding behind a keyboard was taken into custody and charged federally for mailing threatening communications,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We cannot allow this political violence to continue any longer. This arrest will serve as a reminder to many – do not do this, we will find you and bring you to justice.”

“The FBI and our partners will not tolerate threats of violence like the kind allegedly made by the defendant about a media personality,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We will continue to investigate, pursue, and find those responsible for this conduct and ensure such criminals are held to full account in our justice system.”

“Unfortunately, a rise in political threats has been accompanied by a rise in political violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We take all threats of violence seriously and will continue to respond in close coordination with our law enforcement partners and prosecute the authors of such threatening communications.”

According to the complaint, on or about Sept. 18, Isbell mailed a letter from San Diego threatening to injure his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida, and telling his victim that the victim needed “to be exterminated.” In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who had recently been killed during a public engagement on a college campus. After writing that he hoped that the American flag “strangles the life out of you,” the letter went on to state: “Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.

If convicted, Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and the Tampa Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Additional support was provided by the FBI San Diego Field Office, the San Diego Police Department, and the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler III for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Today, the United States filed a denaturalization action in the Middle District of Florida against Vladimir Volgaev, a native of Ukraine, who, according to the Department of Justice’s Complaint, concealed and misrepresented his involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle over a thousand firearms components out of the United States and ship them to foreign markets.

Starting in 2011, and continuing for two years after his naturalization, Volgaev engaged in the clandestine purchase, packaging and smuggling of firearm components to individuals in Ukraine and Italy. Also, beginning in 2013, Volgaev underreported his assets and income on applications for federal housing benefits, resulting in his improper receipt of those benefits. A federal court convicted him for these crimes in 2020. Volgaev misrepresented and concealed his crimes throughout his application for naturalization in 2014-15. He naturalized as a U.S. citizen on Jan. 11, 2016.

“This case sends a clear message,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The United States provided Volgaev with safety, housing, and citizenship, and he returned those gains with malice, including by defrauding one of the federal agencies that provided him benefits. We will not reward this kind of behavior by allowing such an individual to retain U.S. citizenship that should not have been granted in the first place.”

This is the eleventh denaturalization action that the Department has filed since Jan. 20.

This case was investigated by the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Felix Romero. The litigation is being handled by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla and reviewed by John Inkeles of the Office of Immigration Litigation, General Litigation and Appeals Section, Affirmative Litigation Unit.

The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Sean-Michael Smith (36, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The court also ordered Smith to serve a 15-year term of supervised release after incarceration and to forfeit his computer device. Smith is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in federal court in 2014 of distributing videos and photos of children being sexually abused. Smith was arrested on December 18, 2024, and he pleaded guilty on June 11, 2025.

After serving his federal prison sentence, and while on supervised release, Smith admitted that he had drawn sketches depicting nude children and had also accessed the internet several times. On December 10, 2024, U.S. Probation Officers conducted a search of Smith’s residence. During an interview, Smith admitted that he had accessed CSAM using the internet during August, September, and December 2024. He advised that he used a particular electronic device to access these materials. Officers seized the device and later forwarded the device and its internal computer chip to the FBI for further investigation.

On February 18, 2025, the FBI extracted the contents of the device’s computer chip. A review of the materials revealed that the device had been used by Smith to access at least 35 photos depicting young children being sexually abused. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Cornelius Alexander Thompson (38, Ocala) with one count of sexual abuse of a ward in federal custody and one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official. If convicted on all counts, Thompson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Thompson that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $24,550, representing the proceeds of the bribery offense. 

According to the indictment, Thompson was a public official and employed by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman). Between January 2020 and August 9, 2023, Thompson engaged in a sexual act with a federal inmate under Thompson’s custodial, supervisory, and disciplinary authority at the prison. Furthermore, between January 2020 and April 29, 2024, Thompson received money in return for being influenced to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman.       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 Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Christian Hernandez (27, New Port Richey) to 24 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity. Upon release from custody, Hernandez will be required to register as a sex offender. Hernandez pleaded guilty on July 1, 2025.

According to court documents, in 2019, Hernandez began sexually abusing the minor victim when she was approximately 12 years old while the two were in Mexico. In 2022, when the minor victim was 15 years old, Hernandez facilitated the minor victim’s illegal entry into the United States so she could live with him in New Port Richey. While in Florida, Hernandez physically and sexually abused the victim and forced her to work to repay her debt to him for her illegal entry into the United States. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clearwater Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas Patrick Barber has sentenced Jose G. Medina (50, Leesburg) to 37 months in federal prison for knowingly making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Medina pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025.

According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Medina illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms from FFLs in the Middle District of Florida for other individuals. Some of these firearms were later intercepted by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) as other individuals attempted to transport them across the United States’ border into Mexico.

