Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Sentenced in Connection with Sunshine Pharmacy Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced Delmer Holmes Parrish (44) and Patricia Parrish (74), both of Naples, for their roles in a conspiracy to commit health care fraud that operated from Sunshine Pharmacy in Naples, Florida. Delmer Holmes Parrish, a licensed Pharmacist, was sentenced to two years in federal prison. Patricia Parrish was sentenced three years of probation, to include 120 days of home confinement, and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. Both were also ordered to pay restitution to the United States in the amount of $351,358.14, the proceeds of the crime. Pursuant to their agreement, this amount was paid in full, immediately following the sentencing. As part of the plea agreement, Delmer Holmes Parrish also permanently relinquished his Pharmacist License to the State of Florida.
According to court documents, from in or around February 2009, through in or about July 2012, Delmer Holmes Parrish and Patricia Parrish participated in a conspiracy to defraud federal health care benefit programs out of approximately $351,358.14. Both, along with others, used Sunshine Pharmacy and Sunshine Solutions, both in Naples, to further their unlawful scheme to defraud the government. The co-conspirators submitted and caused claims to be submitted for reimbursement from the Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE programs for prescriptions not filled or provided to beneficiaries and recipients, including prescriptions for patients that had not been written or authorized by any duly licensed physician. In addition, the co-conspirators submitted and caused claims to be submitted for reimbursement for prescriptions for beneficiaries and recipients who were deceased. In carrying out the offenses, the conspirators also used the means of identification of individuals who were enrolled in the Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE programs without their knowledge or consent. The conspirators also took steps to hide and conceal the scheme to defraud. As a result of the scheme, the government was defrauded of approximately $351,358.14.
According to Brian Martens, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, in Tampa, “today’s sentencing, which is punctuated by the defendants’ having made 100% restitution to Medicare, clearly demonstrates the success of the Strike Force model.”
This case was brought as part of the Medicare Strike Force and was investigated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Naples Police Department; Collier County Sheriff's Office; and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Former Bank Executive Sentenced for Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Braden Koegel (35, Apopka) to three years and six months in federal prison for bank fraud. Koegel pleaded guilty on November 21, 2013.
According to court documents, Koegel, a former home lending executive at a local bank, fraudulently obtained more than $2 million worth of fraudulent home mortgages on two properties in North Carolina. He did so by utilizing "straw purchasers" (individuals who would act as buyers) to purchase the properties, and by lying about the income and assets of these straw purchasers on loan applications. Both of these properties ultimately went into foreclosure, resulting in a loss of more than $1 million to the lenders.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Division of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent S. Chiu.
Court of Appeals Upholds Former County Commissioner’s Bribery ConvictionsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley III announces that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit today affirmed the convictions and sentence of former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White for his role in a bribery scheme. White had been convicted after a jury trial of bribery, mail fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit both fraud and bribery. In March 2012, he was sentenced to a total of three years’ imprisonment.
In 2009 and 2010, while White was a Hillsborough County Commissioner, he also served as Chairman of the County’s Public Transportation Commission, which was responsible for certifying towing companies to work for county law-enforcement agencies. The evidence at trial showed that White had received cash bribes from persons who wanted the commission to certify their towing companies and help them get hired by local law-enforcement agencies. White’s father, Gerald White, also participated in the scheme; he urged the towing companies to pay bribes, insisting that White could help them out if they helped out the Whites. Unbeknownst to the Whites, the men they met with were an FBI informant and an undercover FBI special agent. In a series of meetings, many of which were recorded, both White and Gerald White received thousands of dollars in cash bribes from the informant and from the agent. In addition to the cash bribes, Gerald White demanded and received from the informant a Lincoln Navigator SUV.
At Kevin White’s trial, the jury found White guilty of seven counts. White’s father (Gerald) did not go to trial, as he had died in the meantime. White appealed his convictions and his sentence to the Court of Appeals in Atlanta. He argued that the evidence at trial had been insufficient to support his convictions because the Public Transportation Commission receives no federal funds, and the federal bribery statute applies only to agents of agencies that receive at least $10,000 in federal funds annually. The Court of Appeals rejected White’s argument, pointing out that White also was acting as an agent of the Hillsborough County Commission when he solicited and took the bribes, and Hillsborough County receives millions of dollars in federal funds each year. As the Court explained, “Ample evidence supports White’s convictions for bribery and conspiracy to bribe.”
White also challenged his three-year sentence, arguing that the sentencing court should not have taken into account the SUV that his father had received and should not have increased his sentence based on his status as an elected public official. The Court of Appeals rejected those arguments as well and upheld White’s three-year sentence.
This appeal was handled by Assistant United States Attorney David Rhodes, Chief of the Office’s Appellate Division.
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Apopka Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Drugs, Guns and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Jermal Marquis Chambers (25, Apopka) today pleaded guilty to possession of firearms and ammunition in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Chambers faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on May 7, 2013, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) responded to the scene of a shooting in Apopka in which multiple attackers used multiple firearms to shoot at several victims. Evidence retrieved at the scene included .40 caliber, 9 mm, and .45 caliber shell casings. One victim was severely injured with a gunshot wound to his pelvis.
During the afternoon of May 7, 2013, unknown assailants shot at Chambers and his uncle outside an apartment complex. No one was injured during the incident.
Late in the evening on May 9, 2013, OCSO responded to another scene of a shooting in Apopka. Multiple attackers had fired bullets into a house where Chambers lived. A subsequent examination of the residence revealed approximately 68 bullet holes in the structure, along with fired cartridges from at least three firearms of different calibers near the structure.
During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, agents found several canvas bags holding a stash of cocaine and related drug paraphernalia, seven firearms, including a .223 caliber assault rifle, a nine millimeter pistol, two .38 caliber pistols, a 12-gauge shotgun, a .22 caliber rifle, and a .40 caliber pistol, along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition for these firearms. A forensic examination of shell casings recovered from the first shooting incident on May 7, 2013, revealed that they were fired from the assault rifle found in Chambers’ home. DNA evidence also established that Chambers had held the .22 caliber rifle.
Chambers was previously convicted of felony burglary in 2006 and was, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce S Ambrose.
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.
Orlando Felon Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II sentenced Brian K. Hatten (34, Orlando) today to 16 years and 4 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. A federal jury found Hatten guilty on January 7, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, officers from the Orlando Police Department arrested Hatten after he ran from them upon seeing a patrol car at an intersection west of downtown Orlando. During his flight from officers, Hatten became entangled on a fence. During a subsequent search, officers found packages of marijuana in Hatten’s pockets. A semi-automatic pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition, a cell phone, and a receipt belonging to Hatten were located on the pavement near where he became entangled on the fence. Further investigation revealed that Hatten had at least seven previous felony convictions, including various drug offenses, robbery, battery on a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault with a firearm and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
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.
The case is also part of ATF’s Frontline Strategy to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in communities where law enforcement efforts are focused.
Husband and Wife Arrested for Operating Clinic to Defraud MedicareRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miami residents Gladys Fuertes (40) and her husband Mario Fuertes (38) with conspiracy, healthcare fraud, aggravated identity theft, and obstructing a healthcare investigation. The Fuerteses were arrested on Wednesday morning in Miami. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison on each of the conspiracy and healthcare fraud counts and five years on each of the obstruction counts, as well as mandatory sentences of two years in prison for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies the couple that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $266,423.20, which is traceable to the proceeds of the alleged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, Gladys and Mario Fuertes established and operated a sham clinic in Coral Gables, Florida, for the purpose of committing healthcare fraud. The clinic was called Gables Medical and Therapy Center. The Fuerteses allegedly employed unlicensed medical professionals and misused the Medicare billing numbers of other medical professionals, without their knowledge, in order to claim that they rendered medical treatment to Gables patients. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also paid a co-conspirator to recruit Medicare beneficiaries for Gables, and to drive patients to the clinic for basic and sham medical services.
Once recruited, Gladys and Mario Fuertes urged the Gables patients to enroll in Universal’s Medicare Part C and Part D plans. They believed Universal paid a relatively high percentage of its claims. Gladys and Mario Fuertes fraudulently billed Universal and caused Universal’s Medicare Part C plan to be billed for Gables patients’ supposed treatments. The treatments included expensive HIV-related treatments that patients never actually received. Gladys and Mario Fuertes also billed Universal and caused Universal to be billed for services that required a physician’s presence when no licensed physician was present or rendered the service.
