Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Lee County Commissioner Agrees to Plead Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the filing of an information and signed plea agreement in United States District Court against Lee County Commissioner Tammara Ann Hall, a/k/a Tammy Hall (53, Cape Coral). The information charges Hall with one count of wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. An initial appearance and acceptance of plea hearing is set for October 3, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Douglas Frazier.
According to the plea agreement, Hall was a Lee County Commissioner running for re-election in the November 2010 general election. From November 2009 to November 2010, Hall diverted and embezzled approximately $33,756 of donor contributions to the Tammy Hall campaign fund, and used the money for personal expenditures unrelated to the campaign. Hall completed Florida Department of State campaign fund quarterly reports and failed to disclose that she had diverted campaign contributions to pay for personal expenses. She falsely represented the nature of the expenditures, which she made for personal purposes, or omitted certain campaign contribution checks from the quarterly reports. Hall stole from her campaign fund by transferring funds electronically from the campaign bank account to her personal bank account, by writing checks from the campaign bank account and depositing the checks to her personal bank account, and by depositing certain donor campaign contribution checks directly into her personal bank account. Hall used interstate wires to accomplish the electronic transfer of funds from her campaign account to her personal account at Wachovia Bank.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
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Guatemalan Drug Smuggler ConvictedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury found Alma Lucrecia Hernandez-Preciado, a/k/a "La Tia," (40, Tecun Uman, Guatemala) guilty last week of two counts of violating the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act. An indictment was returned against Hernandez-Preciado, in Tampa, on September 22, 2011. She was arrested in Guatemala on October 10, 2011, and extradited to Tampa in February 2013 to face the charges. Hernandez-Preciado faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 17, 2013, before the Honorable Susan C. Bucklew.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, from a date unknown to the date of the indictment, Hernandez-Preciado conspired with others, including persons who were on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Hernandez-Preciado was also convicted of aiding and abetting others, including persons who were on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, with respect to the possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. The evidence presented at trial proved that Hernandez-Preciado organized a series of maritime cocaine smuggling shipments from Ecuador to Guatemala, including a smuggling venture where the crew of a go-fast boat was interdicted by the United States Coast Guard on May 19, 2011, off the coast of Guatemala. During that interdiction, 347 kilograms of cocaine were seized by the Coast Guard.
Evidence presented at trial included testimony from the U.S. Coast Guard, wiretap intercepts conducted by the Guatemalan National Police, cooperating witnesses in the smuggling conspiracy, as well as communications obtained from Hernandez-Preciado by Panama Express Strike Force agents.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an OCDETF funded operation targeting maritime smuggling. Participating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), including DEA's Guatemala City Country Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Joint Interagency Task Force - South (JIATFS) and the United States Marshals Service, with assistance from the government of Guatemala and Guatemalan law enforcement agencies.
The case was indicted by Assistant United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow and tried by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph K. Ruddy.
Brevard County Resident Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Tax Fraud Scheme and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell today sentenced Abdul Cunningham to 12 years in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Cunningham to pay restitution in the amount of $560,731.00. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $560,731.00, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme.
Cunningham pleaded guilty on June 13, 2013. Co-defendant, Jana Harris-Cunningham, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2013. Harris-Cunningham is scheduled to be sentenced on October 7, 2013 at 1:00pm before Judge Presnell.
According to court documents, the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Treasury Department by filing fraudulent income tax returns and negotiating fraudulent tax refunds using stolen identities, commonly referred to as Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF). As part of their scheme, both used the stolen identities along with false and fraudulent wage and tax withholding information to prepare fraudulent federal income tax returns, thereby falsely claiming refunds. After filing the false returns, Cunningham and Harris-Cunningham accepted, negotiated, and “swiped” reloadable debit cards that they knew contained fraudulently obtained income tax refunds.
Cunningham and Harris-Cunningham filed 145 false claims with the IRS for tax years 2010 and 2011. These false claims totaled $816,790. Of that amount, the IRS paid out $560,731.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rockledge Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haas.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida -United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard sentenced William Douglas Smith, III (29, Jacksonville) to 6 years and 10 months in prison for receiving child pornography over the Internet. He was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Smith pleaded guilty on June 3, 2013, and has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since August 27, 2013.
According to court documents, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Jacksonville, began an investigation to identify individuals that had access to and/or were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a computer using a particular internet protocol (IP) address in the Jacksonville area was hosting images of child pornography using a file sharing program. The agent made a connection to this computer through the Internet and downloaded several video files directly from this computer. Each of the videos depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that the IP address resolved back to Smith’s Jacksonville residence.
On December 6, 2012, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Smith's residence and seized, among other things, five computers and 66 compact discs. A subsequent forensic analysis of the computer used by Smith revealed that it contained more than 250 videos of child pornography. During an interview with law enforcement, Smith admitted to accumulating and collection child pornography and said that he enjoyed "the naughtiness of it." He stated that child pornography videos "get your heart going."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
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.
Violent White Supremacist Prison Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Eight Years for Prison Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway today sentenced Scott Michael Patrick (48, Portland, Oregon) to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He was found guilty by a federal jury on June 12, 2013. Patrick will begin serving the sentence upon completion of his current federal sentence, which was imposed following a federal conviction for bank robbery. Patrick has been held in isolation due to his violent past and association with a violent white supremacist prison group.
According to court documents, Patrick, who was an inmate at the Coleman Correctional Complex, carried out a plan to viciously attack the victim. On February 3, 2007, Patrick went to the victim's assigned unit where he began shadow boxing and stretching inside of another inmate's cell before attacking the victim. After the victim walked past the cell, Patrick and another inmate began brutally beating the victim. A third inmate joined in the fight and stabbed the victim six times while Patrick continued to strike the victim until he collapsed to the floor, smacking his head against a metal kick plate. Patrick is a member of the Aryan Resistance Movement, a violent white supremacist prison gang.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vincent A. Citro and James D. Mandolfo.
South Daytona Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute "Crack" Cocaine and Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp yesterday sentenced Anthony V. White (31, Daytona) to fifteen years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, commonly known as "crack" cocaine, and for possessing a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a felony offense. He was sentenced to a 5-year term of supervision, following his release from prison. The court also ordered White to forfeit the handgun and ammunition seized from him at the time of the offenses. White pleaded guilty on June 25, 2013.
According to court documents, on the morning of March 29, 2012, in connection with a hit and run accident investigation, officers found a stolen car in the parking lot of the La Quinta Inn on W. International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach. The investigation led officers to room 246. When officers knocked on the door, White fled by jumping from the balcony, with a brown purse in his hand. White was apprehended, and the brown purse was found to contain twenty-one baggies of "crack" cocaine, as well as a scale for weighing the drugs. Left behind in the hotel room was a black duffle bag, with a firearm sticking out, and White’s wallet (with identification) next to it.