On May 27, 2023, an individual was encountered by CBP as he tried to make entry into Mexico at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry. He was attempting to bring 10 handguns, 9 rifles, 7 shotguns, 20 ammunition magazines, and large amounts of assorted ammunition into Mexico. The individual stated that he was traveling from Orlando, Florida, to San Diego de la Union, Guanajuato, Mexico—an area where Mexican cartels are fighting for control of the territory. Medina had purchased one of these recovered firearms nine days earlier.

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

On November 17, 2023, CBP officers stopped another individual at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry who also was attempting to bring five firearms into Mexico. Medina had purchased two of these firearms less than two weeks earlier. 

A record check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) showed that between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Medina had purchased 82 firearms for a total of $42,085.61—an amount that exceeded his reported annual income. The investigation also revealed that another firearm purchased by an associate of Medina had recently been recovered and electronically traced by Mexican law enforcement using ATF’s e-Trace system.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eustis Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jared Dean Eakes (34, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Eakes portrayed himself as a legitimate advisor and contacted investment advisors who were looking to sell their advisory businesses. After negotiating to take over management of the advisors’ client assets, between approximately January 2019 and February 2020, Eakes converted approximately $2,737,462 of victim-investor funds to his own benefit by withdrawing the funds in cash, using investor funds to pay personal expenses, transferring investor funds to a Las Vegas-based casino company, and by engaging in unauthorized options trading in a personal brokerage account. 

Further, between March 2020 and November 2021, Eakes fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in emergency funds through four Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP)” loans. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted March 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spent the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and used at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.

According to the plea agreement, Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once he obtained the emergency loans, Eakes did not use the funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew them in cash.

Eakes has agreed to forfeit $2,737,462.20, the proceeds of the scheme to defraud investors, and $4,752,270, the proceeds of the PPP loan fraud scheme. He also agreed to make full restitution to the victims of his offense conduct.      

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, guilty of 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. Ward faces a maximum penalty of 125 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a Trust in his name. He falsely claimed on the return that the Trust had paid over $7 million in taxes in 2019. Ward then asked for a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. The tax return was filed from the Middle District of Florida, and it was possessed in Utah, affecting interstate commerce.

Despite Ward’s claim that the Trust had paid over $7 million in federal taxes in 2019, IRS records showed the Trust had never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, the agency issued the $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the funds on four residential properties, a luxury automobile, vacations, and investment brokerage accounts. As a part of the trial, the jury determined that the residential properties purchased by Ward could be forfeited to the United States. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Semler Scientific Inc. has agreed to pay $29.75 million and its former distributor, Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc. and its related companies, has agreed to pay $7.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733, by knowingly causing, and conspiring to cause, the submission of false claims to Medicare for photoplethysmography tests performed using the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices in connection with the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

“Medicare billing regulations are created, in part, to protect the public fisc,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “It is incumbent upon manufacturers and their distributors to be honest with their customers about the rules and regulations that apply to their products.”

“Government programs expect an honest exchange between suppliers and programs funded by taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “When critical information is misrepresented or skewed for profit or personal gain, the limited resources available for our healthcare system are diminished.”

“Medical device companies that misrepresent the capabilities of their products and encourage providers to bill Medicare for services that do not meet coverage requirements drain critical taxpayer-funded resources,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In addition to this settlement, HHS-OIG has entered into a new five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with Semler Scientific, which agreed to undertake substantial internal compliance measures to help ensure that the company remains appropriate and lawful moving forward.”

PAD in the lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood between the heart and legs. Providers traditionally diagnose PAD by conducting a test called an ankle brachial index (ABI) to estimate the severity of the blockage in a patient’s limbs. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, PAD testing must satisfy the requirements of Current Procedural Technology (CPT) billing codes 93922, 92923 or 93924. Each of these billing codes requires that a provider conduct an ABI test plus certain additional testing. In addition, Medicare does not cover noninvasive vascular tests that use photoelectric plethysmography, also known as photoplethysmography, which uses a light sensor to detect changes in blood volume.

From approximately 2010 through 2024, Semler manufactured, marketed, and distributed the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices to customers throughout the United States for use in connection with the diagnosis of PAD. Both devices use a light sensor to detect changes in blood volume. Additionally, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared FloChec and QuantaFlo, the agency told Semler that the devices did not perform an ABI and could not be called a “digital ABI.”

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Semler and Bard falsely claimed that tests conducted using the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices were reimbursable by Medicare and caused healthcare providers to submit false claims to Medicare. The United States alleged that Semler knew that testing conducted using FloChec and QuantaFlo did not satisfy CPT codes 93922, 93923, or 93924 because the devices do not perform an ABI. Additionally, the United States alleged that Medicare reimbursement for FloChec and QuantaFlo tests is barred because the devices use photoplethysmography. Nevertheless, Semler allegedly represented to healthcare providers that Medicare reimbursed customers for tests performed using Flochec and QuantaFlo if they submitted CPT codes 93922, 93923, and 93924. Even after Semler received concerns from third parties about reimbursement, Semler allegedly continued to market the devices as reimbursable by Medicare.

