Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Daytona Man Convicted of Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell yesterday found Fortune Tyrone Hill (33, Daytona Beach) guilty of possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. Hill was indicted on July 30, 2014, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2015.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the bench trial, on May 20, 2014, officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department responded to an apartment complex after an individual called 911 and reported that her vehicle license tag had been stolen. When officers arrived at the complex, Hill attempted to flee and struck one of the officers. He was eventually arrested. Plastic bags containing a total of more than 100 grams of “crack” cocaine, two digital scales, and $1,020 were recovered during a search of Hill. Officers also recovered an additional $1,630 from Hill’s rental car.
This case was investigated by the Daytona Beach Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Federal Jury Finds Tarpon Springs Woman Guilty of Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury has found Nova A. Montgomery guilty of five counts of tax evasion and five counts of failure to file an income tax return. She faces a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for each tax evasion count, and one year in prison for each count of failing to file a tax return. The jury returned the verdict on October 10, 2014, and a sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2015.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Montgomery was self-employed as a distributor for a multi-level marketing company that sold nutritional and other products. Between 2002 and 2012, she received commissions and other income exceeding $2.7 million. Montgomery set up a complex corporate structure that made it appear that she personally received virtually none of the income from the commissions and sales. Further, on February 12, 2009, in the midst of an Internal Revenue Service audit, Montgomery filed false and fraudulent federal income tax returns claiming that she had no income for 2002 through 2006. In addition, she failed to file personal income tax returns for 2008 through 2012.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini.
Federal Jury Finds Port Charlotte Man Guilty in Sexual Exploitation CaseRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found Quinton Paul Handlon (44) guilty of production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 12, 2015.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Handlon sexually abused a family member over an approximately four-year period, while she was between the ages of 11 and 15. He provided her with money and other items in exchange for sexual activity. Handlon took sexually explicit photographs of the child, filmed her engaged in sexual activity with him, and coerced her to take photographs and videos of herself for his sexual gratification. A search warrant executed at Handlon’s residence recovered the electronic devices containing the victim’s images and videos.
This case was investigated by the FBI Child Exploitation Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tama Koss Caldarone and Stacie B. Harris.
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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Lakeland Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington yesterday sentenced Jerman Antwon Green (29, Lakeland) to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on June 19, 2014.
According to court documents, on December 20, 2013, Green entered a pawn shop in Lakeland and asked to see a firearm. Green then fled the store with the firearm in his hand. Detectives from the Lakeland Police Department witnessed Green fleeing from the store and ordered him to stop. Green eventually complied and was apprehended with the firearm. Prior to this incident, Green had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including drug and gun offenses, and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph W. Swanson.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Trevor Velinor, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime in communities.
Former Corrections Officer Convicted of Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Corrections Officer Leon Perry Brooks, Sr. (40, Jacksonville) guilty of four counts of possession of child pornography. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. Brooks was indicted on December 18, 2013. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in January 2013, a JSO detective on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was able to download two child pornography videos from an IP address registered to Brooks. A search warrant was subsequently executed at his home, which resulted in the seizure of several computers. Two of these computers contained multiple videos of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in conjunction with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diidri W. Robinson.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jacksonville Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to More Than 19 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr. today sentenced Amelio Mack to 19 years and seven months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The Court also ordered him to forfeit two bank accounts, three vehicles, and jewelry, including a 4.8 karat engagement ring, that are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Mack pleaded guilty on May 12, 2014.
According to court documents, between 2005 and February 2014, Mack, who has a prior federal gun conviction, distributed in excess of 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Jacksonville area. At the time of his arrest, February 2014, law enforcement officers seized two firearms, $281,850 in cash, and other evidence linking him to the crime.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie Hackenberry.
Clearwater Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Gerald Eugene Mayham (41, Clearwater) pleaded guilty today to sex trafficking a child. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 7, 2015. Mayham was indicted on May 29, 2014.
In June and July 2013, Mayham conspired with Joel Raymond Nauta to cause a 16-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts. Mayham, who knew that the victim was a minor, arranged the sex acts by soliciting men at various locations in Clearwater and Dunedin. To get the victim to comply with the scheme, Mayham threatened her and provided her with drugs. Mayham received the money from the sex acts, which he used to purchase drugs.
On April 29, 2014, Nauta pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy. He will be sentenced on December 17, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Clearwater Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph W. Swanson and Simon A. Gaugush.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of A Child for SexRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Nicholas Darwin Yancey (30, originally from Orlando) pleaded guilty yesterday to child enticement. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on February 10, 2014, Yancey, an enlisted member of the U.S. Air Force, posted an advertisement on Craigslist soliciting members of the public for “texting/sexting.” An undercover law enforcement officer with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, posing as a 14 year-old child, responded to the ad. Yancey and the “child” communicated over the Internet for months, during which time Yancey told the “child” that he wanted to engage in sexual intercourse with her. He engaged in sexually explicit conversation and solicited nude photographs of the “child.” He also stated that he had a crush on her, and invited her to a sleepover at a hotel on MacDill Air Force Base.
On June 26, 2014, the undercover officer observed several additional postings from Yancey on Craigslist. The officer responded to one of the advertisements posing as a second “child.” Yancey and the second “child” communicated using an Internet messaging application. Yancey told the second “child” that he wanted to engage in sexual intercourse with her, and possibly one of her friends. He arranged to meet the second “child” for sex on July 3, 2014, but later attempted to change the meeting. When the second “child” declined, Yancey informed her that he would simply go down the list, referring to his ability to find another person to meet. On June 27, 2014, Yancey contacted the first “child” and arranged to meet her later that week for sex. On June 29, 2014, he traveled to the Ballast Point area of Tampa, where they had arranged to meet, and was arrested.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Romanian Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Possession of False Identity DocumentsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway yesterday sentenced Mihaly Kulcsar (33, a citizen of Romania) to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and possession of false identity documents. As part of the judgment, the Court also ordered Kulcsar to pay $355,000 in restitution to his victims. He pleaded guilty on May 22, 2014.