As a previously convicted felon, White is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Moreover, White's extensive criminal record qualified him as an Armed Career Criminal under federal sentencing statutes.
This case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Daytona Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
Ocala Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida - Senior U.S. District Judge Wm. Terrell Hodges today sentenced Christian Labrent Moore (31, Ocala) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Moore pleaded guilty on June 18, 2013.
According to court documents, on March 20, 2013, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of illegal drug sales in the area of SW Second Street, in Ocala. Once there, the deputies observed Moore sitting on the front porch of a residence holding a clear baggie of marijuana and cocaine. As the deputies approached Moore, they saw him remove a loaded firearm from his pocket and toss it into a trash can. Moore spontaneously told the deputies that he had just traded drugs for the firearm and that he had just been released from prison. A subsequent records check confirmed that Moore had been released from the Florida Department of Corrections on January 15, 2013, where he had been serving time for drug distribution. Moreover, Moore's prior record of drug and violent crimes made him eligible for an enhanced sentence in federal court as an Armed Career Criminal.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting 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.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon, II yesterday sentenced Alexander Lee (31, Kissimmee) to 5 years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. Lee was also ordered to register as a sex offender and to serve a 10-year term of supervision, upon his release from prison. Lee pleaded guilty on June 26, 2012.
According to the evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Lee used a peer-to-peer program to download child pornography. On October 9, 2012, special agents with Homeland Security Investigations, along with agents from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, executed a federal search warrant at Lee’s apartment. A forensic review of Lee’s computer revealed that he downloaded 1,047 images of child pornography on February 19, 2012. Further forensic review revealed that Lee downloaded more than 100,000 images and videos of child pornography.
“Receiving child pornography is not a victimless crime. It haunts the children depicted in it, who live daily with the knowledge that countless strangers use an image of their worst experiences for their own gratification,” said Susan McCormick, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, which oversees the agency’s Orlando office that conducted this investigation. “It is our duty as special agents to find and arrest these child predators and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
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.
Central Florida Drug Traffickers Sentenced to Federal Prison TermsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell today sentenced Maurice Evans (44, Orlando) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison and James Marvin Lovett (43, Cocoa) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Evans and Lovett pleaded guilty on June 24, 2013.
According to court documents, on January 29, 2013, law enforcement agents began monitoring communications between Evans and Lovett. Agents learned of their contact with a cocaine supply source located elsewhere in Florida. After making several trips to the supply source to obtain kilograms of cocaine, on February 13, 2013, agents arrested Lovett, who had three kilograms of cocaine in his car. Shortly afterwards, agents intercepted a call from Evans and the source of supply, telling the source to drop their telephones because Lovett had been arrested. Agents eventually executed a search warrant at Lovett’s house and found a cocaine re-processing operation, including a hydraulic press, press plates, aluminum molds, packaging material, scales, cut material, mixing utensils, a microwave, and cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Brevard County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vincent A. Citro.
Astatula Businessman Charged with $44 Million Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Pedro Benevides (44, Astatula) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, nine counts of bank fraud, and nine counts of making false statements to financial institutions. If convicted, Benevides faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a $1million fine for each of the nineteen charged counts. The indictment also notifies Benevides that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $44,059,565.00, the proceeds of the charged conspiracy.
According to the indictment, from about 2005 through about September 2008, Benevides, using several businesses that he controlled, participated in a conspiracy and a fraudulent scheme to obtain $44,059,565.00 in various loans from federally insured financial institutions. Benevides allegedly submitted and caused the submission of documents to those institutions that contained materially false and fraudulent information. In particular, he submitted and caused the submission of documents that, among other things: (a) contained false information concerning the income and assets of the person or entity in whose name Benevides sought the loans, mortgages, and lines of credit; (b) were false and forged business and personal tax return documents; (c) were false and forged financial statements that purported to be from financial institutions; (d) were false and forged bank statements; (e) were a false and forged official checks; and (f) were false and forged correspondence from a title and escrow company that purported to show funds held for the benefit of entities that Benevides controlled, which funds did not actually exist.
On occasion, Benevides also submitted false loan applications supported by the false documents and signed documents certifying the accuracy of the false documents. Once Benevides obtained the loans, he used the funds from the loans to pay the interest and principal on previously obtained loans, which he had also obtained through fraud. Benevides also used the funds from the loans to fund his lifestyle and the businesses he controlled.
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, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, and the St. Cloud IRS-USSS Federal Financial Crimes Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Washington Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Export Computers and Services to IranRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that John Alexander Talley (42, Seattle, Washington), and his company, Tallyho Peripherals, Inc. d/b/a Enterprise Solutions Systems, today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. Talley faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, from approximately 2009 to September 2012, Talley and his company conspired with others to unlawfully export sophisticated enterprise level computer equipment from the United States to Iran, and to provide computer IT support services for the equipment, all in violation of the United States embargo. Talley’s role was to provide training and computer IT support to ensure that the computer equipment operated in Iran. In an effort to conceal their activities, the conspirators in the United States caused shipments of the computers and related equipment, as well as the payments for same, to travel to and from the United States and Iran through the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, payments for Talley’s support services were transmitted through the UAE.
On September 12, 2013, two Iranian nationals, Mahmood Akbari a/k/a John Wassermann and Reza Hajigholamali, and three United Arab Emirate “front” companies, Patco Group Ltd., Managed Systems and Services (FZC), and TGO General Trading LLC a/k/a Three Green Orbit, were indicted in connection with the same conspiracy to violate the Iranian Embargo. Those parties are charged with conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations, and a conspiracy to commit international money laundering. If convicted, Akbari and Hajigholamali each face a maximum penalty of up to 40 years in federal prison.
On July 11, 2012, co-conspirator Mohammad Reza “Ray” Hajian and three of his companies, RH International LLC, Nexiant LLC, and P & P Computers LLC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian Transaction Regulations. On October 18, 2012, Hajian was sentenced to four years in federal prison.
"The magnitude and scope of the threats facing the United States has never been greater than today, and that's why Homeland Security Investigations investigates individuals who try to export sensitive technologies to embargoed nations," said Sue McCormick, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa. "Homeland Security Investigations and our partners at the Department of Commerce take pride in protecting our country, and today’s guilty plea is the latest example of our effective investigative efforts."