Bard served as Semler’s distributor from 2012 through 2022. As part of the settlement, Bard admitted certain allegations and received cooperation credit under Justice Department guidelines.

In addition to the civil settlement, Semler has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), which obligates Semler to undertake substantial internal compliance reforms.

The allegations were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by Robert Kane and Franklin W. West under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the act, private parties may bring suit on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.  Mr. Kane and Mr. West will receive approximately $6.5 million as their share of the recovery.

The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The settlement resulted from a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Senior Trial Counsel Kristen M. Echemendia, Trial Attorney Martha Glover, and Investigator Robert L. Jodoin of the Department of Justice, Civil Division, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

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

WASHINGTON — Semler Scientific Inc. has agreed to pay $29.75 million and its former distributor, Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc. and its related companies, has agreed to pay $7.2 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733, by knowingly causing, and conspiring to cause, the submission of false claims to Medicare for photoplethysmography tests performed using the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices in connection with the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

“Medicare billing regulations are created, in part, to protect the public fisc,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “It is incumbent upon manufacturers and their distributors to be honest with their customers about the rules and regulations that apply to their products.”

“Government programs expect an honest exchange between suppliers and programs funded by taxpayer dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “When critical information is misrepresented or skewed for profit or personal gain, the limited resources available for our healthcare system are diminished.”

“Medical device companies that misrepresent the capabilities of their products and encourage providers to bill Medicare for services that do not meet coverage requirements drain critical taxpayer-funded resources,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “In addition to this settlement, HHS-OIG has entered into a new five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with Semler Scientific, which agreed to undertake substantial internal compliance measures to help ensure that the company remains appropriate and lawful moving forward.”

PAD in the lower extremities is the narrowing or blockage of the vessels that carry blood between the heart and legs. Providers traditionally diagnose PAD by conducting a test called an ankle brachial index (ABI) to estimate the severity of the blockage in a patient’s limbs. To qualify for Medicare reimbursement, PAD testing must satisfy the requirements of Current Procedural Technology (CPT) billing codes 93922, 92923 or 93924. Each of these billing codes requires that a provider conduct an ABI test plus certain additional testing. In addition, Medicare does not cover noninvasive vascular tests that use photoelectric plethysmography, also known as photoplethysmography, which uses a light sensor to detect changes in blood volume.

From approximately 2010 through 2024, Semler manufactured, marketed, and distributed the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices to customers throughout the United States for use in connection with the diagnosis of PAD. Both devices use a light sensor to detect changes in blood volume. Additionally, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared FloChec and QuantaFlo, the agency told Semler that the devices did not perform an ABI and could not be called a “digital ABI.”

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Semler and Bard falsely claimed that tests conducted using the FloChec and QuantaFlo devices were reimbursable by Medicare and caused healthcare providers to submit false claims to Medicare. The United States alleged that Semler knew that testing conducted using FloChec and QuantaFlo did not satisfy CPT codes 93922, 93923, or 93924 because the devices do not perform an ABI. Additionally, the United States alleged that Medicare reimbursement for FloChec and QuantaFlo tests is barred because the devices use photoplethysmography.  Nevertheless, Semler allegedly represented to healthcare providers that Medicare reimbursed customers for tests performed using Flochec and QuantaFlo if they submitted CPT codes 93922, 93923, and 93924. Even after Semler received concerns from third parties about reimbursement, Semler allegedly continued to market the devices as reimbursable by Medicare.

Bard served as Semler’s distributor from 2012 through 2022.  As part of the settlement, Bard admitted certain allegations and received cooperation credit under Justice Department guidelines.

In addition to the civil settlement, Semler has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG), which obligates Semler to undertake substantial internal compliance reforms.

The allegations were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by Robert Kane and Franklin W. West under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the act, private parties may bring suit on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.  Mr. Kane and Mr. West will receive approximately $6.5 million as their share of the recovery.

The government’s resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The settlement resulted from a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Senior Trial Counsel Kristen M. Echemendia, Trial Attorney Martha Glover, and Investigator Robert L. Jodoin of the Department of Justice, Civil Division, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Esteban Lopez-Juarez (39, Mexico) to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by deported alien. Lopez-Juarez previously pled guilty on July 1, 2025.

According to court records, Lopez-Juarez was found in the United States on March 16, 2025, after being arrested by local authorities for driving under the influence. Prior to being found, Lopez-Juarez had been previously deported on multiple occasions between 2012 and 2019 and had not received permission from immigration authorities to reenter the United States. Additionally, Lopez-Juarez has three prior convictions for illegal reentry.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Jessie Thomas Taylor (43, Tampa) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of a minor. Taylor pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025.

