Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced James Anthony Davila (21, Texas) to 10 years in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and receiving child sex abuse material. Davila will also be required to register as a sex offender. Davila pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025.

According to court documents, Davila met a 12-year-old girl online while playing a video game. The two continued to communicate and exchanged sexually explicit photos. Davila later drove from Texas to Florida to pick up the child and engage in sexual acts with her.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Midway (Florida) Police Department and Johnson County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Antwohn Wilson (38, Tampa) with producing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted on all counts, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Wilson that the United States intends to forfeit a camera, cellphone and SD cards, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense. 

According to the indictment, on April 27 and February 23, 2023, Wilson produced and attempted to produce CSAM in the Middle District of Florida. From an unknown date until June 26, 2025, Wilson possessed CSAM, including material depicting minors under the age of 12.

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

This case was investigated by Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Phillip Michael Valeriani (42, Plant City) guilty of possessing cocaine and marijuana with the intent to distribute it. Valeriani was also adjudicated guilty prior to trial for possessing a machinegun, a silencer, and a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty on all counts of 75 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2025.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Valeriani used a fictitious name to order 63 Glock Switch components from China concealed inside a toy car box, which were seized at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. A search of Valeriani’s Plant City residence revealed a machinegun, a silencer, a rifle, and dozens of firearms components. Also found inside the house were distribution quantities of marijuana and crack cocaine as well as FBI and DEA raid jackets.

Testimony at trial also revealed that Valeriani was a prolific marijuana and cocaine trafficker. In February 2024, at the same Plant City residence, drug traffickers robbed Valeriani and stole distribution quantities of marijuana, $4,000 in cash, and firearms. On May 12, 2024, Valeriani flew into the Tampa International Airport from Medford, Oregon with 64 pounds of marijuana inside three suitcases. Authorities also seized 112 grams of cocaine during a prior traffic stop for which Valeriani took responsibility.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Plant City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Tampa International Airport Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernadez Covington has sentenced Abraham Othman Yacoub (27, Lakeland) to two years in federal prison for bank fraud. The court ordered that this term of imprisonment must run consecutively to Yacoub’s current federal prison sentence for bringing a firearm into Tampa International Airport. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $181,540.51, the total loss to the victim financial institutions. Yacoub pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025.

According to court documents, from at least January 2021 until approximately February 2023, Yacoub defrauded several financial institutions in the Tampa area. Yacoub made dozens of fraudulent deposits and withdrawals on behalf of his companies, Visionary Auto Body LLC and Visionary Auto Care LLC. Yacoub deposited the same previously deposited checks into business banking accounts that he controlled at different financial institutions, knowing that the checks had previously been deposited and paid, causing the victim banks to credit his accounts for the amounts of the checks. Yacoub then withdrew, transferred, or otherwise spent the funds credited to his accounts from these previously deposited checks before the financial institution realized that the check had previously been deposited.

Yacoub also drafted fraudulent business checks from closed business bank accounts in the name of Visionary Auto Body and Visionary Auto Care, knowing that those accounts had been closed and, therefore, that there were no funds remaining to cover the amount of the check he had drafted. Yacoub withdrew, transferred, or otherwise spent the funds credited by the bank based on these fraudulent checks, or attempted to do so, before the financial institution realized that the account on which the check had been drafted was closed and did not contain any funds to cover the amount of the check.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Juan Ariel Molina-Salles (35, Honduras) today pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Molina-Salles faces a minimum penalty of 2 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other prison term, and a maximum term of 12 years’ imprisonment. 

According to court documents, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Molina-Salles is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On February 16, 2022, Molina-Salles applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system.  On that form, Molina-Salles falsely identified himself as a United States citizen. He used another person’s means of identification (V.V.R.) to defeat the E-Verify system.

Molina-Salles provided no documents or other proof that he was trained or qualified to operate a front-end loader or other heavy construction equipment. On the evening of September 22, 2022, Molina-Salles was working at the Joint Venture’s highway construction site in Pinellas County under the stolen identity V.V.R. That night, while operating a front-end loader, Molina-Salles struck and killed Deputy Michael Hartwick of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

On September 23, 2022, Molina-Salles was arrested in connection with Deputy Hartwick’s death and interviewed by PCSO detectives. Molina-Salles explained to investigators that he was from Honduras and had been in the United States for approximately eight months and confirmed his identity was not V.V.R, but rather Juan Ariel Molina-Salles. Molinas-Salles stated he had come to the United States illegally and was undocumented, having come through Mexico to the United States by entering in Texas. He admitted to using the stolen identity to gain employment with Archer Western.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Tyriq Quentel Coger (26, Melbourne) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Coger faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Coger that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. 

According to court documents, on August 27, 2025, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle driven by Coger for driving with no lights on. Coger then switched seats with the front seat passenger and was observed making stealthy movements. After a backseat passenger admitted to a firearm being in the glove compartment, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search of the glove compartment, the backseat passenger’s firearm was located along with a loaded Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device.

At the time, Coger had multiple prior felony convictions, including aggravated battery, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, battery by person in prison or jail facility, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. As a previously convicted felon, Coger is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.   

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rockledge Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Jairon Micael Juarez-Gomez (36, Guatemala) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. If convicted, Juarez-Gomez faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Juarez-Gomez was convicted of a felony offense—sexual battery with a child aged 12-18 years—on November 30, 2020. Following his conviction, Juarez-Gomez was required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). He was subsequently deported, excluded, and removed from the United States to Guatemala on December 29, 2020. Juarez-Gomez was found to be voluntarily back in the United States on August 8, 2025. He had not received the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to this country. Juarez-Gomez also had knowingly failed to register as a sex offender upon his return, as required by SORNA.

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

This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Marshals Service, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Tywon Lavar Hill, Jr. (23, Orlando) and Anjadon Javon Allen (24, Orlando) each to five years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Hill and Allen to forfeit three Glock firearms and ammunition, which were used in the offense. Allen pleaded guilty on May 28, 2025, and Hill pleaded guilty on June 20, 2025.

According to court documents, on May 28, 2024, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office - Gang Enforcement Unit (OCSO-GEU) stopped a sedan driven by Hill. Allen was a passenger in the vehicle, along with a third individual who was wanted on a warrant for state racketeering charges. After the sedan was blocked by police vehicles, Hill and Allen fled on foot. Allen was quickly apprehended. Hill escaped through a retail store’s emergency exit. The third individual complied and was arrested without incident. Inside the sedan, deputies located cocaine, MDMA and methamphetamine, along with two Glock firearms. DNA testing later revealed that Hill and Allen had each left their DNA on the firearms. At the time, both Hill and Allen had prior felony convictions and are therefore prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

On August 2, 2024, OCSO-GEU deputies were looking to arrest Hill and Allen and found them together at an apartment in Mount Dora. Hill was taken into custody and Allen retreated into the apartment. Allen was later arrested when a resident of the apartment allowed deputies to enter. Another Glock firearm was recovered from inside the vehicle that Hill and Allen were observed using. That firearm also contained DNA belonging to Hill and Allen. 

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

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Pedro Lucas-Cruz (31, Mexico) to 30 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. Lucas-Cruz pled guilty to the offense on June 30, 2025.