"Today's guilty plea is another step to dismantle a complex diversion scheme to illegally divert U.S.-origin technology through the United Arab Emirates to Iran. We will continue to pursue those who present a threat to our national security and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law," said Robert Luzzi, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of Export Enforcement, Miami Field Office.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Mark E. Bini and U.S. Department of Justice Trial Attorney Mariclaire Rourke.
Ocala Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Medicaid FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced Tiffany McIntyre (34, Ocala) to three years in federal prison for committing health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court ordered restitution and entered a money judgment in the amount of $128,051.76, the proceeds of the health care fraud. McIntyre pleaded guilty on June 3, 2013.
According to court documents, McIntyre engaged in a scheme to defraud the State of Florida Medicaid Program ("Medicaid") by billing for services that were not rendered, using the identities of Medicaid recipients without their knowledge or permission. Medicaid, a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for indigent persons, children, and certain disabled individuals, is funded through federal and state tax revenue.
In August 2009, McIntyre was issued an Adult Family Care Home license by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The license allowed her to operate an adult family care home in Ocala. She also submitted an application to become a Medicaid Provider to AHCA, requesting approval to provide daily living assistance as an assistive care provider, in her Ocala adult care family home, to Medicaid recipients who are not able to function by themselves. For a period of time in 2009 and 2010, McIntyre provided some of these services. Thereafter, she submitted false claims to Medicaid for assistive care services for Medicaid recipients who never resided at her adult family care home. From January 2011 through at least September 2012, McIntyre submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicaid in the amount of approximately $148,681, using the identities of Medicaid recipients without their knowledge or authorization. McIntyre was paid a total of $128,051.76 by Medicaid for these false and fraudulent claims.
This case was investigated by Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Office of the Florida Attorney General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Ocala Dentist Convicted on Counts of Failure to File Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that yesterday a federal jury found Thomas W. Harter, D.M.D. guilty of six counts of willful failure to file income tax returns for the years 2006 through 2011. Harter faces a maximum penalty of six years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Harter was charged in a superseding information on April 16, 2013.
According to evidence and testimony presented at trial, Harter stopped filing income tax returns in 2000. From 2006 through 2011, Harter received gross income from his dental practice of at least $1,709,230.00, and he filed no tax returns and paid no income taxes for those years.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, with assistant from Special Enforcement Program Revenue Agents of the Internal Revenue Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Armstrong.
New York Man Pleads Guilty to over $300,000 in Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Werawat Isaraphanich (38, Bronx, New York) today pleaded guilty to access device fraud. Isaraphanich faces a maximum of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. As part of his plea agreement, Isaraphanich has agreed to forfeit more than$176,000 that is being held in two accounts. These funds will be returned to the victims as partial payment toward their losses.
According to court documents, Isaraphanich used stolen credit card numbers to purchase tickets from Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, StubHub, and Ticket Master. He then sold the tickets at a discount. To purchase the tickets, Isaraphanich used software that generated a fictitious caller ID, which allowed him to mask the telephone number that he was using when he called to purchase the tickets and other items. Between April 2010 and June 2013, Isaraphanich made approximately 1,800 calls using fictitious caller IDs, and used more than 100 stolen credit card numbers to make fraudulent purchases. As part of his scheme, Isaraphanich attempted over $1.1 million in fraudulent credit card transactions, with victims suffering more than $323,000 in actual losses.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Federal Jury Finds Clay County Man Guilty on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced today that a federal jury found Melvin Hubert Holmes (52, Clay County) guilty of production and possession of child pornography. Holmes faces not less than 15 years and up to 30 years in prison on the production charge, and up to 10 years in prison on the possession charge. After the return of the jury verdict, Holmes was remanded to the custody of United States Marshals Service pending his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for January 6, 2014.
According to testimony and evidence presented during trial, from March 10, 2012 through August 19, 2012, Holmes had installed a hidden video spy camera in several areas in a bathroom within his residence. On several occasions, Holmes used the camera to capture pornographic videos and images of a minor child. On August 23, 2012, partially covered holes in a sink vanity and in two walls that had housed the camera were discovered and the Clay County Sheriff's Office was contacted. During the investigation, several items were seized, including a laptop computer belonging to Holmes. A forensic analysis of the computer revealed several dozen 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Former Attorney Sentenced to More Than Eleven Years for Bank and Mail Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday sentenced Mark W. Jackson (62), a former resident of Pinellas County and a former Florida attorney, to eleven years and three months in federal prison for bank and mail fraud conspiracy. The court also ordered Jackson to serve five years of supervised release, to pay restitution of $166,795.89, to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $200,000, and to pay a special assessment of $100.
Jackson pleaded guilty to the charge on August 28, 2008, but fled prior to being sentenced. He was a fugitive from February 17, 2009, until March 30, 2012 ,when he was arrested in North Carolina by local law enforcement authorities for committing offenses similar to those committed in the Middle District of Florida.
According to court documents and sentencing testimony, the conspiracy took place from a time prior to April 2000, and continued through July 2, 2004. As part of the conspiracy, Jackson and his co-conspirator William Wayne Dykstra stole mail matter containing personal information as well as personal and business checks from the United States mail. They then produced and used counterfeit personal identification documents, including unlawfully obtained copies of other individuals valid Florida driver licenses. They opened numerous accounts and rented mail boxes at Commercial Mail Receiving Agencies (CMRAs) using fraudulent identification documents. The pair also opened bank accounts in the names of others using stolen identification information. They produced counterfeit personal and business checks, deposited those checks into the fraudulently opened bank accounts, then withdrew funds from the accounts using ATMs. They also produced counterfeit personal and business checks based on checks stolen from the U.S. Mails, and then negotiated and attempted to negotiate the checks at drive-through teller windows of various bank branches throughout the Middle District of Florida using stolen or fraudulent identity documents. Jackson and Dykstra fraudulently obtained and attempted to obtain more than $200,000 from the compromised banks during the conspiracy.
Dykstra pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy in August 2008. On February 17, 2009, he was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Donald L. Hansen.
Former Pinellas County Housing Authority Employee Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Keomala Phandara Khammanivong (32, St. Petersburg) today pleaded guilty to charges of stealing and embezzling funds from the Pinellas County Housing Authority. She faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison.
According to the facts presented at the plea hearing, Khammanivong was employed as a “Cashier/Clerk Typist” by the Pinellas County Housing Authority (PCHA) at the French Villas in St. Petersburg, from July 7, 2008 to August 8, 2012. In that job position, Khammanivong was responsible for a variety of tasks, which included receiving, counting, and balancing payments of rent made by the tenants, issuing receipts to tenants; and making daily bank deposits. During this time, Khammanivong received money orders from various PCHA tenants and either altered or wrote out the money orders in her name. She then deposited these altered or fraudulent money orders in her personal bank account, instead of depositing the funds in the PCHA accounts. Over this time period, Khammanivong stole a total of $23,126, from the Pinellas County Housing Authority and spent these funds for her personal use.