According to court documents, Kulcsar was arrested in July 2013, at a Bank of America branch in Orlando, after he tried to open a bank account with fraudulent identification documents. Further investigation revealed that Kulcsar possessed fake passports and other fake identity documents in four different names, from Denmark, Finland, France, and the Slovak Republic. Kulcsar admitted that he had come to the United States with these fake documents and identities to open business accounts at several banks in central Florida. As part of his scheme, he targeted large banking institutions, including Bank of America, Fifth Third, Chase, SunTrust, Wells Fargo, and BB&T. Kulcsar obtained $355,000 during the course of the scheme, which he wired the money to his co-conspirators through overseas bank accounts.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce S. Ambrose.
Tampa Man Convicted of Attempting to Induce Child to Engage in Sex ActsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that late yesterday, a federal jury found James Patrick Baker (33, Tampa) guilty of attempting to induce a child to engage in sex acts. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 15, 2015. Baker was indicted on May 22, 2014.
According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, between April 17, 2014, and April 26, 2014, Baker communicated online with an individual he thought was a single mother of a twelve-year-old girl. He was actually communicating with undercover law enforcement officers, participating in Operation Intercept III, seeking to identify individuals who pose a danger to children. During the conversations, Baker suggested that he, the mother, and the child engage in various sex acts together. Baker emailed a picture of his genitalia to the “mother” and asked her to show her “child” the photograph. He also had phone conversations with the “mother” and the “child.”
On the evening of April 26, 2014, Baker left work early so that he could meet the “mother” and “child.” He drove to a location in Sarasota and was arrested. Baker had discussed bringing candy for the child as well as a condom. He had both items with him when he was arrested.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Florida Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud Using Inmates’ IdentitiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. has sentenced Jerry St. Fleur (26, Tampa) to four years and three months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court also ordered him to forfeit $61,704, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, beginning no later than January 2011, and continuing until May 2014, St. Fleur, in his capacity as a correctional officer at the Zephyrhills Correctional Facility, unlawfully accessed and stole the personal identifying information (PII) of former and current inmates within the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC). St. Fleur would “screen scrape” (cut and paste) inmates’ PII, without their knowledge or permission, from FDOC databases and then use that information to file false tax returns. As part of this scheme, St. Fleur filed approximately 182 fraudulent income tax returns. The government estimates that the total amount of fraudulent refunds requested from these returns was more than $500,000.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson.
Duval County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Passing Counterfeit MoneyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis yesterday sentenced Deryck Dean Barcous (26, Duval County) to one year and four months in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Barcous was indicted on March 27, 2014, and pleaded guilty on July 16, 2014.
According to court documents, in November 2013, Barcous answered an ad on Craigslist advertising computer equipment. After finalizing the price, Barcous met with the victim and paid her with what was later determined to be counterfeit $10 and $20 bills.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Former NFL and University of Florida Football Player Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute “Molly”Read the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Donald Reche Caldwell (35, Tampa) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a positional isomer of Butylone, also known as Ethylone, and commonly marketed as the street drug “Molly.” He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on May 13, 2014, Caldwell signed for and accepted a parcel containing 1.5 kilograms of Ethylone. The parcel had been mailed to the United States from China. On May 19, 2014, investigators intercepted a second parcel in Atlanta, containing one kilogram of Ethylone. Further investigation revealed that, just days earlier, Caldwell had mailed the parcel from Tampa.
As a positional isomer of Butylone, Ethylone is considered a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
Duval County Man Sentenced to 3 Years for Counterfeit Business ChecksRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Henry Lee Adams yesterday sentenced Terrance Smith (38, Duval County) to 36 months in federal prison for his involvement in passing multiple counterfeit business checks, and for violating the terms of his federal supervised release.
According to court documents, in October 2013, the pastor from a local church contacted the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and reported that the church’s bank account number was being used on counterfeit business checks that were being cashed throughout Duval County. The sheriff’s office determined that ten individuals had cashed or attempted to cash approximately 25 counterfeit business checks, purportedly from Waste Management and Ciera Staffing, using the church’s bank account number.
From a date unknown, but at least from in or about October 2013, Smith, in conjunction with others, began obtaining and distributing counterfeit business checks using the church’s bank account number. Smith would recruit various individuals and provide transportation to them for the purpose of cashing the checks. When a passer was successful in cashing a check, the proceeds were returned to Smith. After paying a percentage of the proceeds to the passer, Smith retained the remaining cash, or shared it with others involved in recruiting individuals into the scheme.
On November 13, 2013, JSO, U.S. Secret Service, and members of the North Florida High Tech Crime Task Force set up surveillance in a Jacksonville trailer park. A vehicle being driven by Smith, and containing another individual, entered the trailer park. Officers conducted an investigative stop of the vehicle after it exited the park. An inventory of the vehicle revealed counterfeit check stubs listing the purported earnings of employees for various companies, along with torn counterfeit checks supposedly issued by Winn-Dixie.
This case was investigated by the North Florida High Tech Crime Task Force, JSO, and U.S. Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Largo Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Accessing and Viewing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington yesterday sentenced Eric Thomas (37, Largo) to eight years and one month in federal prison for accessing with the intent to view child pornography. Thomas was indicted on September 25, 2013. A federal jury found him found guilty on June 12, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on July 21, 2012, Thomas’s then wife discovered evidence that he had been using the couple’s home computer to look at child pornography on the Internet. She notified law enforcement. A subsequent search and forensic analysis of the computer revealed that more than 850 images of child pornography had been deleted from the computer. Thomas had taken considerable steps to conceal his activities and remove Internet history and child pornography files from his computer.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Largo Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Peresie and Josephine W. Thomas.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Department of Justice Awards Hiring Grants to Help Reduce Violence and Protect SchoolsRead the Press Release
Grants Awarded To Hire School Resource Officers, Reduce Violence And
Address Other Critical Law Enforcement NeedsTAMPA, FL - The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), yesterday announced funding awards to 10 cities and counties in the Middle District of Florida. These grants, totaling over $7 million, are intended to create 57 law enforcement positions.
The list of this year’s grantees includes: Daytona Beach Police Department, DeLand Police Department, Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Longwood Police Department, Mount Dora Police Department, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Sarasota Police Department, and the Starke Police Department.
“The COPS Office is pleased to assist local law enforcement agencies throughout the country in addressing their most critical public safety issues,” said Ronald L. Davis, Director of the COPS Office. “Funding from this year’s program will allow many cities and counties to apply new sworn personnel to issues related to violent crime, property crime, and school safety.”
