Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Operating A Fraudulent Investment SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces today the arrest and unsealing of a federal indictment charging Anderson Scott Hall (48, Jacksonville)with ten counts of mail fraud and ten counts of wire fraud in connection with his operation of a fraudulent investment scheme. If convicted, Hall faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count of mail and wire fraud, and fines of up to $5 million. His initial appearance is scheduled today at 2:30 p.m. in Jacksonville before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Morris.
According to the indictment, while working for a national investment services company, Hall operated a sham company (Abaco Securities International, Ltd.), which he held out to be a legitimate international investment company. It is alleged that Hall was the mastermind behind a complex scheme to defraud numerous investors, including Duval County school teachers and administrators. Hall would allegedly induce victim investors into transferring their retirement savings from legitimate life insurance companies and investment companies over to his control. It is further alleged that instead of investing victim investors' funds as promised, Hall would use the funds for his own personal use, including purchasing high value luxury items, and commercial and residential real estate. On occasion, as part of the fraud scheme, Hall would use money taken from new investors to pay earlier investors. In total, Hall allegedly defrauded investors of more than $4 million.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State of Florida's Department of Financial Services and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Devereaux.
Former Florida Department of Transportation Employee Pleads Guilty in Bribery and Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Tina Moore a/k/a Tina Pollard (55, Daytona Beach) pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy and money laundering. Moore is facing a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Moore was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2012.
According to her plea agreement, Moore was a Right of Way Agent with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and was responsible for assisting people and businesses displaced by FDOT projects. One of Moore's assigned projects involved the acquisition of properties for the purpose of widening Interstate 4. One of the businesses displaced by that project was MLA Furniture, which was located on Garland Avenue, in Orlando. Moore used her position to solicit and obtain bribes and rewards from the owners of MLA Furniture, in return for assisting MLA Furniture in continuing to remain at the Garland Avenue location. Moore knowingly submitted fraudulent claims to the FDOT for the relocation expenses of MLA Furniture. In total, she received $30,000 in bribes, consisting of $20,000 in checks and $10,000 in cash.
On March 29, 2012, Jonathan Aubrey Jenkins, one of the owners of MLA Furniture, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 20, 2013. Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Texas Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison for Failure to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced Guadalupe M. Longoria (55, Sealy, Texas) to 30 months in prison and a 10-year term of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender in the state of Florida, after traveling from the state of Texas.
According to court documents, on July 28, 1986, Longoria was charged with two counts of indecency with a child, a second degree felony in Texas. He was found guilty by a Texas jury on December 11, 1986. Because of these convictions, Longoria was required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
On February 15, 2011, Longoria received and signed official documents advising him that he was required to register with local law enforcement in any area where he resides for more than seven days, and that his obligation to do so was for life. The documents also stated that Longoria had a duty to inform his parole officer, within seven days, before moving to a new residence, and that if moving out of the state of Texas, Longoria must register with the law enforcement agency identified by the Texas Department of Public Safety as the agency designated to receive registration information. Longoria was also required to register within 10 days of arriving in the new state.
After failing to verify registration, in Texas, on May 24, 2011, the Austin County Sheriff’s Office filed a complaint with local law enforcement. Longoria’s family members were interviewed and advised that they had not seen or heard from Longoria since approximately April 2011. A Texas state magistrate then issued an arrest warrant for Longoria’s failure to register as a sex offender.
On May 4, 2012, Longoria was arrested by U.S. Marshals at his place of residence in Jacksonville, Florida for parole violations and failure to register as a sex offender in Texas. During an interview, Longoria stated, among other things, that he knew he was supposed to register and that he had been living in Florida for about a month.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc for more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Sarasota Man Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Roderick B. Sears (34, Sarasota) to 7 years and 10 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. The court also ordered Sears to forfeit the seven firearms and ammunition he possessed. Sears pleaded guilty on November 7, 2012.
According to court documents, Sears has multiple prior drug felony convictions. Because of the prior convictions, Sears is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. In July 2012, Sears possessed seven firearms, five of which were loaded. He also had more than 300 grams of marijuana, which he intended to distribute and had packaged for sale.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and the Sarasota Police Department. It was be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy led by ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Julie Torres, 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.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Sophisticated Mortgage Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Arthur R. Seaborne (70, Sarasota) to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to commit bank fraud. In addition, Seaborne was ordered to forfeit $4,269,886.55 in proceeds from the offense. The matter of restitution will be addressed at a later date. Seaborne pleaded guilty on November 6, 2012.
