Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – Mario Jerome Bentley (44, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday to four years and three months in federal prison for cyberstalking and possessing ammunition as convicted felon. The court also ordered Bentley to forfeit the ammunition and have no contact, directly or indirectly, with the victims. Bentley pleaded guilty in April 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, beginning in April 2023, Bentley harassed, intimidated, and caused emotional distress to two former Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) by calling one AUSA’s direct line hundreds of times and by leaving threatening voicemails. In September 2023, Bentley’s home was searched by law enforcement. Agents recovered four boxes of ammunition, containing 25 cartridges per box. Bentley is a previously convicted felon, and therefore, not permitted to possess firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Jacksonville, Florida – Jack Dymond Leach (44, St. Augustine) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 29 years in federal prison for attempting to pay individuals in the Philippines to molest young children and send him videos of their sexual abuse. Leach was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release, pay $103,000 in restitution to child victims, and register as a sex offender. On May 29, 2025, Leach, the former owner of Dymeng Technology Solutions, was arrested and has been in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty on October 21, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to court documents and evidence discussed in open court, in March 2025, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were investigating child sexual exploitation activities involving a particular online communications application (“App”). An HSI analyst in Jacksonville discovered certain information associated with a specific App account that was communicating with two other App accounts that had been used by individuals in the Philippines in 2023 to traffic children for sexual exploitation. This particular App account was determined to have accessed the internet in St. Augustine. Further investigation revealed that this account belonged to Leach. 

 Between November 2023 and March 2024, Leach’s App account and the other two App accounts used by child traffickers in the Philippines exchanged 1,287 messages and numerous media files. In an App text message that Leach sent to a trafficker on November 21, 2023, Leach stated, “i like 3y, 5y, 8y.” The trafficker responded, among other things, “I c[a]n get that age.” On November 22, 2023, Leach texted, “will [the child] make dirty pics or vids …,” and “sure, i’ll pay for them.” 

On December 2, 2023, Leach sent a message offering to pay the trafficker for producing a video depicting a child engaging in specific sexually explicit conduct and sending it to Leach. Leach and the trafficker discussed possible methods of payment via text message. On December 5, 2023, Leach sent the trafficker $160 to produce and send the video of the child being sexually abused. Leach also attempted to have traffickers molest two other children for the purpose of producing and sending him videos of their abuse.  

On May 8, 2025, federal search warrants were executed at Leach’s residence and his business. HSI agents and other law enforcement personnel seized numerous electronic devices belonging to and used by Leach. A forensic examination of these devices revealed at least 933 photos depicting young children being sexually abused.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Tampa, Florida – Justin Harvey (50, Inverness) has pleaded guilty to acceptance of a bribe by a public official. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years 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, Harvey worked as a correctional officer at Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF), a jail facility where federal inmates are held while they await trial, sentencing, or designation to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility. While Harvey worked at CCDF, he agreed to bring a cellphone into the facility to an inmate. In exchange, the inmate would pay Harvey $4,000 in cash. Harvey then met up with a colleague of the inmate – who was, in fact, an undercover law enforcement agent – and collected $4,000 and a cellphone to bring into the facility. Harvey then wrapped the cellphone in saran wrap to smuggle it into the facility. Harvey brought the cellphone into CCDF and gave it to the inmate. The inmate later returned the cellphone to law enforcement. Further analysis identified Harvey’s fingerprints on the tape that sealed the phone. 

The introduction of contraband, like cellphones, into secure detention facilities presents a security risk to those both inside and outside the facility.

Harvey agreed to forfeit $4,000 to the United States, the money he received as a bribe.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan. Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench handled the forfeiture.

Tampa, Florida – Alexandria Bullock (46, Wimauma) has pleaded guilty to theft by a postal employee. Bullock faces a maximum penalty of five years 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, Bullock entered duty with the U.S. Postal Service in April 2019. While on her mail route, she knowingly and unlawfully embezzled items of mail entrusted to her, including checks payable to individuals, charities, and legal entities. Bullock then changed the payee line of the checks she stole to her own name and subsequently deposited the altered checks into her bank account.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Tampa, Florida – Leeman Brown has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aiding and assisting false and fraudulent tax returns. Brown pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe mad the announcement. 

