Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Orange County Gang Members Charged with Sex Trafficking of A MinorRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, announces that on April 23, 2014, a federal Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Xavier Francisco Villanueva, a/k/a “X,” Keith E. Romby II, a/k/a “P” and “PJ,” Jose Carmona, a/k/a “Hood,” and Ashley Nicole Barnett, a/k/a “Snow,” with the sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life in prison.
The indictment alleges that from on or about January 17, 2013, to on or about January 25, 2013, the above-named individuals conspired to engage a minor in a commercial sex act, and aided and abetted each other to engage a minor in a commercial sex act. According to court records, Villanueva and Barnett were part of the “Blood” street gang and gave the minor drugs, and used threats of violence, to coerce the minor into prostitution for their own financial gain and benefit. On January 25, 2013, the minor was able to escape and was rescued by a deputy from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, with the assistance of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karen Gable and Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Clive S. Nelson (23, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to child sex trafficking. Nelson faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Nelson enticed and recruited a 15-year-old female to engage in commercial sex acts for him. Nelson advised the child that she could earn up to $600 per day working for him, if she would permit him to advertise her on the Internet. Nelson then took photos of the child wearing lingerie and posing provocatively. He used these photos to compile advertisements for sex with the child on various Internet advertising sites. Nelson also rented local hotel rooms in Jacksonville and transported the child to these hotels. She engaged in commercial sex acts, at the hotels, with customers who responded to the ads and were willing to pay money to have sex with the child. When potential customers arrived to have sex with the child, Nelson would engage in surveillance from the hotel parking lot, to ensure that the offenders were not the police. Once the offender and the child completed the commercial sex act, Nelson would collect the money from the child.
Nelson prostituted the child in this fashion from November 29, 2013 through December 15, 2013, when police officers from a specialized patrol unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office located Nelson and the child in a hotel parking lot.
This case was investigated by a joint task force of investigators with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Heroin Dealer Endangering Children Sentenced to an Additional 3 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II today sentenced Damion Rashaad Carder (36, Cocoa) to 3 years in federal prison for violating his supervised release. Carder was under supervision of the court as a result of a cocaine conviction in 2006. Carder was found guilty of violating his supervised release on March 11, 2014. On April 17, 2014, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Carder in another federal drug case. He was sentenced to 18 years and 9 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. Judge Antoon ordered that the 3-year sentence be served consecutive to the 18-year sentence.
According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Carder was on supervised release as a result of his 2006 conviction in federal court for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Despite being under supervision, Carder sold heroin from his home, which was approximately one block away from the Joe Lee Smith Park and Recreation Center, which has a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball court, gymnasium, and community center. Carder would deal heroin when the Center was open. After thinking he was going to be arrested by law enforcement, Carder placed two firearms and ammunition in a car with two children, approximately 8 and 10 years old, and told the driver to leave the area. Law enforcement stopped the driver and recovered the firearms shortly before arresting Carder with more than 200 grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.
Gibsonton Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft Relating to Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Bernadette Demps today pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. She faces a mandatory minimum of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, in 2011, Demps received more than $43,000 in income tax refund checks into a business bank account which she controlled. All of these deposits were in the names of other individuals. The direct deposits were all the result of fraudulent tax returns, which had been filed a short time earlier with the IRS, using the names and personal identification information related to those persons. Demps withdrew the funds from her account almost immediately, either via ATM cash withdrawals or other means.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Tampa Woman Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Tiki Simone Dennis to six years and two months in federal prison for tax fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Dennis to pay $222,767.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $222,767.00, which constitutes the proceeds from the tax fraud. Dennis pleaded guilty on January13, 2014.
According to court documents, from an unknown date prior to January 6, 2011, through and including May 18, 2011, Dennis used stolen identities to electronically file more than 116 fraudulent federal income tax returns in order to obtain refunds to which she was not entitled. The value of the refunds that would have resulted from 116 of the returns fraudulently filed by Dennis totaled approximately $364,113. Although some of these returns were rejected by the IRS, 67 of them were accepted. The IRS paid out approximately $176,984 in tax refunds to debit cards under Dennis’s control. In addition, Dennis provided information to a co-conspirator who filed an additional 36 2010 tax returns requesting approximately $65,659. IRS accepted 25 of these returns and paid out $45,783 in tax refunds to debit cards under the control of Dennis. Altogether, the total number of fraudulent 2010 federal income tax returns that Dennis is responsible for filing or having filed is more than 152, requesting at least $429,772 in refunds. The total amount paid out on those requests to debit cards controlled by Dennis was at least $222,767.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel, Donald L. Hansen.
St. Petersburg Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Martin E. Lyons (46, St. Petersburg) to 15 years in federal prison for being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition. Lyons pleaded guilty on December 12, 2013.
According to court documents, Lyons has multiple prior felony convictions for armed robbery and burglary. In July 2013, he sold Hydrocodone and crack cocaine to an undercover St. Petersburg Police Department detective, on multiple occasions. After advising the undercover detective that he could procure additional narcotics and firearms, Lyons sold him a loaded handgun and prescription pills. As a previously convicted felon, Lyons was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josephine W. Thomas.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Seminole Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Michael J. Charniak (50, Seminole) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for transporting and receiving child pornography over the Internet. Charniak was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release, following his incarceration, and to register as a sex offender. The sentence was imposed consecutive to the 15-year sentence Charniak is currently serving in the Florida Department of Corrections for a 2009 sexual battery conviction. Charniak pleaded guilty to the federal offense on January 23, 2014.
According to court documents, Charniak traded numerous videos and images of child pornography from multiple email addresses between 2002 and 2009. In October 2009, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Charniak’s residence. During an interview, he confessed to downloading and transporting child pornography.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Melbourne Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Alan Gregory Ender (58, Melbourne) to 50 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography. He was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release and ordered to comply with Sex Offender Registration and Notification. He pleaded guilty to the charges on November 14, 2013.
According to court documents, this investigation began when an Internet website reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a specific Internet Protocol (IP) address was engaged in downloading child pornography. Law enforcement determined the location of the IP address and interviewed Ender. Ender admitted to downloading and possessing child pornography for a period of two to three years. He also admitted to producing child pornography. In order to produce the child pornography, Ender lured two six-year old neighborhood girls to his home with candy. He then took explicit photographs of the girls on his bed.
Following the execution of a search warrant, Ender’s computers and cameras were seized and searched. A forensic examination of the computer revealed 151 image files and 1 movie file depicting pornographic images of the two young girls, which Ender produced using his cameras. The forensic examination further revealed an additional 477 movie files and 102 image files of child pornography.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Orlando Regional Operations Center. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Myrna Amelia Mesa.
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.usdoj.gov/psc.
Law Enforcement Officer and Three Others Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Corey A. Coley, Sr. to seven years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Coley was a Probation Officer for the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $671,022.99, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Coley pleaded guilty on January 15, 2014.
Coley’s co-conspirators, Albert E. Moore, Jr., Tigi Moore, and Mattie Philon previously pleaded guilty and were sentenced for their roles in this case. Albert Moore, Jr. was sentenced to 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment. Tigi Moore, who worked as a data integrity specialist at Tampa General Hospital, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison. Philon was sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment for her part in the scheme.