According to court documents and information presented in court, from as early as March 2003 through July 2008, Seaborne and others conspired to commit bank fraud. Throughout that time, Seaborne used several corporate entities to perpetuate the fraud scheme, including Southeast Capital Advisors, LLC. Through this entity, Seaborne marketed a “no money down” residential purchase program that operated by making loans to Seaborne’s clients, so that those clients could make down payments in connection with their purchases of residential properties.
Thereafter, Seaborne and his co-conspirators prepared and submitted mortgage loan applications to lenders for these same clients. The applications were fraudulent in that they omitted the fact that the clients’ down payments had been loaned to them. Further, the applications usually overstated the clients’ assets and understated their liabilities. Some loan applications also included the fraudulent misrepresentation that the clients intended to make the properties their primary residences, when in fact they were investment properties. Over the course of the fraud scheme, some of the loans on the residential properties went into default. Although the total loss amount has not yet been definitively determined, the losses incurred by the lenders amount to approximately $4 million.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Joseph W. Swanson.
Gainesville Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison on Identity Theft and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL - U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan sentenced Regina Ward (31, Gainesville) yesterday to 13 months’ imprisonment for charges related to identity theft, fraud against the United States, and Treasury check fraud. Ward was also ordered to serve a 3-year term of supervised release following her incarceration, and to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $6,500.According to court documents, in February 2012, Ward met with an undercover agent (UC) posing as an individual willing and capable of cashing United States Treasury checks without proper identification. Ward presented the UC with a Treasury check in the amount of $12,727.81, in the name of another individual. Ward negotiated a check cashing fee with the UC and advised that she had other checks that she needed to cash. Ward sold the Treasury check to the UC for $6,500.
Later that same month, Ward met with the UC again and attempted to cash two additional Treasury checks. During the meeting, Ward sold ten stolen identities for the purpose of filing fraudulent federal income tax returns. Specifically, Ward provided names, social security numbers and dates of birth for ten individuals. She also provided drivers’ license numbers and Turbo Tax pin numbers from prior years for some of the individuals. She sold these identities for $850 each.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Clearwater Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. sentenced Michael Anthony Moody (28, Clearwater) yesterday to 15 years and nine months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Moody was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act because of his extensive criminal history. Moody pleaded guilty in October 2012.
According to court documents, on May 8, 2012, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies stopped Moody for a vehicle window tint violation. As deputies approached the vehicle, Moody tried to destroy a marijuana joint that he was smoking. During a search of Moody's vehicle, officers found a loaded Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic handgun, with an attached laser and pressure switch attached to the grip. At the time of his arrest, Moody had eighteen prior felony convictions dating back to age sixteen, including multiple violent crime and narcotics offenses. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. 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 led by ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Julie Torres, 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.
Pinellas County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Student Loan FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States District Judge Susan Bucklew today sentenced James Isaac Boyd (40, St. Petersburg) to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to commit student loan fraud, committing student loan fraud, and aggravated identity theft. In addition, he was ordered to pay restitution to the Department of Education in the amount of $464,269.00, and to forfeit computers and cellphones used in the commission of the offenses.
According to court documents and information presented in court, in January 2006, James I. Boyd and Shaneva Boyd formed a Florida corporation called "Graduate Assistance and Consolidations (GAC)," located in St. Petersburg Florida. James Boyd was the sole director, president and treasurer of GAC. He and co-conspirator Shaneva Boyd used GAC to carry out a student loan fraud scheme by assisting individuals who had neither a high school diploma nor a General Equivalency Degree (GED) with fraudulently enrolling for admission at St. Petersburg College (SPC), and then fraudulently applying for federal student financial aid. During the course of this scheme, James Boyd caused false statements to be made on student financial aid forms. He also directed dozens of financial aid checks for various individuals to be mailed to addresses associated with GAC. On some occasions, when the individuals named on the checks negotiated the checks, they paid James Boyd a significant percentage of the proceeds. On other occasions, James Boyd falsely and fraudulently endorsed and negotiated financial aid checks made out to putative students, without those individuals' knowledge, often depositing the checks into bank accounts he controlled. James Boyd assisted individuals with applying for fraudulent federal student financial aid (loans and grants) totaling $464,269.00.