The COPS Hiring Program offers grants to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to hire or rehire community policing officers. The program provides salaries and benefits for officer and deputy hires for three years.
“Community policing emphasizes strong partnerships between local law enforcement and the public it serves,” said U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III. “These partnerships develop creative ideas, build trust, and increase the effectiveness of law enforcement at all levels. Our Office is excited that ten of our local law enforcement partners will have additional funding to enhance community policing within their jurisdictions.”
Grantees for the 2014 hiring program were selected based on their fiscal needs, local crime rates, and community policing plans. Nearly $124 million will be awarded nationally.
The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Since 1995, COPS has awarded over $14 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 125,000 officers and provide a variety of knowledge resource products, including publications, training, and technical assistance.
For the entire list of grantees and additional information about the 2014 COPS Hiring Program, visit the COPS website at www.cops.usdoj.gov.
St. Petersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Derrick L. Hayes, a/k/a “D-Man,” (27, St. Petersburg) pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of children by force or coercion, and two counts of sex trafficking of children by force or coercion. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison on each count. Hayes also must register as a sex offender. His sentencing hearing has been set for December 12, 2014.
According to court documents, in December 2012 and January 2013, Hayes conspired with his girlfriend, Keosha Renee Jones, to arrange for two 14-year-old victims to engage in commercial sex acts in St. Petersburg. After meeting the victims, Hayes took them to a residence and directed them to engage in sex acts with his associates. With Hayes’ knowledge, Jones also took the victims to a hotel in St. Petersburg, where the victims engaged in additional sex acts for money. Hayes visited the hotel regularly, collected the proceeds from the sex acts, and directed the victims to engage in additional sex acts with his associates. Hayes also beat and threatened Jones in the victims’ presence, and threatened the victims.
On September 19, 2013, Jones pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy. She is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Clearwater Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph W. Swanson and Stacie B. Harris.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Ringleader in UPC Switching Fraud Scheme Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Robert James Mercer (46, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $130,000, which represents the proceeds of the conspiracy. Mercer pleaded guilty on June 19, 2014. He was sentenced on September 23, 2014.
According to court documents, from at least November 2013 through April 4, 2014, Mercer, along with his co-defendants and others, traveled to Wal-Mart stores in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Colorado, Texas, and elsewhere for the purpose of defrauding the retailer.
To facilitate the fraud, the co-conspirators, primarily Mercer, purchased prepaid debit cards from Green Dot and Wal-Mart using cash. By purchasing these prepaid cards at Wal-Mart, the conspirators received legitimate merchandise receipts showing high value cash purchases. The conspirators then altered these original receipts to make them appear as if they had resulted from a merchandise purchase. The fake receipts were then used to return items for cash.
In order to obtain the items, the conspirators purchased high value merchandise using counterfeited or altered Universal Product Codes (UPC). For example, with an altered UPC code, a whole-house water filtration system, which normally sold for hundreds of dollars, would ring up for $19. The conspirators then returned the items to a different Wal-Mart store, using a counterfeited receipt, and obtained cash refunds for the actual retail price of the items.
The co-conspirators in this case confirmed that Mercer supervised them, controlled the proceeds of the fraud, and paid the others for their roles in this scheme. The loss to Wal-Mart is estimated at almost $200,000.
Four others were also charged in this case. Luis Schomaker was charged by a criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Co-conspirators David Dunn, Sandra Walker, and Michael Odhiambo have each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and will be sentenced at a later date.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Gerald Robinson (41, Orlando) to ten years and one month in federal prison for conspiring with others to distribute cocaine. He pleaded guilty on May 30, 2014.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Robinson was a kilogram-level cocaine distributor in the Orlando area. In 2010 and 2011, he distributed approximately 40 kilograms of cocaine. Robinson’s source of supply, Earl Hampton, was previously convicted as part of this investigation. He was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew on June 19, 2013.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation's illegal drug supply. The case was also investigated as part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
Leader of California-Based Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Antonio Cuevas-Navarro (47, Sacramento, California) pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiring with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cuevas-Navarro faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum penalty of life.
According to the plea agreement, in February 2012, Cuevas-Navarro attempted to have 12 pounds of methamphetamine smuggled from Jonesboro, Arkansas to Pasco County, Florida. On February 22, 2012, two co-conspirators working on Cuevas-Navarro’s behalf drove from Pasco County to Jonesboro to retrieve the drugs. The following day, during a traffic stop in Arkansas, law enforcement agents intercepted the drugs from five of Cuevas-Navarro’s co-conspirators.
On April 5, 2012, DEA agents seized seven pounds of methamphetamine in Pasco County from three of Cuevas-Navarro’s co-conspirators. The drugs had previously been shipped to Pasco County by Cuevas-Navarro. In June 2012, Cuevas-Navarro sent Jose Angel Carrillo, Jr. from California to Pasco County to retrieve money from the drug sales. Carrillo then picked up $3,500 in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Pasco County, which represented a partial payment owed for one pound of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office as part of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, in which nine other individuals have already been convicted. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges yesterday sentenced Ish’Mael M. Cassells (31, Ocala) to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on July 24, 2014.
According to court documents, from April 22, 2014, through May 8, 2014, Cassells sold firearms, including .380 and .40 caliber pistols and a .22 caliber semi-automatic rifle, and prescription pain pills to a confidential informant working with law enforcement.
On May 23, 2014, agents executed a federal search warrant at Cassells’s residence in Ocala. During an interview with law enforcement at the residence, Cassells admitted that he was a convicted felon, and that he had sold both drugs and firearms to the confidential informant. As a previously convicted felon, Cassells was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. In addition, his numerous state convictions for sales of cocaine qualified him for an enhanced penalty under the federal Armed Career Criminal statute.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Trevor Velinor, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violence in communities.
Last Individual Sentenced in Cuban Alien Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich yesterday sentenced Yoel Emilio Baez-Hernandez (41, Hialeah) to five years in federal prison for conspiring to bring 73 illegal Cuban aliens to the United States and for bringing 13 illegal Cuban aliens to the United States. The Court also ordered Baez-Hernandez to pay a $73,000.00 fine and to forfeit an outboard motor go-fast vessel, a 2006 BMW vehicle, a liquor store license, equipment, and inventory that are traceable to proceeds of the offenses. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $730,000.00, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury found Baez-Hernandez guilty on July 2, 2014.
