Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Trey Allan King (32, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. King pleaded guilty on January 31, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, during the summer of 2024, King was a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy that sold marijuana and methamphetamine at different trap house locations in Jacksonville. Between July 18 and August 14, 2024, a confidential source bought approximately 1,055 grams of methamphetamine from members of the drug trafficking organization. On August 7, 2024, King himself sold the confidential source approximately 238 grams of actual methamphetamine in exchange for $1,500. The investigation further revealed that King regularly sold and delivered drugs on behalf of the organization, including from a mobile camper.
This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Kelli A. Swaney.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas (24, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Pedro Tomas faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, between July 22 and August 11, 2025, Pedro Tomas communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old child. That individual, however, was an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. During the conversation, Pedro Tomas discussed the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage with the minor, discussed exchanging money for the sexual activity, and ultimately traveled to a predetermined meeting location in Marion County to meet the minor for that purpose. Pedro Tomas was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at the meeting location.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Government Contractors Agree to Pay over $3.6 Million to Settle False Claims Act and Contract Disputes Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Officium Global LLC and Loyal Source Government Services LLC have agreed to pay a total of over $3.6 million resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and Contract Disputes Act, respectively.
According to the settlement agreement, Officium Global allegedly submitted false or fraudulent claims for payment related to service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-aside contracts that were awarded between May 2017 and June 2018. During that period, Officium Global was allegedly awarded seven set-aside contracts to which it was not entitled because its management and daily business operations were not controlled by a service-disabled veteran. As stated in the settlement agreement, Officium Global submitted, or caused to be submitted, false certifications and statements representing it met all requirements to be a service-disabled veteran-owned small business when it did not. Officium Global will pay over $1.8 million as part of the settlement.
Relatedly, Loyal Source Government Services allegedly violated the Contract Disputes Act by causing breaches of the seven contracts awarded to Officium Global, related to Officium Global’s representations that it met all requirements to be a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, when it did not. Loyal Source Government Services will pay over $1.8 million as part of the settlement.
“Protecting the integrity of government contracts is a primary priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This civil settlement demonstrates our commitment to protecting service-disabled veteran and small-business grant programs.”
“The favorable settlement in this case is the product of enhanced efforts by President Trump’s Small Business Administration, working with the Department of Justice and other federal law enforcement partners, to uncover misconduct in SBA’s contracting assistance programs and hold wrongdoers to account,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.
“This case demonstrates the VA OIG’s commitment to safeguarding programs designed to support legitimate service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, said Acting Special Agent in Charge Greg Wentz with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Southeast Field Office. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue those who exploit VA programs and services.”
The settlement concludes a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by Relator Jeremy Lavin. Mr. Lavin sued under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act permitting private citizens to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in the recovery. The Act also allows the United States to intervene and prosecute the action. The Relator will receive over $680,000.00 of the proceeds from the settlement with the Defendants.
This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, and the Small Business Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor led the investigation.
The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating government contracting fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs OIG Hotline, at 1-800-488-8244.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Lavin v. Loyal Source Government Services, LLC et al., Case No. 6:19-cv-958-ORL-41LRH. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims in that case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Deltona Man Sentenced to Life for Coercing and Enticing an Autistic Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – James Bernard Grover (63, Deltona) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to life in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury found Grover guilty on February 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Grover was the founder and executive director of the Special Needs Advocacy Program, a nonprofit organization for the special needs community based in Sanford. Through his work, Grover met an autistic minor, provided the minor with counseling and therapy, and coerced and enticed the minor to engage in sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sanford Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Correctional Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bribery and Introduction of ContrabandRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Michael Jason Brooks (37, Citra) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to one year and one day in federal prison for receiving a bribe as a public official and providing contraband to a federal inmate. Brooks pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. He knowingly and corruptly sought and agreed to receive and accept a bribe of $3,000 in return for smuggling 177.1 grams of loose tobacco into the federal prison for an inmate. Federal inmates are prohibited from obtaining and possessing tobacco in prison as it is contraband.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Sanford Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Terrence Denard Perkins (46, Sanford) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to 25 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Perkins to forfeit hundreds of rounds of ammunition and more than a dozen firearms, including AR-style rifles, handguns, and a machinegun. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Perkins was found guilty by a federal jury on November 20, 2025.
According to court documents and testimony and evidence presented at trial, agents with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office’s City/County Investigative Bureau (CCIB) were conducting a narcotics investigation when they learned of a planned narcotics robbery at Perkins’ stash house in a residential Sanford neighborhood. The agents obtained and executed a search warrant that same day for the stash house, which was occupied by Perkins’s elderly stepfather. Inside the house, agents located an electronic money counter, revolvers, and a loaded AR-15 semiautomatic rifle concealed behind a sofa cushion.
In a backyard carport, agents located bags of cocaine along with a cocaine cutting, packaging, and distribution station. Next to the packaging station, on the hood of Perkins’s vehicle, was another loaded AR-15 and a MAC-10 handgun wrapped up in a t-shirt. Hidden inside one broken down car in the backyard, agents recovered more AR-15s, handguns, an AK-47 rifle, a machinegun, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Inside another broken down car, positioned just outside the elderly stepfather’s bedroom window, agents located Perkins’s cocaine inventory—18 sealed and stamped kilogram bricks of cocaine.
Through their subsequent investigation, federal and state agents and investigators uncovered witnesses, financial records, DNA evidence, videos saved on Perkins’s stash house surveillance system, and Perkins’s own social media posts which showed that Perkins has been trafficking and distributing kilogram-quantities of cocaine in Sanford for years using cartel-linked suppliers.
Bricks of cocaine, firearms, and cocaine trafficking paraphernalia seized from Perkins’s house
Perkins is a seven-time convicted felon, including convictions for conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and aggravating fleeing and eluding.
“Central Florida residents are much safer with violent criminals like this individual behind bars,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Harrell. “This complex investigation is a direct result of the outstanding collaboration between the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office City County Investigative Bureau, the DEA and federal prosecutors.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office’s City County Investigative Bureau (CCIB), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Michael P. Felicetta.
RAD Diversified REIT Co-Founder Indicted for Submitting False Information During the Purchase of his $1.6 Million HouseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Brandon Dutch Mendenhall (46, Brandon, FL) has been charged by indictment with one count of mail fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mendenhall that the United States intends to forfeit a house, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Mendenhall operated RAD Diversified REIT and other investment funds that solicited individuals to invest in real estate properties through these entities. Beginning in November 2021, Mendenhall applied for a home mortgage with Lender 1 for the purchase of his personal residence. During the mortgage application process, Mendenhall over-inflated his personal income and represented to the lender that the business operating accounts for some of his investment funds were his personal income because he was the owner of these businesses. This information was material to the lender’s decision regarding whether the lender would approve and fund the $1.2 million mortgage loan Mendenhall was seeking. As a result of the material misrepresentations made by Mendenhall, Mendenhall caused the mortgage closing documents to be sent by mail to a title company located in the Middle District of Florida.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Office of Financial Regulation – Bureau of Financial Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.