Boyd pleaded guilty on October 23, 2012. During the hearing today, details about Boyd’s previous criminal history were discussed. His criminal history includes a prior state conviction for murder in the third degree and a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
This case was investigated by United States Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cherie L. Krigsman.
Former Postal Worker Pleads Guilty to Federal Workers Compensation FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Jessy Paliyath Peter (55, Lakeland) today pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and making a false statement to obtain federal employee's compensation. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, the Federal Employees Compensation Act, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (DOL/OWCP), provides compensation benefits to civilian employees of the United States for disabilities due to personal injuries sustained while in the performance of their official duties at the workplace. The DOL/OWCP requires disabled federal employees to complete and submit a Form EN-1032 on an annual basis. The DOL/OWCP uses the information provided by the employee on the form to determine whether the employee is still eligible to receive wage replacement income or if an adjustment in benefits is warranted.
In 2000, Peter, who was then employed as a mail clerk in Polk County, alleged that she had sustained an injury to her back. Later, she made application for and was approved to receive federal employees' compensation benefits.
From 2003 to at least December 2012, Peter worked as a sales representative for Avon, Inc. and earned commissions on her sales. From February 2009 to at least December 2012, Peter exercised regularly at Lifestyle Family Fitness Center for an average of four to five days per week, typically for one to two hours per visit. Surveillance video revealed that she routinely and actively participated in group fitness classes and exercised on weight machines, consistently exceeding her medical restrictions. Two physicians, who had previously examined Peter, viewed the surveillance video and advised that Peter had misrepresented her physical condition to them. The physicians removed all medical restrictions and cleared Peter for full duty employment.
In May 2011, Peter filed a false and fraudulent Form EN-1032. Specifically, she reported that she was not employed; reported no income of any kind; and concealed the true state of her physical health. Peter made these false statements because she did not want her DOL/OWCP wage replacement benefits to be reduced or terminated.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke.
Federal Jury Finds Jacksonville Armed Career Criminal Guilty of Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL- U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that a federal jury last week found Willie Lee Daniels (39, Jacksonville) guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Because of his prior criminal history, Daniels is classified as an Armed Career Criminal, and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Daniels was indicted on July 15, 2010.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in October 2009, Daniels and his girlfriend got into a verbal argument inside of their apartment. The argument eventually moved outside. Daniels' girlfriend called out for help, yelling that Daniels had a gun. One of the neighbors called 911. Officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office responded, and observed Daniels walking with his girlfriend in the parking lot. After making eye contact with one of the officers, Daniels ran behind an annex building and threw the gun over a nearby fence. Daniels was detained by the officers, and the gun was subsequently recovered.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Malisa Chokshi and Frank Talbot.
It is another case prosecuted as a part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy led by ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Julie Torres, ATF Special Agent in Charge, are coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort here in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
En Fuego Ministry “Apostle” Sentenced to Life for Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Luis E. Morales (58, Ormond Beach) to life in federal prison for child sex trafficking and transporting children across state lines to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Morales to pay more than $35,000 in restitution to the victims of the offenses, and to forfeit his interest in the property located at 8 Crossings Trail in Ormond Beach.
Judge Dalton also sentenced Morales’ co-defendant, Rebeca Rivera (28, Hartford, Connecticut) today. Rivera was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for her role in aiding and abetting the sex trafficking of a child and the transportation of a child across state lines to engage in sexual activity. As part of her sentence, Rivera was ordered to pay $31,030 in restitution to the victim of her offenses, to serve 10 years of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Morales and Rivera were convicted on November 5, 2012.
According to evidence presented at trial, Morales was a self-proclaimed “Apostle” in a ministry that he founded called En Fuego for Jesus. Rivera was one of his “prophets” in the ministry. In November 2009, Morales transported a 12-year-old ministry member from Florida to Connecticut, knowing that the minor would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act. While in Connecticut, Rivera recruited, encouraged, and enticed the minor to engage in sex acts with Morales. Later in November 2009, Morales transported the minor from Connecticut to Florida with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor. In December 2010, Morales transported a 13-year-old member of the ministry from Arizona to Florida, and then to the Virgin Islands, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with that minor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
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. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Casselberry Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Hal Chris Billerbeck (51, Casselberry) to 12 ½ years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography. The court also ordered Billerbeck to forfeit the electronic storage devices that he used to receive and possess the child pornography. As part of Billerbeck's sentence, the court ordered him to serve a 10-year term of supervised release, following his release from prison, and to register as a sex offender. Billerbeck pleaded guilty on November 2, 2012.