According to court testimony and documents, Baez-Hernandez and his cousin, Edel Mesa-Hernandez (36, Miami), approached Carlos Velazquez-Roman (41, North Port) in late 2006 or early 2007, and suggested they start smuggling Cubans into the United States for profit, using a duel outboard engine go-fast vessel that Baez-Hernandez had purchased for that purpose. Between March 2007 and December 2009, at least 73 illegal aliens were smuggled into the United States. The smugglers charged an average of $10,000 per alien smuggled. One of the last trips made before Baez-Hernandez left the conspiracy was in May 2009, when Velazquez-Roman and Baez-Hernandez traveled to Cuba and smuggled 13 Cuban aliens into the United States, including Baez-Hernandez’s aunt. The conspiracy continued after December 2009, when Velazquez-Roman purchased another go-fast vessel. He and Mesa-Hernandez made additional trips to Cuba to smuggle more aliens into the United States. The last such trip took place in October 2013.
Altogether, the conspiracy accounted for more than 150 illegal Cuban aliens being brought into the United States between 2007 and 2013. Also assisting in this conspiracy were Jasmine Santos-Martinez (41, North Port), the spouse of Velazquez-Roman, Mario Emilio Tamayo-Mejias (52, Port Charlotte), who assisted Velazquez-Roman on a smuggling trip in May 2013, and Amable Gonzalez-Mandin (56, Hialeah), who made arrangements for two illegal Cuban aliens to be smuggled into the United States in May 2013.
Carlos Velazquez-Roman pleaded guilty on June 6, 2014. He was sentenced on September 10, 2014, to four years’ imprisonment and ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1.53 million. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit his residence and other property, a vehicle, his go-fast vessel, and $30,000.00 that was found in his home.
Jasmine Santos-Martinez pleaded guilty on May 21, 2014. She was sentenced on September 10, 2014, to time served--approximately six months and five days. She was also ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1.53 million, in addition to forfeiting her residence and other property, a vehicle, the go-fast vessel, and $30,000.00 found in her home.
Mario Emilio Tamayo-Mejias pleaded guilty on June 6, 2014. He was sentenced on September 10, 2014, to five years’ probation and ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $50,000.00.
Amable Gonzalez-Mandin pleaded guilty on May 27, 2014. He was sentenced to five years’ probation on September 10, 2014.
Edel Mesa-Hernandez pleaded guilty on April 29, 2014. He was sentenced on August 1, 2014, to one year and one day imprisonment, and ordered to pay a money judgment in the amount of $1.53 million.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Donald L. Hansen.
Deltona Felon Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron sentenced Olajuwon Perry (28, Deltona) today to seven years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Perry pleaded guilty on June 24, 2014.
According to court documents, on December 23, 2012, in Sanford, Perry drove a Chevrolet Lumina in a reckless manner and failed to stop at a stop sign. When deputies from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop him, Perry drove the car into the front yard of a residence. Perry, the sole occupant of the vehicle, exited and ran inside the residence. Deputies recovered a loaded AK-47 firearm from the front passenger seat of the vehicle. Perry claimed that he had not been driving the vehicle; however, authorities found his fingerprints in the car.
Perry had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses prior to this incident, including convictions for robbery and battery upon a person 65 years or older. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Trevor Velinor, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is another example of ATF’s Frontline Strategy to impact violent crime within our communities.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Distributing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza sentenced Louie Anthony Salemi (33, Orlando) yesterday to 19 years and seven months in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, to be followed by a consecutive term of four years and 10 months’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography. He was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervision. Salemi pleaded guilty on May 2, 2014.
According to court documents, pursuant to a search warrant, the FBI conducted a forensic examination of Salemi’s cell phone and computer. More than more than 3,200 images and 20 videos of child pornography were found on his devices, all of which depicted prepubescent children. The forensic examination also determined that Salemi had distributed child pornography at least 79 times.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Lakeland Couple Sentenced for Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Virginia Covington yesterday sentenced Lakeland residents Jovanna Deshawn Forte (39) and William Boyd Burns (45) each to 51 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Both pleaded guilty in May 2014. The Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $385,450, the proceeds of the bank fraud. Forte and Burns were ordered to pay restitution to Wachovia Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Mid-Florida Federal Credit Union.
According to court documents, Forte and Burns used other individuals’ accounts at local banks to deposit third-party checks that were written to the account holders, in amounts ranging from $1,500 to $3,600. These third-party checks were fraudulent and false when they were deposited by Forte and Burns because the checks were written on closed accounts and accounts that did not have sufficient funds to pay the amount of the check. The checks were deposited into these accounts by ATM, after the financial institution had closed. Forte and Burns then withdrew or attempted to withdraw funds, both in cash and through debit card purchases, that had been credited to the account from the fraudulent check deposits. The withdrawn funds were used for personal expenditures. Forte and Burns were recorded on video surveillance using nearly 200 accounts at three financial institutions. They obtained at least $385,450 in funds from their withdrawals and purchases.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Court of Appeals Upholds Convictions and Sentence in Extensive Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit yesterday affirmed the convictions and sentence of Lydia Cladek (70, St. Augustine). On January 26, 2012, a federal jury found Cladek guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and multiple counts of substantive mail and wire fraud related to a fraudulent investment scheme that resulted in more than $50 million in losses to her victims. Cladek was sentenced on September 20, 2012, to 30 years and four months’ imprisonment.
The evidence presented at trial established that Cladek had encouraged investors, many of whom she cultivated from her church and other social organizations, to invest with her company, Lydia Cladek, Inc. (LCI). Cladek had represented that investments were fully secured by viable collateral, in the form of car loan notes, and that monies invested would be used to purchase additional car loan notes. Instead, Cladek used the investors’ money to purchase high-end properties for herself and to maintain her own lavish lifestyle. She paid interest to existing investors, not with proceeds from car loans, but with the money invested by new investors. Although most of LCI’s employees had been unwitting pawns in her scheme, Cladek’s lead accountant had known that investors were being misled, and she had agreed with Cladek to keep them in the dark.