According to court documents, beginning in April 2021, and continuing through December 2022, Taylor created and posted advertisements of the 16-year-old victim on adult escort websites advertising sexual acts with the victim. Taylor coordinated and managed communications and reserved hotel rooms for the minor to engage in commercial sexual activity and received proceeds from the victim’s sex acts. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Crispian Atkins (51, Valrico, FL), Henry Bell (61, Tampa, FL), Grace Almonte (44, Miami, FL), Christopher Williamson (39, Daytona Beach, FL), Willie Beard (68, Tampa, FL), Franklin Revels (54, Tampa, FL), Valeria Walker (57, Monroe, GA), Tremayne Eddings (47, Miami, FL), Katrina Osborne (52, Tampa, FL), Natasha Martin (49, Pinellas Park, FL), Cameron Atkins (42, St. Louis, MO), Derrick Stephenson (38, Tampa, FL), and Virgil Thomas (45, Houston, TX) with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Crispian Atkins was also charged with aggravated identity theft. He faces up to 284 years in federal prison for his cumulative offenses. The remaining defendants each face a maximum of 40 years’ imprisonment. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit $2,462,992.81, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offense.

According to the indictment, between May 2021 and March 2024, Crispian Atkins and his co-defendants defrauded eight victim-companies, located throughout the United States, that provide employment and payroll services, as well as financial funding. Atkins falsely represented to the victim-companies that he had business contracts with other companies to perform IT-related work, and that he needed the victim-companies’ services to fulfill those contracts. The victim companies agreed to provide financial funding or hire Atkins and his co-defendants as “temporary employees” to complete the purported work. Atkins submitted fraudulent timesheets to the victim-companies that reflected work performed by the “temporary employees,” and the victim-companies paid Atkins and his associates, via wire transfers, according to those timesheets. Atkins and his co-defendants then transferred the fraudulently obtained proceeds to other accounts, withdrew proceeds in cash to conceal their source, and shared in the fraudulently obtained proceeds.

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 - Las Vegas Division, Reno Resident Agency and Tampa Division, with assistance from the Norwood Police Department (MA) and Polk County Sheriff’s Office (FL). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the issuance of a complaint and arrest warrant charging Blake Richard Hoover (31, Punta Gorda) with arson. If convicted on all counts, Hoover faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. 

According to the complaint, on or about September 19, 2025, Hoover set an intentional fire at the Chabad Jewish Center located at 424 W. Hendry Street in Punta Gorda, Florida. The Chabad Jewish Center is a Hebrew school and a community synagogue open to all people of Jewish faith.   

On September 19, 2025, at approximately 10:48 p.m., a fire alarm within the Chabad Jewish Center was activated notifying the fire department. Upon the fire being extinguished and subsequent investigation, it was determined that the fire was an act of arson. In addition to the fire damage, three areas were spray painted with the letter “J” and appeared to have been recently painted. 

On September 22, 2025, the Punta Gorda Police Department and Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office received information from a person regarding a suspect and continued the investigation. Hoover was identified by the person as having expressed an intent to burn down the Chabad Jewish Center prior to September 19, 2025. The person indicated that Hoover had a hatred towards Jewish people and that Hoover had left his residence on September 19, 2025, and returned that evening with a spray paint can. A gas can went missing when Hoover left earlier in the night and was returned to Hoover’s residence empty. The person confronted Hoover about what Hoover had spray painted and Hoover replied, the letter “J.” 

A license plate reader captured Hoover’s motor vehicle in the area of the Chabad Jewish Center at approximately 10:09 p.m., prior to the arson. A search warrant was conducted at Hoover’s residence and law enforcement recovered a spray paint can and gas can.     

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

This case was investigated by the Punta Gorda Police Department, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Islam Doci (Orlando, 47) to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an interview relating to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Doci pled guilty on October 15, 2024. 

According to Doci’s plea agreement and evidence presented at sentencing, Doci promoted ISIS propaganda online, communicated with ISIS members, sent money himself overseas in support of ISIS, and facilitated the provision of money by others to ISIS. In addition to other pro-ISIS posts, Doci shared a post that stated, “If Islam is terrorism, then O God give me more of this terrorism until the day I die. If Islam is radicalism, then O God, give me more of this radicalism until the day I die.” In online communications with his ISIS associates, Doci celebrated the killing of Americans and likened providing money and other support to ISIS to being at war. When interviewed on two occasions by the FBI in relation to these activities, Doci lied about his involvement with and support of ISIS. 