According to court documents, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Billerbeck’s home and found 99 pictures and 224 videos depicting child pornography. The majority of the photos and videos depicted the sexual abuse of girls between the ages of three and eleven years old. Billerbeck told agents that he had been downloading child pornography for the past twelve years. He also admitted that a state search warrant for child pornography was executed at his home in 2007. He said that the child pornography the state investigators located on the computers during the search belonged to him. In addition to receiving and viewing child pornography in his home, Billerbeck said that he also took the images he stored on a computer disk to his place of employment and viewed the child pornography on his work-issued laptop while at work.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
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. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Bradenton Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Heriberto Pena Salazar (24, Bradenton) with production, transportation, receipt, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Salazar faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years, up to 30 years in federal prison for the production offense. He faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for both the receipt and transportation charges, and up to 10 years for the possession charge.
According to the complaint, Salazar used his cell phone to produce a video of himself sexually abusing a prepubescent female child. He then allegedly distributed that video over the Internet. The complaint also alleges that Salazar posted child pornography to a foreign image board on the Internet. According to the complaint, Salazar is from Mexico and is illegally present in the United States.
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), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, and the Bradenton 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 launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Joint Federal and State Firearms Operation Nets More Than 40 Arrests - Over 100 Firearms Taken Off of the StreetsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. Attorney Robert E. O'Neill, along with Special Agent in Charge (Tampa) Julie Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Chief Lisa Womack, Lakeland Police Department, announce the results of a joint operation charging twenty-five individuals with federal firearms and drug trafficking crimes. In addition, sixteen more individuals are charged with state offenses. The penalties faced by defendants in this investigation vary based upon the drug amounts and types, as well as their criminal histories. Maximum penalties for some include up to life imprisonment.
Beginning in July 2012, Operation “Smoke-N-Guns” began targeting convicted felons, drug dealers and gang members who were illegally possessing or selling firearms in the Lakeland, Florida area.
“This investigation targeted those criminals and felons who are prohibited from possessing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill. “Today’s operation was aimed at getting those illegal guns out of the hands of criminals and off the streets.”
“Operation ‘Smoke-N-Guns’ is the essence of great law enforcement collaboration and teamwork,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Julie Torres. “I am very proud of the men and women of ATF who worked very hard alongside our partners to put the worst of the worst behind bars. This case is a good representation of what we should continue to achieve.”
Lakeland Police Chief Lisa Womack stated, “Reducing gun violence in the City of Lakeland and our area is a top priority of this department. The proliferation of gun violence in our area and across the nation is disturbing and this operation is a step in the right direction in reducing the number of guns on our streets. The teamwork between Lakeland officers and our partners in this operation was phenomenal and we look forward to future operations to address this issue. We never have a problem putting those behind bars that want to bring their illegal activities to our area.” 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. The cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacie B. Harris, Joseph Swanson, Mark Bini, Jennifer Peresie and Josie Thomas. It is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” program - a nationwide, gun-violence reduction strategy led by ATF. United States Attorney Robert E. O’Neill, along with Julie Torres, 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.
Federal Jury Convicts Courtnee BrantleyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - A federal jury today found Courtnee Nicole Brantley (24, Seffner) guilty of misprision of felony in regard to the shooting deaths of Tampa Police Department Officers David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab by convicted felon Dontae Morris. The verdict is a result of Brantley’s knowledge of a federal felony (the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon), her failure to report, and concealment of that crime. She faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. Brantley was indicted on October 6, 2010.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that on June 29, 2010, Brantley was stopped by Officer Curtis for driving without a vehicle license tag. During the stop, Officer Curtis learned that Morris, a passenger in Brantley’s vehicle, had an active warrant for his arrest. When Officer Curtis attempted to arrest Morris, with the assistance of Officer Kocab, Morris shot and killed both officers. Brantley fled from the scene to a nearby apartment complex. She parked her car nearly 500 yards away from the apartment. Brantley was found at the apartment later that day. Phone and text message records revealed communications between Brantley and Morris following the shootings. In a lengthy interview process, Brantley repeatedly refused to name the passenger in her vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Additional agencies participated in the manhunt for Morris. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston, Jr.