According to court documents, the co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud the government by submitting fraudulent tax returns and then using the resulting tax refunds for their own benefit and the benefit of others. Coley obtained identities used in the scheme from the information in the records of his former employer, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Tigi Moore also obtained identities used in the scheme from the information in the records of her former employer, Tampa General Hospital. In total, the conspirators received $671,022.99 of fraudulently obtained tax refunds and filed fraudulent returns requesting more than $1.8 million of tax refunds.
"Mr. Coley misused his position as a Juvenile Probation Officer to steal identities of people. These stolen identities were then used to file false tax returns in their names. Coley's brazen abuse of trust is reprehensible and inexcusable," said James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. "Coley's sentence today to 87 months in federal prison holds Mr. Coley accountable for his criminal actions. Individuals such as Albert Moore, Tigi Moore and Mattie Philon who commit identity theft and refund fraud of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. IRS-Criminal Investigation and its partners in the Tampa Bay Alliance, will continue to investigate those individuals is perpetrate this criminal conduct."
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.
Idaho Man Indicted for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Charles Keith Rolfe (60, Heyburn, Idaho) with distribution of child pornography. If convicted, Rolfe faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Rolfe that the United States intends to forfeit two cells phones which are alleged to have been used in the commission of his crimes.
According to the indictment and criminal complaint, in the summer of 2013, Rolfe began an online correspondence with an Orlando man. The two men discussed their mutual interest in child pornography and began trading images of child pornography via their cell phones. In October 2013, federal agents arrested the Orlando man for production, distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography, and took over the man’s online identities. In January 2014, posing as the Orlando man, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations began communicating with Rolfe via a Mobile Messaging Application (MMA). On February 28, 2014, as charged in the indictment, Rolfe sent an undercover agent images of child pornography through the MMA. Rolfe also wrote to the undercover agents about attempting to molest a young child. On April 2, 2014, federal agents arrested Rolfe in Idaho and transported him to the Middle District of Florida.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Three Hendry County Women Indicted for Conspiracy, Theft of Government Funds and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the arrest and unsealing of a fifteen-count indictment charging Roeshell Denise Williams, Sheree Peterson, and Yajaira Crespo, all of Clewiston, Florida, with conspiracy to make false claims to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for payment, and to embezzle and steal government funds. In addition, all three are charged with theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. Specifically, Williams is charged with one count of conspiracy and four counts of theft of government funds. Peterson is charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of theft of government funds and six counts of aggravated identity theft, and Crespo is charged with one count of conspiracy, two counts of theft of government funds and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the theft of government funds counts. They also face 2 years in prison for the aggravated identity theft charges, to be served consecutive to the other sentences imposed. The indictment also notifies Williams, Peterson and Crespo that the United States intends to forfeit any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to the indictment, between January 2012 and September 2012, Williams, Peterson and Crespo allegedly conspired with each other, and others, to file fraudulent tax returns in the names of individuals who did not authorize Williams, Peterson or Crespo to do so. The refunds from the fraudulent tax returns were then deposited into bank accounts controlled by Williams, Peterson or Crespo. The three then converted the funds for their personal use.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Pasco County School Employee Arrested on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Kenneth Dempsey (52, Port Richey) has been charged in a criminal complaint with receipt and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Dempsey faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Dempsey was arrested on April 21, 2014 and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Pizzo. A bond hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2014, at 2:00 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint, between August 2013 and April 2014, Dempsey used the Internet to send and receive multiple images of child pornography from his residence.
A criminal complaint is merely an informal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Five Plead Guilty to Theft from Union FundRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that five individuals pleaded guilty today to theft from an employee benefit plan. James McCall (32, Orange City), Ian Chase Dove (26, Orange City), Jason Wesson (37, Deltona), Michael Giesinger (36, Deltona), and Shane Riley (31, Deland) each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearings are scheduled for July 16, 2014.
According to court documents, Angela Deleon worked at Advance Administration, Inc. (AAI), which was the third-party administrator of an employee benefit plan for the Ironworkers Local 808. As the third-party administrator for the Ironworkers Local 808 Annuity Fund, AAI was responsible for processing members’ payment applications, paying the Fund’s bills, and speaking with union members. Deleon’s duties at AAI included data entry and the processing of payments.
Over a period of about fourteen months, Deleon wrote forty-six checks from the Fund, totaling over $427,000, to individuals who were not members of the Local 808 or participants in the Fund, including McCall, Dove, Wesson, Giesinger, and Riley. All five cashed the checks provided to them by Deleon and, in most cases, split the stolen proceeds with Deleon.
Deleon was previously sentenced to two years in federal prison for her participation in these crimes, ordered to pay $594,000 in restitution to the Ironworkers Local 808 Annuity Fund, and sentenced to a one-year term of supervision, following her incarceration. The restitution amount includes more than $427,000 that Deleon stole from the Fund, plus the amounts spent by the Fund to audit and reconstruct the records that were impacted by the scheme.
Four other individuals have been charged by indictment with conspiracy and theft from an employee benefit plan. Three of those individuals, Brandon Alfonso (28, Orange City), Marta Blackmer (70, Orange City), and Phillip Simmons (50, Orange City), are scheduled to begin trial in June 2014. Another, Jason Ferrari (33, Orange City), has not yet been arrested. If convicted, these defendants face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for each count.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Labor Racketeering and Fraud Investigations, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Riverview Woman Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore yesterday sentenced Ashley C. Guy (30) to 7 years in federal prison for committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also entered a money judgment against Guy in the amount of $309,895, the proceeds of the wire fraud and identity theft scheme. Guy pleaded guilty to the offenses on January 27, 2014.
According to court documents, Ashley C. Guy, a/k/a “Ashley C. Gay,” devised and participated in a scheme to defraud the United States out of tax refunds by using stolen identities to electronically file false federal income tax returns. During the execution of a search warrant at Guy’s residence, federal agents uncovered lists containing more than 200 names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, as well as at least 15 prepaid debit cards in the names of others. The search also revealed documents containing information on the filing of false tax returns, $1,500 in U.S. currency in a small safe located in the living room, and $642 in U.S. currency seized from a purse in Guy’s master bedroom. In addition, agents found a trash can on the back porch of the residence that had been used for burning documents related to the fraud. From the trash can, agents were able to recover a list of personal identifying information that had not been completely burned.
Between January 2012 and April 2013, approximately 100 false federal income tax returns were filed from Guy’s house, claiming $560,713 in tax refunds. Another 112 false returns, claiming $801,011 in refunds, were filed from different locations, but were linked to Guy based upon the stolen identities and prepaid debit cards found in her house. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was able to stop many of these fraudulent refund claims. Out of the total 212 returns claiming roughly $1,361,724 in refunds, the IRS was ultimately defrauded into paying $309,895.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Mueller and Trial Attorney Jason H. Poole of the Department of Justice, Tax Division.