According to court documents, Brown conspired with others to smuggle methamphetamine, hidden in packages in the mail, from California to the Tampa area. At the same time, Brown submitted more than 80 false tax returns to the IRS that included fraudulent amounts of gambling losses, winnings, and federal income tax withholdings. The submissions requested large refunds from the IRS to which taxpayers are not entitled. Brown earned over $260,000 in proceeds from the scheme.

“The expertise and diligence by our HSTF law enforcement partners in this case is a clear example of our commitment to stem the flow of illegal drugs and protect our nation’s financial system against fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. 

“Tax fraud isn’t a game—and anyone who tries to cheat the system will quickly learn that IRS Criminal Investigation plays to win,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents are unwavering in their mission: protect America’s taxpayers, defend the integrity of our tax system, and hold offenders accountable. If you think you can beat the IRS, think again.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia. 

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

Tampa, Florida – Herbert Battle, Jr. (54, Hardee County) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 27 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. Battle pleaded guilty on August 19, 2025.United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.      

According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Battle oversaw a drug trafficking conspiracy in which he and others smuggled methamphetamine, hidden in packages in the mail, from California to the Tampa area. At its height, the conspirators received up to 20 pounds of high-purity methamphetamine per week. Battle, whose criminal history dates to 1989, has a 2018 federal drug conviction for conspiracy to distribute heroin.     

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. 

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia. 

Jacksonville, Florida – William L. Upham (35, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with threatening the President of the United States. If convicted, Upham faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Upham appeared in federal court in Jacksonville earlier today and has been ordered detained. 

According to the complaint, the United States Secret Service (“USSS”) received reports concerning potential threats against the President made by Upham, who is a former Marine and state prosecutor. USSS agents then observed two videos that Upham had posted on his social media accounts. In the first video, Upham was observed wearing his military uniform. Upham stated, in part, that “this is a call to arms” and called for the overthrow of the Trump administration. Upham then provided instructions on how to “overthrow” the President, including that he recommended using a semi-automatic rifle, such as an AR-15, and that “the enemy” should be killed with “two shots to the chest” and “one shot to the head,” which would result in a very high chance of death. Agents observed a second video in which Upham, again wearing his military uniform, made similar statements, including, in part, that President Trump is the enemy and “must be killed.” 

Subsequent to these videos, the USSS received a communication that Upham had sent to a third-party which stated that he made the videos to “declare war” against President Trump and that he would “kill President Trump at the time that God chooses.” The USSS also became aware that Upham had access to firearms and had made concerning statements to law enforcement as recently as July 2026. 

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

Tampa, Florida– Nineteen individuals have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. These individuals include Qornelious Campbell (33, Winter Haven), Kenneth Cole II (27, Winter Haven), Kenisha Coffer (27, Minneola), D’Andranika Crews (22, Lakeland), Ebony Fields (28, Winter Haven), Victoria Ferrer (24, Lakeland), Aaliyah Gotay-Woods (25, Bartow), Bre’asia Harris (28, Winter Haven), Jaun Hillman (53, Winter Haven), Keith Honors, Jr. (41, Lakeland), Kendrick Iles (22, Plant City), Arkuria Lewis (24, Lakeland), Deven Little (30, Lakeland), Josie Lopez (31, Haines City), Clarissa Morris (26, Lakeland), Tamiria Perry (29, Winter Haven), Tamaries Richardson (32, Bartow), Kalei Spicer (24, Live Oak), and Tyler Jacob (26, Winter Haven). Jacob also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, witness tampering, and destruction of evidence. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office initiated an investigation into a violent street gang known as the “Trap Boys,” who were operating throughout the Middle District of Florida. This investigation and subsequent arrests were predicated upon several retaliatory shootings between the Trap Boys and other violent street gangs. During these arrests, several members of the gang were found to be in possession of large quantities of checks, debit cards, financial statements, and identification cards in the names of third parties. Further investigation of these materials revealed that from at least July 2021, and continuing through November 2023, a group of individuals had engaged in a conspiracy to defraud banks, credit unions, individual persons, and various businesses throughout Florida, including Winter Haven, Auburndale, Riverview, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, and Miami.