Bank Vice-President and Senior Business Director Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces today that Susan Emily Jones (50, Lutz) pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Jones faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. As part of her plea agreement, Jones has agreed to a money judgment of $824,301.57, representing the proceeds of her criminal conduct.
According to the plea agreement, Jones served as Vice-President and Senior Business Director of Citicorp Services, Inc. and managed its employees and operations during the relevant time period. From November 13, 2003, through January 5, 2010, in Tampa, Jones falsely and fraudulently led Citicorp Services, Inc. employees to believe that she was authorized to make certain expenditures of Citicorp Services, Inc. funds. She misappropriated the funds for her personal enrichment, including paying for season tickets to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, personal credit card and auto-related expenses, charitable contributions, prepaid debit cards, travel, and other personal expenses. In addition, Jones caused the unauthorized transfer of funds from the Citibank, N.A. reserve account to the Citicorp Services, Inc. account. In sum, she caused the transmission of wires in interstate commerce and bypassed Citicorp Services, Inc.’s and Citibank, N.A.’s internal controls for business and travel and entertainment expenses. In so doing, she misappropriated $824,301.57.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Prison for Copyright Infringement and Pirating DVDsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell today sentenced Patrick Jason Thomas (32, Kissimmee) to 2 and one-half years in federal prison for reproducing and distributing DVDs containing copyrighted movies. The court also ordered Thomas to forfeit approximately 10,000 pirated DVDs and several pieces of computer and DVD-copying equipment, which he used to produce the pirated DVDs. In addition, Thomas was ordered to pay the Motion Picture Association of American $100,000 in restitution. Thomas pleaded guilty on October 24, 2012.
According to court documents, on June 8, 2012, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) executed a search warrant at Thomas’ home. During the search, agents discovered thousands of counterfeit DVDs and electronic equipment used to produce those counterfeit DVDs. For example, in the garage, agents found a metal shelving unit that held about 6,000 DVDs, along with plastic cases, and several binders of catalogued movies. Thomas used computer equipment to decrypt and extract copyright protected data from DVDs and Blu-Ray discs, and then reproduce and sell movies illegally.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Osceola County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel C. Irick.
Hillsborough County Real Estate Director Pleads Guilty to Mortgage FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Anthony Haynes (53, Seffner) today pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on each count. As part of the plea agreement, Haynes has agreed to a money judgment of at least $990,498.00, representing the proceeds of his conduct. Haynes was indicted on September 21, 2012. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Haynes, who was employed as the real estate services director for Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, made material misrepresentations in connection with loan applications and closing documents for two personal mortgages. The mortgages were for his purchase of nine land lots located in Tennessee. The mortgages were funded by interstate wires from a federally insured bank, and the closing was conducted by mail.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley C. Howard-Allen.
Career Drug Offender Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge James Whittemore sentenced Anton Hernandez (32, Tampa) yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. A federal jury found Hernandez guilty on September 13, 2012.
According to court documents and facts revealed at trial, on September 6, 2009, Hernandez delivered crack cocaine to undercover Hillsborough County Sheriff's Deputies. Hernandez had brought his then five-year old child with him to the drug deal. Hernandez was arrested on state narcotics charges. While out on bond, on December 21, 2009, Hernandez delivered additional crack cocaine to undercover HCSO Deputies. Hernandez then became a fugitive for almost two years. On August 5, 2011, HCSO Deputies tracked Hernandez down and caught him with an additional 36.1 grams of crack cocaine. At the time of his arrest, Hernandez had twenty-one prior criminal convictions, including five cocaine delivery-related felonies.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas N. Palermo.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces that Edwin Carroll Snyder (39, Fort Myers) was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, in March 2012, Snyder distributed twenty-five files of child pornography from his computer through the use of a peer-to-peer file sharing program. Snyder distributed these files to an undercover detective with the New Zealand Police. In April 2012, a search warrant was executed at Snyder’s residence in Fort Myers, Florida, during which he was found to possess in excess of 1500 images and 80 videos of child pornography. Snyder admitted to law enforcement agents that he had been seeking and downloading images and videos of child pornography for approximately five years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Innocent Images Task Force, with participation from the Lee County Sheriff's Office, Cape Coral Police Department, and Clewiston Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Former Florida Hospital Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Data TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Dale Munroe II (35, Winter Haven) to 12 months and one day in federal prison for his role in stealing the information of Florida Hospital patients. As part of his sentence, Munroe was also ordered to serve a two-year term of supervised release. Munroe pleaded guilty on October 22, 2012.