The defendants and their co-conspirators paid the Medicare beneficiaries, who were recruited to come to Gables for their Medicare identification numbers, to allow Gables to bill Universal for services that were never rendered. In addition, Gladys and Mario Fuertes facilitated the provision of fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances, including Oxycodone, to Gables patients. In some cases, the signatures on the prescriptions were forged. The patients who received these Oxycodone prescriptions were assisted in filling them by a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator also purchased the pills from some of the patients and sold them on the street.
Once they learned of the federal healthcare fraud investigation into their actions, Gladys and Mario Fuertes instructed Gables patients to lie to law enforcement agents and otherwise obstruct a federal investigation into health care fraud at Gables. The Fuerteses also provided altered Medicare billing documentation to federal agents investigating their activities.
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 FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
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Title of the News Release Goes HereRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II sentenced Lavitress Williams (33, Orlando) to 5 years, and three months in federal prison for her role in a counterfeit traveler’s check scheme. She was also sentenced to 5 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $44,728.33 in restitution to Target. Williams pleaded guilty on January 4, 2012.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the trial of a co-defendant, Williams was involved in a conspiracy and scheme by which counterfeit traveler’s checks were passed at Target stores located throughout the Southeastern United States. Other conspirators manufactured the counterfeit traveler’s checks, which Williams and other conspirators used to purchase merchandise at various Target stores. Williams and her conspirators would take the fraudulently obtained merchandise to different Target stores, where the merchandise would be returned for cash refunds. They would then divide the cash amongst themselves. From September 2011 to December 2011, Williams and her conspirators passed over 100 counterfeit checks, at over forty Target stores, located in six states. The scheme resulted in a loss to Target of $44,728.33.
Williams is one of six individuals who has been prosecuted for their role in this conspiracy and scheme. The following are the sentences of the other five individuals:
Name Charges Sentence Lottie Davis Conspiracy, two counts of bank fraud, and four counts of making, passing, or possessing counterfeit securities20 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release
Bank fraud 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release Darrel Dopson Conspiracy and bank fraud Time served and 3 years of supervised release Brandy Hooks Conspiracy 3 years probation Larry Wilson Conspiracy 3 years probationThis case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Check Kiting SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Johnathan Bergren (40, Tampa) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Bergren faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, from at least September 2012 through August 23, 2013, Bergren, Christian Morales, and others engaged in a conspiracy to commit bank fraud by engaging in a check kiting scheme. Bergren, Morales, and others recruited by Bergren, engaged in the scheme to defraud by opening up numerous business checking accounts at federally insured financial institutions. Once the co-conspirators established the business checking accounts, they deposited checks drawn on accounts opened at other institutions into the newly established accounts. The conspirators then withdrew funds prior to the checks clearing the banks. The deposited checks were ultimately returned as Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF), Closed Account, or Refer to Maker. Despite this, Bergren and Morales had already transferred or withdrawn the funds immediately made available to accounts under their control. During the course of the scheme, Bergren and Morales opened more than 30 business checking accounts. The deposits and withdrawals were done at various federally insured financial institutions in the Middle District of Florida.
To date, Bergren, Morales, and others acting at their direction, deposited checks into accounts at financial institutions totaling approximately $493,017.65, of which $288,682.45 was withdrawn.
Morales previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 15, 2014.
Following his arrest for the instant scheme on or about August 23, 2013, through and including the date of his re-arrest on a second complaint for the same type of activity on or about December 19, 2013, Bergren continued engaging in this check kiting scheme. During this second phase of the scheme, in which Morales was not involved, Bergren recruited others to open shell companies and corresponding business accounts at Bank of America into which Bergren deposited $32,167.19 worth of NSF or closed account checks. Bergren directed that third parties withdraw funds from these accounts before the NSF or closed account checks deposited into them cleared, and provide him with the cash. This resulted in an additional actual loss to Bank of America of $20,899.30. Thus, to date, Bergren is responsible for an intended loss of approximately $525,184.84 and an actual loss of approximately $309,581.75.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.
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Serial Fraudster Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced Latasha Callens (35) yesterday to 12 years and 5 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for bank fraud, access device fraud, mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $223,798, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Callens pleaded guilty on December 3, 2013.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Callens committed crimes from at least as early as July 2011 through her arrest in May 2013. Callens defrauded banks and individuals on at least 58 occasions during a two-year period.
In one of her schemes, Callens approached individuals, usually at ATMs, and told them about her need to cash a check and her inability to deposit the check into her bank account. She then convinced the individuals to deposit the checks into their own accounts and withdraw the funds for her. She sometimes gave them $100 for their trouble. In each case, the checks were worthless. They were generally drawn on closed accounts, because the checks and checkbooks had been stolen.
On two occasions in December 2012, Callens committed access device fraud. She used a stolen identity to obtain dental care at a Clearwater dental office. She purchased $12,000 worth of dental services under the false pretense that a co-conspirator would consent to pay for the treatment. Using a stolen credit card number provided by the co-conspirator, Callens paid for herself to receive a root canal, a bridge, an extraction, a temporary crown, a retainer, anesthesia, and other items and services.
In another scheme, Callens committed stolen identity refund fraud. For tax years 2010, 2011, and 2012, she defrauded the Internal Revenue Service and certain taxpayers by electronically filing false and fraudulent tax returns, using stolen identities and, thereby, obtaining refunds. She sought approximately $800,000 in fraudulent tax returns.
“Through the combined, tenacious investigative efforts of several key agencies in the Tampa Bay area, this predator was finally brought to justice,” said John Joyce, Special Agent in Charge of United States Secret Service’s Tampa Field Office. “Unfortunately, there are still others engaging in similar criminal behavior. Those who emulate Ms. Callens’ way of life will also eventually be apprehended and receive appropriate sentences.”
“The suspect in this case played on the sympathies of good samaritans and took advantage of their willingness to help,” said Jane Castor, Chief of the Tampa Police Department. “This sentence sends a loud and clear message that fraud of any kind is not tolerated in our city.”
"Although this was a collaborative effort of many agencies, everyone involved shared a single mission to focus on those individuals who involve themselves in tax refund fraud and identity theft. This should be a clear warning for those who engage in this type of criminal activity that the only outcome is lengthy prison terms and large monetary fines," stated Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee.
“Stolen identity cases continue to plague our citizens and our criminal justice system,” said Clearwater Police Chief Tony Holloway. “This suspect didn’t care whose lives she impacted and from whom she stole money. She used stolen identities to make a living. She left an amazing trail of financial devastation and destruction in her wake,” Holloway added. “This sentence and accompanying money judgment send a strong and stern message to her and others like her – we will catch you, and you will pay for your crimes.”
“This case serves as an excellent example of how law-enforcement agencies from diverse jurisdictions can work together to solve crimes, protect our communities and get offenders off the street,” said Deputy Chief Bernard Seeley of the Temple Terrace Police Department. “We’re proud to be a part of this collaborative effort.”
“Individuals such as Latasha Callens who commit identity theft and refund fraud of this magnitude deserve to be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge IRS Criminal Investigation. “Callens demonstrated a blatant disregard of the integrity of the United States tax system and caused immeasurable hardship to innocent victims. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to the pursuit of identity theft and together with the members of the Tampa Bay Alliance, we will hold those who engage in similar conduct accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Temple Terrace Police Department, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.
Three Central Florida Men Plead Guilty to Access Device SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Daoud Theron Jarrett (28, Kissimmee), Michael Jovan Johnson (32, Orlando), and Thonnie Edward Grisby, II (29, Orlando) each pleaded guilty to one count of access device fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. A criminal complaint was filed against the three on August 22, 2013.
According to court documents, Jarrett, Johnson, and Grisby used fraudulent credit cards with stolen access numbers at various Wal-Mart stores in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, and Osceola Counties. With these fraudulent credit cards, they purchased iPads, laptop computers, gift cards, and other items totaling more than $74,000.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher LaForgia.
Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Marlene Stephens (61, Kansas City, MO) pleaded guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. As part of her plea agreement, Stephens has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $175,000.48 to various credit card companies. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 18, 2014.
According to court documents, Stephens filed a petition for bankruptcy on October 10, 2008. In that petition, she sought the discharge of more than $500,000 in personal credit card debt. Included in the personal credit card debt was $191,342.51 that Stephens transferred to her sister via credit card convenience checks, in January and February 2008. The investigation revealed that Stephens wrote the convenience checks to her sister, who put the money into a Washington Mutual checking account. At the time Stephens filed the bankruptcy petition, this account had a balance of $175,000.48. Stephens’ bankruptcy, which included the credit card debt, was discharged in February 2009.