Cladek appealed her conspiracy conviction and her sentence to the Court of Appeals. She argued that the evidence was insufficient to establish that she had conspired with her lead accountant to defraud investors, and that the District Court had incorrectly determined that she had been an organizer or leader in an extensive criminal activity. Cladek also argued that the Court had overestimated the amount of loss her victims had suffered as a result of her malfeasance. After hearing oral argument, the Court of Appeals rejected Cladek’s argument, stating that there was “more than enough evidence” to support her conspiracy conviction, that it “[could not] fathom how such a scheme could be labeled as anything other than extensive,” and that the District Court “did not err—much less clearly err” in its loss determination.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Insurance Fraud. It was prosecuted in the District Court by Assistant United States Attorney Jay Taylor. This appeal was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Susan H. Rothstein-Youakim.
Jacksonville Tax Return Preparers SentencedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Harvey S. Schlesinger sentenced Troy Solomon today to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, fraud, and making false statements in the preparation of a tax return. Antonio Gadsden was sentenced today to eight months’ imprisonment for the same offenses. In addition, Solomon and Gadsden were ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amounts of $507,382 and $38,337, respectively. Solomon pleaded guilty on January 21, 2014, and Gadsden pleaded guilty on January 22, 2014.
According to court documents, from at least February 1, 2010 through April 16, 2012, Solomon was the owner and operator of Solomon’s Tax Services, LLC, a Jacksonville business that offered tax return preparation services. Solomon and his employees, including Gadsden, prepared and filed with the IRS hundreds of individual tax returns for clients during this time period. In preparing the tax returns, Solomon and Gadsden knowingly used false Schedule C income and expenses, and fictitious Schedule A itemized deductions, including moving expenses and education expenses, in order to maximize the Earned Income Credit and refunds received. Solomon’s conduct resulted in a tax loss to the United States of at least $507,382. During the same time period, Gadsden’s conduct resulted in a tax loss of at least $38,337.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Former Federal Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Bribery ChargeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Antoine D. Clark (30, Orlando) pleaded guilty today to an indictment charging him with receipt of a bribe by a public official. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Clark was employed as a Corrections Officer by the Federal Bureau of Prisons at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex, in Sumter County. Based on information from inmates at the facility, agents discovered that Clark had been smuggling tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, cell phones, and pornography into the prison. In exchange for these items, inmates had arranged for Clark to be paid by cash or wire transfers from third parties.
Following his arrest on June 26, 2014, Clark admitted that he had smuggled contraband into the prison in exchange for bribes. He received $28,450.00 in illegal payments, all of which is being forfeited.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Eleventh Circuit Affirms Convictions and Sentence of Former “Cast Crete” PresidentRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit yesterday affirmed the convictions of John Stanton, III, on charges that he had obstructed the administration of the Internal Revenue Laws and had failed to file tax returns for himself and for his companies, Florida Engineered Construction Products (FECP) and Denouement Strategies. The Court also upheld Stanton’s ten-year sentence for those convictions.
Stanton was the president of FECP, which operated under the name “Cast Crete” and which produced and sold tens of millions of dollars of precast concrete products annually. Despite the fact that FECP reaped handsome annual revenues and paid out tens of millions of dollars to Stanton and others, Stanton failed to file tax returns for FECP for several years and filed returns containing inaccurate information for several other years. He also failed to file tax returns for himself for 2005 and 2007, despite having received millions from FECP during that period. When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) attempted to investigate FECP’s tax obligations, Stanton provided an investigator with false and misleading documents and information. The District Court found that, as a result of Stanton’s crimes, the IRS had lost more than $50 million in tax revenues—more than $100 million including interest and penalties.
On appeal, Stanton challenged the sufficiency of the evidence at trial, the constitutionality of the statute prohibiting his attempt to obstruct the administration of the Internal Revenue Laws, numerous District Court rulings, and various aspects of his ten-year sentence. The Eleventh Circuit rejected each of these arguments, “conclud[ing] that all of the issues in this appeal lack merit.”
Stanton is currently serving a sentence of ten years’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted in the District Court by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Mueller and former Assistant United States Attorney Robert Monk. The appeal was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Linda Julin McNamara and Todd B. Grandy.
Daytona Beach Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell sentenced Antone T. Adams (25, Daytona Beach) yesterday to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Adams was indicted on October 9, 2013. He pleaded guilty on February 28, 2014.
According to court documents, on May 14, 2013, Adams sold a firearm and crack cocaine to an undercover agent. He sold the agent a Hi-Point pistol for $500 and 3.9 grams of crack cocaine for $340. Adams was a convicted felon at the time of the transaction and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James D. Mandolfo.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Trevor Velinor, Acting Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime in communities.
Clay County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that Gregory Michael McCarty (45, Green Cove Springs) has pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography over the Internet. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, an agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), in Jacksonville, began an undercover investigation to identify individuals who had access to and/or were trading images and videos of child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a host computer in the northeast Florida area was hosting images of child pornography using a peer-to-peer file sharing program. The agent was able to download several files from this computer. Further investigation traced the subscriber information to the residence of Gregory Michael McCarty in Clay County, Florida.
Law enforcement officers subsequently executed a federal search warrant at McCarty's residence and seized several computers and other electronic media. During an interview with agents, McCarty acknowledged that he had been receiving child pornography for about two years, stating that he had some on his external drives “for a long time.” He stated, “I fell into it and never got rid of it and never quit.” McCarty further stated, “I know it was wrong, I just didn’t get rid of it and didn’t, didn’t stop doing whatever I was doing.”
An analysis of McCarty’s computer media revealed that his laptop computer contained at least 18 images of child pornography, and at least 20 videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct were found on an external hard disk drive that was connected to the laptop computer.
This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Former Chief of Longwood Police Department IndictedRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Thomas S. Jackson (57, Longwood) and Samer S. Majzoub (53, Heathrow) with one count of conspiracy and three counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy count and ten years’ imprisonment for each bribery count. Jackson was arrested last week in Ashville, North Carolina. He made his initial appearance in the Western District of North Carolina on September 19, 2014, and was released on a bond.