According to court documents, Munroe was hired at the Celebration, Florida location of Florida Hospital in July 2006. During his employment, he worked as a Registration Representative in the Emergency Department where he would register patients as they came in the main emergency entrance. From January 2009, until his termination in July 2011, Munroe used his position to obtain individually identifiable health information of patients of Florida Hospital who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents. Munroe would then disclose that information to Sergei Kusyakov, who was involved in the operation of two chiropractic clinics (Metro Chiropractic and Wellness Center and City Lights Medical Center). Kuskyakov and other conspirators would then use the stolen information to solicit Florida Hospital patients for chiropractic and legal services. Kusyakov would pay Munroe for his role in providing the stolen information. On July 12, 2011, Munroe was terminated by Florida Hospital for a patient data breach that was unrelated to the conspiracy described above.
Approximately a week after his termination, Katrina Munroe (30, Winter Haven), Munroe’s wife and also an employee of Florida Hospital, was recruited by the conspirators to take over the role of stealing patient data and providing it to Kusyakov. In August 2012, Katrina Munroe was terminated from her position at the hospital, after becoming a suspect in a data breach incident. In December 2012, she pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing has been set for March 11, 2013.
On January 7, 2013, Sergei Kusyakov (38, Davenport) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and four counts of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. He faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been set for March 25, 2013.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Identity Thief Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Linval Thompson a/k/a Cory Howard a/k/a Miguel Cruz to 24 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. The court also sentenced Thompson to a one-year term of supervised release, upon his release from prison. Thompson (22), an illegal alien from Jamaica, pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2012. He will be deported to Jamaica following his sentence of incarceration.
According to information contained in court documents, on October 28, 2011, Thompson used the identity and Social Security number of an innocent victim to open a bank account at the Wells Fargo Bank. He subsequently used that bank account to deposit and withdraw money as he needed it.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer of the Tampa Division.
Brandon Man Sentenced to 32 Years in Federal Prison for Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Yener Vahit Belli (28, Brandon) to 32 years in federal prison for brandishing a firearm during two different armed robberies. The court also sentenced Belli to a five-year term of supervised release following his incarceration, and ordered him to pay restitution to several of his victims.
Belli pleaded guilty on October 4, 2012. Previously, co-defendant Kara Denise Guggino, who admitted to acting as Belli's getaway driver for several of his armed robberies, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years incarceration.
According to court documents, Belli, aided and abetted by co-defendant Guggino, committed a series of armed robberies of convenience stores in October 2010. On October 13, 2010, Belli, with assistance from Guggino, committed an armed robbery of a Chevron gas station and convenience store located at 939 Brandon Boulevard, in Brandon. Belli went into the convenience store brandishing a Tec-9 semi-automatic firearm, and demanded that the store clerk put the money from the register into a paper bag. He also demanded cigarettes. Belli stole $580 in cash from the store and a pack of cigarettes.
On October 19, 2010, Belli, again along with Guggino, committed an armed robbery of a 7-11 store located at 1531 Brandon Boulevard, in Brandon. Belli went in the store displayed a Tec-9 semi-automatic firearm, demanded cash, a carton of Newport cigarettes, and scratch-off lottery tickets. He ordered customers to lay on the floor, prior to fleeing the store with $72 in cash and 61 lottery tickets. When Belli and Guggino were arrested on October 22, 2010, a Tec-9, 9mm semi-automatic firearm that Belli had used in the commission of several of the armed robberies was recovered in the car in which the two had been driving.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini, Colleen Murphy-Davis, and Jay L. Hoffer.
California Man Sentenced to More Than 24 Years for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. today sentenced Sergio Godinez Del Toro (47, Napa, California) to 24 years and four months in federal prison for conspiring with others to distribute, and for aiding and abetting others in possessing with intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Godinez Del Toro was found guilty on October 16, 2012, following a jury trial.
According to testimony presented at trial, Godinez Del Toro was a leader in a California-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) that was attempting to establish a methamphetamine and marijuana distribution network in central Florida. In January 2012, the DTO shipped eight pounds of marijuana to Haines City, sold the marijuana, and laundered the proceeds through banks in Pasco County.