A month before Stephens filed her bankruptcy petition, her sister transferred the money from a Washington Mutual account to a Wachovia Bank account. An investigation determined that Stephens concealed the existence of the Wachovia Bank account from the bankruptcy trustee when she filed for bankruptcy in October 2008. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was able to trace the funds in the Wachovia Bank account back to Stephens, after the bankruptcy was discharged.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the United States Trustees Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced John Charles Stevenson (46, Rincon, Georgia) to 7 years in federal prison for receiving videos and images of child pornography over the Internet. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervision and to register as a sex offender, following his incarceration. Stevenson pleaded guilty on October 29, 2013, and has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in Rincon, Georgia on June 21, 2013.
According to court documents, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation to identify individuals, in Jacksonville, who were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a computer using a particular Jacksonville Internet Protocol (IP) address was hosting child pornography. The agent was able to download several videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct from this host computer. Further investigation revealed that the subscriber information for this IP address resolved to a residence in Jacksonville, where Stevenson was living. On January 31, 2013, FBI agents and other officers executed a federal search warrant at this Jacksonville residence.
During an interview, Stevenson stated that he had been viewing and downloading child pornography for at least three years. He described his activities with child pornography as "interesting, curious, and novel," and stated that he downloads and watches child pornography for his “personal use.” Subsequent forensic analysis of Stevenson's two laptop computers seized from the residence revealed that they contained a total of at least 24 videos and 51 images depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation 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.
Clermont Woman Indicted for Tax Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Tanya Fox (38, Clermont) with 1 count of conspiracy to defraud the government, 5 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of theft of government property, and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy count, 20 years in prison on the wire fraud counts, 10 years in prison for the theft of government property counts, and an additional 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft charges, to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the previous charges. The indictment also notifies the defendant that the United States is seeking a money judgment of $4,055,735 for the wire fraud and theft of government property charges.
Fox was arrested and made her initial appearance on March 25, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Philip R. Lammens. She was detained pending further proceedings.
According to the indictment, Fox orchestrated a scheme to file fraudulent tax returns using identities that were stolen from a variety of sources. She would direct other individuals to open business bank accounts in the name of a fraudulent tax preparation business and have the tax refunds deposited into those accounts. Fox would then work with those individuals to withdraw the funds.
Previously, Shanterica Smith, Gerald Williams, and Delray Duncan were convicted and sentenced for providing over 2,200 names from the Orange County Health Department to Fox so that she, or a co-conspirator, could file over $3.9 million in fraudulent tax returns. Further, as part of this scheme, Fox purchased a number of automobiles, furniture, and other lifestyle items. In total, the United States alleges that Fox filed attempted to file fraudulent tax returns totaling over $5.8 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Marion County Man Sentenced for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced Fred Kevin Johnson to 10 months in federal prison for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices. In addition, he was sentenced to a consecutive term of 24 months’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft. Johnson pleaded guilty on January 7, 2014.
According to court documents, on October 2, 2012, Johnson was stopped in a vehicle for traffic violations in Lee County, Florida. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed that Johnson possessed multiple notebooks containing the Personal Identification Information (PII) of more than 100 individuals. Some of the PII was used to file fraudulent tax returns. The fraudulent returns were filed without the knowledge of the individuals whose PII was used by Johnson.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Windermere CEO Pleads Guilty to Twenty-One Counts of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Michael Rivers (56, Windermere) yesterday pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, eight counts of money laundering, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Additionally, Kim Rivers (46, Windermere) pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated identity theft. Michael Rivers faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count of wire fraud, 10 years’ imprisonment on each count of money laundering, and a mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison on each aggravated identity count. Kim Rivers faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years, up to 6 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Michael and Kim Rivers created an alleged international bank software company named Global Business Genesis, LLC, (“GBG”) that was headquartered in Orlando, Florida. Michael Rivers was the Chief Executive Officer and Kim Rivers was the Executive Assistant of that company. GBG allegedly provided wireless bank software to major banks in developing countries. This software would enable customers to transfer money between international accounts, as well as issue prepaid currency and prepaid credit cards overseas.
During the course of the charged conspiracy and fraudulent scheme, Michael and Kim Rivers litigated multiple civil state cases in the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida, a bankruptcy proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, and a civil action brought by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Judgments were entered against Michael and Kim Rivers and the entities they controlled, in state and federal court. During the course of the charged conspiracy, the couple used investor funds to support their lifestyle, including obtaining a $114,000 exotic sports car, private schooling in excess of $230,000 for their children, and living in a home with a delinquent mortgage well over $2 million, all while delaying payments and putting off their creditors.
Throughout, Michael and Kim Rivers told state and federal courts, the government, creditors, and opposing litigants, that Michael Rivers had debilitating cancer and was receiving treatment in Argentina. The couple often claimed that Michael Rivers was medically incapacitated in Argentina and that, for that reason, they were unable to appear in court proceedings and at meetings in the United States. Those false representations were made via letters, e-mails, court filings and proceedings, as well as by representatives for the couple. During the execution of search warrants, law enforcement found items, including correspondence, templates, letterhead, altered documents, and computer files and images of signatures and seals that the defendants used to create and discuss the creation of the forged documents, which they used during the course of the fraud. Elements used to create forged documents such as attorney letters, doctors’ letters concerning cancer treatment, insurance, and documents from financial institutions and government entities were also recovered during the search.
On December 11, 2012, Michael Rivers sent an e-mail to Kim Rivers, instructing her and another co-conspirator in a ruse on how to portray themselves as employees of a law firm (“Fried Frank Law Firm”). In January 2013, Michael Rivers was in London, England, trying to solicit investors. After receiving some resistance from investors, he suggested they call “Fried Frank Law Firm” to speak with an attorney who could vouch for the authenticity of GBG and its license agreements. Michael Rivers called Kim Rivers who pretended to work at the law firm. Afterwards, another co-conspirator pretended to be a law associate at Fried Frank Law Firm and stated that due diligence had been conducted.
Victims confirmed that due to the ruse perpetrated by Michael and Kim Rivers, where they portrayed themselves as a reputable law firm vouching for the solvency of GBG, the victim and other investors’ fears were allayed and they subsequently wired nearly $1 million dollars during that portion of the scheme.
Michael and Kim Rivers also defrauded local investors in the Orlando area. From that scheme, they used money to obtain luxury automobiles, including a Fisker Karma and a Jaguar XK-R, Cirque Du Soleil tickets, and other lifestyle items.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher LaForgia and Daniel C. Irick.
Owner of Fort Myers Grocery Store Indicted for Conspiring to Steal Government FundsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Ramon Almengo (47, Fort Myers) with conspiracy to commit theft of government funds. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. The Indictment also notifies Almengo that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $2,053,328.28, the proceeds of offense. An arraignment is scheduled for March 27, 2014 at 1:30 p.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas N. Frazier.
Almengo was previously charged by a criminal complaint on March 11, 2014.
According to court documents, Almengo owned and operated Mi Bodegon Latino y Mas, Inc, in Fort Myers, Florida. Almengo allegedly cashed approximately $2,053,328.28 worth of United States Treasury tax refund checks that were generated as a result of fraudulently filed tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service, utilizing stolen personal identification information. Almengo retained 20% of each check that he cashed on behalf of the conspirators.
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, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David G. Lazarus.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring and Attempting to Support TerroristsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Shelton Thomas Bell (20, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and attempting to provide material support to terrorists. Bell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between May 2012 and continuing through at least July 18, 2012, Bell agreed and conspired with a juvenile, and one other individual, to train and prepare themselves as combatants for overseas violent jihad, then travel from Jacksonville to the Middle East for the ultimate purpose of providing themselves to terrorists, including members of Ansar al-Sharia in Yemen. Once overseas, their plan included receiving further training and deadly weapons from Ansar al-Sharia, and then engage in violent jihad against, and to kill, others in the country of Yemen and elsewhere.
In May 2012, Bell introduced the juvenile to the concept of traveling overseas for the purpose of engaging in violent jihad and inspired the juvenile and another person with the teachings of an Al Qaida spokesperson, Anwar al-Awlaki ("al-Awlaki"). Bell suggested traveling to Yemen to fight because of al-Awlaki's teachings - that all young people should travel to Yemen to “take up the fight.” Bell and the juvenile subsequently agreed to a plan in which they would travel to Israel and then make Hajj. As part of the deception, the conspirators told others, including their parents, that they were traveling overseas to attend Hajj, to study, and to get an education. By July 2012, Bell, the juvenile, and another individual began taking actions to train for their unlawful activities by conducting mental training that included watching al-Awlaki videos and looking at images of dead Muslims.