According to court documents, Lucas-Cruz had been previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill and felony battery on or about February 12, 2015. He was previously deported and removed from the United States on September 21, 2017, and reentered thereafter. Lucas-Cruz was convicted of illegal reentry by a deported alien on March 11, 2021, and was again deported and removed from the United States on February 4, 2022. Sometime thereafter, Lucas-Cruz again illegally reentered the United States and was found in the Middle District of Florida on January 6, 2025.

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan.

Orlando, Florida– United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging five individuals with drug trafficking and firearms offenses stemming from an investigation into Smoke Break Productions, an Orlando Smoke Shop, that operated as a drug and gun marketplace. The indictment alleges the following federal charges:

Charge

Offense Dates

Defendants

Maximum Penalties

11/14/24–07/23/25

Angel Luis Carrasquillo

(42, Orlando)

Rogelio Vidal, Jr.

(30, Orlando)

Andrew Abbott

(35, Brooksville)

20 years (each)

01/16/25

Angel Luis Carrasquillo

15 years

04/07/25

Angel Luis Carrasquillo

Rogelio Vidal, Jr.

20 years (each)

04/07/25

Angel Luis Carrasquillo

5 years to life

06/06/25

Angel Luis Carrasquillo

Andrew Abbott

20 years

(each)

02/26/25–03/07/25

Jahmil Lally

(29, Orlando)

15 years

11/21/24–08/01/25

Christopher Alonnzo

(23, Orlando)

15 years 

According to court documents, Carrasquillo operated Smoke Break Productions, an Orlando area Smoke Shop that functioned as a drug and gun marketplace. At Smoke Break, Carrasquillo and his co-defendants distributed narcotics and firearms to various individuals. 

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

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

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Pratikbhai Patel (32, Tampa) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiring to commit money laundering and for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. As part of his sentence, Patel also agreed to pay more than $650,000 in restitution and forfeiture obligations. Patel previously pled guilty in two different cases. The first was on March 26, 2025, for conspiring to commit money laundering; the second on April 23, 2025, for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business.

According to court documents, from July through October 2018, Patel acted as a “runner” for an overseas call center scheme where conspirators falsely identified themselves as law enforcement officers and threatened victims with imminent arrest, lawsuit, or other economic consequences unless the victims made immediate payments to other conspirators. Patel received wired funds from victims in his business account, quickly withdrew the money before the victims disputed the wire transfer, then turned over the fraud proceeds to another conspirator.

In a second case, from about September 2020 to February 2023, Patel used business accounts in the names of “Tampa Smoke Shop LLC” and “Mamba Distro LLC” to make same-day cash deposits that were then transferred to other entities with no known business purpose. In total, he completed 235 wire transfers in this manner to 115 unique counterparties in exchange for a fee between 1% and 1.5% of the wired funds. Patel was never licensed with the State of Florida to operate a money transmitting business.

“The defendant preyed on vulnerable victims to satisfy his greed,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “This prosecution should serve as a warning to those intent on exploiting others through financial crimes. IRS-CI will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to investigate complex fraud and money laundering schemes to protect our communities.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Suzanne Huyler and Dan Baeza.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multiagency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced James Fednor Meristin to three years in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. The Court also ordered Meristin to pay $2,338,675 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Meristin pled guilty on May 6, 2025.

According to court documents, Meristin and other co-conspirators operated a tax preparation business, Kings and Queens Multi Services, between 2019 and 2023, which prepared and filed false and fraudulent tax returns for its clients. These fraudulent returns were designed to maximize client refunds by, among other things, claiming COVID-related sick and family leave credits for which the taxpayer was not entitled. Because of the excessive returns generated for their clients, Meristin and his co-conspirators were able to charge and receive exorbitant fees for their tax preparation services, including as high as $20,000 per return. Meristin also admitted to deficiencies and fraudulent items in his own tax returns.

“Filing false tax returns is stealing from the U.S. government,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “Whether it is the taxpayer or tax preparer defrauding the government, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will continue pursing and holding accountable individuals who violate our tax system.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Liridon Masurica (33, Gjilan, Kosovo), also known as “@blackdb,” has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud. Masurica faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Masurica was the lead administrator of BlackDB.cc—an online criminal marketplace in operation from 2018 until 2025. The marketplace illegally offered for sale compromised account and server credentials, credit card information, and other personally identifiable information of individuals primarily located in the United States, including those located within the Middle District of Florida. Once purchased, cybercriminals used the items purchased on BlackDB.cc to facilitate a wide range of illegal activity, including tax fraud, credit card fraud, and identity theft.

Masurica, a citizen and resident of Kosovo, was taken into custody by authorities in Kosovo on December 12, 2024, and later extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and the Republic of Kosovo. His sentencing date has not yet been set.

This case was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in cooperation with Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate. The FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Sofia, Bulgaria and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Masurica. Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosova and Kosovo Police’s Cybercrime Investigation Directorate also provided substantial assistance in Masurica’s arrest. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Gregory Muñoz (47, Minneola) to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $100,000, the proceeds of the wire fraud. Muñoz pleaded guilty on May 9, 2024.

Muñoz’s co-conspirator, Pen Yu, pleaded guilty in May 2024 and was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison, later reduced to two years and six months in prison. Another co-conspirator, Jonathan Thyng, pleaded guilty in July 2024 and was sentenced to probation.

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2016 and continuing through at least May 2023, Yu ordered biochemical products from MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with help from Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma salesperson, by falsely representing that Yu was affiliated with a biology research lab at a Florida university. This fictitious affiliation led MilliporeSigma to provide Yu millions of dollars’ worth of discounts and other benefits, such as free overnight shipping, not available to the public. Yu gave Muñoz thousands of dollars in gift cards for facilitating these fraudulent discounted orders. When the products arrived at the university stockroom, a stockroom employee diverted the products to Yu, who repackaged them and shipped them to China. To avoid scrutiny, Yu made false statements about the value and contents of these shipments in export documents.

This scheme continued until MilliporeSigma compliance personnel identified certain orders as suspicious, prompting the company to retain outside counsel who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division one week later. MilliporeSigma made the disclosure well before its counsel had completed their investigation and understood the full nature and extent of the scheme. MilliporeSigma offered exceptional cooperation to the prosecution team, including by proactively identifying and producing documents to the Department that established probable cause to search residences and electronic devices of culpable individuals. MilliporeSigma’s cooperation allowed investigators to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the scheme, including Yu, Muñoz, and Thyng, and secure their felony guilty pleas.

This case was investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the cases.

Tampa, Fla. – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that a New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchise and its owner, Coastal Corporate Training, Inc., have agreed to pay $500,000 to resolve allegations that the school overcharged the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by failing to support tuition waivers provided to VA-supported students, by false certifying compliance with a statutory ban on incentive compensation tied to student enrollment, and by falsely certifying compliance with a rule governing veteran enrollment.

The Post - 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 (“GI Bill”) financially supports service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents who attend an education or training program at an educational institution. The longer a person serves in the military, the greater the benefits available under the GI Bill. If a school offers to waive tuition for a student receiving less than 100-percent assistance, that tuition waiver must be reported to the VA and the student’s portion reduced accordingly. Additionally, federal law prohibits participating schools from paying any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing student enrollments.