This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Lee County Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Charles Allen Nave, III (39, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography. Nave faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years, up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on January 31, 2013, Nave knowingly distributed child pornography over the Internet to an undercover agent that he met in an online chat room. Nave sent the undercover agent four emails with attachments depicting images of child pornography. Following the execution of a search warrant, a forensic analysis of Nave’s computer revealed more than 300 images and 20 videos of child pornography.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Sanibel Police Department, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Lee County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
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.
Fort Myers Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Identity Theft and Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Ebony Edwards today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft, to file false claims against the government, and to theft of government money or property. She faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Edwards was employed with a health care provider and obtained the personal identifying information of at least 11 patients, including names, social security numbers, and dates of birth. Edwards transmitted the information to a conspirator via text messages using her cell phone. The co-conspirator then used that information to file false income tax returns.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Palmetto Man Convicted of Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
TAMPA, FL - Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury today found Gregory Albert Darst (71, Palmetto) guilty of one count of attempted interference with the Internal Revenue laws and four counts of willfully failing to file income tax returns. Darst, who was indicted on April 11, 2013, faces a maximum penalty of seven years in federal prison.
According to evidence presented at trial, Darst has not filed a federal income tax return since 1989. During the years charged in the indictment, Darst earned income from his operation of a mobile home park located in Largo, Florida. The income received exceeded the minimum amount requiring him to file annual tax returns. Evidence also showed that Darst engaged in a lengthy and coordinated effort to obstruct and impede the administration of the tax laws. He sent fraudulent documents to the IRS purporting to pay off his tax debt; attempted to retaliate against several IRS employees by making false accusations of misconduct; and he sent threatening correspondence to a private citizen who purchased property from Darst, which was encumbered by valid IRS levies and liens.
"Convictions, like the one returned against Mr. Darst today, send a loud and clear message that regardless of their opinions, people who willfully defy the tax laws will be fully investigated, prosecuted and subjected to the full punishment of the law," said Special Agent-in Charge James D. Robnett of the IRS-Criminal Investigation (Tampa Field Office). "Those Americans who file accurate, honest and timely returns can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't."
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Mueller.
Deltona Felon Sentenced to More Than Twenty One Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm During A Cocaine SaleRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr., yesterday sentenced Edwin Vidal Torres (31, Deltona) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense. Based upon his lengthy criminal history, which included offenses involving violence, firearms, and drug trafficking, Torres was designated a career offender. He pleaded guilty to the charges on June 4, 2013.
According to court documents, on April 18, 2013, Torres possessed a firearm during the sale of cocaine. Immediately following the sale, agents arrested Torres with 19 ounces of cocaine, a digital scale, $3,793 in cash, and a revolver. Following his arrest, Torres admitted that he carried the firearm during drug deals involving more than nine ounces of cocaine. He also stated that he carried the firearm to protect his drugs, drug money, as well as himself during his drug transactions.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Volusia Bureau of Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Tampa Drug Dealer Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa. Florida- U.S. District Judge William J. Castagna yesterday sentenced Eugene E. Davis (39) to life in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to possess 280 grams or more of cocaine base. The life sentence was imposed as a result of Davis's prior felony drug convictions. A federal jury found Davis guilty on May 16, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Davis engaged in a year- long conspiracy with others to distribute hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and crack cocaine in Hillsborough County. Davis, a prolific crack dealer, was known for purchasing multiple kilograms of cocaine and cooking it into crack cocaine. Often described as "flashy and flamboyant," Davis used his drug proceeds to fund an extravagant lifestyle of high-end cars, expensive jewelry, and thousands of dollars in cash. The court also concluded that Davis was a career offender who obstructed justice when he attempted to intimidate witnesses by listing their names in news outlets and on social media, labeling them "snitches."
This case resulted from an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
Polk County Man Charged in Federal Court for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the arrest of Eleftherios (Ted) Zachariadis (46, Lake Alfred) for possession of child pornography. If convicted, Zachariadis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Zachariadis was charged by criminal complaint on September 9, 2013.
According to the complaint, an undercover law enforcement officer downloaded multiple child pornography files over the Internet from an IP address connected to Zachariadis's residence. On September 9, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at the residence. Zachariadis was found to be in possession of more than 900 images and more than 200 videos depicting child pornography.
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), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Lake Alfred Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Sanford Missionary Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Warren Scott Kennell (45, West Milford, New Jersey) today pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. Kennell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, between December 2008 and August 2011, Kennell produced images of child pornography involving two minor victims. According to the plea agreement, on May 31, 2013, Kennell arrived at Orlando International Airport from Panama City, Panama. After retrieving his luggage, Kennell was escorted to the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) secondary inspection area.After Kennell was seated, a special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) searched Kennell's belongings and found three thumb drives and one external hard drive. During an interview, Kennell said that he had worked in Brazil as a missionary for the New Tribes Mission, in Sanford, Florida, and that he had been doing missionary work for several years. Kennell told the agent that he had never touched a child in a sexual and/or inappropriate manner, that he had never taken pornographic images of a child, and that there would be no child pornography found on any of the items in his luggage.
After Kennell made these statements, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) computer forensic agents advised that two images of child pornography had been found on Kennell's external hard drive.
When shown the first image, Kennell acknowledged that he was the man in the picture performing a sex act on the prepubescent female. Kennell said that he believed the girl was about 12 years old at the time the picture was taken. When shown the second image, Kennell admitted that he had taken that picture and that the girl in the second image also had been about 12 years old at the time. Kennell further admitted that both images had been taken in Brazil while he was on the missionary assignment.
A forensic examination of Kennell’s external hard drive showed more than 940 images of child pornography. The child victims are members of an indigenous tribe in the Amazon, where Kennell was setting up a church.
This case was investigated by HSI, with assistance from FDLE. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tanya Davis Wilson.
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.
Pharmacy Robber Sentenced to 38 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced John Martin Spaulding (22, Jacksonville) to 38 years in federal prison for two counts of armed robbery and two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2013.
According to court documents, Spaulding robbed the Walgreens on Normandy Boulevard, in Jacksonville, on June 13, 2012. During the robbery, Spaulding fired a 9mm pistol into the ceiling. No one was injured and Spaulding escaped with approximately $144.