North Port Couple Pleads Guilty to Filing A False Tax Refund ClaimRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that North Port residents James Dee Jaeger (62) and Lora Anne Jaeger (50) each pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of filing a false claim for tax refund. Each faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on March 31, 2009, James Dee Jaeger and Lora Anne Jaeger electronically filed a joint federal income tax return with the IRS falsely claiming a refund in the amount of $344,672. The false refund amount was based on a bogus theory that the U.S. banking system maintains “Remic Trust” accounts for U.S. citizens and that taxpayers can gain access to the accounts by issuing 1099-OID forms to the IRS. Under this theory, the taxpayer first files a false Form 1099 Original Issue Discount (OID), to justify a false refund claim on a corresponding tax return. In this case, the IRS did not issue the fraudulent tax refund claimed by the Jaegers.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. Mueller and Trial Attorney Kevin C. Lombardi of the Department of Justice, Tax Division.
Naples Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Armed Robbery of Florida Community BankRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced Marikevies McNichols (29, Naples) to 12 years and 10 months in federal prison for an armed bank robbery of the Florida Community Bank located at 5240 Golden Gate Parkway, in Naples, Florida, on November 28, 2012. McNichols’ co-defendant, Doodley Nazaire (24), also of Naples, received an identical sentence on September 30, 2013. Nazaire was arrested on November 29, 2012. McNichols was subsequently arrested on June 12, 2013.
Both men were originally indicted on January 23, 2013. Nazaire pleaded guilty to the offense in June 2013. McNichols pleaded guilty on January 8, 2014.According to court documents, on November 28, 2012, at approximately 7:54 AM, McNichols and Nazaire robbed the Florida Community Bank on Golden Gate Parkway, as the bank was preparing to open. Nazaire and McNichols forced their way into the bank and held two bank employees at gunpoint, while they robbed the bank. Nazaire and McNichols ordered the bank employees to give them money from different locations within the bank, while Nazaire kept the employees at gunpoint. After the money was gathered, as directed by McNichols and Nazaire, the employees were ordered into an office and directed to lie on the floor. McNichols and Nazaire fled the bank with a sum of money, attempted to bury the money nearby, and continued their flight. Law enforcement later located and recovered the majority of the money, where it had been partially buried.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.
Two Winter Garden Men Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that yesterday a federal jury found Linell Devon Lowe (22) and Latavis Deyonta Mackroy (20) guilty of conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act robbery and the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robbery. Both men face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for the robbery, plus a mandatory minimum, consecutive sentence of 7 years, up to life in prison, on the firearm offense. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2014.
Lowe and Mackroy were indicted on December 11, 2013. A third person, who acted as lookout during the robbery, pleaded guilty on February 24, 2014.
According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, on May 23, 2013, Lowe and Mackroy, armed with a firearm and a hammer, robbed the Value Pawn and Jewelry located at 2200 E. Semoran Boulevard, in Apopka, Florida. During the course of the robbery, they made death threats and intimidated two employees and a customer. Mackroy repeatedly hit a customer with a hammer, and then stole approximately 100 pieces of gold and diamond jewelry, while Lowe pointed a gun at the manager, and stole the cash from the registers.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Apopka Police Department, with assistance from both the Winter Garden Police and Orlando Police Departments. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
Turkish National Extradited from the Republic of Georgia Pleads Guilty to Computer Hacking and Credit Card Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Alper Erdogan (35, a Turkish citizen residing in Baku, Azerbaijan) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer hacking, conspiracy to commit credit card fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Erdogan faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
Erdogan was originally indicted in September 2012.
According to the plea agreement, in September 2010, the United States Secret Service (USSS) learned that the computer servers of a hotel in San Diego, California had been hacked and that malicious software had stored credit card magnetic track data, which was then remotely accessed and eventually used at retail stores throughout the United States. In a series of prosecutions related to United States v. Chad Warner, et al., the government prosecuted and secured convictions against 17 individuals who used the stolen credit card numbers in the United States.
As the investigation progressed, agents learned that the conspirators in the United States purchased the stolen credit card account numbers from Erdogan, who was then located in Azerbaijan, and made in excess of $1.2 million in fraudulent credit card charges in about nine months, between June 2010 and the execution of federal search warrants in March 2011. During the course of the charged conspiracies, Erdogan provided individuals throughout the United States with thousands of stolen and hacked credit card numbers and the personal information of Americans. In doing so, Erdogan entered into a conspiracy with hackers located in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Erdogan perpetrated his offenses and communicated with his conspirators solely over the Internet, acting as a broker and providing the stolen and hacked information to individuals in the United States for the purpose of allowing them to commit fraud.
In February 2014, Erdogan was extradited from the Republic of Georgia, where he had travelled from Azerbaijan, to the United States to face the charges alleged in this case.
Dennis Ramos Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Orlando Field Office stated, “The Secret Service is committed to pursuing cybercrime cases. There is no doubt that our economic vitality and national security depend on cyber security. We are committed to these interests and will pursue cyber criminals regardless of where they may be physically located on the globe.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance with the extradition. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Six Individuals Involved in A Prison Tax Refund Scheme Indicted and ArrestedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging six individuals with conspiracy to defraud the government. Laura Wright (70, Lecanto), Tiffani Manning (30, Jacksonville), Silvester Bowens (48, Jacksonville), Christopher Wyant (38, Morristown, TN), and Tabatha Dubois (33, Morristown, TN) were all arrested on April 15, 2014. Chad R. Heins was arrested this morning. Heins, Manning, Bowens and Dubois also face charges of theft of public money and aiding and abetting the theft of public money. If convicted of the conspiracy charge, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The theft of public money counts each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment, as well.
According to the indictment, the above named individuals agreed, combined and conspired with each other and inmates Ronald Rodgers, a/k/a “Ronnie” and “Arthur Pellerin,” John Wright and others to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by obtaining and attempting to obtain the payment of false federal income tax refunds. The amounts claimed on the federal income tax returns included expected income tax refunds ranging between $5,762 and $24,794. It was part of the conspiracy that inmate Ronald Rodgers and other persons would cause the IRS to send fraudulently obtained income tax refunds via direct deposit, into several accounts opened and controlled by some of the conspirators, including Heins, Manning, Bowens and Dubois. The intended losses totaled approximately $6.8 million.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
The case was investigated by The Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase is handling the prosecution of this case.
Click HERE for indictment.
Riverview Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Bank/Mail Fraud Relating to Real Estate MortgagesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Alejandro Matos (43, Riverview) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire, mail, and bank fraud. Matos faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Matos worked as a mortgage broker and loan processor for a company in Tampa, Florida. In that capacity, he assisted in the preparation of loan documents and documentation to various mortgage lenders on behalf of clients. In October 2007, Matos assisted two clients in purchasing a residence at 2304 West Flora Street, Tampa, Florida. Matos assisted in the preparation and submission of a Uniform Residential Loan Application in aid of that purchase, which contained numerous false and fraudulent representations related to the purchaser’s place of employment and income. Matos submitted those statements to HSBC Mortgage Corporation in connection with that mortgage application.