Jackson was the Chief of the Longwood Police Department from 1997 to May 28, 2010. According to the indictment, between October 2007 and the date of Jackson’s retirement from the Longwood Police Department, Majzoub paid Jackson more than $30,000 in bribes, in six different payments. The payments ranged from $3,700 to $6,200. In return, Jackson appointed Majzoub as an officer with the Longwood Police Department. Jackson also gave Majzoub the supervisory titles of Commander, Lieutenant, and Sergeant, and provided Majzoub with badges and credentials that represented him as an officer of the Longwood Police Department. Majzoub is a convicted felon. As a result of his prior federal felony conviction, Majzoub is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Under Florida law, a convicted felon is not eligible to be employed or appointed as a law enforcement officer.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Longwood Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Former Apartment Complex Manager Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzlement of Public Housing FundsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. sentenced Liliam Patricia Urbina (46, Sanford) today to one year in federal prison for embezzlement from programs receiving federal funds. As part of her sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $80,168.16, the funds Urbina obtained through the offense. She pleaded guilty on June 3, 2014.
According to court documents, Urbina was employed as the manager of an apartment complex that is owned and operated by the Winter Park Housing Authority. The complex receives federal funding and provides affordable housing. As the manager, Urbina collected rent from the tenants. She deposited some of the payments that she received from tenants into bank accounts that she controlled, and then used the money to pay her own rent and purchase a vehicle for herself.
Urbina provided false information on her initial employment application in order to obtain the position as manager, using her daughter’s social security number and thereby concealing her prior criminal record. She also concealed the year-long criminal conduct by altering the books of the apartment complex that she managed.
This case was investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Pornography on MacDill Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara sentenced Erich Clifford Mandell Ramos (27, Tampa) today to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to serve a lifetime of supervision and to register as a sex offender following his release from prison. He pleaded guilty on June 20, 2014.
According to court documents, Mandell Ramos sexually abused a minor while visiting a home at MacDill Air Force Base. He took sexually explicit photographs of the minor victim and instructed her not to tell her mother. Mandell Ramos paid the minor approximately $20.00. At the time of the offense, the victim was less than 12 years old.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacie B. Harris.
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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Oneco Man Found Guilty of Attempted Child EnticementRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury found Erasmo Aguinaga (36, Oneco) guilty today of attempted child enticement. He faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for December 12, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. Aguinaga was indicted on April 25, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 23, 2013, Aguinaga used a cellular telephone to induce what he believed was a 14-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual acts. The individual whom he believed to be a minor was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Aguinaga drove to what he believed was the minor’s home and was arrested.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jacksonville Tax Return Preparer Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Thomas Bandzul (71, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 13, 2015, before Senior United States District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr. Bandzul was indicted on January 30, 2014.
According to court documents, from January 2008 through May 2011, Bandzul was a tax return preparer in Duval and St. Johns counties. He knowingly and willfully made false claims for deductions and credits on 32 tax returns on behalf of his clients, which resulted in additional tax refunds from the IRS. As part of the scheme to defraud, Bandzul would prepare and furnish to his taxpayer client one version of a tax return. He would then make false and fraudulent claims on a separate tax return and electronically file it with the IRS. Bandzul prearranged with his clients to be paid a specified fee out of their anticipated tax refunds. In many cases, Bandzul caused the additional higher tax refunds to be paid to him without his clients’ knowledge or consent. Additionally, Bandzul committed tax fraud on his individual federal tax returns for 2008 and 2009.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale R. Campion.
Naples Man Indicted for Two Armed Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces an indictment charging John Robert Haldemann (30, Naples) with two counts of armed bank robbery. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Haldemann that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $12,308.00, the total proceeds of the armed bank robberies.
According to the indictment, on July 12, 2014, Haldemann committed an armed robbery at a Wells Fargo Bank, in Naples. The indictment further alleges that on July 25, 2014, he committed an armed robbery at a Bank of America in Punta Gorda.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation 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 Violent Crimes Task Force, the Punta Gorda Police Department, the Naples Police Department, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Theft of Government Property and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that George Y. Salameh pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Salameh was charged by a criminal complaint on May 7, 2013. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in August 2011, Salameh joined a conspiracy in which a co-conspirator, Abas Issa, would obtain fraudulent tax refund checks and fraudulent tax refund anticipation loan checks from a source in Tampa. Issa would provide the checks to individuals like Salameh who, for a fee, would then deposit the fraudulent checks into a business banking account. Once the checks cleared, Salameh would provide the net proceeds to Issa. Many of the checks involved the identities of deceased individuals who were actually dead at the time the fraudulent tax returns were filed. During 2011, Salameh deposited $129,502.71 in fraudulent tax refund checks or tax refund anticipation loan checks.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III.
Yulee Man Charged in Federal Court with Receiving and Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that Nicholas Mitko Clark (21, Yulee) has been charged by a federal criminal complaint with distributing and receiving child pornography. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, up to twenty years in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. Clark was arrested on September 11, 2014, at his residence. He was ordered detained pending a hearing on September 18, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Klindt, in Jacksonville.
According to the criminal complaint, during an investigation leading to the arrest of an individual in Canada in 2013, law enforcement discovered communications between the individual in Canada and others relating to child exploitation offenses. Included in the communications were conversations between the Canadian individual and Clark. Specifically, on April 30, 2013, Clark and this individual engaged in an instant message conversation wherein Clark received and distributed images of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A forensic examination of Clark’s computer revealed additional images of child pornography. In addition, agents located Google search terms such as “young boys on cam” and “teen boy sex” on Clark’s computer, as well as remnants of chats using another messaging service discussing a preference for young and little boys.
Clark was employed as an after-school counselor by a youth development organization in Northeast Florida, and worked with youth through various churches. He also advertises his babysitting and child transportation services on the Internet.
A criminal 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 until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
It is another 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.usdoj.gov/psc.
Two Arrested in Identity Theft and Tax Refund SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment charging two individuals with conspiracy to defraud the United States, multiple counts of aggravated identity theft, wire fraud, and access device fraud. Laura Butler (39) and Cherica Daniels (32), both of Jacksonville, were arrested early Thursday morning. If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment. The aggravated identity theft offenses each carry a mandatory prison term of two years, which must be served consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The maximum penalty for each wire fraud count is 20 years, and the access device fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
According to the Indictment, Butler and Daniels agreed and conspired with each other to intentionally and deliberately disrupt the collection of federal income tax by, among other means, filing fraudulent income tax returns. Butler is alleged to have acquired the identification of others through her employment by an insurance company and, along with Daniels, to have filed false and fraudulent income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase is handling the prosecution of this case.