On July 18, 2012, Spaulding and an accomplice attempted to rob the Walgreens on Park Street. Spaulding demanded money and prescription drugs from an employee. The employee told Spaulding that the pharmacy was closed. Spaulding then fired multiple shots into a door as he tried unsuccessfully to break into the pharmacy department. Officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and arrested Spaulding and his accomplice. No one was injured in the attempted robbery. Officers also recovered a Hi-Point 9mm pistol that Spaulding used in both robberies.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Robbery Unit and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Pornography over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida -United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced John Carver Lester (61, Jacksonville) to five years in federal prison for receiving child pornography over the Internet. Lester was also ordered to serve an 8-year term of supervised release, forfeit five computers, and register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty on April 25, 2013, and has been in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest on December 20, 2012.
According to court documents, an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in Jacksonville, began an investigation to identify individuals that had access to and/or were trading images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. The agent determined that a computer in the Jacksonville area was hosting images of child pornography using a file sharing program. The agent made a connection to this computer and downloaded several video files. Each of the videos depicted young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that the IP address resolved back to Lester’s Jacksonville residence.
According to court documents, on December 10, 2012, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Lester’s residence and seized, among other things, five computers and several hundred compact disks.
During an interview with law enforcement, Lester stated that he had been downloading child pornography for approximately five years and had developed a curiosity for it. Lester also stated that he was worried about possibly wanting to touch a child. A subsequent forensic analysis of the computers used by Lester revealed that they contained a total of 261 videos and 844 images depicting child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
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.
Fugitive Couple Sentenced for Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven today sentenced Michelle M. Lutz (Clearwater, 36) to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. On August 20, 2013, Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced her husband, Paul M. Lutz (Clearwater, 44), to two years and eight months in federal prison for misuse of a passport and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, Paul and Michelle Lutz were arrested in San Bernadino, California, for drug and weapon violations in October 2001. Shortly after their arrests, they fled California and assumed new identities. The Lutzs lived in Nevada for several years before moving to Clearwater, Florida, in 2008. While living in Clearwater, the couple had a son. Michelle Lutz worked as an exotic dancer, while Paul M. Lutz attended school, cared for the minor son, and coached a Clearwater Little League team.
In May 2012, Michelle M. Lutz, using an assumed identity, applied for a United States Passport in Clearwater. During the processing of her application, fraud detection managers determined that the information provided in the application was false. A follow up investigation revealed that Michelle and Paul Lutz had active warrants out of the State of California and were hiding out in Clearwater.
On March 6, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at the Lutzs' Clearwater residence. Law enforcement seized blank birth certificates from more than seven different states, blank baptismal records, blank education school diplomas, a blank marriage license, social security cards and numbers in approximately fifteen different identities, stamps and seals for official documents, counterfeit currency, and an instruction book on how to establish a new identity.
This case was investigated by the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacie B. Harris.
Over 12 Pounds of Methamphetamine Seized in Multiple Law Enforcement Agency OperationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the charging by Complaint of Jose Duarte, a.k.a "Margarito Garcia-Camacho" (45), a Mexican national residing in Highlands County; Ivan (a.k.a: "Costancio") Cabrerra-Pineda (41), a Mexican national residing in Charlotte County, and Brittnay Farabee (23), of Charlotte County, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to the Complaint, on August 19, 2013, Duarte was approached by law enforcement at his residence in Lake Placid, Florida and admitted to being illegally in the United States after having been deported. He also admitted that he had been involved in the purchasing and selling of methamphetamine. Later, on that same date, investigators observed the delivery of approximately 5.4 pounds of methamphetamine from Cabrera-Pineda and Farabee to Duarte. The individuals were then taken into custody. A subsequent search was conducted at Farabee's residence, in Punta Gorda, where an additional seven pounds of methamphetamine was seized by law enforcement.
A 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 the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Border Patrol, the Hardee County Sheriff's Office, the Desoto County Sheriff's Office, and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathy J.M. Peluso.
Managing Member of Altamont Global Partners Pleads Guilty to $16 Million Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that John G. Wilkins (63, Chuluota, Florida) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Wilkins is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. Wilkins has also agreed to forfeit more than $4 million that is being held in various bank and trading accounts. These monies will be returned to the victims of the fraud, as partial payment towards the expected restitution in the case of over $16 million. Sentencing has been set for November 21, 2013.
According to court documents, Altamont Global Partners, L.L.C. owned or managed a series of investment funds. Altamont Global began operating business in 2009. Wilkins joined the company in 2009 and later became one of its managing members.
The Matterhorn Fund, LLC was the first fund for which investors were solicited by Altamont Global. To induce individuals to invest, Wilkins and others falsely represented that the Matterhorn Fund had a long history of making profits and that the individual who would be handling the trading was a graduate of Stanford University, worked for Salomon Brothers as an institutional investment advisor, and had successfully traded worldwide investment vehicles for more than three decades.
In the first quarter of 2010, the Matterhorn Fund experienced significant trading losses. Rather than accurately reporting those losses on the quarterly statements, Wilkins falsified the quarterly statements to falsely claim that the Matterhorn Fund was earning an above-market rate of return.
The false rates of returns that were claimed for the Matterhorn Fund were then used to induce individuals to invest in the McKinley Fund. The McKinley Fund also lost money and Wilkins, again, falsified the quarterly statements for that fund. Wilkins and others then used their alleged performance with the Matterhorn Fund and the McKinley Fund to solicit investments in two other funds: Midas Management Partners LLC and Binary Strategy One Fund, LLC. In total, more than 200 individuals invested more than $16 million in the four funds owned or managed by Altamont Global.
In June 2012, the National Futures Association (NFA) conducted a surprise examination of Altamont Global. During that examination, the NFA discovered that the quarterly statements were being falsified to hide losses and that the net asset values of the Matterhorn Fund and the McKinley Fund were being inflated to make it appear that trading had been successful.
On July 16, 2012, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission filed a complaint against Wilkins and others. The District Court entered an emergency order that same day, freezing the assets of the defendants in that civil case.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the State of Florida, Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Clay County Men Indicted for Tax Refund FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return by a grand jury of a superseding indictment charging Antoun Arbaji and Abas Issa with one count of conspiracy, six counts of theft of government property and six counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy charge, up to 10 years for each theft of government property charge, and 2 consecutive years for each aggravated identity theft charge. Arbaji faces an additional charge of making a false statement to the Department of the Treasury for which he could receive an additional five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Issa obtained tax refund checks that were the result of fraudulently filed tax returns that had been prepared by others, using stolen personal identification information. Many of the returns were prepared using the identities of deceased individuals. Arbaji operated a convenience store ("Fina Express") in Green Cove Springs. Issa provided the fraudulent refund checks to Arbaji, who cashed them using his business, in exchange for a fee. Arbaji then provided the proceeds to Issa. In 2011, Fina Express allegedly cashed 212 fraudulent treasury checks totaling more than $1.5 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 Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III.