As part of this conspiracy, the co-conspirators stole checks from individuals and businesses. Using check writing software, the co-conspirators then altered those checks and created fictitious checks, changing the banks, businesses, and the check amounts. Using automated systems and online databases, the co-conspirators then learned of the banking information of various businesses, including their transaction history, account balances, check numbers and other information. Members of the conspiracy then recruited accomplices who provided members of this conspiracy with their own bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, debit cards, and their own individual bank account log credentials and passwords. The co-conspirators then deposited the fraudulently created checks at dozens of banks and credit unions throughout the Middle District of Florida.

Over the course of this conspiracy, approximately 26 banks and more than 200 victims were defrauded, including insurance companies, law firms, construction companies, tile companies, auto shop businesses, public school districts, colleges, and state agencies.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

Jacksonville, Florida – Miguel Reyes Estrada (43, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 37 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. Estrada pleaded guilty on March 16, 2026.  U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in 2021, after being deported three times, Estrada reentered the United States and was convicted of state drug trafficking and money laundering offenses. In 2022, Estrada was convicted in the Southern District of Florida for illegal reentry and was subsequently removed to Mexico in May 2023.

On January 19, 2026, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office notified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that Estrada was back in the United States and in custody on an unrelated charge. Estrada was subsequently indicted for illegal reentry by a previously removed alien.

This case was investigated by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Lasseter.

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, Florida – A federal jury has found Julian Russell Clawson (43, Tampa) guilty of receiving, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Clawson faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for each count of receiving and distributing CSAM, and a minimum of 10 years, up to 20 years, in prison for possessing CSAM. He faces enhanced penalties in this case and a violation of supervised release based on a previous conviction for possessing CSAM. His combined violation and sentencing hearing will be held at a future date. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Clawson traded CSAM on a social media application (app). He engaged in graphic sexual discussions around the abuse of minors in public groups on the app, as well as with two different undercover FBI agents from the Sarasota and Jacksonville offices. As part of Clawson’s direct messages with the FBI agents, he distributed CSAM to both undercover agents on multiple dates in April 2023. Through records obtained from the social media platform, the investigation revealed that Clawson also received CSAM through this application. In June 2023, a search warrant was executed for Clawson’s cellphone revealing that he possessed more than 250 images and videos of CSAM on his phone.

This case was investigated by the FBI in Sarasota and Jacksonville, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hernando County Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. 

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.

Tampa, Florida –A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Jay El Wilburn (47, Tampa) and Alvaughn Parker (27, Tampa) for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Wilburn previously served a federal sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison. Parker faces a minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life, federal prison, if convicted. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, Wilburn and Parker conspired to commit an armed robbery in Tampa. On January 20, 2026, they made their way into an apartment at a Tampa apartment complex where they brandished firearms at the occupants—including a 13-year-old child—and restrained the victims by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. Wilburn and Parker stole cash, controlled substances, firearms, and other personal property, including jewelry, before fleeing the scene.

On February 2, 2026, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s residence and recovered the loaded firearm, a Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, that had been used in the robbery. At the time, Wilburn had prior felony convictions, including carjacking and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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, Florida – Nathaniel McAlpine (48, St. Petersburg) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian Miller to 11 years in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. McAlpine was found guilty by a jury on September 24, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, McAlpine, while on supervised release for possession of child pornography, engaged in conversations with the purported mother of a child wherein he coerced, encouraged and persuaded the purported mother to engage in sexual activity with her child. Through investigation, agents determined the purported mother to actually be an online scammer.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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.

Jacksonville, Florida – Hilario Sifuentes-Cordero (42, Mexico) has been charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and subsequent removal from the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on June 30, 2026, Sifuentes-Cordero was found to be unlawfully present in the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on May 24, 2007, and November 1, 2008. Sifuentes-Cordero had not applied for or received permission from government authorities to re-enter the United States after his last removal. Sifuentes-Cordero was previously convicted of illegal re-entry on October 15, 2008.