Three Individuals Charged in Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jenifer E. Hoffman (37, Clermont), John C. Boschert (43, Apopka), and Bryan T. Zuzga (37, Coldwater, Michigan) with one count of conspiracy and eleven counts of wire fraud. Hoffman has also been charged with one count of filing a false tax return. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each conspiracy and wire fraud count. Hoffman faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment for the false tax return count.
According to court documents, Hoffman, Boschert, and Zuzga defrauded over 100 victims out of more than $10 million, through investments offered in connection with a company called Assured Capital Consultants. As part of their solicitations, the defendants represented to investors that their money would be invested in a Performing Private Placement Investment, and that Boschert had connections to the trading program that was being used. Investors were told that their investments were safe and that none of their money would leave the attorney escrow account that belonged to Zuzga, who was represented as being an attorney licensed in Florida. Investors were further advised that their funds would be used as collateral for a line-of-credit, which would then be used in trading. None of those representations were true.
Zuzga was not an attorney licensed in Florida or any other state, and the funds were not deposited into any escrow account controlled by him. Instead, the three operated a scheme in which money from later investors was paid to earlier investors. The three also used some of the money from the scheme for themselves, including purchasing residences for Hoffman and Zuzga.
In a prior civil proceeding, the United States forfeited two residences belonging to Hoffman and Zuzga, which had been purchased with proceeds from the scheme. The United States obtained over $850,000 from the sale of the two properties. The proceeds from those sales were distributed to the victims of the scheme.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Roger B. Handberg, James Mandolfo, and Nicole M. Andrejko.
Tax Preparer Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Tyree Middleton (38, Riverview) today to ten months in federal prison for preparing fraudulent income tax returns. The Court also ordered him to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, in the amount of $8,000. Middleton was indicted on January 14, 2014. He pleaded guilty on July 1, 2014.
According to court documents, Middleton owned and operated Middleton Financial, LLC, a tax preparation and consulting business located in Tampa. As part of his tax preparation business, Middleton prepared and filed numerous federal income tax returns, for tax years 2008 and 2009, claiming the First Time Homebuyer Credit (“FTHC”) on behalf of his clients. Included with the filings were Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) were Forms 5405, which laid out each taxpayer’s qualification for the credit.
In many of the returns filed by Middleton, the information to support the FTHC was materially false, in that the clients and/or the homes themselves did not actually qualify for the FTHC. Despite not qualifying for the credit, Middleton falsely represented to the IRS that the taxpayer was purchasing a specific home, which the taxpayer never purchased. Middleton filed dozens of fraudulent IRS Forms 5405 requesting over $270,000 in FTHC funds for his taxpayer clients.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Jackson.
Sanderson Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 19 YearsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Arnold Clayton (42, Sanderson) to nineteen years and six months in federal prison for one count of distributing cocaine base and cocaine, and for violating his supervised release in a prior federal case. Clayton was also sentenced to a term of six years of supervision, after his release from prison.
Clayton pleaded guilty on June 9, 2014.
According to court documents, on July 13, 2012, Clayton sold cocaine base and cocaine to a confidential source for $320. Clayton was sentenced as a career offender because of his two previous federal drug convictions. On July 27, 1999, Clayton was sentenced to almost five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. On August 16, 2007, he was sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine base. Clayton was still on supervised release for the 2007 case when he distributed cocaine base and cocaine in the current case.
This case was investigated by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rodney Brown and Frank Talbot.
Manatee County Man Charged for Attempting to Entice MinorsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that William Daniel Thompson (67) was arrested on September 11, 2014, for attempting to persuade, induce, and entice a minor to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Thompson faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Thompson made his initial appearance in federal court on September 12, 2014. He is being detained pending trial.
According to the criminal complaint, on September 10, 2014, an FBI special agent noticed an advertisement in the “all personals” section of Craigslist, which made reference to a single white male seeking a “family dynamic.” Between September 10, 2014, and September 11, 2014, Thompson engaged in e-mail communications with the undercover agent, who was posing as the father of a 10-year-old girl and 13-year-old boy. During the online communications, Thompson told the undercover agent that he wanted to engage the minors in sexual conduct.
On September 11, 2014, Thompson traveled to Altamonte Springs where he had arranged to meet the father of the minors for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, at which time he was arrested. During an interview with law enforcement, Thompson admitted that he had traveled to the location for the purpose of meeting the father of the two children with whom he had been e-mailing. Thompson stated that his purpose in going to Altamonte Springs was to explore the possibility of having sex with a 10-year-old girl. The investigation revealed that Thompson has been involved in the bondage, dominance, sadomasochistic lifestyle for about ten years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Art Gallery Employee Indicted with over $1 Million EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jeffrey Hall (48, Maitland) with five counts of mail fraud and three counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. A trial has been scheduled for November 2014.
According to the indictment, Hall worked at a local art gallery that also had locations outside of central Florida. Over a period of at least 2 ½ years, Hall used his position at the gallery to embezzle over $1 million. He did this by diverting proceeds from the sale of artwork to his own personal bank accounts, or to a business account that belonged to him. The indictment further alleges that Hall used artwork of the gallery as loan collateral for himself, and sold some of the gallery’s artwork on eBay.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Neo-Nazi Convicted for Sending Gruesome Threats to Florida Officials and Their FamiliesRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces today that a federal jury has found William A. White (38, Roanoke, Virginia) guilty of five counts of sending interstate threats with intent to extort and one count of using personal information without lawful authority in furtherance of a crime of violence. White faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. He was indicted on June 19, 2014. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to evidence presented during the trial, in May 2012, White, a self-professed neo-Nazi, sent a number of e-mail threats to Lawson Lamar, who was State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida at the time, Judge Walter Komanski, and a Federal Bureau of Investigation task force agent. These e-mails included threats to kidnap, rape, and kill the recipients’ family members, including children and grandchildren. The threats listed the home addresses of the officials, and specifically named some of Mr. Lamar's grandchildren as targets. Separate threats were also directed to Mr. Lamar's son, as well as to United States District Judge James C. Turk, who had presided over White's previous case in the Western District of Virginia.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent S. Chiu and James D. Mandolfo.