Another part of the training took place on July 4, 2012, when Bell and another individual conducted a late-night “jihadi training mission” that involved the destruction of religious statues in a multi-denominational cemetery located in Jacksonville, Florida. In preparation for the mission, the two dressed in all black clothing, wore tactical gloves, masks, and wrapped their shoes in black duct tape to avoid leaving footprints. Bell brought a loaded 9 mm pistol with him on the mission, to use “in case any kuffar want to cause any trouble.” Other training sessions conducted by Bell included a homemade firing range and impromptu battlefield lessons intended for recording and uploading to the Internet, to be used in the recruitment of others as to “the actions of Jihad.” At the conclusion of one training session, Bell placed the American flag on a machete, burned it, and commented that the flag was “burning to the ground by the mujahidin’s hands.” To recruit other youth to travel and join in armed conflict, Bell and the juvenile also planned to take footage of each other actually participating in armed conflict in the Middle East, once they made it there and began fighting.
On September 25, 2012, Bell and the juvenile left Jacksonville and flew to New York, Poland, and Tel Aviv, Israel, where they were detained by Israeli officials and deported to Poland. From there, Bell and the juvenile traveled to Jordan to stay with the juvenile's relatives. While in Jordan, Bell and the juvenile contacted another person to assist in their plan of joining up with Ansar al-Sharia. Bell and the juvenile also bought airline tickets to the country of Oman, believing they would fly to Oman and walk across the border to Yemen to join the armed conflict there. As part of the conspiracy, Bell and the juvenile intended to travel to Yemen, where they intended to carry out their plan. During their overseas travel, Bell and the juvenile took steps to avoid detection by law enforcement.
Ultimately, Bell and the juvenile were deported from Jordan to the United States on November 21, 2012. At that time, Bell spoke with agents and stated, among other things, that he and the juvenile had purchased plane tickets to Oman, with the intention of entering Yemen. Bell stated, “If you ask me if [I] was going for jihad in Yemen, I say yes.” Bell confirmed that Ansar al-Sharia was the group that they sought to join, but explained that several groups were affiliated with Ansar al-Sharia, including al Qa’ida and the Taliban.
In commenting on this case, United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III stated, “Working with our law enforcement partners to prevent terrorism and promote national security is a top priority. We are thankful that this investigation was resolved without harm or injury to any citizens, at home or abroad.”
“Stopping these threats from within is the grim reality we deal with today,” said Special Agent in Charge Michelle S. Klimt, FBI - Jacksonville. “This case serves as a reminder that terrorist-related activities can occur anywhere. It also shows that we will use all the resources at our disposal to root out the individuals posing these threats to keep America safe.”
This case was investigated by the FBI's Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF is a multi-agency task force comprised of full-time personnel from the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Mara M. Kohn from the Department's Counter Terrorism Section, National Security Division.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud over $904,000Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that David Allen Dinsbeer (37) today pleaded guilty to 16 counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Each count carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Dinsbeer is currently released on bond, pending a sentencing hearing.
Dinsbeer was indicted on October 3, 2013.
According to court records, between January 2011 and May 2012, Dinsbeer defrauded the Hickory Foods group of companies out of approximately $904,000. The Hickory Foods companies are best known for Bubba Burgers. The investigation revealed that Dinsbeer used phony supplier companies to bill for supplies that were never delivered. He then deposited checks, which were issued on false invoices, into bank accounts for the phony companies, which he controlled. An FBI forensic accountant determined that the companies had no legitimate business expenses and that Dinsbeer withdrew money from the accounts, using them to pay his personal expenses. To facilitate the scheme, Dinsbeer conspired with an employee of Hickory Foods companies.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.
###Straw Owner of Clinic Sentenced in Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Florida man who had been the straw owner of a physical therapy rehabilitation facility has been sentenced to serve 30 months in prison for his role in a $28.3 million Medicare fraud scheme.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida A. Lee Bentley III, Special Agent in Charge Paul Wysopal of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Martens of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Florida region made the announcement.
Roberto Fernandez Gonzalez, 63, formerly of southwest Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew in the Middle District of Florida and was ordered to forfeit $446,738 and pay the same amount in restitution. Fernandez pleaded guilty on June 24, 2013, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to court documents, Fernandez and his co-conspirators used various physical therapy clinics and other business entities throughout Florida – including Rehab Dynamics Inc. in Venice, Fla. – to submit approximately $28.3 million in fraudulent reimbursement claims to Medicare from 2005 through 2009. Medicare paid approximately $14.4 million on those claims.
Fernandez’s co-conspirators obtained and controlled Rehab Dynamics. They engaged in a sham sale of Rehab Dynamics to Fernandez, a Cuban immigrant with no background in the health care industry. Fernandez did not have the money to buy Rehab Dynamics. Instead, the co-conspirators paid Fernandez approximately $20,000 to serve as the straw owner of Rehab Dynamics from January 2008 through March 2008. During that time, Rehab Dynamics submitted approximately $1.6 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for rehabilitation therapy services that were not provided. Medicare paid approximately $446,738 on those false claims.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher J. Hunter and Andrew H. Warren of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant United States Attorney Simon A. Gaugush of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged more than 1,700 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $5.5 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov.
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Pasco County Teacher Arrested for Enticement of MinorsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that David Wendel Thompson (48, Seffner) was charged by a criminal complaint and arrested on Friday, March 14, 2014 for the enticement of minors. Thompson made his initial appearance today in Miami, Florida and is currently being detained. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
Thompson is a teacher at Centennial Middle School in Dade City, Florida.
According to the criminal complaint, Thompson used Facebook in an attempt to knowingly persuade two minor females, from the country of Belize, to engage in sexually explicit conduct. In February 2014, Thompson had sexually explicit conversations with a 13 year old and a 15 year old female in Belize. In those conversations, he discussed flying to Belize to meet the minors and engage in sexual activity with them. On March 14, 2014, Thompson took a flight from Tampa, Florida to Belize City, Belize, with a layover in Miami, Florida. He was refused entry into Belize and arrested in the Miami International Airport.
A criminal complaint 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Interlachen Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that Franklin Stuart King (39, Interlachen) has pleaded guilty in United States District Court, in Jacksonville, to receiving child pornography over the Internet. King faces a mandatory minimum penalty of not less than 5 years, up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential life term of supervision. King has been in custody since his arrest on October 10, 2013. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, an agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in Jacksonville, began an investigation to identify area individuals who had access to and/or were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The investigation revealed that a host computer using a particular Internet Protocol (IP) address in the Jacksonville area was hosting images of child pornography, while using a particular file sharing program. The agent made a successful connection to the host computer at this IP address and successfully downloaded several image files directly from the host computer that depicted child pornography. Further investigation revealed that the IP address resolved to a particular residence located in Interlachen, where King resided. HSI agents and other officers subsequently executed a search warrant at King’s residence and seized, among other things, King’s computer and other items of electronic media.
King was at the residence during the execution of the search warrant and told agents that he viewed images of underage kids on his computer, that while using a particular file sharing program, he would do random searches on the computer, and that he had seen images of nude minor children while on the computer. King also told agents that he used certain specific search terms to find these images and videos and stated, “there is like a small spark somewhere in [his] head that likes to see [child pornography].” King said that he had been viewing child pornography for two or three years.
A subsequent analysis of King=s computer media revealed that it contained a total of 808 images depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Putnam 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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Tampa Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Her Role in Large-Scale Credit Card Fraud RingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. yesterday sentenced Norma Cabezas-Hernandez to 5 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit credit card fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, she was also ordered to forfeit her share of the traceable proceeds of the offense, which total more than $655,000. Cabezas-Hernandez pleaded guilty on December 6, 2013.
According to court documents, from at least 2011 through February 2013, Cabezas-Hernandez engaged in a conspiracy to commit access device fraud by using counterfeit credit cards and re-encoded gift cards to make purchases of consumer goods throughout the Middle District of Florida. Her brother and co-conspirator, Michel Lermos-Hernandez, installed and directed others to install key loggers and other skimming devices on credit card readers and point-of-sale terminals in the Tampa area, including locations at the International Mall. Lermos-Hernandez then removed or directed others to remove the devices, from which he downloaded the stolen credit and debit card account numbers and account information. The conspirators obtained the stolen credit and debit account numbers and re-encoded them onto reloadable gift cards to create counterfeit credit cards.
Lermos-Hernandez and others, including Cabezas-Hernandez, used the counterfeit credit cards to purchase retail items such as electronics and store gift cards, which they sold to another co-conspirator for cash.