If you have invested money with RAD Diversified, please consider visiting forms.fbi.gov/RADDiversifiedVictim to complete a voluntary questionnaire hosted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Please direct questions regarding the questionnaire to [email protected].
IndictmentOsceola Man Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Levelle Joseph Harris (40, Kissimmee) has been sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II to 21 months in federal prison for wire fraud. As part of his sentence, Harris is required to forfeit $640,911.85 to the United States, which represents the total amount of proceeds obtained by Harris from his scheme. Harris pleaded guilty on July 30, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Harris committed COVID relief fraud in 2020 by fraudulently obtaining $1,283,029.81 in COVID relief funds. He used some of the funds to purchase a residential property. Harris was prosecuted for that conduct and ultimately convicted of 14 counts of wire fraud. When the United States sought the forfeiture of the residential property Harris had purchased with the stolen COVID relief funds, Harris sold the property and gave the proceeds to the United States. The sale, however, was unlawful. Investigators determined that between February 2022 and January 2023, Harris had devised a separate scheme to avoid paying his criminal forfeiture in the COVID relief fraud case. As part of that scheme, Harris obtained a mortgage through false representations and then used the proceeds to purchase the residential property and pay his criminal forfeiture. Through Harris’s mortgage fraud scheme, he fraudulently obtained a total of $640,911.85.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Nurse Practitioner in Jacksonville Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Kenyatta Dacres (45, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to unlawful distribution of controlled substances. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dacres was an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), commonly known as a nurse practitioner, licensed in Florida. Dacres prescribed an undercover agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration controlled substances on three separate occasions. Specifically, Dacres prescribed Lortab pills containing hydrocodone, in increasing dosages, despite the agent indicating that he was not in any pain. Dacres also prescribed Adderall pills containing amphetamine despite him denying any history or diagnoses that would support that and despite the agent’s indication that he’s recently been arrested for possession of methamphetamine. A medical doctor reviewed the materials related to the investigation and determined that Dacres’s prescriptions for Lortab and Adderall were issued without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of professional practice.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.
Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and CocaineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jimmy Deon Lofton (46, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, on July 1, 2025, the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) executed a search warrant on Lofton’s residence where agents located numerous controlled substances including approximately 173 grams of fentanyl, 31 grams of methamphetamine, 260 grams of MDMA, and over 1,000 grams of cocaine. Some of the substances were buried in an ammunition can in the backyard. Agents also obtained a search warrant for a home security DVR system Lofton had installed at the home. The DVR system revealed numerous videos of Lofton packaging and dealing controlled substances at the residence.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to Prison for Receiving a BribeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Karen Torres (50, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to one year and one day in federal prison for receiving a bribe as a public official. As part of her sentence, Torres is required to forfeit $43,550 to the United States, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. She pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Torres was a public official employed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer. She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Torres introduced contraband (marijuana, cigarettes, and K2) into FCC Coleman in exchange for $43,550 in bribes from inmates.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Two Lake City Methamphetamine Dealers Sentenced to Lengthy Prison TermsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Terry Alonza Brown (54) and Doug Bradley (46), both of Lake City, have been sentenced by United States District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to federal prison terms for possessing kilogram amounts of pure methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Brown was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison and Bradley was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Brown pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025, and Bradley pleaded guilty on November 12, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2025, law enforcement officers conducting surveillance at Brown’s residence in Lake City observed Bradley enter the residence, exit a short time later with a bag, place the bag in a vehicle, then drive away. After Bradley was stopped for a traffic infraction, his vehicle was searched and officers found a vacuum-sealed plastic bag that contained a large amount of a white crystalline substance. The substance was later determined to be 100% pure methamphetamine weighing 1,340.2 grams.
Later the same day, officers observed Brown leave the residence with a multi-colored bag, place the bag in a vehicle, then drive away. After Brown was stopped for a traffic infraction, his vehicle was searched and officers found the multi-colored bag in the backseat area. The bag contained two separate vacuum-sealed plastic bags, inside of which were additional bags containing a white crystalline substance. The substance was later determined to be 99% pure methamphetamine weighing 2,694 grams.
Subsequently, officers obtained a search warrant for Brown’s residence. During the search, officers seized two black bags containing packages of a white crystalline substance, $12,000 from a safe, and $1,000 from inside one of the bedrooms. The substance was later determined to be 99% pure methamphetamine weighing 1,786.8 grams.
Before committing these offenses, Brown and Bradley had previously been convicted of federal drug trafficking charges. In April 2013, Brown was convicted of five counts of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. In November 2008, Bradley was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Three Florida Men Indicted for Dog FightingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Drew Geer (42, Lake Butler), Anthony Crosby (42, Keystone Heights), and Leroy Halbert (53, Lake Butler) have each been charged by indictment with three counts of possession of dogs for dog fighting ventures. In addition, Geer and Crosby were charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Geer and Crosby each face a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. Halbert faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Geer was arrested on May 20, 2026, and has been detained pending trial, which is currently scheduled for July 2026. Crosby and Halbert were arrested on May 29, 2026.
According to the indictments, on December 10, 2025, Geer, Crosby, and Halbert each possessed at least three dogs that were used in dog fighting ventures. In addition, on that same date, Geer and Crosby each possessed firearms knowing that they were convicted felons.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Union County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
Orlando Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Child Sextortion Scheme Involving More than 50 Child VictimsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Montrey Roseberry (20, Orlando) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to life in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and production and possession of child sex abuse material. Roseberry was found guilty on February 19, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from at least July 14, 2023, through at least April 2024, Roseberry operated a scheme to extort, intimidate, and threaten children into producing child sex abuse material. Roseberry, while impersonating a woman, coerced young victims he identified on social media into producing images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Roseberry then used the images and videos to extort the victims into producing increasingly perverse content involving, sadomasochism, coprophilia, bestiality, and the sexual abuse of other children.
If the child victims did not comply, Roseberry threatened to disseminate prior images and videos they had sent him that were sexual in nature to the child victims’ family members, friends, and classmates. In some cases, Roseberry threatened the child victims with death. As part of the scheme, and to further frighten and extort the victims into complying with his demands, Roseberry sent the child victims photographs of their homes and names of their schools, friends, and family members. As a result of this scheme, Roseberry obtained child sex abuse images of more than 50 victims.