Finally, a federal regulation imposes the “85/15” rule, which prohibits the VA from approving enrollment in any course for an eligible veteran not already enrolled for any period during which more than 85% of the enrolled students have all or part of their tuition paid for by the educational institution or the VA.

The United States alleged that, between 2015 and 2020, Coastal Corporate Training, Inc., which owned the New Horizons Computer Learning Center – Jacksonville franchise, failed to deduct tuition waivers from the tuition billed to the VA for students receiving less than 100-percent assistance under the GI Bill, falsely certified compliance with Title 38 by paying commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to enrollment representatives, and falsely certified compliance with the 85/15 rule for courses that included VA-funded students.

“The Post - 9/11 GI Bill provides a hard-earned benefit to our nations’ veterans, equipping them with the education and training of their choice for civilian careers after they have completed their military service,” said United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “My office will continue to ensure that the GI Bill funds are used as intended – to benefit American veterans.”

“This settlement demonstrates that violations of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits regulations will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of VA’s education benefits program.”

This resolution results from a coordinated effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General. Senior Litigation Counsel Mamie V. Wise handled the investigation and prosecution of the case.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. No determination of liability has occurred.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Mauricio Chahine (53, Jacksonville) to four years and two months in federal prison for engaging in money laundering. The court also ordered Chahine to forfeit $12,000 in proceeds from his money laundering enterprise. Chahine pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025.

According to court documents and evidence presented at Chahine’s sentencing hearing, a confidential source notified the Drug Enforcement Administration that Chahine was a money launderer with the ability to launder funds from the United States to other countries. Prompted by this information, an undercover federal agent contacted Chahine and asked to meet in person. Chahine agreed. During a meeting in March 2024, a pair of undercover agents played the role of cocaine traffickers and told Chahine that they needed help moving money around. Without hesitating, Chahine said he needed to know how much money, where it was going, and how fast they needed it at the destination. When one of the agents asked if Chahine knew what they did, Chahine replied that he did not care. The agent then told Chahine that he sells some of the “white stuff,” referring to cocaine. Chahine responded that he did not want to know. The undercover agent explained that due to his work, he had large amounts of bulk currency in different places. Chahine reiterated that all he needed to know was where the money was going and how they wanted it, including “big bills or small bills,” and identified his fee as 12% for amounts over $200,000 and 15% for amounts under $200,000.

Chahine suggested that he had been in the business since 1999 and advertised his abilities to launder money in various states and countries, including Brazil, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, China, France, and Spain.  Chahine suggested that they may need to create invoices to make it appear as though they were buying or selling merchandise. He also explained how he had multiple businesses and offered to move money through his bank accounts. During the meeting, Chahine mentioned that he would not deposit currency he received all at once; instead, he would split it up and deposit the money in increments like $5,000 per day.

A series of meetings followed between Chahine and additional undercover agents during which Chahine accepted money to launder. Over the course of five transactions, Chahine accepted $217,975 in cash and $50,000 in fake currency. He divided and deposited the money into seven different corporate accounts at various banks before being wired back to an undercover government account in different increments. On different occasions, Chahine asked an undercover agent to supply him with a fake invoice to make it appear as if they were engaged in legitimate business.

Chahine has been in custody since November 12, 2024, when he was arrested and detained by the court as a flight risk.

“Drug traffickers often rely on others to launder the profits from their drug running,” said Special Agent in Charge Ronald Loecker, IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to devote our financial expertise to identify, investigate and bring to justice those who engage in sophisticated money laundering techniques that facilitate the distribution of narcotics and the concealment of proceeds.”         

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Milliron and Michael J. Coolican.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

Tampa, FL — Twelve people have been charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in an international conspiracy involving alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering schemes that brought thousands of aliens illegally into the United States for profit.

According to court documents, the defendants operated a prolific alien smuggling operation (ASO) that facilitated the unlawful entry of Cuban nationals into the United States by preparing visa applications, laundering millions of dollars in payment, and exploiting the immigration process.

“This Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people — including many unaccompanied children — face severe, comprehensive justice.”

“This indictment exposes a criminal organization that smuggled people into the United States on a massive scale, and then fraudulently secured immigration benefits for them,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Posing as a legitimate immigration service, the defendants used social media promotions and false legal filings to attract new clients and perpetuate their fraud. The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will continue to dismantle these schemes, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and safeguard the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.”

“The defendants in this case conspired with others to deliberately violate our nation’s immigration laws while personally seeking to enrich themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the interagency coordination and diligence of our dedicated law enforcement agencies, their crimes have been thwarted. We will continue working with our partners to protect our national borders.”

“This superseding indictment exposes the depth of a multi-year conspiracy of alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering that preyed on vulnerable individuals and weakened public trust in the immigration system,” said Acting Director Todd M. Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “This highlights the critical role ICE has in dismantling these criminal networks, combating immigration fraud, and ensuring criminals who abuse our systems are held accountable. We are absolute in our resolve to protect the integrity of our immigration system and safeguard our national security.

“It is because of the unfettered Department of Justice support we charge criminals with every available statute to provide consequences to those that erode the moral fabric of our society,” said Chief Jeffrey J. Dinise of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Miami Sector. “The message is clear, the United States is closed to illegal immigration and terrorist organizations, and those that make an attempt, will be met with fierce consequences. We are committed to protecting our Florida communities and safeguarding our nation.”

“Through diligent investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and our partners exposed a multi-national, multi-year, multimillion dollar criminal conspiracy operated by aliens that attempted to undermine our immigration system and flood our country with illegal aliens — none of whom had any intention of following our laws,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “This criminal organization operated a front for fake asylum claims, churning out frivolous applications around the country. To criminals who seek to exploit our immigration system: we will find you, shut down your schemes, and you will face justice.”

The superseding indictment charges:

• Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 27, unlawfully residing in Hialeah, FL;
• Yuniel Lima-Santos, 30, of Tampa, FL;
• Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Lebanon, TN;
• Marianny Lucia Lopez-Torres, 25, residing in Cuba, (formerly Hialeah, FL);
• Frandy Aragon-Diaz, 33, of Cuba, (formerly unlawfully residing in Tampa, FL);
• Erik Ventura-Castro, 23, residing in Hialeah, FL;
• Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 30, of Tampa, FL;
• Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 30, residing in Katy, TX ;
• Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 28, unlawfully residing in Hialeah, FL;
• Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 31, of Tampa, FL;
• Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 31, of Tampa, FL; and
• Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 40, of Tampa, FL.

According to the superseding indictment:

• All defendants except Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra are charged with conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain.
• Yuniel Lima-Santos and Frandy Aragon-Diaz are also charged with alien smuggling for financial gain.
• Yuniel Lima-Santos, Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, Frandy Aragon-Diaz, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuerga are charged with conspiracy to commit asylum fraud.
• Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, Yuniel Lima-Santos, Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, Frandy Aragon-Diaz, Erik Ventura-Castro, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, and Layra Libertad Treto Santos are charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

From January 2021 through June 2025, the defendants promoted bogus visa services online, claiming Cuban nationals could secure U.S. entry through false claims of European citizenship. They filed hundreds of fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, using fake addresses and fabricated documents.