On February 7, 2013, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Cabezas-Hernandez and her brother, Lermos-Hernandez. Inside, agents recovered $14,515 in cash, a laptop computer, a credit card embosser, a mag stripe reader/encoder, a key logger, and multiple counterfeit credit cards and re-encoded gift cards. Agents also seized a 2005 black Ford Mustang and 2012 Black Nissan sedan, both registered to Cabezas-Hernandez. Counterfeit gift cards were also found inside the Mustang.
The total actual loss identified to date is approximately $655,568.61, including more than 14 federally-insured financial institutions and over 1,000 individuals, whose account information was compromised.
Currently, Lermos-Hernandez is a fugitive. Co-conspirator Viviana Reyes was convicted at trial and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 14, 2014. Danay Crespo-Rodriguez pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2014. Lazaro Rodriguez was sentenced on January 22, 2014, to 37 months’ imprisonment. Abel Osoria-Cuok, who was only involved in the conspiracy for approximately three weeks, was sentenced to a term of five years’ probation on February 21, 2014.This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Secret Service (USSS), all of whom are members of the USSS’s Credit Card Fraud and Identity Theft Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Suzanne Nebesky.
Orlando Man Arraigned on Charges of Threatening to Kill the President of the United States and Other Federal OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that today Jason Lynn Gay (40, Orlando) was arraigned in federal court on an indictment charging him with one count of threatening a federal official, one count of making threats against the President of the United States, and one count of mailing a threatening communication. If convicted on all counts, Gay faces up to 25 years in prison.
According to the indictment, Gay threatened to assault and murder an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and threatened to take the life of and inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States of America. He made these threats in a communication that he mailed to the U.S. Courthouse in Orlando. Gay also threatened to “blow up” the federal courthouse in the same mailed communication.
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 United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Ocoee Man Arrested for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Shawn Williams (41, Ocoee) was arrested yesterday for the distribution and possession of child pornography. Williams made his initial appearance today on a criminal complaint and is currently detained. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the criminal complaint, Williams responded to a sexually explicit Craigslist ad and began online correspondence with an Orlando man. The two men discussed their mutual interest in child pornography and attempted to make arrangements to meet, in person, for a sexual rendezvous. Williams used his cellular telephone to send the Orlando man several images of child pornography and they again discussed meeting to share their collections of child pornography. During their conversations, the Orlando man told Williams that he had a one year-old child. Williams then asked the man to send him “baby pics” and “adult with baby pics.” Agents arrested Williams at his home on March 13, 2014.
A criminal complaint 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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Schuster.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former American Airlines Pilot Convicted of Production, Distribution, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found Donald Edwin Gallagher, Jr. (51, St. Petersburg) guilty of two counts of production of child pornography, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. Gallagher faces a maximum penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment on each production count, 20 years in prison on the distribution count, and up to 10 years for the possession charge. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date.
Gallagher was arrested on a criminal complaint on July 24, 2013, and indicted on December 18, 2013.
According to evidence presented at trial, in January 2013 an undercover detective with the St. Petersburg Police Department downloaded approximately 15 files of child pornography from an Internet Protocol (IP) address that traced back to Gallagher’s residence, in St. Petersburg. Based upon the investigation into the origin of these images, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other local agencies executed a federal search warrant at that residence. During the search, agents located and seized a laptop computer belonging to Gallagher, as well as hard drives and other digital media, on which agents located thousands of images and hundreds of videos containing child pornography. Upon further investigation and review of Gallagher’s digital media, law enforcement recognized the background in some of the pornographic images and videos as being Gallagher’s residence. Law enforcement later determined that Gallagher had produced images and videos of two minor victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Gallagher stored these images and videos on his various digital devices.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force, including the Largo Police Department and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Stacie B. Harris.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
Brevard County Man Arraigned on Child Exploitation ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Jonathan Tyler Prive (25, West Melbourne) was arraigned today in federal court on an indictment charging him with one count of online enticement of a minor and one count of attempted online enticement of a minor. If convicted, Prive faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to life in prison.
According to the indictment, on September 9, 2013 through September 10, 2013, Prive used a means of interstate commerce to induce and coerce a minor individual into engaging in illegal sexual activity. Prive attempted to engage in this same conduct again on November 4, 2013 through November 5, 2013.
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 Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
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.
Sarasota Felon Sentenced to More Than 9 Years for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody today sentenced Michael T. Rivers (32, Sarasota) to 9 years and 7 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rivers pleaded guilty to the offense on October 23, 2013.
According to court documents, after executing a search warrant at Rivers’s residence, law enforcement officers found two loaded firearms, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Laboratory analysis revealed that one of the firearms found in the search had a fingerprint on it, belonging to Rivers. At the time of the offense, Rivers had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including home invasion robbery and battery on a corrections officer. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
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.
Ohio Couple Sentenced for Attempting to Defraud Creditors and Fraudulently Obtaining Tax Refund MoneyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell today sentenced Stephen Richnafsky (38, North Royalton, OH) to 20 months in federal prison for mail fraud and obstruction of Internal Revenue laws. The court also ordered Richnafsky to make full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the amount of $42,021.88. Additionally, Richnafsky's domestic partner, Scylina Spikes (40, North Royalton, Ohio), was sentenced to two years of probation for her role in the mail fraud scheme. Richnafsky and Spikes both pleaded guilty on November 19, 2013.
According to court documents, between July 2009 and August 2010, Richnafsky and Spikes conspired to evade their debts by mailing fraudulent documents, through the U.S. Mail, to their creditors. These documents included letters disguised as official documents, fraudulent promissory notes, and other documents directing creditors to collect funds from fictitious "treasury accounts." The documents also included bills and account statements which were stamped or handwritten with statements such as "accepted for value and returned for value," and IRS Forms that were fraudulently presented as forms of payment. When creditors refused to accept these documents in satisfaction of Richnafsky’s and Spikes's debts, Richnafsky and Spikes would attempt to file personal liens against the employees, executives, and attorneys of the creditors. Richnafsky also filed four fraudulent tax returns, which falsely claimed taxes withheld from interest income from financial institutions. For tax years 2005-2008, Richnafsky claimed that the IRS had withheld more than $181,000 in interest income, when in fact no such income had ever been withheld. As a result of these filings, the IRS issued a refund of $42,021.88 to Richnafsky.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent S. Chiu.
Lakeland Couple Charged with Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jovanna Deshawan Forte (39) and William Boyd Burns (44), both of Lakeland, with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and fifteen separate counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Forte and Burns each face a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies the individuals that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of the proceeds of the bank fraud. Forte and Burns were arrested and made their respective initial appearances on March 6, 2014 and March 7, 2014, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas G. Wilson. They were both detained.
According to the indictment, Forte and Burns used other peoples’ accounts at local banks to deposit third party checks that were written to the account holders. The amounts of the checks ranged from $1,500 to $3,600, which are under the limits set by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) regulations, providing a lesser delay in the availability of the funds. These third party checks were fraudulent and false when they were deposited by Forte and Burns, because the checks were written on closed accounts and accounts that did not have sufficient funds to pay the amount of the checks. The fraudulent checks were deposited into these accounts by ATM, after the financial institution was closed. Forte and Burns then withdrew or attempted to withdraw funds, both in cash and through debit card purchases, which had been credited to the account from the fraudulent check deposit. They used the money for personal expenditures.
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 Postal Investigation Service, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Six Members of Human Smuggling Organization IndictedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Carlos Velazquez-Roman (52, North Port), Jasmine Santos-Martinez (40, North Port), Yoel Emilio Baez-Hernandez (40, Hialeah), Edel Mesa-Hernandez (35, Miami), Mario Emilio Tamayo-Mejias (51, Port Charlotte), and Amable Gonzalez-Mandin (56, Miami) with conspiring to bring more than 100 illegal aliens into the United States, bringing illegal aliens into the U.S., transporting illegal aliens, and violating a federal regulation prohibiting departing U.S. waters with intent to enter Cuban waters without authorization. If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each alien, as it relates to the conspiracy charge. Bringing illegal aliens in the U.S. yields a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, up to a maximum of 15 years in federal prison. Transporting illegal aliens carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Violating a federal regulation prohibiting departing U.S. waters with intent to enter Cuban waters without authorization can result in a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies all six individuals that the United States is seeking a forfeiture money judgment of at least $1,530,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, real property located at 4871 Kendsha Street, North Port, Florida, and a vessel registered to Velazquez-Roman, both of which are to be forfeited to the United States as substitute assets.