“Roseberry targeted young children, coerced them into producing abuse material, and threatened to destroy their lives if they resisted. This sentence sends a message that dangerous pedophiles will receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “We commend the hard work of the FBI agents for helping to bring this predator to justice.”
“The terror he inflicted is heart wrenching. Mr. Roseberry threatened and blackmailed his young victims into committing horrific acts. The FBI and its law enforcement partners are relentless in their mission to identify and bring these vile criminals to justice. We urge young people and their parents to be cautious, especially on social media and gaming platforms, because child predators typically use these platforms to find their victims,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaley Austin-Aronson and Noah P. Dorman.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Fort Myers Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Walter James Marshall (32, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Kyle C. Dudek to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Marshall pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Marshall was stopped by the Fort Myers Police Department for driving on a suspended license. During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered a loaded SCCY pistol under the driver’s seat. DNA swabs taken from the pistol and from Marshall linked him to the firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Marshall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Jacksonville Woman Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Smuggling Firearms from United States to HaitiRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Francesca Charles (28, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to smuggle goods and unlawfully ship firearms, unlawfully shipping firearms, and smuggling goods from the United States. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 18, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, in February 2025, officials in the Dominican Republic seized 18 rifles, 5 handguns, firearms magazines, more than 36,000 rounds of ammunition, and a silencer from inside a container that had been shipped from Miami, Florida. The shipping container was destined for Haiti. The firearms and ammunition were not listed on the shipping manifest, which instead listed household goods. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), learned that Charles, Jacques Pierre, and Jeff Pierre were the purchasers of at least 20 of the 23 firearms seized from the shipping container.
Throughout the investigation, agents learned that the defendants had purchased at least 46 firearms between May 2024 and February 2025, most of which were the same make and model as the firearms recovered in the Dominican Republic. Thirty-seven of those firearms were purchased between August 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025. Charles purchased at least 24 of the 46 firearms.
Agents also obtained records that Jacques Pierre had purchased two Barrett .50-caliber rifles, which are heavy-duty military-style weapons that are typically mounted to the tops of vehicles and used in furtherance of violence by gangs and cartels. One of the Barrett rifles was recovered from the aforementioned shipment in February 2025. The second Barrett rifle was recovered in November 2025 during a clash between Haitian police and an armed gang.
Travel and shipping records showed that the co-conspirators facilitated a shipment to Haiti shortly after purchasing a large number of firearms, then traveled to Haiti around the time the shipment was scheduled to arrive in Haiti. Travel records also showed that the defendants traveled to the Dominican Republic three days before the shipping container was intercepted.
In related court proceedings, Jacques Pierre (age 32) and his brother, Jeff Pierre (age 34), both citizens of Haiti residing in Florida, have been charged with conspiracy to smuggle goods and unlawfully ship firearms, smuggling goods from the United States, and unlawfully shipping firearms. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the ATF and HSI with assistance from the U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Downloading Child Sexual Abuse Videos Using the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Andy Robert Ardelean (35, Jacksonville) has been charged by indictment with using the internet to download and receive videos depicting young children being sexually abused. If convicted, Ardelean faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Ardelean was arrested on May 19, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between December 2025 and March 2026, detectives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office conducted an online investigation of individuals using the internet to receive and share child sex abuse material. This investigation revealed that a computer using an internet protocol (IP) address in Jacksonville was hosting child sexual abuse videos that were available for sharing over the internet. The detectives connected to this computer on several occasions and were able to download numerous videos depicting young children being sexually abused. Further investigation revealed that the IP address resolved to a residence where Ardelean lived.
On May 19, 2026, FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Ardelean’s residence and seized a laptop computer from his bedroom. A forensic review of the laptop showed that on April 23, 2026, the computer was used to download and receive at least one video depicting a young child being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being 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 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Palmetto Man Indicted for Making False Statements in Connection with a Firearm PurchaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Desmin Terrell Belvin, Jr. (21, Palmetto) has been charged by indictment with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on March 21, 2026, Belvin falsely represented to a federally licensed firearms dealer on an ATF Form 4473 that he was the actual transferee or buyer of a Glock handgun, when in fact he knew he was buying the handgun on behalf of someone else.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Orlando Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stalking and Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Abdalla Hatim Elhakiem (30, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 27 months in federal prison for stalking and interstate transmission of a threat to injure. Elhakiem pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Elhakiem previously attended the Biochemistry Ph.D. program at the University of Utah. After slashing the tire of a car owned by the victim, a fellow student in the program, Elhakiem was suspended from the University of Utah and returned to Orlando. In November 2024, in violation of a Utah protective order, Elhakiem began sending threatening and harassing emails to the victim from email accounts created using foreign email services based in Switzerland and Germany. Elhakiem sent the victim threats that he would sexually assault and kill her. He used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and other methods to hide his identity as the source of the threats. On August 6, 2025, Elhakiem sent a threat to kill the victim using a Gmail account that Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were able to tie directly to Elhakiem.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Salt Lake City Police Department and the University of Utah Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Flanigan.
Oglethorpe Inc. and Top Executives Agree to Pay $32M to Resolve False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL — Oglethorpe Inc. (Oglethorpe), an operator of psychiatric hospitals headquartered in Tampa, Florida, along with its founder and principal owner, Robert Cohen, CEO John Picciano, and Chief Operating Office James O’Shea, have agreed to pay $32 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly failing to return overpayments received from the Medicare program for the admission of beneficiaries to three of Oglethorpe’s Ohio facilities.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2021 through the present, Oglethorpe and its executives knowingly failed to return to Medicare overpayments that Oglethorpe’s own consultants had identified. The overpayments related to beneficiaries who had been admitted to two hospitals (Ridgeview Behavioral Hospital and Georgetown Behavioral Hospital) and a substance abuse clinic (The Woods at Parkside), even though they did not qualify for inpatient psychiatric care.
“My office is determined to protect the public fisc and our fragile public health programs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to pursue companies and individuals who defy Medicare’s regulations for personal gain.”
“Healthcare fraud has negative impacts for taxpayers and patients alike,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement reflects the Department’s commitment to protecting taxpayer money and ensuring that Medicare payments are consistent with the coverage and payment rules for those services.”
In 2021, Oglethorpe entered a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) following an earlier False Claims Act settlement with the Department of Justice. As a result of violating that Corporate Integrity Agreement, the defendants agreed to enter into a voluntary exclusion agreement with HHS-OIG under which they will be excluded from Medicare, Medicaid, and all federal health care programs for a period of 10 years beginning in July 2026.
“By enforcing the Corporate Integrity Agreement and securing a voluntary exclusion agreement the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs,” said Chief Counsel Susan Edwards of HHS-OIG. “When entities fail to meet their obligations — especially after entering agreements designed to ensure compliance — we will take decisive action. This outcome underscores that accountability is essential to safeguarding both patients and taxpayer resources.”