The ASO promoted its services on social media accounts and encrypted messaging platforms, including a WhatsApp group titled, “TRÁMITE DE ESTA Y VISA DE TURISMO A USA PARA CIUDADANOS ESPAÑOLES” (Processing of ESTA and tourist Visas to the USA for Spanish citizens). One promotional video advertised the scheme by showing stacks of passports, airline tickets, and visa approvals.

What began as a small operation grew into a commercial enterprise. The defendants charged clients between $1,500 and $40,000, sometimes even chartering private planes to move groups of aliens. Records show they spent over $2.5 million on flights alone and funneled more than $7 million through payment apps such as Zelle. Based on a financial analysis conducted of 27 known accounts associated with the defendants and their co-conspirators, the alien smuggling organization took in over $18 million during the course of the conspiracy.

The ASO also smuggled unaccompanied minors. In one case, a teenage girl was told to pose as the lifelong friend of an unrelated adult man when crossing the border.

The defendants operated a sham immigration business, ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, which promised asylum filings, work permits, and residency applications. In reality, the company churned out boilerplate asylum claims without clients’ knowledge or consent and even blocked them from accessing their own USCIS online accounts.

ASESORIA marketed itself on Instagram with flashy ads for immigration services while simultaneously posting videos of aliens being smuggled into the country.

The investigation and superseding indictment were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along southern and northern borders. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 410 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 355 U.S. convictions; more than 305 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and USCIS’s’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Note: You can read the Indictment here

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of 9 indictments charging 12 individuals with wire fraud. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The following individuals have been charged:

Name

Age

City of Residence

25

Winter Haven

29

Lakeland

25

Lakeland

34

Lakeland

35

Lakeland

35

Lakeland

39

Lakeland

31

Lakeland

31

Lakeland

27

Lakeland

28

Lakeland

24

Lakeland

According to the indictments, these individuals are members or associates of the Lakeland-based Hood Boys gang. They devised a scheme to defraud the U.S. Small Business Administration by submitting false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. These programs were some of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. While each claimed to operate a business, that statement in each PPP loan application was false.

Each of the defendants received between $13,854 and $20,416. Instead of repaying the loans, they either applied for the loans to be forgiven (which they were) or defaulted on them. The defendants spent the money on automobile payments and purchases at liquor stores, clothing stores, and gun stores. The total loss to the United States from these applications is approximately $236,000.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Buchanan and Jeff Chang.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Alvis Alexander Briceno-Yajures (24, Venezuela) to eight years and nine months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. Briceno-Yajures pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of July 30, 2024, Briceno-Yajures robbed a victim of her personal possessions at gunpoint in a Daytona Beach motel room. He then dragged the victim by her hair down a flight of stairs and attempted to force her into a vehicle with two of his accomplices. A bystander intervened and helped pull the victim away as Briceno-Yajures discharged the firearm. Within a few hours of that incident, Briceno-Yajures and his accomplices drove to an apartment complex in Holly Hill, where Briceno-Yajures and an accomplice pointed firearms at another victim and her friend as they took the victim’s car. Briceno-Yajures was arrested shortly thereafter by officers from the Daytona Beach Police Department, who recovered a loaded firearm concealed in Briceno-Yajures’ underwear.

This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the Holly Hill Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

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

Twelve people have been charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in an international conspiracy involving alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering schemes that brought thousands of aliens illegally into the United States for profit.

According to court documents, the defendants operated a prolific alien smuggling operation (ASO) that facilitated the unlawful entry of Cuban nationals into the United States by preparing visa applications, laundering millions of dollars in payment, and exploiting the immigration process. 

“This DOJ is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people — including many unaccompanied children — face severe, comprehensive justice.”

“This indictment exposes a criminal organization that smuggled people into the United States on a massive scale, and then fraudulently secured immigration benefits for them,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Posing as a legitimate immigration service, the defendants used social media promotions and false legal filings to attract new clients and perpetuate their fraud. The Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners will continue to dismantle these schemes, protect vulnerable people from exploitation, and safeguard the integrity of the U.S. immigration system.”

“The defendants in this case conspired with others to deliberately violate our nation’s immigration laws while personally seeking to enrich themselves,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the interagency coordination and diligence of our dedicated law enforcement agencies, their crimes have been thwarted. We will continue working with our partners to protect our national borders.”

“This superseding indictment exposes the depth of a multi-year conspiracy of alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering that preyed on vulnerable individuals and weakened public trust in the immigration system,” said Acting Director Todd M. Lyons of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “This highlights the critical role ICE has in dismantling these criminal networks, combating immigration fraud, and ensuring criminals who abuse our systems are held accountable. We are absolute in our resolve to protect the integrity of our immigration system and safeguard our national security.

“It is because of the unfettered Department of Justice support we charge criminals with every available statute to provide consequences to those that erode the moral fabric of our society,” said Chief Jeffrey J. Dinise of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Miami Sector. “The message is clear, the United States is closed to illegal immigration and terrorist organizations, and those that make an attempt, will be met with fierce consequences. We are committed to protecting our Florida communities and safeguarding our nation.”

“Through diligent investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and our partners exposed a multi-national, multi-year, multi-million dollar criminal conspiracy operated by aliens that attempted to undermine our immigration system and flood our country with illegal aliens — none of whom had any intention of following our laws,” said USCIS Director Joseph Edlow. “This criminal organization operated a front for fake asylum claims, churning out frivolous applications around the country. To criminals who seek to exploit our immigration system: we will find you, shut down your schemes, and you will face justice.”

The superseding indictment charges:

• Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 27, of Hialeah, FL (unlawfully residing in the United States);
• Yuniel Lima-Santos, 30, of Tampa, FL;
• Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 26, unlawfully residing in Lebanon, TN;
• Marianny Lucia Lopez-Torres, 25, residing in Cuba, (formerly Hialeah, FL);
• Frandy Aragon-Diaz, 33, of Cuba, (formerly unlawfully residing in Tampa, FL);
• Erik Ventura-Castro, 23, residing in Hialeah, FL;
• Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 30, of Tampa, FL;
• Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 30, residing in Katy, TX ;
• Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 28, unlawfully residing in Hialeah, FL;
• Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 31, of Tampa, FL;
• Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 31, of Tampa, FL; and
• Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 40, of Tampa, FL.

According to the superseding indictment:

• All defendants except Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra are charged with conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain.
• Yuniel Lima-Santos and Frandy Aragon-Diaz are also charged with alien smuggling for financial gain.
• Yuniel Lima-Santos, Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, Frandy Aragon-Diaz, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuerga are charged with conspiracy to commit asylum fraud.
• Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, Yuniel Lima-Santos, Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, Frandy Aragon-Diaz, Erik Ventura-Castro, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, and Layra Libertad Treto Santos are charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

From January 2021 through June 2025, the defendants promoted bogus visa services online, claiming Cuban nationals could secure U.S. entry through false claims of European citizenship. They filed hundreds of fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, using fake addresses and fabricated documents.

The ASO promoted its services on social media accounts and encrypted messaging platforms, including a WhatsApp group titled, “TRÁMITE DE ESTA Y VISA DE TURISMO A USA PARA CIUDADANOS ESPAÑOLES” (Processing of ESTA and tourist Visas to the USA for Spanish citizens). One promotional video advertised the scheme by showing stacks of passports, airline tickets, and visa approvals. 