“Protecting the American people from terrorist attacks is the FBI’s top priority. I commend the special agents and analysts in this investigation whose proactive efforts and agility prevented the spread of ISIS ideology,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick and National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney Andrew J. Dixon.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Ron Ramirez, Jr. (24, Texas) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy, distribution of 500 grams or more of cocaine, and use of a communication facility in the commission of drug trafficking crimes. Ramirez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5, up to 84 years, in federal prison.

According to the court documents, Ramirez handled logistics and communications for a drug trafficking organization. On behalf of his co-defendant, Esequiel Maldonado, Ramirez recruited and paid a courier, co-defendant Schuyler Jordan Thompson. Ramirez arranged for Thompson to fly to Polk County, Florida and get cocaine that was supplied by Los Chapitos, known to law enforcement as a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, and to deliver the cocaine to Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. in Lee County. Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. then distributed cocaine in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Esequiel Maldonado. 

The cases against Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. and Esequiel Maldonado are pending trial.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

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).

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Michael Lee Stover (37, North Fort Myers) to eight years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Stover to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Stover pled guilty on June 12, 2025.

According to court documents, Stover took a firearm from the hood of another man’s car at a carwash in North Fort Myers on April 3, 2025. After taking the gun, Stover fled the scene. Deputies later served a search warrant on Stover’s North Fort Myers residence and located the stolen firearm. Stover was previously convicted of five felony offenses – including escape from custody (2021); fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer (2021); burglary (2011); aggravated battery (2011); and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (2009). As a result, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

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 that Edwin Tollinchi-Rodriguez (40, Indiana) has pleaded guilty to one count of possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Tollinchi-Rodriguez faces a minimum term of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Tollinchi-Rodriguez is an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On September 5, 2024, a Federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer conducted a pat-down search of Tollinchi-Rodriguez and discovered a wrapped-up package containing a white coagulated substance. The white substance was analyzed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) laboratory and an analyst determined the substance to be methamphetamine hydrochloride. Given that the substance was 99% pure, Tollinchi-Rodriguez was in possession of approximately 236.6 grams of methamphetamine.

Tollinchi-Rodriguez told DEA agents that he was asked to collect some prohibited items from a shower at the prison for $500 and deliver the items to another housing unit at the prison the following day. On September 5, 2024, he collected the items, which included the methamphetamine. Tollinchi-Rodriguez also described how the amount of methamphetamine that ordinarily would fit in the lid of a lip balm container typically sells for $400 inside the prison. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Christopher George Montgomery (30, Port Saint Lucie) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Montgomery to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Montgomery pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025.

According to court documents, Montgomery was subject to a county-wide “be on the lookout” announcement for offenses he allegedly committed previously. His vehicle was located in Desoto County and fled Arcadia Police Department Officers. After Montgomery’s vehicle got stuck on an embankment, he fled on foot but was ultimately arrested. Officers retraced Montgomery’s flight path and located a chamber-loaded Glock pistol in a drainage culvert along the path where Montgomery had fled. Officers also found a loaded Glock extended magazine in Montgomery’s vehicle.

Montgomery is a convicted felon, and as a result, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Arcadia Police Department, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

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).

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Yuridia Rosas-Luna (35, Mexico) has pleaded guilty to being paid to transport undocumented aliens to further their illegal presence in the United States for financial gain. Rosas-Luna faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to court documents and court proceedings, on May 21, 2024, a deputy from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for driving recklessly. Rosas-Luna was driving the car, which contained three passengers. Rosas-Luna and the passengers were unable to provide the deputy with any identification. As part of their investigation, deputies conducted a search of the sedan and the passengers. During the search, deputies located Mexican identification cards on all three passengers. Rosas-Luna told the deputies she was taking one of the passengers to see “family,” and later changed her story, stating she picked up her “friend” in Nassau County to take him to the hospital in Tampa. Rosas-Luna also told deputies she knew the passengers were from Mexico.

Agents with U.S. Customs and Border Protection determined that the three passengers were illegally present in the United States and were citizens of Mexico. One of the passengers had illegally entered the United States and was removed to Mexico eight days earlier, on May 13, 2024. During later questioning, Rosas-Luna told agents that she was going to receive $1,500 to transport one of the aliens from Kingsland, Georgia to Riverview, Florida.

This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Elisibeth Adams and Ashley Washington.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Taleah Williams (21, North Fort Myers) and Javion Ward (21, Fort Myers) with Hobbs Act robbery. If convicted, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

According to the complaint, Williams and Ward conspired to commit numerous armed robberies the week of September 15, 2025, in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, all in close proximity to I-75. For each robbery, Williams or Ward entered the stores armed with a firearm and demanded money from the clerk.

The complaint alleges that Williams devised a plan to rob stores near I-75. She provided the vehicle and the firearm that they would use. On September 16, 2025, Ward and Williams drove to a convenience store in Tampa. Ward entered the store, brandished a pistol, and demanded money, obtaining about $600. 