An indictment is only an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

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, Florida – Gaspar Mateo-Morales (41, Guatemala) has been charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Mateo-Morales faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and subsequent removal from the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on June 28, 2026, Mateo-Morales was found to be unlawfully present in the United States after having previously been removed from the United States on February 25, 2011, March 25, 2011, and September 14, 2016. Mateo-Morales had not applied for or received permission from government authorities to re-enter the United States after his last removal. He was previously convicted of illegal re-entry on August 16, 2016.

An indictment is only an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

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, Florida – Ignatio Mateos-Herrera (33, Mexico) has been charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Mateos-Herrera faces up to two years in federal prison and subsequent deportation and removal from the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, on March 18, 2016, and again on April 27, 2017, Mateos-Herrera was removed from the United States by immigration authorities. On June 20, 2026, Mateos-Herrera was found to be voluntarily back in the United States and was arrested in the Middle District of Florida. Records checks confirmed that he had not applied to U.S. immigration authorities for permission to lawfully reenter the United States after his prior removals. 

An indictment is only an allegation, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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, Florida – A federal jury has found James Malcolm Davis (47, Middleburg) guilty of possession of methamphetamine and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Davis faces a maximum of 16 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to evidence presented at trial, on October 31, 2024, as part of an ongoing criminal investigation, Clay County Sheriff’s Office narcotics detectives conducted a traffic stop on Davis and located a baggie containing methamphetamine in Davis’s pants pocket, and approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine in his backpack. Following his arrest, the detectives applied for and executed a search warrant for Davis’s camper, which was located in Middleburg, Florida. Inside the camper were four firearms, over 1,500 rounds of ammunition, pipes used to smoke methamphetamine, and a bullet proof vest. The firearms included a .22 caliber rifle, two semi-automatic assault style rifles, and a revolver. Davis provided a detective with the combination to a safe, inside of which were two of those firearms.  

Davis has prior felony convictions, including for aggravated assault, felony battery, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

Orlando, FL – Plaza Pharmacy, LLC and Paul Ezeobinwa have agreed to pay the United States $50,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act by improperly distributing schedule V drugs and committing multiple recordkeeping violations. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

The settlement relates to a DEA investigation of Plaza Pharmacy. According to the settlement agreement, between December 22, 2021, and March 21, 2024, Plaza Pharmacy and Mr. Ezeobinwa failed to properly identify a total of 104 fraudulent prescriptions with 193 refills, resulting in the dispensing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. As explained in the settlement agreement, on March 21, 2024, the DEA conducted an on-site investigation of Plaza Pharmacy and discovered dozens of record-keeping violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Plaza Pharmacy surrendered its DEA license for cause on May 2, 2024, and ceased operating in September 2025. 

“Pharmacies and pharmacists serve everyone in our communities and carry an obligation to track and properly report the dispensing of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This settlement highlights our commitment to enforcing the Controlled Substances Act to protect our citizens.”

“Our Diversion investigators will continue to pursue and investigate those who abuse the system and poison our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “DEA will not stop until anyone who violates the CSA has been brought to justice.”

This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor.

The settlement resolves the United States’ claims. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

Tampa, Florida– Tajmir Wyles (32, New Jersey) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber to three years in federal prison for robbery of a postal mail carrier and receipt, possession or concealment of stolen property of the United States. This sentence was ordered to run consecutively with a Dallas, Texas state sentence of eight years prison for obstruction, possession of a controlled substance, and fraudulent possession of identification information of 50 or more individuals. Wyles pleaded guilty in the federal case on December 4, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on May 15, 2023, Wyles robbed a postal letter carrier of his master keys while he was delivering mail at a community mailbox inside the Whittier Center shopping center on E. Busch Boulevard, in Tampa, Florida. Following a physical altercation over the keys, Wyles successfully fled the scene with the keys. 