What began as a small operation grew into a commercial enterprise. The defendants charged clients between $1,500 and $40,000, sometimes even chartering private planes to move groups of aliens. Records show they spent over $2.5 million on flights alone and funneled more than $7 million through payment apps such as Zelle. Based on a financial analysis conducted of 27 known accounts associated with the defendants and their co-conspirators, the alien smuggling organization took in over $18 million during the course of the conspiracy.

The ASO also smuggled unaccompanied minors. In one case, a teenage girl was told to pose as the lifelong friend of an unrelated adult man when crossing the border.

The defendants operated a sham immigration business, ASESORIA Y SERVICIOS MIGRATORIOS LLC, which promised asylum filings, work permits, and residency applications. In reality, the company churned out boilerplate asylum claims without clients’ knowledge or consent and even blocked them from accessing their own USCIS online accounts.

ASESORIA marketed itself on Instagram with flashy ads for immigration services while simultaneously posting videos of aliens being smuggled into the country. 

The investigation and superseding indictment were coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along southern and northern borders. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs (OIA), among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 410 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 355 U.S. convictions; more than 305 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and USCIS’s’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Jenna Reed of the Criminal Division’s HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Note: You can read the Indictment here

Today, the Department of Justice announced recent enforcement actions by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) to combat human smuggling and trafficking networks that undermine U.S. national security and public safety. In addition to these actions, the Department also announced the expansion of JTFA to districts along our northern and maritime borders to further dismantle cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) operating in those regions.

“This Department of Justice is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people — including many unaccompanied children — face severe, comprehensive justice.”

“Joint Task Force Alpha has shown the power of bringing together prosecutors, agents, and international partners to target and dismantle some of the most dangerous criminal networks,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “By elevating and expanding JTFA, we are extending that reach across both our northern and southern borders and sending a clear message to cartels and transnational criminal organizations: the Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who endanger human life through smuggling and trafficking activities, and we will not stop until these groups are eliminated.”

Today in the Middle District of Florida, Department officials highlighted major developments in recent days in four significant JTFA prosecutions: first, a superseding indictment in the Middle District of Florida charging defendants allegedly involved in a large alien smuggling ring; second, an indictment in the District of Vermont charging an alleged human smuggler who operated at the northern border; third, the extradition from Guatemala to the Southern District of Texas of three defendants allegedly involved in a human smuggling mass-casualty event and lastly, on Aug. 30, two individuals were arrested in El Paso and two Mexican nationals were charged for their roles in a scheme to smuggle children from Mexico into the United States, sometimes using candy laced with THC to sedate them during smuggling events.

Expanding Joint Task Force Alpha

JTFA’s mission will expand to regions along the country’s Northern border, including U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of New York and District of Vermont, as well as additional resources along the southern border with prosecutors from the Southern District of Florida. These offices will join forces with the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas, that already have prosecutors and resources dedicated to JTFA efforts. These offices and personnel are partnered with a whole-of-Department network of expert prosecutors and other support personnel from numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and elsewhere, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT); the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; the Office of Enforcement Operations; the Office of International Affairs; and other sections within the Criminal Division, National Security Division, and Civil Division.

JTFA will also deepen its partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, adding new partnerships with the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to its existing partnership with the Department of Homeland Security and its components.

Given JTFA’s experience and expertise in handling large-scale smuggling cases, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices will now consult with JTFA on all significant human smuggling and trafficking matters to ensure all available Department resources are utilized for the highest priority cases. This will include prosecutions of those who engage in the abuse and exploitation of unaccompanied alien children, who are brought across the border without a parent or guardian and often fall prey to smuggling, sex trafficking, sexual assault, and forced labor.

Joint Task Force Alpha Successes

JTFA’s hallmark achievement in 2025 has been the announcement of the first material support of terrorism charges brought against a CJNG cartel member. On May 16, the Justice Department announced the unsealing of an indictment in the Western District of Texas charging Mexican national Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez with conspiracy to provide and attempting to provide grenades to CJNG, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Additionally, Navarro-Sanchez is charged with conspiracy to smuggle and transport aliens in the United States, straw purchasing and trafficking in firearms, bulk cash smuggling conspiracy, and conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Two other Mexican nationals were also charged with offenses involving alien smuggling, firearms trafficking, and drug trafficking.

Additionally, JTFA has achieved substantial sentences this year, in part due to its focus on prosecuting the most complex smuggling cases involving grave, egregious misconduct. In June 2025, in a JTFA-supported case out of the Western District of Texas, prosecutors obtained sentences of life in prison and 83 years in prison, respectively, for two defendants responsible for a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in a 2022 mass casualty in San Antonio, Texas where 47 adults and six children died.

Since its founding, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 410 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 355 U.S. convictions; more than 305 significant prison sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced Garville Gary Gayle (37, Jamaica) to one year and six months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien. Gayle pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025.

According to court documents, Gayle is a citizen and national of Jamaica. He was previously deported from the United States on November 19, 2009, and May 26, 2016, following two felony convictions. Prior to his 2009 deportation, Gayle was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Prior to his 2016 deportation, he was convicted of illegal reentry. On April 29, 2024, Gayle was found to be voluntarily back in the United States when he was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for possession of cocaine. He was subsequently convicted of that offense.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of indictments charging Francisco Juarez-Hernandez (25, Mexico), Javier Melendez-Serrano (29, Honduras), and Israel Godinez-Carrillo (27, Guatemala) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. 

According to the indictments, Juarez-Hernandez was found voluntarily present in the United States on August 3, 2025, after having been previously deported on November 10, 2020. Melendez-Serrano was found voluntarily present in the United States on March 7, 2025, after having been previously deported on October 11, 2019. Godinez-Carrillo was found voluntarily present in the United States on August 2, 2025, after having been previously deported on June 25, 2019.  None of these individuals had received the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

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

The cases are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Cedrick Deon Hawkins (43, Cocoa) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hawkins faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Sentencing is set for November 12, 2025. Hawkins has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized from inside his residence, which were used in the commission of the offenses.

According to the plea agreement, between October 2024 and February 2025, Hawkins sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential source. In April 2025, a search warrant was executed on Hawkins’s residence in Cocoa. During the search, agents located additional methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug processing materials. Agents also located five firearms throughout the home, including three rifles and a handgun in the master bedroom closet and a loaded pistol in a kitchen cabinet. Six additional firearms and ammunition were found in a pickup truck parked in the yard of the residence.          

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Titusville Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced James Stephen Ahearn, Jr. (33, Bradenton) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and receipt and possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM). Ahearn pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025.

According to court documents, using the Snapchat application, Ahearn misrepresented himself to be a 19-year-old male and coerced and enticed a 14-year-old victim to engage in sexual activity. Following the execution of search warrants, the FBI located similar sexually explicit messages with additional minor females in Ahearn’s cellphone. The FBI also located images of CSAM requested and received by Ahearn.  

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

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that David Andrew Ogden (39, Winter Park) has pleaded guilty to five counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and one count of possession of CSAM. For each production count, Ogden faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. The possession count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2025.