In the early morning of September 17, 2025, Williams and Ward drove to a gas station in Lake Panasoffkee, where Williams attempted to rob the store using the same firearm, before she ultimately left without taking any money.

In the morning of September 19, 2025, Williams drove Ward to four more stores – in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port – where each time Ward entered with a firearm and demanded money. In Gibsonton, Ward jumped over the counter to attempt to access the safe. In Ellenton, he threated to pistol whip the employee if they did not move faster. 

A few hours after the last of the robberies, Williams posted photos on social media of Williams and Ward, with Ward holding cash in both hands. 

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence the morning of September 20, 2025, recovering items matching the clothing Williams and Ward had worn.

These arrests were the result of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the North Port Police Department, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Venice Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.

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

This case is 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).

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Robert George Morgen, Jr. has pleaded guilty to willfully making a false tax return. Morgen faces up to three years in federal prison. He has also agreed to pay $280,910 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). His sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, in March 2019, Morgen submitted a false tax return for the 2017 tax year. Morgen knew that when he signed his tax return that his gross receipts and income were higher than reported. Due to multiple years of false reporting, Morgen owes the IRS $280,910 in back taxes. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Jose Godinez-Mendoza (39, Guatemala) with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Godinez-Mendoza faces up to two years in federal prison and subsequent deportation and removal from the United States.

According to court documents, Godinez-Mendoza was previously removed from the United States on six separate occasions from December 29, 2011, through his most recent deportation on December 28, 2018. Godinez-Mendoza has never applied to U.S. immigration authorities for permission to lawfully reenter the United States.

On September 7, 2025, Godinez-Mendoza was found voluntarily back in the United States in the St. Augustine area, where he was encountered during a traffic stop by a deputy with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. On September 11, 2025, he was arrested by federal agents and detained pending trial in this 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 and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Michael Alan Schumaker (57, Port Richey) to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM). Schumaker pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025.

According to court documents, in 2021, law enforcement received a cyber tip about a user uploading images of CSAM to a social media platform. The investigation led to Schumaker, a registered sexual offender. Law enforcement located more than 25 images and 23 videos of CSAM on Schumaker’s cellphone. Schumaker admitted to viewing the CSAM.

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Braden Huston Hobbs (27, Ponte Vedra) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms, making a materially false statement to a licensed firearms dealer, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including 500 grams or more of cocaine. Hobbs faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the false statement offense, and a minimum of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for the drug offense. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to court documents and court proceedings, law enforcement began investigating Hobbs after learning that several firearms purchased by him were recovered during unrelated law enforcement investigations. These firearms were recovered in the homes of drug distributors and a convicted felon. Additionally, during a series of controlled purchases conducted in the summer of 2024, agents purchased 11 firearms from two co-conspirators, Alton Wayne Cope III and Jayden Lance Cope, who were also prosecuted. Hobbs was the original purchaser of multiple firearms purchased from the Copes. Cellphone records later showed that Jayden Cope regularly purchased firearms from Hobbs.

Further investigation revealed that between March 2022 and June 2024, Hobbs had purchased at least 120 firearms from three different federally licensed firearms dealers in Jacksonville, with 67 of those firearms being purchased between January and June 2024. Hobbs then sold those firearms to others. On multiple occasions, Hobbs advertised firearms for sale to potential customers before acquiring the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealer.

Customers typically paid Hobbs in cash or traded drugs in exchange for the firearms. Hobbs was aware that some of his customers intended to resell the firearms, were drug users, or were drug distributors. Hobbs also asked his co-conspirators to assist him in finding buyers for the firearms and the co-conspirators advertised Hobbs’s firearms for sale. Hobbs told people that he “deal[s]” in firearms. Although he engaged in the business of dealing firearms, Hobbs was not a federally licensed firearms dealer, as required by federal law.

When Hobbs purchased the firearms from the federally licensed firearms dealers, he indicated on the required ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms. In addition, Hobbs indicated that he was not a user of or addicted to controlled substances. Both statements were false as Hobbs intended to sell the firearms and therefore was not the actual buyer or transferee of them. Further, he was a habitual user of controlled substances.

In addition, Hobbs distributed controlled substances, including over 500 grams of cocaine and Adderall. Hobbs routinely advertised controlled substances for sale and coordinated narcotics transactions. Hobbs often sold the controlled substances to the same individuals to whom he was selling firearms. On June 26, 2024, Hobbs was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for driving under the influence and trafficking in cocaine. During a search of Hobbs’s car, officers seized more than 200 grams of cocaine and 17 grams of Adderall, as well as various items used to package and distribute controlled substances.