Brooksville Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew earlier this week sentenced Connie Lee (50, Brooksville) to two years in federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $21,402 against Lee. Lee pleaded guilty on April 30, 2013.
According to court documents, a fraudulent federal income tax return was filed in the name of Lee's son. Lee received the corresponding fraudulent tax refund check at her residence. After bribing her grandson to steal her son's personal identification documents, Lee took her nephew to a local bank, where she presented her son's stolen identification to bank personnel and duped her nephew into impersonating her son in order to open a bank account. Lee then deposited the fraudulent tax refund check into the bank account and withdrew all of the funds for her own use. Lee also assisted another individual in cashing a fraudulent tax refund check at the same bank and was paid for her assistance in that scheme.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Brooksville Police Department, and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josephine W. Thomas.
Apopka Man Sentenced to More Than 9 Years in Prison on Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell yesterday sentenced James R. Wiese (49, Apopka) to 9 years and 7 months in federal prison for distribution and possession of child pornography. The court also ordered Wiese to serve a 10-year term of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence, and to register as a sex offender. Wiese pleaded guilty on May 29, 2013.
According to court documents, Wiese traded child pornography with others via email. As part of an undercover investigation, HSI special agents executed a search warrant at Wiese's residence on February 25, 2013, and seized all of Wiese’s computer equipment. When confronted by law enforcement officers, Wiese admitted to having collected child pornography images and videos, and storing them on his computer for at least two years. A forensic examination of Wiese’s computer equipment found more than 3,800 images and 1,150 videos depicting child pornography involving prepubescent children.
“Child pornography, when it is released onto the Internet, lives on forever. It haunts the children depicted in it, who live daily with the knowledge that countless strangers use an image of their worst experiences for their own gratification,” said Shane Folden, deputy special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Tampa, which oversees the agency’s Orlando office that conducted this investigation. “It is our duty as special agents to find and arrest these child predators and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Myrna Amelia Mesa.
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.
Federal Jury Finds Odessa Man Guilty in Cocaine Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TAMPA, FLORIDA - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that yesterday a federal jury found Antonius Russel Ford (28, Odessa) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Ford faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Ford was indicted on May 13, 2013.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Ford bought hundreds of grams of cocaine and crack cocaine from a supplier in Town 'n' Country, a community in Tampa. Ford then resold the drugs in Spring Hill and elsewhere. During the investigation, numerous telephone conversations between Ford and the supplier were intercepted by law enforcement. On April 12, 2013, agents executed federal search warrants at two businesses in Town 'n' Country and recovered approximately 255 grams of cocaine, as well as several thousand dollars in cash.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing A Minor on Patrick Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Senior District Judge John Antoon, II today sentenced Shawn Alan Marshall (50, Brevard County) to life in federal prison for sexually abusing a minor female victim by threatening her and placing her in fear. Marshall pleaded guilty on May 8, 2013.
According to his plea agreement, from March 16, 2011, through November 30, 2012, on Patrick Air Force Base, Marshall sexually abused and raped the victim on numerous occasions. During some of the abuse, Marshall physically restrained the victim by locking her in a bathroom with him, pinning her arms behind her back, and wrapping a cord around her throat. Marshall was physically and verbally abusive in the presence of the victim and used coercion to prevent the victim from disclosing the abuse. In February 2013, the victim disclosed the sexual abuse. Shortly thereafter, Marshall was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Air Force, Office of Special Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for More Than $1 Million in Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Senior U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp sentenced Obnes Latigue (51, Orlando) yesterday to 13 months in federal prison for aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. As part of his sentence, Latigue was also ordered to pay $1,129,418 to the Internal Revenue Service in restitution and to serve one year of supervised release. Latigue pleaded guilty on May 23, 2013.
According to his plea agreement, Latigue was the owner of a tax return business called Tax Winners Enterprises, Inc. For tax years 2006, 2007, and 2008, Latigue prepared returns for individuals in which he falsified the amounts of deductions and tax credits owed to taxpayers, which resulted in those taxpayers receiving undeserved tax refunds. In particular, Latigue fraudulently claimed education credits for clients who never attended college. He also inflated itemized deductions. In response to the false returns that Latigue prepared, the Internal Revenue Service issued more than $1.1 million in undeserved refunds, which is the amount that Latigue was ordered to pay in restitution.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
New York Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Access Device FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Senior District Judge G. Kendall Sharp sentenced Richard Middleton (36, New York) today to five years and ten months in federal prison for possession of device -making equipment and possession of a false identification implement. Middleton pleaded guilty on May 29, 2013.
According to documents, on August 20, 2011, deputies from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a room that Middleton occupied at a timeshare resort in Kissimmee. Inside the room deputies recovered equipment used to manufacture counterfeit credit cards and false identification documents, including a credit card embosser, a foil press “tipping” machine, card making devices, MasterCard hologram stickers, blank plastic cards and holograms typically used in genuine state issued identification cards and driver licenses, more than 1,000 blank American Express and Visa credit cards, and a laptop computer. A forensic review of the laptop revealed evidence indicating its use in the charged crimes.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announced that Dwaine Charles Idleman (66, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty yesterday to receiving images and videos depicting child pornography over the Internet. He faces not less than 5 years, up to 20 years in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Idleman was named in a criminal information charging him with the offense on August 5, 2013.
According to court documents, a special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began an undercover operation to identify persons using the Internet to receive and share child pornography. The agent identified a particular host computer using a particular internet protocol (IP) address that was sharing images of child pornography on a file sharing network. Further investigation revealed that the subscriber was Dwaine C. Idleman in Jacksonville.
On June 28, 2012, HSI special agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at the Idleman residence in Jacksonville. Idleman was present, and agreed to speak with the agents. Idleman stated, among other things, that he had come across pornography sites with people that were “too young” but that he “got out of it.” Idleman stated that he had a particular file sharing program, but does not keep it installed on his computer. When told that the agents knew that he was downloading child pornography files into his residence and that he was sharing it back out of the residence, Idleman stated, “I’m not sharing it; I didn’t think I was, and I didn’t know that I was keeping it, I know I got a problem and if this escalates into an arrest, my life is over.”
While at Idleman's residence, the agents seized his laptop computer. Subsequent forensic analysis revealed that it contained at least four images and one video depicting child pornography. The analysis also showed Idleman downloaded child pornography on the morning of June 28, 2012, just before the arrival of law enforcement.
The case was investigated by HSI, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched 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.