In November, 2007, a Uniform Residential Loan Application was submitted to Washington Mutual Bank, N.A. (“WAMU) in support of an application by the same client, who was seeking to obtain financing for the purchase of a condominium unit at the Arbors, in Carrollwood. In support of that application, a number of false and fraudulent representations were made to the lender. At or about the same time, Matos also aided in the submission of other false or fraudulent documents to WAMU, in support of an application by another company client to purchase another condominium unit at the Arbors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Pill Mill Doctor Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that following a 14-day trial, a federal jury yesterday found Ronald John Heromin (58, Brandon) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and dispense Oxycodone and Alprazolam, not for legitimate medical purposes, and not in the usual course of professional practice. Heromin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, the forfeiture of his Florida Medical License, his DEA Registration and money seized during the investigation. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 24, 2014.
Heromin was indicted on October 26, 2011.
According to evidence presented at trial, from late 2009 through October of 2011, Heromin was the prescribing physician at several pain management clinics in the Tampa Bay and Miami areas, including Gulfshore Pain Management on Habana Avenue, the Tampa Bay Medical Center on Himes Avenue, and the Tampa Bay Wellness Centre on Martin Luther King Boulevard, in Tampa; the Hope for Life Wellness Center in Miami, and the St. Mary’s Medical Institute in Hialeah, Florida. During that time, Heromin issued thousands of prescriptions for very large doses of Oxycontin, Oxycodone and Alprazolam, to drug addicts and members of doctor shopping organizations who often traveled hundreds of miles from as far away as Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee to obtain the prescriptions. Over 500,000 Oxycodone pills and 230,000 Alprazolam pills, prescribed by Heromin during that time, were filled at a single pharmacy (“VIP Pharmacy”) on Martin Luther King Boulevard, in Tampa. Owners and operators of the Tampa Bay Wellness Centre and the VIP Pharmacy have previously been convicted of federal conspiracy and money laundering charges.
This case was investigated by a Joint Task Force, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tampa Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Franklin County Sherriff’s Office in Columbus, Ohio. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy J.M. Peluso.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Charges in Connection with Mailing Firearms to the U.S. Virgin IslandsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Quem Stephen Clive Dixon (24, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement to a firearms dealer, three counts of transferring a firearm across state lines, and one count of selling a firearm to a convicted felon. Dixon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment on each false statement count, 5 years in prison on each count of transferring a firearm to a nonresident, and 10 years’ imprisonment on the single count of selling a firearm to a convicted felon.
Dixon was indicted on February 5, 2014.
According to court documents, Dixon purchased firearms from Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs) between the dates of October 18, 2012 and November 1, 2013. During these purchases, Dixon lied on multiple Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives forms (ATF Form 4473) so that he could obtain firearms for a convicted felon residing in the U.S. Virgin Islands, whom had recently been released from jail following a manslaughter conviction. Dixon mailed these firearms from Orlando to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Orlando, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Virgin Islands Police Department and Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.Heroin Dealer Endangering Children Sentenced to More Than 18 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell yesterday sentenced Damion Rashaad Carder (36, Cocoa) to 18 years and 9 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin. The court also ordered Carder to abandon any interest he had in firearms and ammunition recovered when he was arrested.
Carder pleaded guilty on December 20, 2013.
According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, Carder was on supervised release as a result of his 2006 conviction in federal court for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine. Despite being under supervision, Carder sold heroin from his home, which was approximately one block away from the Joe Lee Smith Park and Recreation Center, and has a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball court, gymnasium, and community center on the property. Carder would deal heroin when the Center was open. After thinking that he was going to be arrested, Carder placed two firearms and ammunition in a car with two children, approximately 8 and 10 years old, and told the driver to leave the area. Law enforcement stopped the driver and recovered the firearms shortly before arresting Carder, with more than 200 grams of heroin.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.
Debary Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Steven George Higbee (52, Debary) yesterday to 7 ½ years in federal prison for firearm and drug offenses, including possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence protection order, attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Higbee pleaded guilty on January 24, 2014.
According to court documents, on September 6, 2013 and September 12, 2013, in a store parking lot in Seminole County, Higbee possessed and sold a total of four firearms to another individual. Higbee also told this individual that he was interested in trading firearms for cocaine. On October 1, 2013, Higbee met this same individual a third time and gave him four firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, in exchange for approximately four ounces of cocaine. Shortly after receiving the cocaine, Higbee was arrested and the cocaine and firearms were recovered. During an interview following his arrest, Higbee admitted to law enforcement that he intended to sell the cocaine to individuals in Pennsylvania and New York.
At the time of these offenses, there was a valid domestic violence protection order issued against Higbee. As such, he was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition under federal law.This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Three California Residents Arrested, Charged with Sex Trafficking of an Orlando MinorRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment against Vincent Hudson, a/k/a “Goldie,” (44, Stockton, CA), Patricia Poulson, a/k/a “Moët Diamonds,” (22, Stockton, CA), and Jessica McCrary, a/k/a “Amber Snow” (20, Stockton, CA). Hudson is charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor to engage in prostitution, and two counts of commission of a felony offense involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender. Poulson and McCrary are charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
All three individuals were arrested in the Eastern District of California and will make their initial appearances at the federal courthouse in Sacramento, California.
According to the indictment, between on or about November 8, 2013 and December 18, 2013, the above named individuals recruited, enticed, and transported “Minor A” from Orlando, Florida to Louisiana and, ultimately, California for the purpose of engaging in prostitution. The indictment further alleges that Hudson committed the offenses after being required to register as a sex offender.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haas.
(Download Factual Basis )
Jacksonville Men Charged in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Juan Miguel Ruiz and Roberto Bisono with conspiracy and theft of government property in connection with the cashing of numerous federal income tax refund checks that were issued on false and fraudulent tax returns. The conspiracy count carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison, and each of the 17 theft counts carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The indictment also notifies Ruiz and Bisono that the United States intends to seek a money judgment of approximately $711,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, between November 2011 and April 2012, Bisono obtained U.S. Treasury checks that were mailed to bogus taxpayers in New York, based on false and fraudulent tax returns. The indictment alleges that Bisono then furnished 111 such checks to Ruiz. The indictment further alleges that Ruiz, who operated a check cashing business on Beach Boulevard, deposited the checks into his business bank account in Jacksonville. Ruiz then took proceeds from the deposits by making cash withdrawals and by writing checks payable to cash. He also allegedly wrote checks to Bisono and other persons associated with Bisono.
On April 15, 2014, Bisono had an initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joel B. Toomey and was released on bond. On March 19, 2014, Ruiz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James R. Klindt and was released on bond. A trial has been scheduled for June 2014 before United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville office of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale R. Campion.
(Download Factual Basis )
Tarpon Springs Man Sentenced to More Than 10 Years for False Invoice SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Otto Biltres (42, Tarpon Springs) to ten years and one month in federal prison for wire fraud and identity theft. As part of the sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $2.7 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Biltres pleaded guilty on November 25, 2013.