According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date prior to May 3, 2007 and continuing through at least May 15, 2013, all six individuals were part of a conspiracy to bring and attempt to bring more than 100 illegal aliens to the United States. Velazquez- Roman is charged with six instances of bringing illegal aliens to the U.S., while Mesa-Hernandez, Santos-Martinez, Tamayo-Mejias, and Gonzalez-Mandin are each charged with one instance of bringing illegal aliens to the U.S. Velazquez-Roman is charged with two instances of departing U.S. territorial waters and entering Cuban territorial waters without permission, while Mesa-Hernandez, Tamayo-Mejias, and Gonzalez-Mandin are each charged with one such incident. Velazquez-Roman and Gonzalez-Mandin are each charged with transporting an illegal alien within the U.S.
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 agents of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Senior Litigation Counsel Donald L. Hansen.
Lakeland Man Convicted of Charges Related to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Kristian Keron Green (23, Lakeland) guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Green faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the robbery counts and a mandatory minimum of 10 years on the firearm charge, which must run consecutive to the robbery counts. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Green was indicted on March 5, 2013.
According to the evidence presented at trial, early in the morning of December 4, 2010, Green and Joshua Antoin Chatmon robbed a Circle K convenience store, in Lakeland, at gunpoint. During the robbery, Chatmon held a firearm, which was discharged, striking the clerk. Green and Chatmon took $40 from the store.
On July 31, 2013, Chatmon pleaded guilty for his role in the crime. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2014, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph W. Swanson and James A. Muench.
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.
Former Florida Resident Arrested for Attempted Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Patrick R. Minga (50, formerly of Cape Coral) was arrested today on a criminal complaint for attempting to induce and facilitate, for his own financial gain, the travel of an individual from Brevard County, Florida, to Quito, Ecuador, so that the individual could engage in illicit sexual conduct with minor girls. If convicted, Minga faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison.
According to the criminal complaint, Minga advertised, on Craigslist, a sex tourism business in Ecuador. Minga indicated that, for a fee, he could facilitate lodging, transportation, meals, and unlimited access to females from Ecuador and Colombia. An undercover agent with a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Task Force observed the ad and contacted Minga. Over the course of several months, Minga tried to induce and arrange the travel of the undercover agent from Florida to Quito, where Minga advised that he could provide sexual encounters with minors as young as 13 and 14 years of age.
On March 2, 2014, Minga traveled from Ecuador to the United States, where agents subsequently arrested him in Huntsville, Alabama. He is currently detained, pending removal proceedings before a United States Magistrate Judge in Birmingham, Alabama. Thereafter, he will be transported to the Middle District of Florida for further proceedings.
This case is being investigated by the Brevard County 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 Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
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.
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Facebook Post of Harassing Manatees Leads to Guilty Pleas in Federal CourtRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Taylor Blake Martin (22, Alabama) and Seth Andrew Stephenson (22, Rockledge) pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gregory J. Kelly yesterday to taking (harassing) an endangered species. Each faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $50,000 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service became aware of a video posted on Facebook that showed one individual luring two manatees to a dock with a water hose, and another individual jumping off of a boat dock, “cannonballing” an adult manatee and a calf. Further investigation revealed that Martin was the individual who “cannonballed” on top of the manatees. Stephenson was identified as the one who lured the manatees to the dock with the water hose. The video shows Martin landing on the back of the adult manatee as the manatees swim away. Stephenson then begins to use the water hose in an attempt to lure the manatees back as the video ends.
After the video was posted on Facebook, several people commented on it. In response to a post that expressed displeasure with Martin’s actions, Martin responded, “hahaha…in my debue [sic] as tayla the manatee slaya…im f---- ready to cannonball on every manatee living yewwww.”
"This case demonstrates our resolve to address the illegal harassment of Manatees, as well as the enforcement of speed zones, and other more serious forms of take which result in the death or injury of Florida's Endangered Manatees," said Special Agent in Charge Luis Santiago, Southeast Region, Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Titusville Police Officer Indicted for Participating in A Drug Deal While Carrying A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Richard Irizarry (45, Viera) with attempting to aid and abet the distribution of cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug distribution, and using a telephone to facilitate the drug distribution. If convicted on all counts, Irizarry faces a minimum of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Irizarry allegedly committed these offenses on or about January 19, 2014. Irizarry will make his initial appearance in federal court, in Orlando, at 1:30 p.m. today before United States Magistrate Judge Karla R. Spaulding.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.
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Nine Charged for Thefts from Union FundRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of a criminal complaint in which nine individuals were charged with theft from an employee benefit plan. If convicted, Brandon Alfonso (28), James McCall (32), Marta Blackmer (70), Phillip Simmons (50), Ian Chase Dove (26), Jason Ferrari (33), all of Orange City, along with Jason Wesson (37) and Michael Giesinger (36), both of Deltona, and Shane Riley (31, Deland) each faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Angela Deleon worked at Advance Administration, Inc. (AAI), which was the third-party administrator of an employee benefit plan for the Ironworkers Local 808. As the third-party administrator for the Ironworkers Local 808 Annuity Fund, AAI was responsible for processing members’ payment applications, paying the Fund’s bills, and speaking with union members. Deleon’s duties at AAI included data entry and the processing of payments.
Over a period of about 14 months, Deleon wrote 46 checks from the Fund, totaling over $427,000, to individuals who were not members of the Local 808 or participants in the Fund. The individuals who received those checks from Deleon were her drug dealers or others whom she knew. Those individuals cashed the checks, took whatever money that Deleon owed them, and then provided her with a share of the proceeds.
Alfonso, McCall, Blackmer, Simmons, Dove, Wesson, Ferrari, Giesinger, and Riley were involved in the scheme by allegedly cashing checks written by Deleon, on the Fund’s account, and by splitting the proceeds with her. As of the date of this press release, seven of the nine defendants (McCall, Blackmer, Simmons, Dove, Wesson, Giesinger, and Riley) have been arrested and have had their initial appearance in federal court.
Deleon was previously convicted for her participation in these crimes. She was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $594,000 in restitution to the Ironworkers Local 808 Annuity Fund. The restitution amount includes the 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 Deleon’s scheme.
A criminal complaint is merely a 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.
Former VA Employee Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Veterans’ Personal InformationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez-Covington today sentenced David F. Lewis to 6 years in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $105,271.00, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Lewis pleaded guilty on December 10, 2013.
According to court documents and testimony presented in court, Lewis was an employee at the Tampa VA Medical Center. On at least five different dates in 2012, Lewis accessed and printed the personal information, including names, social security numbers, and medical information, of over 100 veterans who were in-patients at the Tampa VA Medical Center. Lewis then gave these documents to someone else in exchange for crack cocaine, knowing that the veterans’ information would be used by others to file fraudulent tax returns in order to fraudulently obtain tax refunds, and in at least one instance, to apply for lines of credit in the veteran’s name. The Department of Veterans Affairs is paying for credit monitoring for those victims known to be affected by Lewis’ theft.
“David Lewis’s sentence today of 72 months holds Lewis accountable for his criminal actions,” says James Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI. “Lewis misused his position of trust as an employee of the James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital and stole the identities of veterans and war heroes. These identities were used to file false income tax returns. Members of the Tampa Bay Alliance including as the Veterans Administration-Office of Inspector General, the Tampa Police Department together with IRS-CI will continue to aggressively investigate these cases and hold those who commit these crimes accountable for their actions.”
After today's sentencing, 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 a person who was charged to care for veterans used that position to steal their identity is reprehensible."
“Stealing and selling the identity of a war hero is as low as it gets. Thankfully, the work of the Tax Fraud Alliance in the Tampa Bay Area is making it very difficult to target veterans,” said Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor.
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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney.
Three Sentenced in Orange County Health Department Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. sentenced Delray Duncan, Gerald Williams, and Shanterica Smith to federal prison yesterday for identity theft. Specifically, the court sentenced Duncan to 42 months in federal prison, Williams to 54 months in federal prison, and Smith to 60 months in federal prison. All three were also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1 million. Each previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case.
According to court documents, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service initiated an investigation after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office executed an unrelated search warrant and discovered a list of names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Further investigation revealed that Williams and Smith worked at the Orange County Health Department (OCHD). Williams and Smith accessed personal identifying information (PII) of OCHD patients and provided that information to a third party who filed fraudulent tax returns in the names of those patients. Williams and Smith did not know each other while working at OCHD, but ultimately provided the information to the same person. Williams provided the PII to Duncan who, in turn, provided the PII to others in order to file the fraudulent tax returns. Smith provided the PII directly to those responsible for filing fraudulent tax returns.