Volusia County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Tyler Andrew Smith (23, Port Orange) pleaded guilty this week to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Smith faces a maximum penalty of not less than 5 years, up to 20 years in federal prison for the distribution count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the possession count. A sentencing hearing has been set for November 4, 2013. Smith was indicted on June 5, 2013.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2012, Smith used his email account to send an email containing an image of child pornography to an individual in another state. In April 2013, law enforcement discovered Smith's email with the attached child pornography image during an investigation into the individual in the other state. On March 16, 2013, federal agents went to Smith's residence in Volusia County and interviewed him. Smith turned over to agents a cellular telephone with a memory card, a netbook computer, and an SD memory card, all three of which contained child pornography. Smith admitted, among other things, that he sent the email with the attached child pornography image, that he used email accounts and the Internet to collect and trade child pornography, and that the devices containing child pornography belonged to him. Smith was subsequently arrested.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. It is being 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.
Former Member of Liberty City Seven Charged in Federal Court for Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the arrest of Burson J. Augustin (29, Fort Myers) for distribution of cocaine. If convicted, Augustin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1million. Augustin was charged by criminal complaint on August 15, 2013.
According to the complaint, on August 7, 2013, Augustin sold approximately 29 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant working with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for $1,200. The complaint also states that Augustin was previously arrested as a member of the Liberty City Seven, in 2006, for conspiracy and providing material support to terrorism related to a plot to blow up the Sears Tower in Chicago. For that offense, he was convicted and sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. At the time of this offense, Augustin was on supervised release. He was released from prison on September 21, 2012. 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 the Lee County Sheriff's Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
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Chiropractor Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Fraudulent Insurance SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - United States District Judge John E. Steele sentenced Dr. Stephen M. Lovell (55, Windermere) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $1.695 million, the proceeds of the offense. A jury found Lovell guilty on February 28, 2013, following a two-week trial.
According to testimony presented at trial, Xtreme Care Rehabilitation Center Inc. (“Xtreme Care”) was operating in Cape Coral, Florida as an unlicensed health care clinic since 2009. The State of Florida licensing requirements were circumvented by the conspirators as a result of the purported exclusive ownership of these clinics by licensed health care practitioners, including licensed chiropractor Dr. Stephen M. Lovell. As a result of the purported ownership of the clinics by a licensed health care practitioner, these clinics avoided greater regulatory scrutiny. In actuality, other conspirators including Francisco Huici Fernandez and Ernesto Diaz were the true owners of the clinics.
In furtherance of the health care fraud, the conspirators caused individuals to be recruited to be involved in staged accidents and received injuries. These individuals would then go to Xtreme Care in exchange for payment. Xtreme Care then billed insurance companies by submitting false claims through the mail for alleged medically necessary treatments that these patients received. Treatment was either never provided to these patients or was not medically necessary. Upon payment by the insurance company, the proceeds of the fraudulent activity were then transferred to corporations created by the conspirators to launder the proceeds of the criminal activity. Ultimately, Lovell and his co-conspirators received the benefits of the fraudulent activity through payments or expenditures for themselves from the corporate bank accounts.
Francisco Huici Fernandez and Ernesto Diaz previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the case. On March 13, 2013, Fernandez was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison. On July 15, 2013, Diaz was sentenced to eight years in federal prison.This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, Hialeah Police Department, City of Miami Police, Florida Department of Financial Services, along with the assistance of the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Federal Reserve Board - Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison on Tax Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge James E. Whittemore sentenced James Earl Smiley (41, Tampa) yesterday to 5 years and one month in federal prison for committing stolen identity refund fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $98,719.65, representing the proceeds of the offense.
Smiley pleaded guilty on March 6, 2013, to one count of theft of government property and one count of aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreement and court documents, in October 2012, Smiley was stopped by the Tampa Police Department. He had several Turbo Tax Visa debit cards and receipts in his possession. The debit cards were not in Smiley's name, or in the name of his passenger. Further investigation revealed that the debit cards were funded with fraudulent tax return proceeds. On numerous occasions, Smiley was captured on video surveillance using the fraudulent debit cards. He admitted that the cards contained proceeds from fraudulently filed tax returns. None of the victims, including deceased individuals and others whose names appeared on the debit cards, had given Smiley or his passenger the authority to use their identities.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Collier County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Securities Broker Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell today sentenced Gurudeo "Buddy" Persaud (47, Orlando) to three years in federal prison for mail fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Persaud to pay $948,340.00 in restitution to the victims of his scheme.
According to the plea agreement, Persaud, a licensed securities broker, formed White Elephant Trading Company LLC in 2007. White Elephant was a private equity fund that purportedly invested in securities on the national markets. Persaud solicited investors by telling them that he would generate profits using his trading skills and that he would make all trading decisions. Persaud guaranteed investors rates of return of between 6% and 18% that were payable in a short period of time. However, Persaud used a trading strategy that was based on lunar cycles and the gravitational pull between the moon and the Earth. Furthermore, Persaud did not invest all of the money that he received from investors, but instead used money from later investors to pay earlier investors and used significant portions of the money for his own personal use. Persaud defrauded investors out of more than $1million.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Haas.
Overseer of Manatee County Marijuana Grow Houses Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
TAMPA, FLORIDA - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found Do Nguyen (39, Bradenton) guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 or more marijuana plants. Nguyen faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Nguyen was indicted on November 6, 2012.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Nguyen managed five separate marijuana grow houses throughout Manatee County from mid-2010 through October 2011. The houses were located in Bradenton, Parrish, and Duette. Nguyen recruited and employed three workers at the houses. Between March and October 2011, law enforcement executed a series of searches at the homes and recovered approximately 3,387 marijuana plants, worth approximately $5 million, along with extensive growing equipment and paraphernalia. During the time period of the conspiracy, Nguyen also paid a relative (Minh Tran), who worked as a driver for UPS, to deliver packages to him containing multiple pounds of marijuana from California. Tran pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in May 2013. His sentencing is scheduled for September 23, 2013.
This case was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Bradenton Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Tampa Area Business Executive Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced John D. Stanton, III (64, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to interfere with the Internal Revenue laws and failing to file income tax returns. The court also ordered Stanton to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $37,816,875.00. Stanton was found guilty on December 17, 2012 by a federal jury.
According to evidence presented at trial, Stanton was the former president of Florida Engineered Construction Products Corporation ("FECP"), more commonly known as Cast Crete Corporation. FECP/Cast Crete manufactured and sold concrete construction products. As president of the company, Stanton interfered with the administration of the tax laws by impeding an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") audit of the company, creating and backdating two fraudulent demand promissory notes totaling $500,000,000, causing false Forms 1099 to be filed with the IRS, failing to file corporate tax returns on behalf of the company, and other acts of obstruction and concealment. During approximately 2004 through 2008, the company made well over $100 million and failed to file a single corporate income tax return.