In related court proceedings, Alton Wayne Cope III was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and conspiring to deal firearms without a license. Jayden Lance Cope has pleaded guilty to conspiring to deal firearms without a license. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 2025.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the North Florida HIDTA Tri-County Narcotics Task Force with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Patrick William Cotton (48, North Fort Myers) to six years and six months in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Cotton was also sentenced to a term of life of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Cotton pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025.

According to court documents, from February 14 through November 6, 2024, Cotton knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view images and videos of child sexual abuse that he had searched for using social media applications and the internet.

In February 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Cotton had uploaded videos that depicted child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his cellphone. The FBI then executed a search warrant for Cotton’s social media account which revealed videos and images depicting children being sexually abused.

In November 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at Cotton’s residence and seized Cotton’s two cellphones. After Cotton agreed to speak with agents, he advised that he had accessed his social media account using his cellphone and collected CSAM. Cotton said that he had received links to CSAM in different groups he participated in using his social media account. Cotton also admitted that he had paid an individual to send him CSAM on another social media application.   

The subsequent forensic examination of Cotton’s cellphones revealed CSAM.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found James Octavias Tobias Owens (34, Kissimmee) guilty of 10 counts of wire fraud. Owens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 9, 2025. Owens was indicted on March 19, 2025.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between March 2021 and February 2022, Owens defrauded his employer, a regional insurance company, out of more than $580,000. Owens, who worked as a claims adjuster at the company, would reopen claims files that had already been settled and paid out. He would upload “comparative estimates” that he created to the claim files to make it look like additional work had been done. Owens would then cause checks to be issued on the claims to a shell company that he controlled that was disguised as a construction and roofing company. After the checks were issued, Owens would cash the checks at Orlando-area ATMs. He then used the proceeds for his own personal benefit, including to purchase designer clothing, jewelry, hotel rooms, vehicle accessories, and other luxury items. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt and Special Assistant United States Attorney Bianca Bansal. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Thomas B. Hoffman (45, Florahome) has pleaded guilty to theft of federal funds. Hoffman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, as well as forfeiture in the amount of $155,706 and restitution to the victim. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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

 Hoffman agreed to forfeit $155,706, the proceeds of the theft of federal funds, as well as pay restitution.

“Thomas Hoffman took advantage of the position of trust he held to oversee federal funds intended to provide housing for our most vulnerable community members by stealing over $155,000 and converting it to his own personal use. By creating a fictitious vendor that he owned, he also took away the opportunity for other actual hard-working companies to compete for contracts and provide services to the Palatka Housing Authority,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Bozena Schrank with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust to defraud HUD programs and our low-income housing communities.”

This case was investigated by HUD – Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Matthew Anthony Inman (40, Orlando) to 20 years in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Inman pleaded guilty on June 5, 2025.

According to court documents, between August and October 2024, Inman received, downloaded, and saved several videos of CSAM to his phone. These videos depicted adult males raping young boys. In October 2024, Inman traveled to Las Vegas and began talking online with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as the father of a 9-year-old boy. During this conversation, in which Inman used an encrypted messaging service to evade law enforcement, Inman explained that he sought to sodomize the purported child. He asked the undercover officer for pictures and videos of the child, and in return, sent seven CSAM videos to the undercover officer, saying “hope you like” and that he had “lots of videos if you want to watch.” 

Through its investigation, the FBI identified Inman as the user of the messaging service and obtained a search warrant for Inman’s electronic devices and residence. During the execution of the search warrant, Inman attempted to delete the evidence from his phone and hide in the attic of his house.     

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Orlin Eli Gonzalez (26, Jacksonville) has been arrested and indicted for using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Gonzalez was arrested on September 4, 2025, and has been ordered detained pending the resolution of this case.

According to court documents, from August 28 through September 4, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. The UC was posing as a 13-year-old child. The UC and app user “Orlean” exchanged several private online messages on the app as well as by text messaging. After the UC advised app user “Orlean” that the “child” was only 13 years old, he asked the “child” about “her” sexual experience and if “she” liked performing a particular sexual act. App user “Orlean” requested that the “child” send him nude photos, and texted, “I wanna see you naked” and asked the “child” if “she” wanted to have sex. Further investigation by the FBI identified app user “Orlean” as Gonzalez.

On September 4, 2025, Gonzalez and the “child” exchanged more text messages. Gonzalez confirmed that he intended to meet the “child” for sexual activity at “her” residence in Jacksonville and asked the “child” to provide “her” address. That same afternoon, Gonzalez was observed as he rode a bicycle toward the agreed-upon location. Upon his arrival, Gonzalez was arrested by FBI agents.   

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Matthew Eric Baumgardner (49, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Baumgardner faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Baumgardner is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in 2017 of possessing photographs depicting the sexual performance by a child, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful activity, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. Baumgardner was arrested on this federal charge on July 28, 2025. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 12, 2025.   