According to court documents, on September 8, 2024, Ogden entered an apartment without permission where three minor children were sleeping. Ogden began touching two of the children and used his cellphone to produce CSAM of them. Following Ogden’s arrest later that night, a search warrant was executed on his cellphone which revealed additional CSAM Ogden had produced in 2022 and 2024 involving two other minor children. Ogden’s phone also contained more than 1,000 AI-generated CSAM images and 10 AI-generated videos, some of which portrayed the abuse of children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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

Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Matthew William Smolik (44, Titusville) to nine years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $10,500, the proceeds of Smolik’s cocaine distribution. Smolik pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025.

According to court documents, between September and November 2024, Smolik sold over half a kilogram of cocaine and a small quantity of fentanyl to a confidential source. In December 2024, search warrants were executed on two residences identified as stash locations for Smolik. During the search, agents located another nearly half kilogram of cocaine and drug processing materials.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Titusville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington handled the forfeiture.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced George Puskas, II (66, Palm Harbor) to six years and six months in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Puskas was also ordered to pay $46,000 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender. Puskas pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025.

According to court documents, between December 2022 and August 2023, the FBI used a file-sharing program to connect to one of Puskas’s electronic devices and download from it several files of CSAM. In September 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Puskas’ home and seized several electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed hundreds of photos and dozens of videos of CSAM, including images that depicted minors under the age of 12 and sadistic or masochistic conduct.

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

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Shem Wayne Alexander (35, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle firearms from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago.  Alexander faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Alexander was arrested in Jamaica on November 15, 2024, pursuant to a U.S. provisional arrest request. He was extradited to the United States on December 20, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, Alexander, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, and his co-conspirators unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between April 2019 and April 2022. On April 21, 2021, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service and Customs and Excise Division at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago seized a shipment containing two punching bags. Alexander and his co-conspirators had sent the shipment from the United States to Trinidad and Tobago describing the contents of said shipment as “household items.” In reality, concealed within the two punching bags were approximately eleven 9mm pistols, two .38 caliber special revolvers, a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun, three AR-15 barrel foregrips, 19 lower pistol grip assemblies, 11 forearm bolt assemblies, three AR-15-style barrels with forearm grips, 32 AR-15 magazines, one AR-15 drum magazine, 470 rounds of AR-15 ammunition, 34 9mm magazines, three 9mm drum magazines, 284 9mm rounds, fifteen .38 caliber rounds, 36 shells, six magazine couplers, and two shotgun chokes.  Alexander and his co-conspirators arranged this shipment without written notice to the shipper as to the contents of the shipment.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Legal Attaché for the Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Transnational Organized Crime Unit and Special Investigations Unit), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Jamaica Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force provided critical support in the extradition of Alexander. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Adam W. McCall.

This case is 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 transnational criminal organizations.

(X-ray photo of one of the punching bags showing the firearms and firearm components concealed inside)

(One of the punching bags cut open with a firearm visible and protruding)

(Trinidad and Tobago Police Service opening a punching bag and revealing the hidden firearms components)

(Concealed firearms, firearms components, and ammunition retrieved from the punching bags)

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle has sentenced Moreno Fenelus (44, Lakeland) to 11 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Fenelus pleaded guilty on March 28, 2025.

According to court documents, between January and March 2023, Fenelus sold various narcotics to a confidential source (CS) working for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. In January 2023, Fenelus sold cocaine and para-fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl, to the CS. In February 2023, Fenelus sold a mixture of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl to the CS, and in March 2023, Fenelus sold methamphetamine to the CS.

In July 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Fenelus’s home and located cocaine, para-fluorofentanyl, six firearms, and various ammunition, which belonged to Fenelus. At that time, Fenelus had been convicted of a prior felony offense. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Michelle Nicole Marie Brannon (36, Lake County) has pleaded guilty to one count of making a materially false statement or representation to a federal agency and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. She faces a maximum of five years in federal prison on each of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the court records, on April 27, 2025, Brannon visited her brother, an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. As Brannon was being screened before the visitation, she made a materially false representation to a correctional officer that she did not have any narcotics in her possession. Subsequently, she was caught providing her brother with buprenorphine, a Schedule III controlled substance. Federal inmates are prohibited from possessing controlled substances in the prison facility. 

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Matthew Christopher Yates (30, Hastings) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 14-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video of her own sexual abuse. Yates faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is set for December 18, 2025. At the time of his arrest on March 11, 2022, Yates was employed as an eighth-grade teacher at Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine. 

According to court documents, on February 11, 2022, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing online as a 14-year-old child, responded to an online notice posted by the user “English teacher,” who was subsequently identified as Yates, on an online social media application (app). During this online text conversation, the “child” advised that “she” was 14 years old and in eighth grade, and Yates stated that he was a teacher, asking the “child,” “[e]ver fantasize about a teacher?” Yates and the “child” exchanged photos, and Yates stated, “I bet you look hot in a bikini.”  

Between February 22 and March 11, 2022, Yates and the “child” exchanged more text messages, and Yates sent the “child” several photos, including an explicit photo of himself. On March 8, 2022, Yates asked the “child” to meet in person, and he detailed the specific sexual acts that he intended to perform on the “child.” 

On March 10, 2022, Yates and the “child” confirmed plans to meet and Yates asked the “child” if “she” wanted to video-record their planned sexual activity so that the “child” “could remember it even better.” Yates told the “child” that he could use his cellphone to record their sexual activity and that he would delete the video later so that no one would see it. 

On March 11, 2022, Yates drove to a prearranged location in Jacksonville to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested by FBI agents. A search incident to his arrest revealed that Yates brought several condoms and a cellphone with him. Yates later admitted that he was going to meet a 14-year-old girl that he had met online and that he intended to have sex with “her.” 

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

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Steven Dennis Mack (40, Tampa) to five years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Mack was also ordered to pay $42,500 in restitution; $40,000 in fines; and will be required to register as a sex offender. Mack entered a guilty plea on March 6, 2025. An Air Force court martial is pending.

According to court documents, Mack, while in another state, sent an image of CSAM from his personal email address to an individual with an email address that geo-located to the Philippines. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Mack’s email address and found hundreds of emails exchanged with the Philippines user in which they discussed engaging in sexual activities with minors. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mack’s Tampa residence, where they seized a cellphone and laptop computer. A search of the laptop showed that Mack searched terms consistent with CSAM and accessed pornographic content. A search of the cellphone revealed that it contained 64 images of CSAM. Further investigation revealed that Mack had viewed most of those images in Tampa in June and December 2023. 

This case was investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 340 at MacDill Air Force Base and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jose Carbajal (35, Palm Springs, CA), Edward Camacho (21, Winter Garden), and Jose Lugo (41, Kissimmee) have pleaded guilty to retaliating against a government witness and conspiracy to retaliate against a government witness. Each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to records and information presented in court, in November 2024, Carbajal was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for drug and money laundering conspiracies. For several years, Carbajal had shipped large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California to his partner in a drug trafficking organization operating in the Middle District of Florida. During the course of that investigation, several cooperating sources came forward, including Witness 1. 