Additional trial evidence showed that Stanton failed to file corporate tax returns on behalf of Denouement Strategies, Inc., for 2006 and 2007. Stanton controlled Denouement Strategies and transferred over $43 million worth of FECP/Cast Crete profits into the Denouement Strategies bank accounts in 2005, 2006, and 2007. Stanton also failed to file personal income tax returns for 2005 and 2007.
“Today the Internal Revenue Service continued its core mission to protect the integrity of the tax system as John D. Stanton III’s was sentenced to 10 years in prison following a trial and guilty verdict earlier this year,” stated James D. Robnett, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. “Stanton used his education and skills as a MBA and CPA to purposefully impede the Internal Revenue Service, depriving the U.S. government and its citizens of in excess of $60 million in tax revenue and now he, and those close to him, are paying a high price for this breach of trust. Violations of Internal Revenue laws are not victimless crimes and this sentence should serve as a reminder to all Americans of the consequences of purposefully flouting their civic responsibilities and the Internal Revenue laws.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Monk and Matthew Mueller.
Polk County Man Convicted of Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that a federal jury yesterday found Alexis Antoine Davis, a/k/a "Big Mike," (32, Polk County) guilty of three counts of being a felon in possession of firearms. Davis faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Davis was indicted on January 8, 2013.
According to evidence presented at trial, on August 30, 2012, September 4, 2012, and September 5, 2012, Davis possessed and sold five firearms to undercover agents, as part of an ongoing undercover operation in Polk County. At the time the transactions took place, Davis was a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Davis is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph W. Swanson, Stacie B. Harris, and Adam M. Saltzman.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting 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.
"King Tweet" Sentenced to More Than Fifteen Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez-Covington yesterday sentenced Daniel Arroyo (39, Tampa) to 15 years, eight months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Arroyo to forfeit the stolen firearm, which was used to facilitate the offense. Arroyo pleaded guilty on February 21, 2013.
According to court documents, Arroyo, also known as "King Tweet," worked with a prostitute to steal from her "johns." On August 8, 2011, Arroyo stole a Springfield Model XD-9 semiautomatic handgun from a "john," but the gun owner unexpectedly called law enforcement to report the theft. Law enforcement eventually recovered the gun at an abandoned house, where Arroyo and the prostitute had hidden it, to be retrieved later.
Arroyo is a convicted felon. His prior felony convictions include attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated battery (deadly weapon), carrying a concealed firearm, robbery, discharge of a firearm from a vehicle (occupied), and battery on a law enforcement officer. He is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting 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.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Jeffrey Alan Barnett (46, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Barnett faces a mandatory minimum of not less than 5 years, up to 20 years in federal prison for each distribution count, and a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison for the possession count. Sentencing has been set for December 19, 2013. Barnett was indicted on April 17, 2013.
According to court documents, Barnett used a peer-to-peer filing sharing program to distribute child pornography to an undercover federal task force agent on three separate occasions. On March 21, 2013, a federal search warrant was executed at Barnett’s residence. During the execution of that search warrant, investigators found a computer located in Barnett’s bedroom that contained child pornography. Barnett was interviewed and admitted, among other things, that the computer belonged to him and that he had been using a peer-to-peer file sharing program to download and trade child pornography. He was arrested on the same date.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
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.
Deleon Springs Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Robert Gordon Shaw (37, Deleon Springs) pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of armed bank robbery. Shaw faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on April 19, 2013, Shaw and a separately charged individual named Matthew Anthony Cosimini robbed a Regions Bank in Sanford. They displayed a fake explosive detonation device and passed a note to a bank teller demanding money and indicated that an explosive had been placed inside the bank. During the robbery, Shaw and Cosimini also possessed a semiautomatic pistol with ammunition. After Shaw passed the demand note and displayed the detonation device, the bank teller handed Shaw approximately $14,098 in bank money. After the robbery, Shaw and Cosimini fled in a stolen vehicle and responding officers from the Sanford Police Department pursued them. During the pursuit, Shaw caused damage to both a police vehicle and a civilian's vehicle. Police officers eventually stopped and arrested Shaw and Cosimini one mile from the bank. The officers also recovered the firearm and detonation device from the stolen vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the detonation device was a fake and that there were no explosives inside the bank.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.
Serial Bank Robber Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - Acting United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces that Marcus Dontell Lloyd (35, Port Charlotte) pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, and one count of bank robbery. Lloyd faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, and up to 20 years in federal prison for the bank robbery offense.
According to the plea agreement, Lloyd, aided and abetted by a separately charged woman named Kaylee Sanchez, committed a series of bank robberies in the Middle District of Florida between July 26, 2012, and August 21 of 2012. While robbing the banks, Lloyd used helmets, hats, sunglasses, and on at least one occasion, a wig, to disguise his appearance. Lloyd did not display or indicate that he had a weapon while committing the robberies, but would jump or climb over the teller counter and literally grab cash from the teller drawers. Sanchez acted as his getaway driver.
Lloyd's bank robberies included a TD Bank in Apollo Beach on July 27; a Bank of America (BOA) in Lakeland on July 27; a BB&T Bank in New Port Richey on July 31; a BOA in Ormond Beach on August 2; and a BOA in Belleview on August 13, 2012. On August 21, 2012, Lloyd and Sanchez were arrested following a car and foot chase, after Lloyd had robbed a Bank of America bank in Boynton Beach. Lloyd dropped a bag with most of the bank money while running away from police officers. In total, Lloyd’s robberies totaled more than $91,000.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini.
Palm Harbor Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearms SalesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara today sentenced Steven Scott Schriebman (24, Palm Harbor) to 6 years in federal prison for the unlawful possession and transfer of machineguns and destructive devices. Schriebman pleaded guilty on January 4, 2013.
According to court documents, from May through November 2012, Schriebman unlawfully sold a number of high-powered assault rifles, including AK-47s, AR-15s, and an Uzi, to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Schriebman was selling the firearms from his residence in Palm Harbor. In addition to the machineguns, Schriebman sold the undercover agent several explosive devices that Schriebman believed the agent needed to blow up a vehicle. Schriebman also offered to obtain silencers, military weapons, and bullet proof vests for the undercover agent.
During the execution of a federal search warrant at Schriebman's residence, agents recovered a number of additional assault rifles, machineguns, shotguns, handguns, pen guns, magazines, ammunition, assorted firearm parts, flares, firearm conversion kits, and other firearm paraphernalia.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Josephine W. Thomas.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy. Acting 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.