The civil settlement concludes a lawsuit filed by four former Oglethorpe employees: Whitney Treloar, a registered nurse, Darren Caruso, former Chief Fiscal Officer, Jeanette Skinner, former Regional Director of Operations, and Joel Snook, the former Director of Financial Operations. The suit was filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and to receive a share of the recovery. The relators’ share of this resolution has not yet been determined. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Whitney Treloar, et al. v. Oglethorpe, Inc., et. al., No. 22-cv-00238 (M.D. Fla.).
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Keefe for the Middle District of Florida and Senior Trial Counsel Justin Draycott of the Justice Department’s Civil Fraud Section handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Influence Major International Sports Competition by DopingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Paul Alexander Askew (46, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to influence major international sports competitions by doping. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, beginning on or about July 10, 2023, and continuing through to on or about January 31, 2024, Askew conspired with a professional track and field athlete and at least one other person to provide the athlete with testosterone, a banned substance, to improve the athlete’s performances at major international track and field competitions. The doping was ongoing during the athlete’s competitions in the 2023 Ed Murphey Classic, in Memphis, Tennessee; the 2023 Xiamen Diamond League, in China; and the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, in Eugene, Oregon. Although the doping conspiracy was revealed before the athlete could compete in other competitions, Askew and the athlete also intended to use illegal testosterone injections to improve the athlete’s performance at the 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championships, the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the 2024 United States Olympics Trials, and the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France.
This case was investigated by the United States Anti-Doping Agency and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Flanigan.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Ballardo Andres Polanco (32, Seffner) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Polanco faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for the attempted enticement offense and a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted transfer of obscene material offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, between December 29, 2025, and February 10, 2026, Polanco messaged an individual whom he believed was a 14-year-old girl. That individual was actually an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations. During the conversation, Polanco graphically described the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage with the minor. Polanco also sent explicit images of himself during this conversation. Ultimately, Polanco encouraged the minor to skip school to engage in sexual activity with him. On February 10, 2026, Polanco traveled from Tampa to Marion County to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity. Polanco was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at the meeting location.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Straw Purchaser Sentenced to over Five Years in Federal Prison for Numerous Firearm Purchases Made on Behalf of OthersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Esai Pastrana Cruz (30, Puerto Rico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to five years and three months in federal prison for conspiring to and making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer (“FFL”). Pastrana Cruz pleaded guilty on February 19, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Pastrana Cruz purchased approximately 90 firearms from various FFLs within the Middle District of Florida and falsely represented to the FFLs that he was the actual purchaser and recipient of the firearms. At least 21 of the firearms were seized by various law enforcement agencies and traced to purchases that Pastrana Cruz had made. Among the recovered firearms, two had been associated with shootings, including a drive-by shooting where two individuals had been struck by gunfire.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Ocala Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Meet a 13-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Christopher Shaun Jonas (34, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Jonas faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement and court records, on July 23, 2024, Jonas contacted a profile on an internet application designed for prostitution. This profile, however, was operated by an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO). The undercover account identified themself as a 13-year-old girl. Jonas described in graphic detail the sexual acts in which he wanted to engage in with the minor and subsequently arranged to meet the minor for sexual activity at a location in Marion County. When Jonas arrived at the meeting location, he was taken into custody by law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Marion County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Meet a Minor for Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jason Shane Ejmali (51, Silver Springs) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Ejmali pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between July 24 and 26, 2025, Ejmali messaged an individual whom he believed was willing to provide their 13 to 14-year-old foster child to engage in sexual activity. That individual was actually an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations. Ejmali discussed the type of sexual activity he wanted to have with the minor and agreed to meet for that purpose at a location in Marion County. When Ejmali arrived at that location, law enforcement placed him under arrest.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Founder and CEO of mIQroTech, Inc., a Technology Company in the Oil and Gas Industry, Indicted for Defrauding Investors of More Than $7 MillionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Meade Lewis (32, Temple Terrace) has been charged by indictment with five counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Lewis that the United States intends to forfeit at least $7,096,458, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offenses. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Lewis was the founder, chief executive officer, and majority shareholder of mIQroTech, Inc., a purported technology company in the oil and gas industry. Lewis is alleged to have fraudulently raised more than $7 million from investors by making false and misleading statements about mIQroTech, Inc.’s financials, customers, and product. He also used some of the investors’ funds for his personal enrichment.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Blain Goff.
United States Seeks Civil Forfeiture of Real Properties and Vehicles Purchased with Proceeds of Goliath Ventures Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A civil forfeiture complaint has been filed against 7 real properties and 11 vehicles allegedly purchased by Christopher Delgado with proceeds of a wire fraud scheme for which he was charged in February 2026, making them subject to civil forfeiture. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the civil forfeiture complaint, Delgado was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Goliath Ventures (“Goliath”), formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. From January 2023 through January 2026, Delgado operated Goliath as a “Ponzi scheme,” which is a form of investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Delgado’s scheme involved soliciting victims to invest substantial sums of money under false and fraudulent promises of monthly returns generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Victims were induced to give money to Goliath through personal referrals, professional marketing materials, luxury events, charitable sponsorships, and some monthly payments of purported returns, all of which were designed to establish Goliath’s bona fides with investors. Based on these false and fraudulent representations, Goliath obtained at least $400 million from more than 1,000 victim investors.
Although Goliath represented that it would place the victim investors’ funds in cryptocurrency liquidity pools, in reality, the funds were primarily used to pay purported returns to earlier investors, to return principal to investors who requested it, and for Goliath’s extravagant business gatherings, holiday parties, and luxury travel accommodations. Delgado used approximately $17 million in victim investors’ funds to buy five homes and office space. He also spent more than $2.5 million in victim investors’ funds to purchase, lease, or pay off loans on 11 vehicles (the “Defendant Assets”). Most of these purchases or loan satisfactions constituted monetary transactions knowingly conducted by Delgado with more than $10,000 in proceeds of wire fraud, making those Defendant Assets subject to forfeiture as property involved in money laundering. In addition, Delgado used victim investors’ funds to make mortgage payments on a home he had purchased in 2021.
The chart below includes the Defendant Assets as well as their purchase price and acquisition date.