On December 26, 2024, Carbajal was in the Seminole County Jail awaiting transport to begin serving his prison sentence for the drug and money laundering conspiracies. Witness 1 was accidentally placed in the same jail housing unit with Carbajal. Within a few minutes, Carbajal recruited two other federal inmates, Camacho and Lugo, to help him retaliate against Witness 1. While Witness 1 was sitting at a table with his back turned, Carbajal, Camacho, and Lugo snuck up from behind and attacked Witness 1. The three inmates knocked Witness 1 to the ground and punched, kicked, and stomped him repeatedly. Carbajal also used a jail telephone to beat him. Detention deputies were able to stop the attack after more than a minute and a half, just after Carbajal shattered a broomstick over Witness 1’s head and back. After the attack, Carbajal, Camacho, and Lugo all made incriminating jail calls indicating their motive and coordinated involvement in the attack. Camacho (4 years, 3 months) and Lugo (7 years, 8 months) are currently serving federal prison sentences for separate offenses.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Terrance Bradford (46, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to eight counts of wire fraud. Bradford faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. These programs were some of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Contrary to the certifications made on his loan applications, at the time Bradford was applying for the loans, he was excluded from receiving any federal contracts and one of his businesses had filed for bankruptcy. Had Bradford truthfully disclosed this information, he would have been precluded from receiving CARES Act funding. 

As part of his sentence, Bradford also faces an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, the proceeds of the criminal conduct to which he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Torrey Taylor (44, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Taylor faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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

Evans’s case is currently pending trial in the October 2025 trial term.  

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

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Terrell Myron Foy (33, Winter Park) to 14 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Foy to forfeit his cellphone, which was involved in the charged conduct. Foy pleaded guilty on April 24, 2025. 

According to court documents, Foy was an employee at an Orlando middle school when he developed a romantic relationship with a 13-year-old student in December 2023. In January 2024, the Orlando Police Department (OPD) received a “Speak Out” complaint about Foy’s communications with the student and opened an investigation. During the investigation, OPD and the Federal Bureau of Investigation obtained warrants for Foy’s home, cellphone, and multiple social media accounts that were used by Foy and the student. The investigation revealed hundreds of messages exchanged between Foy and the student where Foy was enticing the student to engage in sexual activity, as well as buying gifts and arranging meet ups with the student both on and off school grounds. Additionally, messages were located that showed Foy instructing the student not to speak with law enforcement. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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

Three Florida men were sentenced this week for tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Jonathan Carrillo was sentenced to 121 months in prison, Franklin Carter Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Diandre T. Mentor was sentenced to 36 months in prison.

The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2016 to 2020, Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Mentor was employed there as a return preparer and from 2018 and 2019 he was the manager of the Orlando office. Carter, Carrillo, Mentor, and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.

In 2020, Mentor and his co-conspirators started their own tax return preparation business called  Smart Tax & Finance. Like NAT, Mentor and his co-conspirators prepared false tax returns for clients which included fabricated deductions. Mentor and his co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, Mentor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,090,077.

In 2021, Carter, Carrillo, and their co-conspirators started a new return preparation business, Taxmates, which operated out of the same offices that NAT previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo, and others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, they caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.

Several other co-conspirators have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme including Emmanuel Almonor and Adon Hemley, who were sentenced to 57 months in prison and 46 months in prison, respectively.

In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for the Middle District of Florida ordered Mentor to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,090,077 in restitution to the United States; Carter to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,543,946 in restitution to the United States; and Carrillo to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,170,066 in restitution to the United States.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

Three Florida men were sentenced this week for tax crimes related to a scheme to prepare false tax returns for clients. Jonathan Carillo was sentenced to 121 months in prison, Franklin Carter Jr. was sentenced to 84 months in prison, and Diandre T. Mentor was sentenced to 36 months in prison. 

The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2016 to 2020, Carter and Carrillo owned and operated Neighborhood Advance Tax (NAT), a return preparation business with a dozen offices throughout Florida. Mentor was employed there as a return preparer and from 2018 and 2019 he was the manager of the Orlando office. Carter, Carrillo, Mentor, and their co-conspirators fraudulently inflated client tax refunds by fabricating deductions on their returns. They also held periodic training sessions at which they taught other NAT employees how to prepare fraudulent tax returns.

In 2020, Mentor and his co-conspirators started their own tax return preparation business called  Smart Tax & Finance. Like NAT, Mentor and his co-conspirators prepared false tax returns for clients which included fabricated deductions. Mentor and his co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, Mentor caused a tax loss to the IRS of $3,090,077.

In 2021, Carter, Carrillo, and their co-conspirators started a new return preparation business, Taxmates, which operated out of the same offices that NAT previously used. As with NAT, Carter, Carrillo, and others used Taxmates to prepare false tax returns for clients. Many of those returns included false deductions. Carter, Carrillo and their co-conspirators also taught franchise owners and employees how to prepare false returns for clients. In total, they caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $12 million.

Several other co-conspirators have been sentenced for their roles in the scheme including Emmanuel Almonor and Adon Hemley, who were sentenced to 57 months in prison and 46 months in prison, respectively.

In addition to their prison sentences, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for the Middle District of Florida ordered Mentor to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,090,077 in restitution to the United States; Carter to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,543,946 in restitution to the United States; and Carrillo to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $12,170,066 in restitution to the United States.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Davonta McCrorey (25, Baltimore) to two years in federal prison for assaulting correctional officers. This sentence was imposed consecutively to an eight-year prison term that McCrorey was already serving for another offense. McCrorey pleaded guilty on April 15, 2025.

According to court records, in March 2024, McCrorey was an inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. On March 16, 2024, McCrorey aggressively charged out of his prison cell and struck two federal correctional officers in the face multiple times, causing injuries. McCrorey then resisted other correctional officers who attempted to restrain him by verbally threatening them with violence and biting one of them on the hand.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul W. Byron has sentenced Jose David Figueroa Pacheco (33, Davenport) to six years in federal prison for trafficking over 40 grams of fentanyl. Figueroa Pacheco was found guilty by a jury on June 11, 2025. His codefendant, Alberto Ismael Salinas Valencia, pleaded guilty on January 23, 2025, and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between August 2023 and August 2024, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint investigation to identify firearms and narcotics traffickers in the Orlando area. As part of that investigation, an undercover officer arranged to purchase a firearm and fentanyl pills from Salinas Valencia. Salinas Valencia arrived with the firearm at the buy location as a passenger in Figueroa Pacheco’s truck. Figueroa Pacheco then made phone calls to coordinate the delivery of the fentanyl pills, inspected the pills, and facilitated the transaction. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Risha Asokan.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Jose Pabon (45, Tampa) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. Pabon pleaded guilty in February 2025.

According to court documents, in July 2023, an undercover officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began purchasing cocaine from Pabon’s co-defendant, Joseph White. The investigation revealed that Pabon and Daniel Vega Cabrera, another co-defendant, were White’s sources of supply. Law enforcement officers ordered cocaine from White and observed Pabon deliver the cocaine to White. In total, Pabon delivered over a kilogram of cocaine to White. Pabon was subject to an enhanced penalty in this case because he had two prior drug trafficking convictions. 

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Traveous Anderson (39, Palmetto) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture. Anderson faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison due to his prior conviction. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, between April and May 2024, a DEA confidential source conducted multiple fentanyl transactions with Anderson, who conspired with others to distribute the fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, Anderson possessed with the intent to distribute over 40 grams of a fentanyl mixture. At the time of the offense, Anderson was serving a term of federal supervised release in connection with a prior conviction for distributing fentanyl. 