According to court documents, during a three-year period, Biltres, the owner of Biltres Staffing of Tampa Bay, LLC (Biltres Staffing), a temporary employee staffing company, submitted a series of false and fraudulent invoices to TempPay Inc., an Ohio based factoring company. “Factoring” is a financial transaction in which a business sells its accounts receivable (invoices) to a third party (the factor) at a discount. The factor advances a percentage of the face amount of the invoice to the business and collects the full amount from the customer in due course. The factor then pays the balance to the business minus the factor’s commission and other fees. The invoices in this case purportedly related to four companies to which Biltres was supplying temporary employees. In truth, Biltres’s company had no business relationship with those entities. In order to create the illusion that the bogus invoices were genuine, Biltres opened post office boxes, bank accounts, e-mail accounts and websites in the names of the purported client companies. He gradually increased the amounts of the fraudulent invoices over time, and used proceeds obtained through later fraudulent invoices to repay earlier fraudulent invoices. When the scheme was detected, TempPay suffered a loss in excess of $2.7 million.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bob Mosakowski.
Jacksonville Child Sex Offender Faces Federal Charges for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that a federal grand jury last week returned an indictment charging Christopher Richard Cloonan (44, Jacksonville) with three counts of using a minor to produce images depicting child pornography, one count of possessing child pornography, and three counts of committing a felony offense involving a minor while being required to register as a sex offender. As a result of his prior child sex convictions, Cloonan faces a mandatory sentence of life in federal prison on each of the four production counts, a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession count, and additional terms of 10 years in prison for each of the sex offense counts.
Cloonan was arrested for his current offenses on March 12, 2014, at his residence in Jacksonville, and has been in custody on related state charges since that time.
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 until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C., the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
(Download Factual Basis )
Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Credit Card Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway yesterday sentenced Andre Aldain Flemming (23, Brooklyn, NY), Jim Lee Jean (21, Margate), and Harry Cancel-Velez (24, Kissimmee) for their roles in an access device fraud conspiracy. Flemming was sentenced to 4 years’ imprisonment, Jean was sentenced to a term of 2 years in prison and Cancel-Velez was sentenced to 1 year in prison. All three individuals pleaded guilty between December 2013 and January 2014.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Flemming, Jean, and Cancel-Velez participated in a conspiracy that involved the production of counterfeit credit or debit cards using account numbers belonging to other individuals, which were obtained online. Flemming acted as the leader of the conspiracy and produced the counterfeit cards using compromised account numbers. Once Flemming produced the counterfeit cards, he provided them to Jean, Cancel-Velez, and other co-conspirators. The individuals then used the cards to make fraudulent purchases at retail stores. The co-conspirators provided the fraudulently purchased merchandise to Flemming. Flemming then paid them a fee and then sold the merchandise on the street for a profit.
On April 3, 2014, three other indicted co-conspirators, Nicholas Aaron Brown, Donald Napoleon, and Renington Javier Noa were also sentenced to federal prison as part of this investigation. Brown and Napoleon were both sentenced to 2 years in federal prison. Noa was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Pair Indicted for Distributing Hundreds of Pounds of Marijuana in Sarasota, Hillsborough, and Polk CountiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Aaron Edwin Remaley (39, Riverview) and Michael Allen Babiarz (42, Sarasota) with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, from at least August 2012 through April 2014, Remaley and Babiarz conspired with each other, and with others, to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in Sarasota, Hillsborough and Polk Counties.
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 until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Patrick Scruggs.
Jacksonville Man Charged with Federal Human Trafficking, Drug, and Firearms ViolationsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Mario Javon Heatly (32, Jacksonville) with human trafficking, drug, and firearms offenses. If convicted on all counts, Heatly faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Heatly that the United States intends to forfeit three firearms recovered by law enforcement.
According to the indictment, between March and November 2013, Heatly used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause a female victim to engage in commercial sex acts. The indictment also alleges that on different occasions, in 2013 and 2014, Heatly used local hotel rooms for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin. It further alleges the he unlawfully possessed firearms during his stays at the Jacksonville-area hotels. Heatly was previously convicted of eight separate felonies in Duval County, and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by a joint human trafficking task force comprised of investigators from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III.
U.S. Attorney Hosts Human Trafficking and Domestic Sex Trafficking Forum During National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida — April 6 marks the beginning of National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. This year’s theme—30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice—presents a perfect opportunity to salute the Tampa Bay area law enforcement and victims’ services community in their long-term commitment to aid crime victims. As part of this week’s nationwide activities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida today hosted a forum bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement experts and victims’ services providers to educate members of the community on human trafficking and domestic sex trafficking. The half-day forum included a victim’s perspective, a law enforcement investigative and prosecutorial overview, an insight into the forensics interview process, and resources for assisting victims of human and sex trafficking. U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III opened the forum by discussing human and sex trafficking in Florida and highlighted ways in which federal, state, and local public safety agencies, along with the greater community can work together to raise awareness and help combat the issue.
“Human trafficking takes many forms,” said U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III. “In order to tackle this problem, we must collaborate with our partners on all fronts – from education and prevention, to enforcement, prosecution and the recovery of victims.”
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi joined U.S. Attorney Bentley in addressing the need for greater collaboration among stakeholders. Since 2013, the Office of the Florida Attorney General has been engaged in a statewide initiative to educate Floridians on the dangers of child exploitation through its “From Instant Message to Instant Nightmare” campaign. The initiative is dedicated to making Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking and elicits the cooperation of parents, businesses, and citizens.
"I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Bentley for his leadership in bringing together everyone who has a role in assisting human trafficking victims,” said Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I am dedicated to eradicating human trafficking in Florida, and by opening the lines of communication among federal, state and local agencies, we can enhance our efforts to end this horrific crime."
According to reports compiled by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), U.S. Department of Justice-led federal investigations and human trafficking charges have increased in recent years. Since 2008, the Middle District of Florida has prosecuted several notable cases, resulting in significant prison sentences for offenders involved in sex trafficking:- United States vs. Weylin O. Rodriguez – Life imprisonment
- United States vs. Ian Sean Gordon – Life imprisonment
- United States vs. Marvin Madkins – 50 years
- United States vs. Eric Bell – 30 years
- United States vs. Andrew Fields - 34 years
- United States vs. Tyrone Townsend – 26 years and 8 months
- United States vs. Ruel Brown – 15 years and 8 months
Only 30 years ago, crime victims had virtually no rights and no assistance. Today, our nation has made dramatic progress in securing rights, protections, and services for victims. Every state has enacted victims’ rights laws and all have victim compensation programs. More than 10,000 victim service agencies now help people throughout the country. In 1984, Congress passed the bipartisan Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which created a national fund to ease victims’ suffering. Now, once-hidden crimes, like domestic and sexual violence, hate and bias crimes, bullying, and sex and labor trafficking, among others, are receiving greater attention and additional resources.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be held April 6–12 in communities throughout the nation. OVC encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For more ideas on how to volunteer to help crime victims, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, www.ovc.gov.
Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to 20 Years for Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Curtis Lee Dallas (32, Orlando) to 20 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possessing that firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Dallas to forfeit the Taurus pistol and 9mm ammunition he possessed at the time of his arrest. A federal jury found Dallas guilty on April 30, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on the evening of February 16, 2012, officers with the Orlando Police Department pulled Dallas over for a suspected window tint violation. When one of the officers approached Dallas’ vehicle, the officer smelled marijuana and saw that Dallas, seated in the driver’s seat, had marijuana sprinkled across his lap. The officer also realized that Dallas was hiding something in his mouth. Dallas refused to get out of the car and struggled with the officer. After removing Dallas from the car, the officer located a loaded 9mm pistol tucked into a holster, clipped to his pants. During a subsequent search of Dallas and the vehicle, officers found several plastic bags filled with marijuana, a plastic bag filled with crack cocaine, almost $1,000 in cash, and a 50-count box of 9mm bullets. After Dallas was arrested, he also spit out a plastic bag filled with powder cocaine that he had hidden in his mouth.
At the time of his arrest, Dallas had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Jacksonville Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Charles Franklin Hudson, Jr. (38, Jacksonville) with four counts of using a minor to produce videos depicting child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. Hudson was arrested on January 8, 2014, and has been in custody on related state charges since that time. His arraignment and detention hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2014 at 10:30 a.m., before United States Magistrate Judge Monte C. Richardson in Jacksonville.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 17, 2011 through on or about June 28, 2012, Hudson, on at least four separate occasions, did knowingly employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual materials 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 until, and unless, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
U.S. Attorney, Along with Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Hosts Forum on Human Trafficking and Domestic Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
*******MEDIA ADVISORY*******
WHO:
A. Lee Bentley, III, United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
Law Enforcement Personnel
Victim Services Providers
WHAT:
Public Safety Forum
In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with members of the public safety and victims’ services community, will present an overview of human trafficking and domestic sex trafficking.WHEN:
Thuraday, April 10, 2014,
8:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M. (EST)
WHERE:
Keiser University
5002 W. Waters Avenue
(Auditorium)
Tampa, FL 33634OPEN PRESS [DESIGNATED AREA]
(Reserved Parking for Media Vehicles in rear of main building)
NOTE: All media must present government-issued photo I.D. (such as a driver’s license).
Media may begin arriving at 7:30 A.M. EST.(Download Flyer and Agenda )
Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years for Possession of A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Quinton Justin Davis (27, Sarasota) to 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Davis pleaded guilty on January 21, 2014.
According to court documents, on October 17, 2013, officers from the Sarasota Police Department arrested Davis on an outstanding warrant. Pursuant to the arrest, they located a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun in his waistband. Davis had previously been convicted of multiple felonies prior to his October 2013 arrest, including drug trafficking and firearm offenses, and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. It is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to reduce violent crime and improving the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Two Charged in $6 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Brian Newton (56, Port Orange) and Victoria Snow (54, Clearwater) with conspiracy, mail fraud and wire fraud. Newton and Snow were arrested today and will make their initial appearances in federal court, in Orlando, this afternoon. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Newton and Snow worked on behalf of Dataforce International, Inc. Dataforce had a contract to “factor” its invoices at Amerifactors Financial Group. “Factoring” is a financial transaction by which a business sells its accounts receivables, such as invoices, to a third party (called a factor) at a discount. The accounts receivable is created when a business performs services or sells goods to a client. The factor provides financing to the seller of the invoice in the form of an advance. Once an invoice has been factored by a business, the business will typically arrange to have the client pay the third party factor directly.
From 2003 until August 2009, Newton and Snow allegedly submitted a series of invoices for factoring, to Amerifactors, that were inflated and that did not reflect work that had been performed by Dataforce. In addition, Newton and Snow engaged in “double factoring,” which involved submitting the same Dataforce invoice for factoring to both Amerifactors and Prestige Funding. To deceive Amerifactors and Prestige Funding into funding those invoices, Newton and Snow allegedly submitted altered work orders to Amerifactors and falsely represented that Dataforce had an arrangement to factor its invoices with Prestige Funding. By executing this scheme, Newton and Snow were able to defraud Amerifactors, Prestige Funding, and the investors of Prestige Funding out of more than $6 million.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Colombian Man Pleads Guilty to International Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Luis Alberto Marulanda-Cardona (54, Colombia) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Marulanda faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, beginning in February 2009, Marulanda had a contract with a Colombian drug trafficking organization, where Marulanda’s associates picked up bulk cash in the amount of 100,000€ (Euros) a week, in the Netherlands. Two months later, a DEA confidential source met with Marulanda in Madrid, Spain. Marulanda advised the confidential source that two small shipments of cocaine had been seized in Portugal, by Portuguese authorities, and that one of his main associates had been arrested. Marulanda stated that as a result of the seizure and arrests, his operations had been suspended in Spain and Portugal. DEA’s Madrid Country Office confirmed that Portuguese authorities had seized several shipments of cocaine, in the amounts and on the dates consistent with those mentioned by Marulanda. Marulanda then moved his operations to Italy. He told the confidential source that his organization sent cocaine to Rome every week aboard commercial planes and that he would return to Rome where he would pick up a large amount of currency. Marulanda requested that the confidential source meet him in Rome, at which time Marulanda would give the source 650,000€ to be laundered. As part of the conspiracy, Marulanda requested assistance to move the narcotics proceeds, in bulk, through New York City, Atlanta, and Orlando into Hong Kong banks and Panama City, Panama. The total amount of funds that Marulanda attempted to launder is $2,973,285.
This case was investigated by the DEA’s Orlando District Office, with assistance from DEA’s Rome Country Office, Madrid Country Office, Lisbon Country Office, Bogota Country Office, Hong Kong Country Office and Panama Country Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.
Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Credit Card Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway yesterday sentenced Nicholas Aaron Brown (19, Queens, NY), Donald Napoleon (21, Winter Haven), and Renington Javier Noa (26, Orlando) for their roles in an access device fraud conspiracy. Brown and Napoleon were both sentenced to 2 years in federal prison. Noa was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison. The court also ordered each to serve a 2-year term of supervised release, following incarceration, and to pay restitution to the victims of this conspiracy. All three individuals pleaded guilty in December 2013.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Brown, Napoleon, and Noa participated in a conspiracy that involved the production of counterfeit credit or debit cards using account numbers belonging to other individuals, which were obtained online. A separately indicted co-conspirator, Andre Aldain Flemming, was the leader of the conspiracy. Flemming obtained the compromised account numbers online from individuals overseas. Members of the conspiracy, including Brown, wired money to individuals overseas to pay for these account numbers. Once Flemming acquired the account numbers, he produced the counterfeit credit or debit cards and provided them to Brown, Napoleon, Noa, and other co-conspirators. The individuals then used the cards to make fraudulent purchases at retail stores. The co-conspirators provided the fraudulently purchased merchandise to Flemming. Flemming paid them a fee and then sold the merchandise on the street for a profit.