In February 2012, the DTO attempted to transport twelve pounds of methamphetamine to Dade City, Florida from California, through Arkansas. The drugs were intercepted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Arkansas State Police, outside of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
In March 2012, the DTO shipped a total of 24 pounds of methamphetamine (valued at $320,000) to Dade City, in six separate UPS shipments. Godinez Del Toro arrived in Dade City on March 28, after the methamphetamine had been shipped, to oversee the distribution and transfer of the drug proceeds back to California. On March 30, he transferred at least $6,000 in drug proceeds through two separate banks. On April 5, 2012, the DEA and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office seized seven pounds of the methamphetamine and arrested Godinez Del Toro and two of his co-conspirators.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco County Sheriff's Office as part of an on-going Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation's drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray."Bank Bag Bandit" Pleads Guilty to Multiple Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - David Dwinell (52, Palm Harbor) today pleaded guilty to bank robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Dwinell faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, Dwinell committed five armed bank robberies in Pasco, Hillsborough and Hernando counties. While committing the crimes, Dwinell would enter the banks wearing a dark colored hat, sunglasses, mask over his face, and a dark colored jacket. He carried a blue zippered bank bag and a silver revolver. During the robberies, Dwinell brandished the firearm as he approached the teller counters and demanded money. Several of the victims observed Dwinell fleeing the robberies in a gray Ford F150 pick-up truck.
During a search of Dwinell's residence, agents located a loaded silver .38 revolver, a black baseball hat, latex gloves, a beige mask (panty hose), black zip-up jacket, a blue bank bag (which contained the latex gloves and panty hose), and a second blue zippered bank bag. Dwinell told law enforcement that these were the items he used in the bank robberies. Agents also located 100 single one dollar bills, 50 ten dollar bills, and money still wrapped in bank bands. An additional $6,762.00 was located in Dwinell's home office. During a search of the Ford F-150 pick-up truck used by Dwinell in the bank robberies, officers located 62 five dollar bills under the steering column and one black glove. Dwinell admitted that he committed the five armed robberies and stated that he robbed the banks because his house was in foreclosure and he had previously owed money to the Internal Revenue Service.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacie B. Harris and Colleen Murphy Davis.
Triggerman Receives Life Sentence for Contract MurderRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Luis Angel Lopez (25, Hillsborough County) to life in federal prison for the June 7, 2007, contract murder of Thomas Lee Sehorne of Lithia, Florida. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $1,043,517.99. This amount represents the life insurance policies paid after the death of Mr. Sehorne. Lopez was convicted by a federal jury on August 3, 2012.
According to court documents, Thomas Lee Sehorne was found shot to death outside his home in Eastern Hillsborough County, on the morning of June 7, 2007. Later that day his widow, Cristie Fay Sehorne, and their two minor children moved in with Jerry Bottorff. A short time later, Cristie Sehorne began attempting to collect on Mr. Sehorne’s life insurance policies. A settlement was ultimately reached regarding the insurance proceeds, and Cristie Sehorne and Jerry Bottorff were married in December 2008.
On May 23, 2011, the Bottorffs and Lopez were arrested. They were each charged in a three-count indictment with the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of a murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and aiding and abetting the carrying of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in death.
On July 9, 2012, Cristie and Jerry Bottorff pleaded guilty to the charges, and later testified at the trial of Luis Angel Lopez, the hitman. The Bottorffs testified that they solicited a friend, Mike Garcia, to find someone to murder Mr. Sehorne, with a promise to pay $60,000.00, once they obtained Mr. Sehorne’s life insurance proceeds. On October 22, 2012, Cristie Fay Bottorff and Jerry Alan Bottorff were each sentenced to life in federal prison.
Michael Garcia was arrested in 2008 and immediately cooperated regarding the murder. During Lopez’s trial, Garcia testified that, in the early morning hours of June 7, 2007, he and Lopez traveled to Mr. Sehorne’s residence on Lithia Pinecrest Road, where Lopez waited for Mr. Sehorne to return home. When Mr. Sehorne exited his automobile, Lopez approached him and killed him with a gunshot to the chest and head. Cristie Sehorne (Bottorff) contacted the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office the following morning to report the murder.