Anderson’s co-defendant, Alexis Soto Escalante, previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on June 18, 2025, to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment. 

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

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of criminal complaints charging Andres Correa (39, Lakeland) and Cassandra Kerr (46, Lakeland) with Hobbs Act robbery. The complaint alleges that Correa committed a series of armed robberies in August 2025. Kerr aided and abetted Correa in committing the robberies on August 5 and August 7, 2025. If convicted, each faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each charge.

According to the complaints, on August 5, 2025, Correa and Kerr robbed a gas station in Tampa. Correa brandished a pistol and demanded money. Correa pressed the firearm into one of the victim’s stomachs until he received money from the business. Kerr acted as a lookout for Correa in her vehicle outside the store.

Two days later, Correa and Kerr robbed a food mart in Tampa. During the robbery, Correa entered the business, produced a pistol, and demanded money. Correa held one of the store clerks at gunpoint until receiving the money from the register. Kerr again acted a lookout for Correa during this robbery.

On August 19, 2025, Correa robbed a smoke shop in Seffner. After pulling a pistol from his chest area, Correa grabbed a customer and moved him back towards the counter. Correa pointed the firearm at the back of the victim’s head and neck as he demanded cash from the clerk. The clerk complied by handing Correa the cash register drawer.

On August 26,2025, FBI and ATF agents, along with detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants at two residences.  In one of the residences, officers located clothing consistent with surveillance footage, a firearm consistent with the firearm used in the robberies, a stomach holster, and a ledger with a list of banks and smoke shops and directions on how to get to those businesses.

These arrests were the result of joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

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

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury today found Sindi Yamileth Mejia Avila (22, Guatemala) guilty of aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number (SSN), and false claim of United States citizenship. Avila faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

According to evidence presented at trial, Avila used a U.S. citizen’s personal identifying information to apply for a construction job in the Middle District of Florida. Avila obtained a fake North Carolina driver license in the U.S. citizen’s real name and date of birth but displaying Avila’s photo. She also obtained a fake Social Security card listing the U.S. citizen’s real name and SSN. Avila submitted these fake documents with her I-9 work authorization form when she applied for the construction job. On the I-9 form Avila falsely claimed that the U.S. citizen’s name, date of birth, and status as a United States citizen was her own.   

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karyna Valdes and Lindsey Schmidt.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Donna Johnson Waterman (51, Orlando) and Oliver Raymond Waterman (50, Orlando) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies the Watermans that the United States intends to forfeit $1,142,595, the proceeds of conspiracy.

According to the indictment, Donna Waterman was an office manager at a law firm in the Middle District of Florida (“VC”). As part of her duties, Donna Waterman maintained the finances of VC. Between October 2020 and March 2024, Donna Waterman fraudulently accessed VC’s PayPal Account and diverted more than $1.1 million of VC funds to accounts belonging to herself and her husband, Oliver Waterman. The Watermans used the fraudulently obtained funds on lavish vacations, gambling, and retail expenditures.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rockledge Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Dariel Javier Quiles-Davila (27, Kissimmee) guilty of receiving child sexual abuse material. Quiles-Davila faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 16, 2025.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Quiles-Davila was an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department in October 2023. At that time, Quiles-Davila met a child victim while on duty. After learning the child victim’s contact information, Quiles-Davila began to communicate directly with the child victim with his personal cellphone and over social media. He also sent the child victim money and solicited and received sexually explicit photographs and videos of the child victim. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kissimmee Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Aleksandr Golovchenko (49, Oregon) with three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted on all counts, Golovchenko faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to court documents, around February 2025, Golovchenko began a relationship with a 12-year-old girl after meeting her online. Between February and April 2025, Golovchenko persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexual activity over the social media application Snapchat. Golovchenko also employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. 

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

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Aaron Jarvis McGhee (39, Sumterville), Shikita Lashelle James (38, Jacksonville), Johnny Angelo Pack (50, Jacksonville), Natra Antonio Jones (33, Jacksonville), and Bobby Warren Harvey, Jr. (28, Jacksonville) have each pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. James, Pack, Jones, and Harvey also each pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, or both. Each faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearings for McGhee, James, Pack, and Harvey are set for December 11, 2025. Jones’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to the court documents, in 2022 and 2023, these individuals operated a drug trafficking organization that purchased fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexican supply sources and transported the drugs through Houston, Texas, to Jacksonville, Florida, where they were sold. Already serving a federal prison term for a prior drug conspiracy conviction, McGhee used a contraband cellphone from prison to coordinate these drug transactions, which resulted in drug shipments across the southern U.S. border from Mexico into Texas. There, Pack secured these drug shipments and transported them back to Florida. Once in Jacksonville, Pack delivered the drug shipments to residences belonging to James, who stored and distributed the drugs to retail dealers in Duval and Clay Counties. Jones and Harvey served as runners for the organization in Jacksonville and were responsible for transporting drugs and drug proceeds.

Between April and May 2023, members of the organization routinely flew commercially between Jacksonville and Houston, staying one day at a time in Houston before taking return flights back to Jacksonville. On April 28, 2023, DEA agents observed James travel to the Jacksonville International Airport, where she dropped off Jones and Harvey, both of whom were scheduled to fly to Houston. Agents observed Jones and Harvey check in two bags each as luggage. Agents seized the four bags and secured search warrants for them. Agents recovered a total of $399,800 in cash from inside Jones’s two suitcases. In Harvey’s suitcases, agents recovered approximately five kilograms of fentanyl and an additional $373,980. 

On May 16, 2023, DEA agents executed search warrants at two of James’s residences in Jacksonville. Inside one house, agents recovered approximately $824,909 in cash, approximately 6.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, and five loaded firearms. Inside the second house, agents recovered approximately $28,000 in cash, approximately 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, and four loaded firearms. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kirwinn Mike and Elisibeth Adams.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Kevin John Merritt (63, Jacksonville) to 50 years in federal prison for coercing and using a minor child to produce videos and photos that depicted the child being sexually abused. Merritt was arrested on March 16, 2023, and has been in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024. Merritt is a registered child sex offender following his 2011 federal conviction for possessing videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

According to court documents, this investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a “CyberTipline Report” from the company that owns Facebook. This report advised that files depicting child sexual abuse materials had been sent through Facebook Messenger on September 14, 2022, by user “Jackie Frost” to another Facebook user in Jacksonville. This report was forwarded to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). Subsequent investigation by JSO identified Merritt as “Jackie Frost.” At the time, Merritt was serving a 30-year term of supervised release as part of his prior child sex conviction.

On March 16, 2023, JSO detectives and other personnel executed a search warrant at Merritt’s residence. Merritt was at the home and was arrested. Several electronic devices were seized, including a cellphone belonging to Merritt. Subsequent review of the cellphone revealed an email account that was linked to the “Jackie Frost” Facebook account as well as other items attributable to Merritt. The device also contained numerous photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of an identified minor child that were produced by Merritt using his cellphone. Merritt’s hand is visible in two of the videos. 

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown and Elisibeth Adams.

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