Flemming was indicted with additional co-conspirators in a separate case. He pleaded guilty to access device fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft on January 9, 2014. His sentencing hearing is scheduled on April 10, 2014.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
St. Johns County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Christopher Scott O’Brien, II (age 23, St. Johns) yesterday pleaded guilty to receiving child pornography over the Internet. O’Brien faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervision. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, an agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Jacksonville began an undercover investigation to identify individuals in that area who had access to and/or were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a host computer in the area was hosting images of child pornography using a particular peer-to-peer file sharing program. The agent made successful connections to the host computer and successfully downloaded several video files depicting child pornography directly from the host computer. Further investigation revealed that the subscriber information traced back to O’Brien’s residence in St. Johns, Florida.
On February 26, 2013, FBI agents and other officers executed a search warrant at O’Brien’s residence and seized, among other things, several computers and other items of electronic media. O’Brien was at the residence and told the agents that he uses the same file sharing program as the one detected by the undercover agent. He stated that he only downloads videos and believed that he had four or five videos of child pornography on his computer, which he repeatedly watched and saved. He added that the children depicted in his collection of child pornography ranged from 8 to 15 years of age.
A subsequent analysis of O’Brien’s computer revealed that it contained approximately 838 videos, at least 50 of which depicted minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Distribution of Child Pornography in Xbox StingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida– United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Scott Anthony Estes (19, New Berlin, Illinois) was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. He was also ordered to serve a life term of supervision, following his incarceration. Estes pleaded guilty in November 2013.
According to the plea agreement, Estes began contact with a 10-year-old boy on Xbox Live. Estes attempted to convince the child to engage in a sexual relationship. The child told his father about the conversation, and the father contacted law enforcement. Acting in an undercover capacity, agents initiated an investigation and continued communication with Estes. Believing that he was still talking to the child, Estes sent videos depicting child pornography and images of his genitalia.
Estes was arrested by law enforcement on March 22, 2013. During an interview, he stated that he had met the child while playing a video game played on Xbox. Estes also admitted to sending a picture of his genitalia to the child, as well as child pornography videos. He stated that he had asked the child to send naked pictures of himself. Estes also said that he had been in communication with a 13-year-old boy in Texas, and that he had met that child while playing Xbox as well.
Following Estes’ arrest, a search warrant was conducted on his e-mail address. An examination of his e-mail account showed that he distributed child pornography to numerous persons between July 2012 and March of 2013. Among the images and videos of child pornography distributed, several included pornographic videos that Estes had produced himself, while sexually abusing at least two children. A forensic review of Estes’ cellular telephone showed that he possessed more than 1,200 images of child pornography, including images depicting infants being sexually abused. A majority of the images of child pornography depict children between the ages of three and eight.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Former Apartment Complex Manager Indicted for Embezzlement of Public Housing FundsRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Liliam Patricia Urbina (46, Sanford) with theft and embezzlement concerning programs receiving federal funds. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Urbina that the United States intends to forfeit $80,168.16, which is alleged to be the funds she obtained through the offense.
According to the indictment, Urbina was employed as the manager of an apartment complex (“Tuscany at Aloma”) owned and operated by the Winter Park Housing Authority, which receives federal funding and provides affordable housing. As the manager, she collected rent from tenants of the apartment complex. The indictment alleges that beginning on or about October 2011 through on or about March 2013, Urbina used the rent payments provided to her by tenants, for her own purposes. Among other things, she deposited the money orders that she received from tenants into bank accounts which she controlled, cashed the money orders, and used them to pay her own rent and purchase a vehicle.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
U.S. Lawyer Sentenced in International Investment Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven yesterday sentenced Lawrence S. Hartman, a/k/a Larry Hartman, a/k/a Larry Hart, a/k/a Lawrence Scott Hartman-Grosser (48, Costa Rica; a U.S. lawyer formerly of New York and Florida), to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. The court also ordered Hartman to forfeit his interest in his residence in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, a parcel of land located in Pasco County, several offshore entities, several foreign and domestic bank accounts, two vehicles (2009 Jaguar XKR; 2010 Genesis LX150ST3), three luxury watches, and more than $129,500 from the sale of a condominium – all of which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $42.5 million, which represents proceeds of the mail and wire fraud conspiracy.
Hartman was charged in March 2009. In May 2013, he was arrested by Nicaraguan authorities. Hartman was deported from Nicaragua and turned over to U.S. authorities on May 15, 2013. His apprehension and expulsion was achieved through the joint cooperation of various agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Diplomatic Security, U.S. Embassy Managua, INTERPOL Washington, and the Nicaraguan National Police. He pleaded guilty on November 20, 2013.
According to evidence and testimony presented at the trials of Hartman’s co-conspirators, from at least as early as July 2004 through at least March 13, 2008, Hartman, along with Paul Robert Gunter (Odessa, Florida), Simon Andrew Odoni (originally of the UK), Richard Sinclair Pope (originally of the UK) and others, engaged in a sophisticated investment fraud and money laundering scheme. The scheme involved worthless stock in hijacked dormant publicly-traded companies in the United States that was sold to victim-investors, primarily in the United Kingdom. The scheme used boiler room telemarketers, mostly in Spain, who employed high pressure and misleading sales techniques. The victim-investors wired more than $127 million to Gunter's bank accounts in the Middle District of Florida. Hartman and his co-conspirators used the victim-investors' funds to perpetuate the fraud scheme and for their own personal enrichment. Victim-investors' funds were used to buy, among other things, luxury items including an airplane, two vessels, vehicles, including the Jaguar and a Ferrari, and real property in the Caribbean islands, England, and Florida.
Gunter and Odoni proceeded to trial in April 2013. Both were convicted of multiple criminal offenses, following a 19-day jury trial. On July 30, 2013, Gunter was sentenced to 25 years, and Odoni was sentenced to 13 years and 3 months in federal prison. Pope, who pleaded guilty, cooperated and testified for the government, and was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison. The court also ordered all three individuals to forfeit their interests in real property and bank accounts in the U.S. and abroad, as well as other assets purchased with fraud proceeds.
In another related trial that took place in May 2012, Houston lawyers Roger Lee Shoss and Nicolette Loisel were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with their participation in the corporate identity theft aspect of the scheme. As part of the investigation, federal agents seized nearly $5 million in U.S. currency. The court previously granted the government's request to use these assets, as well as those forfeited by Hartman, to help compensate victims for their losses.
“This case truly demonstrates the collaborative effort of federal and international law enforcement partners throughout the world” said Shane Folden, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Tampa. “HSI is committed to bring individuals like Hartman, who prey on some of our most vulnerable citizens, to justice.”
“Mr. Hartman is the last piece of this long term investigation,” said John W. Joyce, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Secret Service, Tampa Field Office. “Several agencies worked tirelessly for many years to bring Hartman and others to justice and to provide restitution to the victim investors in this case. These criminals will all serve just sentences for the fraudulent schemes they devised and live differently than the opulent lifestyles they grew accustomed to.”