Garcia previously pleaded guilty for his role in this case. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 11, 2013.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney's Walter E. Furr and Thomas Palermo.
Two More Plead Guilty in Patient Data Theft CaseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Sergei Kusyakov (38, Davenport) today pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and four counts of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information. Kusyakov faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in federal prison. Sentencing has been set for March 25, 2013.
On December 27, 2012, another conspirator, Katrina Munroe (30, Winter Haven) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy. She faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Sentencing for her has been set for March 11, 2013.
A third conspirator, Dale Munroe II (35, Winter Haven), pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy and one count of wrongful disclosure of individually identifiable health information on October 22, 2012. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing has been set for January 14, 2013.
According to their plea agreements, in July 2006, Dale Munroe II was hired at the Celebration, Florida location of Florida Hospital. During his employment, he worked as a Registration Representative in the Emergency Department, where he would register patients as they came in the main emergency entrance. From January 2009 until his termination, in July 2011, Dale Munroe II used his position to obtain individually identifiable health information of Florida Hospital patients who had been involved in motor vehicle accidents. Munroe II would then disclose that information to Kusyakov, who was involved in the operation of two chiropractic clinics (Metro Chiropractic and Wellness Center and City Lights Medical Center). Kusyakov and other conspirators would then use the stolen information to solicit patients of Florida Hospital for chiropractic and legal services. Kusyakov would then pay Munroe for his role in providing the stolen information.
On July 12, 2011, Dale Munroe II was terminated by Florida Hospital for a patient data breach that was unrelated to the conspiracy described above. Starting about a week after her husband’s termination, Katrina Munroe, who was hired as an insurance representative by Florida Hospital in 2009, was recruited to take over her husband’s role of stealing patient data to be provided to Kusyakov. In August 2012, the data breach was discovered, and Florida Hospital terminated Katrina Munroe shortly after identifying her as a possible suspect. In total, Florida Hospital has identified more than 12,000 patients whose individually identifiable health information was illegally accessed as a part of the conspiracy.
These cases were investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Lake Wales Man Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Robert E. O'Neill announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Paul Henry Carlin (58, Tampa) with transportation and receipt of child pornography. If convicted, Carlin faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the indictment, between May 29, 2012, and December 5, 2012, Carlin transported and received files containing child pornography, using the Internet.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Seminole County Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway sentenced Roberto J. Irizarry-Colon (28, Chuluota) yesterday to 6 ½ years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The court also ordered Irizarry-Colon to forfeit the computers and thumb drives that he used to possess the child pornography. As part of Irizarry-Colon’s sentence, the court also ordered him to serve a life term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Irizarry-Colon pleaded guilty on August 14, 2012.
According to court documents, Irizarry-Colon possessed and stored child pornography on his computers, thumb drives, and on several online storage servers. During the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers searched several thumb drives and two computers that Irizarry-Colon owned. The officers found thousands of pictures and 100 movies which recorded the sexual abuse of children less than 12 years old. During an interview, Irizarry-Colon admitted to possessing child pornography for the last ten years.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida - Chief U.S. District Judge Anne C. Conway sentenced Donald G. Weiss (68, Orlando) yesterday to 6 ½ years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The court also ordered Weiss to forfeit the computer and hard drives that he used to possess the child pornography. As part of his sentence, the court ordered him to serve 10 years of supervised release following his prison sentence and to register as a sex offender. Weiss pleaded guilty on July 30, 2012.
According to court documents, an employee of a computer repair store found child pornography while repairing Weiss's computer. The employee contacted law enforcement officers. After searching his computer, officers interviewed Weiss, who admitted to possessing child pornography since at least 1998. Law enforcement officers searched several hard drives that Weiss owned and found 698 pictures and 10 movies of child pornography involving children less than 12 years old.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Lake Wales Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Clinton Duane Pancake (37, Lake Wales) to 97 months in federal for transportation and receipt of child pornography. He was sentenced to 15 years of supervised release, following his release from prison. The court also ordered Pancake to forfeit a laptop computer, which was used in the commission of the offense. Pancake pleaded guilty in October 2012.
According to court documents, in March 2012, Pancake distributed 14 files containing child pornography to an undercover agent via the Internet. In July 2012, Pancake admitted to downloading child pornography over the Internet, viewing it on his computer, and deleting it. A forensic review of his laptop revealed more than 600 files containing child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."