According to court documents, law enforcement received a notification from a company that owns a social messaging application that files containing CSAM were uploaded using the app between May 6 and June 5, 2024. Subsequent investigation revealed that these files were uploaded from an account that was associated with Baumgardner.

In April 2025, a warrant was issued for Baumgardner’s arrest based upon his violation of his sex offender probation. On that same day, a detective with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office contacted Baumgardner. During an interview, Baumgardner admitted that the email address and phone number associated with the app uploads of CSAM were his and that he had used the app in the past. Baumgardner also admitted to accessing visual depictions of children being sexually abused, stating that none of the child victims were personally known by him.

Subsequent forensic examination of Baumgardner’s cellphone revealed at least 67 photos depicting young children being sexually abused, including sadistic sexual abuse and bondage. 

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

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Samuel Rinehart (58, Pinellas Park) to 9 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for receipt and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Rinehart will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay $27,000 in restitution. The court ordered Rinehart to forfeit approximately 50 electronic devices and 2 plastic sex dolls, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Rinehart pleaded guilty on May 29, 2025.

According to court documents, Rinehart used file-sharing software to download and possess more than 600 images and videos of CSAM, which included depictions of young children and sado-masochistic abuse towards children.

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

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Ellie Edward Dulaire (27, Orlando) to six years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dulaire is currently serving a sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections. His federal sentence will commence on October 9, 2026, when the state sentence is scheduled to end. The court also ordered Dulaire to forfeit a Smith & Wesson firearm and ammunition, which were used in the offense. Dulaire pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025.

According to court documents, on January 23, 2022, Dulaire was observed at the Florida Gun Show by a deputy from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The deputy recognized Dulaire from a prior case and knew that he was wanted on an arrest warrant from Lake County. After making contact with Dulaire, deputies located a Smith & Wesson M&P Shield firearm inside his vehicle. The firearm was reported stolen out of Pasco County in 2021. Dulaire is a nine-time convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Courtney Richardson-Jones.

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 Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Jerry Michael Moore (42, Indiana) to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse materials after previously being convicted of a child sex offense. Moore pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025.

According to court documents, on January 30, 2025, at the Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) Cruise Terminal, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers searched Moore as he returned to the United States from a cruise, because Moore had previously been convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor in 2007 in Indiana. During the examination of Moore, officers learned that Moore had a cellphone with him. A manual review of Moore’s cellphone revealed multiple surreptitious video files of what appeared to be a minor female child to whom Moore had access stored within a “hidden” folder of the photo gallery. A special agent with Homeland Security Investigations later responded to the JAXPORT Cruise Terminal and confirmed the child sexual abuse materials on the device.

Moore agreed to speak with law enforcement and admitted to using multiple hidden cameras, including his cellphone, to secretly record the child to whom he had access. Moore used a hidden camera to record the child through a crawl space of a residence to access the inside of a shower through the wall. Further examination of Moore’s cellphone revealed additional surreptitious recordings of the child.

This case was investigated by United States Customs and Border Protection Officers and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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 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.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Craig Austin Lang (35, Kyiv, Ukraine) guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and a violation of the Neutrality Act. Lang faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 27, 2026. Lang was indicted on December 4, 2019.

According to testimony presented at trial, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual that had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Lang was identified as one of two individuals that was believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery to steal $3,000 that the couple had intended to use to purchase the firearms. 

Lang, who had previously fought in Ukraine, pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund travel to Venezuela. Lang’s co-defendant, Alex Zwiefelhofer, was previously convicted of the same offenses and sentenced to consecutive life-sentences. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Benjamin S. Winter.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Keith Oelerich (62, Apopka) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Oelerich faces a minimum penalty of 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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

Between December 2018 and September 2023, Oelerich used other individuals’ personal identifiable information to create 1,043 false and fraudulent rent-to-own agreements and submitted those false and fraudulent agreements to the loan financing company. As a result, the loan financing company paid Oelerich a total of $17,964,680, the purchase prices of the sheds referenced in the agreements. Oelerich has agreed to forfeit $17,964,680, the proceeds he obtained as a result of his offenses.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey Bratt and Diane Hu.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Ronald E. Hubbard, Jr. (38, Apopka) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison and Douglas E. Arnett, Jr. (33, Orlando) to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Bradley D. Burch (35, Apopka) was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in the drug conspiracy and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. All three pleaded guilty in May 2025.

According to the plea agreements and court documents, throughout 2023, undercover agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of powder fentanyl, counterfeit fentanyl pills, and methamphetamine from Burch. For at least some of those transactions, Hubbard, Arnett, or both supplied the drugs to Burch to sell to the undercover agents. Over the course of the conspiracy, the group distributed nearly 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 350 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analog mixtures. Additionally, during some of these transactions, Burch had a firearm nearby or in his waistband. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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.