Purchase Date Defendant AssetPurchase Price9/5/20255271 Isleworth Country Club Drive, Windermere, FL$8.5 million7/31/2025141 S. Phelps Avenue, Winter Park, Fl $3.2 million5/29/2025189 S. Orange Avenue, Unit 1800S, 1810S, 1820S & 1870S, Orlando, FL$3.2 million4/22/20252025 Lamborghini Revuelto$719,517.014/21/20252024 Rolls Royce Ghost$379,9954/9/20252024 Bentley Bentayga$285,5403/30/20252024 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Spyder$473,7233/19/20252025 Cadillac Escalade V$238,561.253/4/20252024 Lincoln Navigator L$125,862.372/13/202517416 Bal Harbour Drive, Winter Park, FL$740,00012/5/2024222 Pawnee Trail, Kissimmee, Fl$862,5008/5/20247333 Bella Foresta Place, Sanford, FL$1.65 million4/12/20241951 Mercury$52,0001/12/20242017 Mercedes Benz C300$15,00010/27/20232023 Rolls Royce Cullinan$472,3509/5/20232022 Mercedes Benz Sprinter$235,804.9610/23/20222022 GMC Sierra HD$93,96312/20/2021746 Cavan Drive, Apopka, FL$725,000Since February 2026, the United States has been seizing assets traceable to the fraud scheme perpetrated by Delgado and others through Goliath Ventures, Inc. The Defendant Assets are a particular subset of forfeitable assets that are expensive to maintain and either depreciating in value, secured by liens and/or subject to property taxes that are continuing to accrue significant interest and may be in default. In order to maximize the recovery of fraud proceeds, the United States has determined that these assets must be forfeited as expeditiously as possible. One of the primary goals of the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program is recovering assets that may be used to compensate victims when authorized under federal law. See The Attorney General’s Guidelines on the Asset Forfeiture Program (July 2018), at 1, https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-mlars/file/1123146/dl?inline=. The civil forfeiture statutes relied upon in this case provide such authority.
The United States’ criminal investigation of the fraud scheme is ongoing. Investigators are also working to locate and seize additional property— held by Christopher Delgado or others—traceable to proceeds of Goliath fraud. If you have information related to execution of the fraud scheme or the identification or location of assets traceable to the fraud, please contact [email protected].
This civil forfeiture case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita Cream and Blain Goff.
Civil Forfeiture ComplaintOcala Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jonathan Travis Pruitt (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to six years and three months in federal prison for bank fraud. Pruitt pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Pruitt and his associates stole checks written by local businesses from their outgoing mailboxes. Pruitt then created fake businesses with nearly identical names as the intended recipients of the stolen checks. Afterward, he opened bank accounts for the newly created businesses and deposited the stolen checks. Pruitt then extracted the funds from these accounts by making large ATM withdrawals. Ultimately, Pruitt was responsible for fraudulently depositing 36 stolen checks with a total face value of more than $860,000. When he was arrested by federal agents, a search of his phone revealed scans of some of the stolen checks as well as the photo-editing software Pruitt had used to alter them.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Ocala Police Department, and the Belleview Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Five Gang Members Plead Guilty to Racketeering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Mohamed Jaber (33, Tampa), Irving Bruzon (28, Tampa), Christian Andujar (28, Tampa), Kyle Miller (34, Orlando), and Julissa Collazo (29, Tampa) have each pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Andujar also pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and one count of financial institution fraud. Bruzon also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and one count of financial institution fraud. Jaber pleaded guilty to an additional count of financial institution fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. A sixth individual, Xavier Garnder, has been charged and has entered a plea of not guilty. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records and hearings, these individuals were members of a street gang called Alexander Park, or AP. The gang, or enterprise, operated in part by selling and distributing marijuana and by robbing other drug dealers of their marijuana and money. The gang also carried out acts of violence in furtherance of these activities and to maintain the credibility of the gang and strengthen the position of members within the gang. The gang also obtained high end vehicles by making misrepresentations about their employment and incomes. Some of the vehicles were used during their crimes.
Beginning in January 2020 and continuing through July of 2021, Andujar and Garnder, who has pleaded not guilty, conspired to kill a rival gang member. In April 2023, Andujar, Bruzon, Garnder, and an unknown fourth co-conspirator conspired to kill an individual who had angered them. The victim was shot 17 times while sleeping in his car and died of his injuries.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby Township Police Department (Michigan). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Newman and Brooke Padgett. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Tampa Man Sentenced to More than 33 years in Prison for Sex Trafficking Three VictimsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Demontrae Fagan (36, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison for sex trafficking. Fagan pleaded guilty on February 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, through means of force, threats of force and coercion, Fagan sex trafficked three victims in 2022. Fagan created advertisements on escort websites and scheduled dates for commercial sexual activity for Victim 1. Fagan used Victim 1 to encourage Victim 2 and Victim 3 to cooperate and used Victim 1 to manage their advertisements and dates for commercial sexual activity. Fagan received the money made by the victims for their sex acts. Fagan physically abused the victims and provided them with drugs which affected their mental state. The victims knew Fagan to regularly carry firearms which contributed to their fear of him and compliance with commercial sexual activity.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Ahli Fields (34, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Fields faces a minimum penalty of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, on June 9, 2020, Fields and a co-conspirator drove together to a grocery store in Ormond Beach to commit an armed robbery. Prior to the robbery, Fields provided the co-conspirator with a revolver. He dropped the co-conspirator off near the store and waited nearby for the co-conspirator to return. Fields’s co-conspirator entered the store, brandished the revolver to two employees, and demanded cash from a safe before leaving with several thousand dollars. The co-conspirator returned to Fields’s vehicle before they drove away together. Fields received a portion of the proceeds for his involvement.
Agents subsequently obtained cellphone records and location data that showed Fields and the co-conspirator traveling from Jacksonville together on the day of the robbery. They were also in communication during the timeframe of the robbery, which placed them in the area during the robbery.
Fields’s co-defendant, Nathaniel Cox, has been charged for his alleged role in this case. Cox has also been charged with additional armed robberies and attempted robberies of commercial business locations throughout the Middle District of Florida. His case is pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Ormond Beach Police Department, the Titusville Police Department, the Palmetto Police Department, and the Ocala Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Former Pinellas Teacher Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Lee Hughes (46, Pinellas Park) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 20 years in federal prison for attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. Hughes pleaded guilty on January 30, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer online for months with the understanding the undercover officer had a 9-year-old daughter. Hughes expressed his specific explicit desire to sexually abuse the purported girl. During those conversations, he also sent explicit photos and videos of himself, which he requested be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes arrived at a predetermined location to engage in sexual activity with the child. He was apprehended by the FBI on scene.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Courtney Derry.
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 U.S. Attorneys' Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC.
Florida Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Evading $3.7 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – A Jacksonville businessman was sentenced today to 22 months in prison for evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during the years 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent notices to Mak reminding him of his obligation to pay taxes and eventually filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years.
In fact, Mak took steps to move his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak transferred $1 million to his domestic partner instead of paying taxes to the IRS. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account.
“Tax evasion isn’t financial strategy—it’s a deliberate choice with predictable consequences,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Evading your true tax obligation is not a harmless oversight—it’s a serious violation of federal law. IRS Special Agents will follow the money and present the facts in court.”