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tampa, Florida, as well as the U.S. Secret Service, Tampa, Florida and Newark, New Jersey Field Offices. The government received assistance from several other authorities, including the City of London Police, the UK's Serious Fraud Office and Norfolk Constabulary, the Spanish National Police, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Ontario Securities Commission, and the British Columbia Securities Commission. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Jamaican Drug Courier Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that yesterday a federal jury found Santana James (23, Montego Bay, Jamaica) guilty of conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute, and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. James faces a minimum sentence of five years, up to a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2014. James was indicted on August 27, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on August 13, 2013, James traveled from Montego Bay, Jamaica to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida with cocaine. An investigation revealed that she swallowed approximately a half kilogram of cocaine in more than eighty saran wrapped pellets, wore altered undergarments with more than a kilogram of cocaine concealed within them, and inserted a cylinder shaped package filled with cocaine into her body. James brought the cocaine into the United States at the behest of Horace Anthony Troupe, another Jamaican national. Once James arrived with the cocaine, Troupe added it to cocaine brought in by his other drug couriers.
On August 18, 2013, Troupe and co-defendant Antonio Richards were arrested in St. Petersburg, Florida, with 7.5 kilograms of cocaine contained in six individually wrapped packages. Both Troupe and Richards previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. They are scheduled to be sentenced later this month.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office HIDTA Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shauna S. Hale and Carlton Gammons.
It was prosecuted as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation's drug supply.
Former Substitute Teacher Sentenced to More Than 16 Years for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard yesterday sentenced Eddie Battles (26, Valdosta, Georgia) to 16 years and 2 months in federal prison for eleven counts of armed robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Battles pleaded guilty on June 20, 2013.
According to court documents, Battles started robbing Dollar General stores in and around South Georgia and North Florida in November 2011. In most of the robberies, he used a loaded Hi-Point 9mm pistol. Battles acted alone until March 2012, when his brother, Eric Williams, joined in the robberies. Together, Battles and Williams robbed four Dollar General stores and one Family Dollar store in North Florida, during March and April 2012. They were caught and arrested after a robbery in Welborn, Florida on April 18, 2012.
Battles had worked as a substitute teacher in Valdosta during the time he committed the robberies. He also previously worked as an assistant manager at the Dollar General store in Lake Park, Georgia. The Lake Park store was the first one he robbed.
Eric Williams pleaded guilty for his role in the offenses on August 21, 2013, and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 14, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III, along with Julie Leon, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
This case is also a part of ATF’s Frontline strategy to consolidate limited law enforcement resources by deconflicting cases and coordinating efforts in critical communities.
Air Force Senior Airman Convicted of Child Sex OffenseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Air Force Senior Airman Jason Alan Hargrove (27, Brandon) guilty of attempted enticement of a child for sex. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2014. Hargrove was indicted on January 8, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Hargrove posted an advertisement on a public website soliciting members of the public for sex. He attached a picture of his genitalia to the posting. An undercover officer, posing as a 14-year-old female in the 9th grade, responded to Hargrove’s posting, expressing interest. Upon learning the purported “child’s” age, Hargrove attempted to induce the “child” to engage in sexual acts with him, and discussed various sex acts with the “child.” Additionally, Hargrove repeatedly requested to visit the “child’s” home when he believed her mother wasn’t present. On October 27, 2013, Hargrove drove to what he believed to be the “child’s” home to engage in sexual acts with the “child” and was arrested.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
“Shattered Window Bandit” Sentenced to 193 Years for Multiple Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven yesterday sentenced Demetrius Renaldo Bowers (29, Tampa) to 193 years in federal prison for a string of eight armed robberies that he committed between September and November 2012 throughout the Tampa Bay area.
On June 26, 2013, a federal jury found Bowers guilty of sixteen robbery and firearms offenses.
According to evidence presented at trial, between September 23, 2012 and November 4, 2012, while armed with a black semi-automatic handgun, Bowers robbed eight fast-food franchise restaurants in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Hernando counties near the time the restaurants were closing. In each robbery, Bowers used a concrete block to smash the window of the victim business, wore a black ski mask covering his face, and held the victim-employees at gunpoint while demanding money. After the robbery of a Papa John's restaurant off of Gunn Highway in Tampa, law enforcement recovered the ski mask worn by the robber. DNA recovered from the ski mask positively matched Bowers. Law enforcement then obtained other evidence which identified him as the perpetrator of the other armed robberies.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Largo Police Department, and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Carlton C. Gammons.
Tampa Tax Fraudster Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Kesham Evans Jr. to two years in federal prison on one count of aggravated identity theft charged in connection with Evans cashing two fraudulent Treasury checks. Evans pleaded guilty on January 4, 2014.
According to court documents, on two occasions in July 2013, Evans sold a United States Treasury check, at a discounted price, to undercover law enforcement agents. These Treasury checks were issued as a result of tax returns filed in the names of individuals who were victims of identity theft. They had a total face value of more than $25,000. At least one of the victims confirmed that he did not file a tax return and that the Treasury check issued in his name was fraudulent. The victim did not know Evans nor did he authorize Evans to endorse a check issued in his name.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore yesterday sentenced Alexander Lenox to 7 years and 6 months in federal prison for theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. Lenox pleaded guilty on December 31, 2013.
According to court documents, Lenox engaged in stolen identity refund fraud from April 2009 to May 2011, with two co-conspirators. In particular, in May 2011, Lenox was responsible for renting two hotel rooms where lists of identifying information and prepaid debit cards containing fraudulently-obtained tax refunds were found. Also found in both rooms were medical records that had been stolen from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, containing the identifying information of U.S. veterans. Lenox was later captured by surveillance video at various locations withdrawing money from the debit cards with the fraudulently-obtained tax refunds on them. At sentencing, he was found responsible for fraudulent tax returns requesting more than $400,000 of government funds and victimizing more than fifty people.
After the sentencing hearing, Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes, Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, said "This case is the collective work of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to aggressively pursue those that commit identity theft. The fact that Lenox chose to victimize veterans is reprehensible."
"Alexander Lenox's sentencing of 7 ½ years is the result of the collaborative investigative effort of the Tampa Bay Alliance. Let this sentence be a warning to those individuals who continue to exploit members of our community and veterans," stated James Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. "IRS-Criminal Investigation and its partners will continue to investigate individuals, such as Lenox, who commit stolen identify refund fraud (SIRF)."
Lenox’s co-conspirators, James Early Smiley and Hantz Saint Marc, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case. On August 12, 2013, Smiley was sentenced to 61 months in federal prison. A sentencing hearing for Saint Marc is set for May 20, 2014.
This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.
Columbia County Man Sentenced to More Than 6 Years for Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced John George Sessine (59, Lake City) to 6 years and 3 months in federal prison for receiving images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minor children over the Internet. He was also sentenced to a 10-year term of supervision and ordered to register as a sex offender, following his incarceration. Sessine has been in custody since his arrest in Lake City on June 5, 2013.
According to court documents, on June 5, 2013, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at a residence occupied by Sessine, in Lake City, Florida. The FBI had previously learned that at least one computer using an Internet Protocol (IP) address that resolved to this residence was sharing videos of child pornography over the Internet. Sessine was at the residence and was interviewed by the agents. During an interview, Sessine stated that he used a particular file sharing program to download images and videos, and that the youngest child depicted on his computer was 10 or 12 years old. A forensic analysis of Sessine’s computer media revealed that he had collected 107 images and 104 videos of minor children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.