United States Settles False Claims Act Allegations Against Florida-Based Sleep Clinic and Two Physicians; Joins Lawsuit Against Two Additional DoctorsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - The United States has formally settled part of, and joined in part of, a lawsuit brought by a whistle-blower that alleges a Northeast Florida based sleep clinic intentionally billed the government for millions of dollars of services that were not medically necessary, and, in some instances, were never actually performed. The qui tam complaint, filed by a former employee of the clinic, alleges that the defendants – a sleep clinic and four physicians – violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by knowingly submitting false claims to the government for payment.
The government announced today that it had reached a settlement with the primary defendant, the Sleep Medicine Center, and two physicians – Dr. Hubert Zachary and Dr. George Restea. In reaching this settlement, the parties resolved allegations that, from January 1, 2010, until November 13, 2013, Zachary ran the Sleep Medicine Center, a clinic that treated patients for sleep-related disorders. Rather than treat patients in accordance with Medicare and TRICARE regulations, the United States contended that Zachary and the Sleep Medicine Center submitted claims for polysomnographic sleep studies and psychological testing that were not medically necessary, were not conducted by appropriately licensed individuals, or were not actually performed. Further, the United States alleged that, while Restea agreed to act as the Medical Director of the Center, he failed to properly supervise the center as he agreed to do. The Sleep Medicine Center agreed to pay $200,000 to resolve the claims and both the Center and Zachary voluntarily agreed to be excluded from participation in the federal healthcare programs for 8 years. Restea agreed to pay nearly $100,000 to resolve the claims.
Today’s actions mean that the government will move forward against remaining defendants Dr. John DeCerce and Dr. George Young. The government contends that these individuals also agreed to act as medical directors and staff physicians. While these doctors certified that they would supervise the clinic, the government alleges that the doctors merely lent their names in exchange for compensation. But for these physicians’ involvement, the lawsuit alleges, the Sleep Medicine Center would not have been able to bill the federal healthcare programs. For example, the government alleges that Dr. Young signed Durable Medical Equipment orders for patients that he never saw and Dr. DeCerce sleep study interpretations even when the machines allegedly performing the approved studies were broken.
This lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Donna Nichols, a former employee at the clinic. Under those provisions, a private party, known as a relator, can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. Nichols will receive more than $60,000 as part of today’s settlement.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Department of Justice along with the Department of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered more than $19 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $13.4 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. The lawsuit against the defendants was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida and is captioned United States ex rel. Nichols v. Sleep Medicine Center et al.
Three More Sentenced for Theft from Union FundRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp sentenced three individuals yesterday for their roles in stealing from an employee benefit plan of a local union. Two of the individuals, Brandon Alfonso (28, Orange City) and Marta Blackmer (71, Orange City) previously pleaded guilty. Alfonso was sentenced to three years in federal prison and ordered to pay $109,497.82 in restitution. Blackmer was sentenced to three months in federal prison and ordered to pay $106,291.14 in restitution. A third individual, Phillip Simmons (50, Orange City), was convicted by a federal jury on June 3, 2014. He was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $44,194.15 in restitution.
According to court documents, Angela Deleon worked at Advance Administration, Inc. (AAI), which was the third-party administrator of an employee benefit plan for the Ironworkers Local 808. As the third-party administrator for the Ironworkers Local 808 Annuity Fund, AAI was responsible for processing members’ payment applications, paying the Fund’s bills, and speaking with union members. Deleon’s duties at AAI included data entry and the processing of payments.
Over a period of about 14 months, Deleon wrote 46 checks from the Fund, totaling more than $427,000, to individuals who were not members of the Local 808 or participants in the Fund, including the individuals sentenced today. Alfonso, Simmons, and Blackmer cashed some of those checks and split some of the proceeds with Deleon.
In total, ten individuals have been charged in connection with this case. Six were previously sentenced. James McCall (32, Orange City) was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison and ordered to pay $93,405.89 in restitution. Angela Deleon (50, Winter Springs) was sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to pay $594,000 in restitution. Ian Chase Dove (26, Orange City) and Jason Wesson (37, Orange City) were each sentenced to 13 months in federal prison. Dove was ordered to pay $18,662.70 in restitution and Wesson was ordered to pay $19,975.32 in restitution. Michael Giesinger (36, Deltona) was sentenced to one year of probation, six months of home confinement, and was ordered to pay $20,009.62 in restitution. Shane Riley (32, Deland) was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay $18,374.64 in restitution.
Jason Ferrari (33, Orange City) pleaded guilty on July 23, 2014, to theft from an employee benefit plan. His sentencing is set for September 24, 2014. Ferrari faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
“Theft of employee benefit assets jeopardizes the benefits of workers. This case reaffirms the Labor Department’s commitment to protect workers’ benefits by identifying criminal activity wherever and whenever it occurs,” said Isabel Colon, Regional Director of Employee Benefits Security Administration’s Atlanta Regional Office and Miami District Office.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Robbing Credit UnionRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Raulier Rivas Lopez (28, Orlando) to 14 years in federal prison for one count of credit union robbery with assault and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of the robbery. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered Lopez to pay over $7,000 in restitution. Lopez pleaded guilty on June 10, 2014.
According to court documents and testimony at sentencing, on the morning of January 25, 2012, Lopez, along with three co-conspirators, robbed the American Eagle Credit Union located at 7007 SeaWorld Drive, in Orlando. Lopez and two of his co-conspirators, all wearing masks, entered the credit union and demanded money from the credit union employees. Lopez pointed a firearm at the employees as his co-conspirators pepper-sprayed the employees so that they would not be able to identify the robbers. Lopez and his co-conspirators stole approximately $7,000 during the robbery.
To date, one other individual, Joseph Cotto-Diaz, has been arrested for his role in this robbery. Cotto-Diaz was charged in a superseding indictment on March 19, 2014. He is scheduled for trial in October 2014.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.
Orange Park Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Ronald Boike (50, Orange Park) has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. Boike faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Boike was involved in an online relationship with a minor child for at least two years. He used a cell phone chat application to communicate with the minor. Boike sent sexually explicit pictures of himself to the minor in order to encourage and coax her to produce and send him pornographic pictures or videos of herself. During ongoing conversations with the minor, Boike saved pornographic pictures and videos of the minor on his family’s computer. Boike’s wife learned of his relationship with the minor after finding the videos on the family’s computer. Boike’s wife subsequently filed a complaint with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi.
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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.