Mak pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. In addition to the prison sentence, Mak was sentenced to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $3,751,485 in restitution to the United States.
U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Federal Jury Convicts Self-Proclaimed “Elite Ranked Pedophile” of Eleven Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –A federal jury has found Frederick Karl Hildenbrand (56, Cocoa) guilty of nine counts of producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and two counts of possessing CSAM. Hildenbrand faces a minimum of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each production count, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each possession count. The maximum penalty for the possession counts was enhanced due to the jury’s finding that the material depicted young children. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 22, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to evidence presented at trial, Hildenbrand was residing in Ohio from at least 2004 through 2014. He and his wife later relocated to northeast Florida. While in Ohio, Hildenbrand produced a number of tapes and electronic files depicting himself sexually abusing children, including toddlers and infants. He brought these materials with him to Florida, and in 2018, rented a storage unit in which he placed a safe containing the CSAM.
In May 2024, after the storage unit company had changed ownership, Hildenbrand’s payments were no longer processed, and the storage unit was auctioned. The purchaser of the contents retrieved the safe from the storage unit and, after opening it, discovered multiple pairs of soiled children’s undergarments labeled with names and individually packaged in plastic baggies. Also, inside the safe were the tapes and electronic devices. The purchaser turned the materials over to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, and child exploitation material was discovered on the electronic media.
In July 2024, Hildenbrand realized that his unit had been auctioned and contacted the storage company to try and have his items returned. During multiple recorded phone calls, Hildenbrand expressed that he especially wanted the items returned from his safe. Unknown to Hildenbrand, he was communicating with an undercover detective from the Clay County Sheriff's Office. On August 5, 2024, Hildenbrand drove three hours from Cocoa to Clay County intending to get the safe back. Instead, he was arrested.
On the same day, detectives searched Hildenbrand’s residence and recovered electronic devices which also contained CSAM. Searches of these devices revealed that Hildenbrand had continued to film himself sexually abusing children through at least June 2024.
In total, Hildenbrand possessed at least 10,000 depictions of children being sexually abused. One of his computers contained two versions of a “poem” written by Hildenbrand about his insatiable lust for children, in which he described himself as “an Elite ranked pedophile” for over 30 years.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Cocoa Police Department, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Children and Families. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Texas Man Pleads Guity to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Esequiel Maldonado (47, Texas) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Maldonado worked with his three co-conspirators to distribute cocaine. From Texas, Maldonado authorized sales of kilogram-quantities of cocaine, served as a broker, and set cocaine prices. A co-conspirator then distributed the cocaine in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Maldonado.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Alex Robert Cookshott (56, Palm Bay) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Cookshott pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, throughout January 2025, Cookshott sold a confidential source methamphetamine in Palm Bay. The first transaction was for approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, and the second was for approximately six ounces of methamphetamine. Surrounding these deals, Cookshott obtained the methamphetamine from his source of supply to then sell to the confidential source. In total, Cookshott was responsible for distributing more than 220 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Central Florida Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Counterfeit Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Jose Manuel Gonzalez Roman (31, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza to seven years in federal prison for distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. Gonzalez Roman pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between January and April 2024, Gonzalez Roman sold a confidential source increasingly large quantities of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl from various locations in Orlando. The first transaction was for 30 pills, the second was for 100 pills, and the third transaction was for 700 pills. In total, Gonzalez Roman was responsible for distributing nearly 500 grams of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Victor Raul Cordero Arocho (39, Melbourne) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 15 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Cordero Arocho pleaded guilty on January 29, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between August and September 2025, Cordero Arocho sold a confidential source approximately 3 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 ounces of fentanyl from his residence in Melbourne. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant on the residence in October 2025 resulting in the recovery of over 12 ounces of cocaine, approximately 2.5 ounces of fentanyl, and drug processing materials. Law enforcement also located a loaded handgun and a loaded rifle inside the residence.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Nidia Roxana Maradiaga-Flores (28), an illegal alien from Honduras, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to two years and two months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Maradiaga-Flores was found guilty on January 14, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Maradiaga-Flores was an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On March 23, 2022, Maradiaga-Flores applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Maradiaga-Flores falsely identified herself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler III and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Property Management Company to Pay $60,000 to Servicemember for False AffidavitRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - The Justice Department today announced that Rental Marketing Solutions, LLC (RMS), a property management company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, will pay $60,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by obtaining an unlawful eviction judgment against an active duty Navy sailor. This is the largest amount the Department has ever obtained for a single servicemember in a case involving the filing of a false military service affidavit.
“Protecting the civil rights of our servicemembers is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to aggressively enforce the SCRA to protect the servicemembers who fight to protect us here at home. These servicemembers, along with their families, sacrifice to serve our country and deserve to be treated with dignity. No servicemember should ever be denied housing or have their record tarnished based on a false affidavit.”
“It is unacceptable and illegal for a landlord or property management company to file a false affidavit stating that an active duty servicemember is not in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This SCRA violation had significant consequences, as potential landlords refused to rent to a sailor once they learned of the eviction on his record. He became homeless and his wife was forced to move back in with her parents in another state. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of military families.”
The Department alleges that RMS named the sailor as a defendant in an eviction action for a property he had not lived in for several years, filed a false affidavit stating he was not on active duty, and obtained an eviction judgment against him in a Florida county court while he was assigned to the USS Nimitz at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Because the eviction judgment showed up on his background reports, a dozen or more landlords refused to rent to him and his wife. For four months, he had to live separately from his wife and rotate among temporary accommodations, including sleeping on the berthed Naval ship, which had no heat.
The SCRA requires a plaintiff in a case where a defendant does not make an appearance to file an affidavit stating whether the defendant is in military service, with necessary supporting facts. This allows the court to appoint an attorney to represent the servicemember and to postpone the proceedings if a defense cannot be presented without the servicemember’s presence. Because RMS filed a false affidavit stating that the sailor was not in military service, he did not receive the benefit of those protections.
Under the settlement, RMS will pay $60,000 in compensation to the sailor and for ten years of credit monitoring for him. RMS will also be required to pay a $6,000 civil penalty and maintain SCRA policies and procedures to avoid committing future violations.
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained $489 million in monetary relief for 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil
Property Management Company to Pay $60,000 to Servicemember for False AffidavitRead the Press Release
TAMPA, FL — The Justice Department today announced that Rental Marketing Solutions, LLC (RMS), a property management company based in St. Petersburg, Florida, will pay $60,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by obtaining an unlawful eviction judgment against an active duty Navy sailor. This is the largest amount the Department has ever obtained for a single servicemember in a case involving the filing of a false military service affidavit.