In total, Williams and Smith stole the identities of approximately 2,200 patients. Fraudulent tax returns totaling approximately $3.9 million were filed using the stolen PII. The investigation into those responsible for filing the fraudulent tax returns and those who obtained the proceeds from the fraudulently filed returns is ongoing.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Gerald Dwayne Welch (35, St. Petersburg) to 14 years in federal prison for distribution of crack cocaine. Welch pleaded guilty on December 17, 2013.
According to court documents, on July 24, 2013, Welch was arrested for selling crack cocaine to an undercover officer on two previous occasions. A search of Welch’s motel room revealed cocaine, marijuana, and Dilaudid pills. During an interview with law enforcement, Welch admitted to selling narcotics in the St. Petersburg area since January 2013. At the time of the offense, Welch had several prior felony convictions, including ten felony drug convictions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons.
This case is 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.
Clay County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Melvin Hubert Holmes (52, Clay County) yesterday to 15 years in federal prison for producing and possessing videos and images depicting child pornography. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervision, following his incarceration, and to register as a sex offender. A federal jury found Holmes guilty on September 16, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence introduced during trial, from March 10, 2012, through August 19, 2012, Holmes installed a hidden video spy camera in several areas of a bathroom in his residence. On several occasions, Holmes used the camera to capture pornographic videos and images of a minor child. Partially covered holes in a sink vanity and two walls, that had housed the camera, were discovered on August 23, 2012. Clay County Sheriff's Office personnel were contacted and responded to the residence. Several items were seized as part of the investigation, including Holmes’ laptop computer. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed images and videos depicting child pornography that were produced by Holmes.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
Broward County Man Sentenced to Four Years for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge John E. Steele today sentenced Patrick Robinson to 2 years in federal prison for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and a consecutive 2 years for aggravated identity theft. Robinson pleaded guilty on September 25, 2013.
According to court documents, on February 28, 2012, Robinson was stopped for speeding in a vehicle, in Lee County, Florida. A subsequent search of his vehicle recovered two laptop computers, a thumb drive, numerous Wal-Mart Money Cards, and a Green Dot debit card. Each card was wrapped in a piece of paper that had a name, routing number, account number, and tax refund amount handwritten on it. Approximately 232 separate identities were found on the thumb drive.
Robinson admitted that he had been committing tax refund fraud for approximately six months. He also admitted to using the stolen victim identifiers contained on the thumb drive to file fraudulent tax returns, using an online tax program. Robinson requested the tax return refund money from the fraudulent returns to be placed on the purchased Wal-Mart Money and Green Dot cards.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Grand Jury Indicts Four Individuals for International Fraud Scheme Involving the Sale of GoldRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Naadir Cassim (38, Barcelona, Spain and Orlando, Florida), Jon Craig Nelson (67, Houston, Texas), Michael Skillern (47, Houston, Texas), and Adriana Maria Camargo, a/k/a Adriana Palomino (36, Barcelona, Spain) with conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering conspiracy count, 20 years in federal prison for each mail fraud and wire fraud count, and 10 years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count. The indictment also notifies the individuals that the United States intends to forfeit a bank account, a vehicle, and investments, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. As well, the United States is seeking a money judgment for the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, from at least as early as August 2011, through at least February 2014, the above named individuals, and others, engaged in a fraud scheme, in which they directed and caused the sale of purported but nonexistent gold ore or gold doré from mines owned or controlled by them, through a company called OWN GOLD, LLC. The conspirators’ victims were located both inside and outside of the United States, including the United Kingdom. To facilitate the scheme, the conspirators recruited, instructed, supported and paid telemarketers to place unsolicited calls to potential and existing victims outside the United States, from boiler rooms. The telemarketers employed high-pressure and misleading sales techniques when promoting the nonexistent gold ore or gold doré. The indictment further alleges that Cassim, Nelson, Skillern, Camargo, and others then caused victims to wire their funds from the United Kingdom and elsewhere, to bank accounts controlled by the defendants. The conspirators used the victims' funds to perpetuate the scheme and for their own personal enrichment.
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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service, the City of London Police and the Spanish National Police. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Sara C. Sweeney.
If you invested in gold ore or gold doré through a company called OWN GOLD LLC, you could be a victim. Please contact our office via email at the following email address: [email protected]. Please reference “Cassim” in the subject line.
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Former Postman Pleads Guilty to Bribery and Stealing MailRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that John Peter Vreeland (40, Land O’Lakes) today pleaded guilty to bribery by a public official and theft of mail by a postal employee. He faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in federal prison, and a $500,000.00 fine. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Vreeland was charged in an Information on February 11, 2014.
According to the plea agreement, Vreeland was a United States Postal employee and mail carrier who was assigned to the Ybor City Post Office in Tampa, Florida. As a mail carrier, he was a public official who had a duty to receive and deliver the United States mail. From at least as early as May 2011 through December 2011, Vreeland redirected and stole approximately 60 to 70 United States Treasury income tax refund checks from the United States mail, which came into his possession in his capacity as a mail carrier, and were intended to be conveyed by mail.
A co-conspirator, in Tampa, submitted or caused to be submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), numerous fraudulent income tax returns seeking refund payments. As a result of the scheme, the IRS issued numerous income tax refund checks to various individuals and addresses in Tampa. Some of those addresses were on Vreeland’s postal route. The co-conspirator approached Vreeland and requested that Vreeland remove those tax refund checks from the intended mailing addresses, on Vreeland’s postal route, and to redirect the checks to the co-conspirator, in exchange for money. Vreeland agreed to do so, and the co-conspirator subsequently cashed the checks.
On January 25, 2012, agents interviewed Vreeland and he admitted to being involved in the income tax fraud scheme, and stated that he was first approached by the co-conspirator about the scheme in April 2011. Vreeland advised that he was paid $50.00 per check by the co-conspirator, who advised law enforcement that he received approximately 60 to 70 checks from Vreeland. Further investigation revealed numerous cash deposits into Vreeland’s bank account from May 2011 through December 2011.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Service, Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
Fake War Hero Pleads Guilty to Stealing Government Funds and Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Walter Clarence Eatman (68, St. Cloud) yesterday pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and making false statements. Eatman faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 16, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., before Senior U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazarra.
According to court documents, between July 2008 and July 2013, Eatman, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, applied for and received United States Department of Veterans Affairs compensation benefits based upon fraudulent information that he submitted to the VA. Specifically, on July 8, 2008, Eatman filed an application for compensation benefits based upon post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hearing loss, and tinnitus. He also falsely claimed that he was a Vietnam combat veteran, that he served in Vietnam from August 15, 1965 to August 15, 1967, and that he was awarded a Purple Heart. Eatman subsequently altered his military discharge paperwork to falsely reflect service in Vietnam, receipt of a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, and submitted the fraudulent paperwork to the VA. In fact, Eatman never served in Vietnam or received a Purple Heart or a Bronze Star. Based upon his false claims and representations, Eatman received approximately $106,040.00 in government money and benefits, including mental health care and medication, to which he was not entitled.
In September 2010, Eatman attempted to obtain an increase in his VA benefits for PTSD by falsely claiming that he was haunted by his combat experiences in Vietnam. Eatman lied about being wounded in combat, and again claimed to have received a Purple Heart. Eatman tricked a VA psychologist into believing that he was a decorated combat veteran suffering from PTSD. Eatman received a letter from the VA psychologist documenting his alleged condition. He then mailed the letter to the VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg, along with a “statement in support of claim” on which Eatman wrote, “Attached please find new additional information supporting medical evidence for my current claim for increased compensation for PTSD and my claim for individual unemployability.”
This case was investigated by United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda C. Kaiser.
Tampa Couple Sentenced to Prison for Stolen Identity Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Tressa V. Guy to 10 years and one month in federal prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also sentenced Guy’s husband, Brian E. Simmons, to 16 years in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of their sentence, the court entered a money judgment against each in the amount of $790,421.28, the proceeds of the wire fraud and identity theft scheme. The court also ordered Guy and Simmons to each pay $790,421.28 in restitution.
Guy pleaded guilty on October 16, 2013. Simmons pleaded guilty to his charges on November 26, 2013.