“Protecting the civil rights of our servicemembers is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to aggressively enforce the SCRA to protect the servicemembers who fight to protect us here at home. These servicemembers, along with their families, sacrifice to serve our country and deserve to be treated with dignity. No servicemember should ever be denied housing or have their record tarnished based on a false affidavit.”
“It is unacceptable and illegal for a landlord or property management company to file a false affidavit stating that an active duty servicemember is not in military service,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This SCRA violation had significant consequences, as potential landlords refused to rent to a sailor once they learned of the eviction on his record. He became homeless and his wife was forced to move back in with her parents in another state. The Justice Department will continue to fight to protect the rights of military families.”
The Department alleges that RMS named the sailor as a defendant in an eviction action for a property he had not lived in for several years, filed a false affidavit stating he was not on active duty, and obtained an eviction judgment against him in a Florida county court while he was assigned to the USS Nimitz at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington. Because the eviction judgment showed up on his background reports, a dozen or more landlords refused to rent to him and his wife. For four months, he had to live separately from his wife and rotate among temporary accommodations, including sleeping on the berthed Naval ship, which had no heat.
The SCRA requires a plaintiff in a case where a defendant does not make an appearance to file an affidavit stating whether the defendant is in military service, with necessary supporting facts. This allows the court to appoint an attorney to represent the servicemember and to postpone the proceedings if a defense cannot be presented without the servicemember’s presence. Because RMS filed a false affidavit stating that the sailor was not in military service, he did not receive the benefit of those protections.
Under the settlement, RMS will pay $60,000 in compensation to the sailor and for ten years of credit monitoring for him. RMS will also be required to pay a $6,000 civil penalty and maintain SCRA policies and procedures to avoid committing future violations.
The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained $489 million in monetary relief for 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil. Do not reply to this message. If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.
Beverage Dispensing Equipment Manufacturer Pays $2.6 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Involving Paycheck Protection ProgramRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Micro Matic USA, Inc. (Micro Matic), a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business in Brooksville, Florida, has agreed to pay a settlement of $2,593,219.18 to resolve allegations that Micro Matic violated the False Claims Act by improperly obtaining a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP was expanded and modified by the Economic Aid Act in December 2020 and the American Recovery Plan Act in March 2021. The PPP authorized small businesses to seek forgiveness of the loans if they spent the loan funds on eligible expenses. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications. The PPP was administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Under the second round of PPP, only a business with 300 or fewer employees was eligible for a PPP loan. To determine size, businesses were required to apply the affiliation rules under 13 C.F.R. § 121.301(f), which require aggregating the employees and revenue of related companies, including companies outside the United States.
GNGH2, Inc. filed a qui tam complaint in the Middle District of Florida alleging that Micro Matic improperly obtained a $2 million PPP loan. According to the allegations in the complaint, Micro Matic was ineligible for its PPP loan because it was not a small business due to its size after inclusion of its foreign affiliates. The United States investigated GNGH2’s allegations with the cooperation of Micro Matic. This settlement concludes the litigation and GNGH2 will receive $259,321.91 as a share in the recovery. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Micro Matic USA, Inc., Case No. 8:24-cv-00442-MSS-UAM (M.D. Fla.).
“PPP loans were intended to provide economic assistance to legitimate businesses during a national catastrophic event,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to prosecute those who abuse this federal program and pursue the recovery of improperly obtained funds from anyone found ineligible to receive taxpayer dollars.”
“Investigations like this one reflect the collaboration of the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as the work of private individuals who uncover fraudulent conduct, to recover COVID pandemic relief funds obtained through fraud,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.
This civil settlement resulted from an investigation by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Emden, with the support of Arlene Embrey and Alexis Pinkston from SBA’s Office of General Counsel.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Arcadia Professional Tax Preparer Indicted for Filing False Tax FormsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Janie Martinez Castillo has been charged by federal indictment with 20 counts of willfully failing to account for and pay employment taxes, filing a false personal tax return, and corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the internal revenue laws. If convicted, Martinez Castillo faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count for willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes, and up to 3 years on each remaining count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Martinez Castillo was responsible for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over to the IRS employment taxes owed by her payroll and tax business, Castillo Payroll and Tax Service Inc. (CPTS). Despite the fact that CPTS owed employment taxes for numerous calendar quarters from 2019 to 2023, Martinez Castillo failed to account for and pay over those taxes. Martinez Castillo also filed personal tax returns falsifying the amount withheld from her income and fraudulently altered CPTS’s books and records after receiving an IRS summons but before providing the records.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to More than Five Years for Transporting and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Matthew Leach (41, Tennessee) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to 65 months in federal prison for the transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Leach to forfeit a cellphone, which was used to commit the offense. Leach pleaded guilty on January 20, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Leach encountered law enforcement when his cellphone was searched upon his departure from a cruise ship. During that search, law enforcement found images and videos of CSAM. Leach admitted that he had received or downloaded CSAM on various internet platforms and to having the material on his cellphone prior to going on the cruise. A subsequent forensic review of Leach’s cellphone uncovered hundreds of images and videos of CSAM.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah Dorman and Courtney Richardson-Jones. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Sarasota Woman Found Guilty of Making Threats on TikTok Sentenced to 14 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Desiree Doreen Segari (41, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katheryn Kimball Mizell to 14 months in federal prison for interstate communication of a threat to injure. A federal jury found Segari guilty on January 13, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Segari was indicted on September 18, 2025.
According to evidence presented at trial, on August 17, 2025, Segari posted a video on TikTok calling for MAGA supporters to be shot on sight. Segari stated, “so if we all get our guns and use our second amendment right…and you see somebody with a MAGA hat, ‘pew pew’ that’s what we do, that’s the way, it’s the only way.” While saying “pew pew,” Segari used hand gestures mimicking the firing of a gun. She further stated, “Put them back in their basements, make them scared again to be racist, homophobic, and terrible just awful [expletive],” and “MAGA people deserve to be terrified and scared to walk in the streets because they should know that real Americans are gonna [mouths expletive] kill them.” When Segari posted the video, she included a caption: “#seemagapewpewmaga starting a new trend, hope it catches on. Please spread the word. Share this video. Repost it. Use the hashtag all over the internet. Let's go guys. It's time to fight back in a potentially effective manner.”
The next day, Segari posted another video on TikTok, in which she stated, “See MAGA pew pew MAGA, see MAGA pew pew MAGA, see MAGA pew pew MAGA so these [expletive] know we ain’t here to play” while again using hand gestures to mimic the firing of a gun.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
Nine Individuals Associated with Orlando Street Gang Guilty of Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that nine members or associates of the RMS/EBK gang (Respect Money Structure/Everybody Killer) have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. A summary of the charges by defendant is as follows:
Defendant
Charges
Penalties
Sentencing Date
Christian Rou-Rey
(23, Kissimmee)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Distribution of controlled substances
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
15 years to life in prisonJuly 29, 2026
Jeremiah Maldonado
(21, Orlando)
Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death20 years to life in prisonTBDBenajmin Rivard
(31, Clermont)
Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
25 years to life in prisonAugust 19, 2026
Elena Falzone
(23, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Distribution of fentanyl
5-40 years in prisonAugust 19, 2026
Paul Jacas
(32, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
10-40 years in prisonJuly 1, 2026
Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez
(21, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracyUp to 20 years in prisonMay 27, 2026
Zaviar Wanya Kidd
(28, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
5-40 years in prisonJuly 1, 2026
Olivia Goen
(23, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy5-40 years in prisonMay 27, 2026
Rebecca Murray
(21, Deltona)
Drug trafficking conspiracy10 years to life in prisonJuly 1, 2026
According to court documents, the criminal activities of the RMS/EBK gang have been under investigation since December 2022, when an overdose death exposed the organization and its criminal enterprise. RMS/EBK members and their associates conspired to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, among other criminal acts. The gang often disguised the true nature of these substances. In particular, RMS/EBK sold blue, circular fentanyl pills with an “M” and the number “30”. The investigation was named “Operation Dirty 30s”.
Christian A. Roux-Rey was the leader of the drug trafficking organization and supplied controlled substances to and directed other members of the conspiracy.
Rebecca Murray assisted Roux-Rey with storing controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in their shared residence. She would also weigh, package, and transport controlled substances.
Jeremiah Maldonado was a senior-ranking member of RMS/EBK, also known as a “black flag” and directed lower ranking members. He distributed fentanyl to an individual who died within hours of consuming it.
Benajmin Rivard was also a black flag and directed lower-ranking members. Rivard distributed fentanyl to an individual who began overdosing within hours and subsequently died. Rivard was armed during drug transactions.
Paul Jacas was a member of RMS/EBK and sold fentanyl on behalf of the organization. Jacas also sold firearms.
Elena Falzone was a member of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances on behalf of the organization. Falzone distributed fentanyl and bromazolam (counterfeit Xanax) to an individual who died within hours of consuming the substances.
Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez was an associate of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances or supplied controlled substances for the gang. Carrasquillo provided fentanyl and firearms to Jacas which were subsequently sold.
Zaviar Kidd is an associate of RMS/EBK and sold methamphetamine and fentanyl on behalf of the organization.
Olivia Marie Goen was a member of RMS/EBK and distributed fentanyl on behalf of the organization.
This case was investigated by the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.
Federal Prisoner Convicted of Involuntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Brandon Ejae Elliot (35, Tampa) guilty of one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of contraband (a weapon) by a federal prisoner. Elliot faces up to 13 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Elliot on December 17, 2024. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the evidence presented at trial, on December 3, 2022, Elliot was a federal inmate in the United States Penitentiary-II at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, Florida. During a routine count of the prisoners, Elliot and his cellmate, C.W.J., were locked in their cell at 9:30 AM. When corrections officers opened the cell at 11:00 AM, they found C.W.J. unresponsive with multiple puncture wounds to his body. A sharpened metal shank lay nearby on the cell floor. C.W.J. was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A medical examiner determined that C.W.J. had been stabbed 12 times by an object matching the appearance and dimensions of the shank. Elliot admitted to stabbing the victim in the heart during a struggle for the weapon.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and William S. Hamilton.
Apopka Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Emmet Bowens (57, Apopka) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dalton to 63 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $739,582, the proceeds of the offenses. Bowens pleaded guilty on January 26, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on May 5, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bowens submitted a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application claiming to own the business “Buccaneer Technologies.” The PPP was a provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted to provide immediate assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 emergency. Under the terms of the program, the loans were backed by the United States Small Business Administration and the full principal amount of could qualify for forgiveness.
As part of his application, Bowens certified that Buccaneer Technologies had 102 employees with an average monthly payroll of $295,883. In support of his loan application, Bowens submitted fraudulent tax records. Bowens also filed Articles of Incorporation for his sham business six days after his loan application was filed. The IP address used to submit the loan application was registered to Bowens’ residential address. The application information included Bowens’ social security number and a copy of his drivers license.
The loan was approved in the amount of $739,582 which was disbursed to Bowens’ personal checking account. Bowens then further distributed the funds into various accounts, including funding three new accounts with $250,000, $250,000 and $115,000, respectively. Bowens spent some of the funds on across-country road trip, during which he and his wife were captured on bank surveillance withdrawing $44,000 in cash.
After being charged and released on bond conditions, Bowens cut off his ankle monitor and fled the jurisdiction. Bowens was a fugitive for a year and a half before being located and arrested in the Northern District of Mississippi.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel S. Lyons and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Tampa Woman Charged in Fraud Scheme to Obtain Social Security and Pension Benefits by Disposing of Aunt’s Body to Conceal her DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Rebecca Stewart Vaughn (64, Tampa) has been charged by federal indictment with four counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. If convicted, Vaughn faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for the theft of government money. The indictment also notifies Vaughn that the United States is seeking the forfeiture of more than $75,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Vaughn engaged in a fraud scheme to obtain Social Security benefits and City of New York pension benefits that did not belong to her. The benefits were being paid to Vaughn’s aunt, J.C. When J.C. died, Vaughn concealed her death by wrapping J.C.’s body in layers of blankets, sheets, and plastic bags, placing her body in a mattress bag, and disposing of the body in a wooded lot adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant. Vaughn also falsely represented to law enforcement officers that J.C. was still alive. By concealing J.C.’s death, Vaughn fraudulently induced the Social Security Administration and the Teacher’s Retirement System of the City of New York to continue to pay monthly benefits for J.C., which Vaughn then spent on herself and others.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Port Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – James Gregory Ford (34, Port Charlotte) has pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, in October 2025, Ford was communicating with a minor using a social media application. He asked the minor to send him nude pictures and videos of herself. Further, Ford sent a nude picture of himself to the minor.
Law enforcement began an investigation into Ford after the child’s parent reported observing the conversations with Ford and seeing the nude photographs and videos on the minor’s cellphone that had been sent on a social media platform.
On October 28, 2025, law enforcement interviewed Ford concerning his communications with the minor. Ford admitted to engaging in conversations and exchanging inappropriate messages and images with the minor. He also admitted that he had initiated communications with the minor. He further acknowledged receiving and sending explicit photographs.
Subsequent to a search warrant for Ford’s cellphone, the forensic examination revealed the social media account belonging to Ford that had been used to communicate with the minor. Images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct were also located on Ford’s cellphone.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.