According to court documents, Guy and Simmons, and others, orchestrated a scheme to defraud the United States Treasury by causing fraudulent federal income tax returns to be filed using stolen identities, and soliciting personal identifying information and addresses from co-conspirators in Florida and Georgia. To facilitate the scheme, the conspirators coordinated the withdrawal of fraudulently obtained tax refund amounts from prepaid debit cards. The identities used to file the fraudulent tax returns in this scheme belonged to individuals living in various states across the country. As part of the conspiracy, at least 322 federal income tax returns for tax year 2011 were filed from nine Internet Protocol (IP) addresses, claiming refunds of $2,701,844.00. The scheme resulted in a loss of $790,421.28 to the Internal Revenue Service.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Monroe County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, 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.
Casselberry Man Sentenced to Life for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of MinorsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that U.S. District Chief Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Paul C. Lorenz, III (62, Casselberry, Florida) to life in federal prison for aggravated sex abuse of minors, production of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The court also ordered Lorenz to pay more than $72,000 in restitution to the victims of the offenses and to forfeit his interest in the computers and video cameras that he used to commit the offenses.
Lorenz pleaded guilty on September 24, 2012. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message about the priority that we place upon protecting our children from criminals like this,” said U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill. “Together, along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute serious offenses such as these, and work to pursue the stiffest penalties under the law.” According to court documents, Lorenz babysat several children while employed as a maintenance technician at a Church in Pasadena, Maryland. During this time, he sexually abused a young girl under his care over the course of approximately six years, beginning when she was five years-old. Lorenz recorded the abuse using his digital camera and video recorder and stored the pictures and videos on his hard drive. He moved to Casselberry, Florida in October, 2011 and brought the videos with him. Last year, in January, 2012 and March, 2012, Lorenz returned to Maryland to assist with family issues. While in Maryland, he babysat another five year-old girl and sexually abused her. As he had done with his previous victim, Lorenz recorded the abuse and stored the pictures and videos on his computer.
Lorenz returned to Florida in April 2012. A few weeks later, law enforcement officers learned of the abuse, obtained a search warrant for Lorenz’s home and seized his computers and cameras. A computer forensics examiner located over 14,000 pictures and 1,500 videos documenting Lorenz’s abuse of the two children on Lorenz’s electronic storage devices. In addition, the examiner located thousands of images of child pornography documenting the sexual abuse of unidentified children on Lorenz’s storage devices. Lorenz told investigators that he had downloaded the child pornography images from the Internet during the previous fifteen years.
This case was investigated by the Seminole County Sheriff”s Office, the Anne Arundel County Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
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. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov and click on the tab "other resources."
Winter Park Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell sentenced Brian Mirth (29, Winter Park) yesterday to seven years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. As part of his sentence, Mirth was ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervision, following his release from prison, and required to register as a sex offender. Mirth pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography on October 31, 2013.
According to court documents, on May 21, 2013, agents executed a search warrant at Mirth’s Winter Park residence where they recovered a computer and external hard drive containing images and videos of child pornography. Agents interviewed Mirth at his residence, and he admitted to collecting and trading child pornography using an anonymous e-mail address that agents had identified from another investigation. A forensic examination later revealed that Mirth’s computer and external hard drive contained hundreds of images of child pornography and videos.
“Child exploitation can extend across state lines and country borders because predators can access child pornography with a click of a button,” said Susan McCormick, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, which oversees the Orlando office that conducted this investigation. “HSI has offices across the United States and in 48 countries across the globe. This maximizes our reach, and helps us put child predators behind bars, regardless of where the investigation originates.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James D. Mandolfo.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
Former Bureau of Prisons and Customs and Border Protection Employee Indicted for Impersonating A Federal Officer and Making False Statements to Federal InvestigatorsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has returned an indictment charging Carlos Barros-Villahermosa (47, Puerto Rico) with impersonating a federal employee and making false statements to federal agents. Barros-Villahermosa was employed with the Bureau of Prisons from July 1991 through September 2002. Thereafter, he was an employee of Customs and Border Protection through May 2004. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment on the impersonation charge, and up to five years in federal prison for making false statements.
According to the indictment, on or about September 11, 2010, Barros-Villahermosa impersonated a federal employee by representing himself as a Bureau of Prisons officer during a traffic stop conducted by a Puerto Rico Police Department Officer. The indictment also alleges that, on June 21, 2011, Barros-Villahermosa made false statements to federal agents during the investigation for impersonating a federal officer.
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 Homeland Security Investigations Office of Professional Responsibility and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Perez-Irizarry, Middle District of Florida.
Winter Park Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Robert Magruder, Jr. (55, Winter Park) to 8 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing child pornography. As part of his sentence, Magruder was ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervision, following his release from prison, and required to register as a sex offender. The court also ordered Magruder to forfeit the devices he used to possess and distribute the child pornography. Magruder pleaded guilty on October 31, 2013.
According to court documents, on April 5, 2013, Magruder made files of child pornography available for download by other individuals by placing the files into a shared folder of an online peer-to-peer file sharing network. On this same date, from Magruder’s computer, an undercover Task Force Agent downloaded three sets of videos depicting children less than 12 years of age being sexually abused, exploited, and subjected to sadistic or masochistic conduct. Magruder was subsequently identified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the user of the computer that distributed the images.
On June 12, 2013, agents interviewed Magruder at his residence. He admitted that he used the peer-to-peer file sharing program to search for and collect child pornography, and acknowledged that he was aware that files in his shared folder were available for download by other individuals. Agents also executed a search warrant at Magruder’s residence and seized electronic devices containing several images and videos of child pornography as well as evidence of Magruder’s use of the peer-to-peer file sharing program that he used to distribute the child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
United States Settles False Claims Act Lawsuit Against Florida Pain Clinic and Its OwnerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that a Florida-based physician, Dr. Steven Chun, has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve allegations that he and his clinic billed Medicare for physician office visits that he did not perform.
The United States alleges that, between 2006 and 2011, Dr. Chun owned and operated a clinic, first in Sarasota and then in Bradenton, called Sarasota Pain Associates. The United States alleges that, beginning in 2006, Dr. Chun billed Medicare for office visits at the highest levels possible, falsely claiming to have conducted comprehensive examinations of patients with complex problems. In fact, those patients visited Sarasota Pain Associates for scheduled procedures for which Dr. Chun was paid. In addition to getting paid for those procedures, Dr. Chun billed and was paid by Medicare for examinations that he did not in fact perform."This settlement is a significant achievement by our Civil Division, which showed great determination in pursuing a troubling pattern of billing fraud," said U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III. "This case should send a message that we will not tolerate this kind of health care fraud in the Middle District of Florida."
"Count on my agency to aggressively pursue cases whether the target is a large corporation or a single provider," said Christopher B. Dennis, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General Miami region. "Besides a significant payment, Dr. Chun has agreed to let an independent organization review his claims for three years and then report to the government."
The allegations covered by the settlement were raised in a lawsuit filed by Cathia Gavin and Penelope Thomas, who both formerly worked as nurses for Dr. Chun. The suit was filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for the submission of false claims and to receive a share of any recovery. The False Claims Act authorizes the United States to intervene in such lawsuits and take over primary responsibility for settling or litigating them.
In addition to the $750,000 payment, Dr. Chun will enter into a three-year Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The agreement requires Dr. Chun to attend training courses provided by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and to conduct an independent external review of his coding, billing, and claims submission to federal health care programs.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $17 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $12.2 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The investigation of this matter reflects a coordinated effort among the Commercial Litigation Branch of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.
The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Gavin v. Sarasota Pain Associates, P.A. and Steven Y. Chun, M.D., 6:11-cv-583-T-23TBM (M.D. Fla.). The claims asserted against the defendants are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Palatka Man Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Federal Prison for Receiving and Possessing of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced Travis Rocky Dixon (36, Palatka) yesterday to 8 years and 9 months in federal prison for receiving and possessing videos of child pornography using the Internet. In addition, he was ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervision, following his incarceration, and to register as a sex offender. A federal jury found Dixon guilty on November 15, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence introduced during the trial, during 2011, two different law enforcement officers downloaded videos depicting child pornography over the Internet from a host computer using Internet Protocol (IP) addresses that resolved back to Dixon’s residence in Palatka. On January 18, 2012, a federal search warrant was executed at the residence. FBI Forensic examiners entered the residence and discovered that Dixon’s computer was, at that time, actively downloading video files with titles indicative of child pornography. During an interview, Dixon told agents that he was the primary user of the computer, that he used a file sharing program to download video files of young girls, and that he had been looking at child pornography for about one year. A forensic analysis of Dixon’s computer revealed that it contained at least 64 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Daytona Beach, Miami, and Jacksonville, the Clewiston (FL) Police Department, and the Putnam County 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.