In July 2023, Wyles was arrested in Dallas, Texas, where he was found with a binder of approximately 120 checks, with multiple different check owners. Many of the checks were reported stolen from the Tampa Bay area, where the postal keys worked, after the robbery. In addition, Wyles was in possession of the postal master keys that had been taken during the robbery on May 15, 2023. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Tampa, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, the Tampa Police Department, and the Dallas Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.

Fort Myers, Florida – Luis Emilio Hernandez (45, Naples) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to four years in federal prison for wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,261,019, the proceeds of the fraud. Luis Emilio Hernandez entered a guilty plea on March 30, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, following Hurricane Ian, between November 2022 and approximately February 2024, the victim, an 85-year-old woman, and her husband (now deceased) were defrauded by Hernandez, who posed as a contractor to fix the victim’s residence in Naples which had been damaged by the storm.

The victim wrote personal checks to Hernandez for supplies and equipment supposedly needed by the defendant to fix the victim’s residence. The checks were never deposited, instead cashed against the victim’s account in amounts varying from $200 to $120,000, and in cashier’s checks payable to automobile dealerships. The memo line for each check was specified for items related to construction (windows, materials, paint, permits, etc.). A total of 35 checks were issued to the defendant in the amount of $1,261,019.

According to the Collier County Property Appraiser, no permits were pulled for the victim’s residence since February 28, 2018, when a permit for a roof was issued.  The next permit was on May 30, 2023, when the residence was demolished.  According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the defendant had never applied for or received licensing of any sort in the State of Florida.

The defendant’s scheme consisted of him cashing checks from the victim, purchasing vehicles with those funds, then flipping those vehicles in trade-ins at multiple automobile dealerships, and purchasing other vehicles with additional funds from the victim’s checks and trade-ins. 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Darcey and Jesus M. Casas.

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, Florida – Bruce Raymond Robinson, Jr. (44, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for the transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting an actual minor. Robinson was found guilty following a bench trial on December 5, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Robinson knowingly transported and possessed CSAM. Robinson created the CSAM by editing thousands of pornographic images and videos to depict the face of a known minor female. Robinson shared this material with others online. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Tampa, Florida – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has reached an agreement with APC, INC., a pain management clinic with locations in Tampa and Brandon, to settle allegations that it violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against a disabled veteran with a service animal. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into APC after receiving a complaint from a disabled United States military veteran who uses a service animal to provide him with non-violent protection, rescue work, and assistance when he experiences seizures and episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of the investigation, the United States determined that APC violated the ADA when it discriminated against the complainant and his wife by refusing to allow the complainant to attend a post-hospitalization medical appointment at APC’s Brandon office with his service animal. APC claimed to have a “no pets policy” and that their office is a “sterile environment.” APC’s denial caused the complainant to experience a PTSD episode, followed by repeated seizures during the car ride home and over the next several days, and to abruptly discontinue the medicine an APC physician had prescribed him while he was hospitalized.

“Service animals are not pets—they provide critical assistance for individuals with disabilities,” said United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Many of our nation’s military veterans use service animals to assist them with service-connected disabilities. Our office does not tolerate discrimination against individuals with disabilities who use service animals and will ensure they receive equal access to healthcare.”

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, APC must pay $100,000 to compensate the complainant and his wife for the discrimination they faced. APC must adopt, maintain, and enforce a service animal policy and a non-discrimination policy regarding the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. Both policies must be conspicuously posted in APC’s reception areas and on its website. APC must also provide training to all personnel on the non-discrimination requirements under the ADA and post a “Service Animals Welcome” sign in all public entryways of its facilities. For the next two years, APC must report any disability discrimination complaints it receives to the United States. Finally, APC must pay a $15,000 civil penalty to the United States to vindicate the public interest.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios handled this case.

Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, including professional offices of health care providers, from discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations (“goods or services”). In general, Title III prohibits public accommodations from subjecting an individual on the basis of disability to a denial of the opportunity to participate in or benefit from its goods or services. Specifically, public accommodations must make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures that are necessary to afford their goods or services to individuals with disabilities who have service animals. Public accommodations are also prohibited from denying equal goods or services to individuals because of their relationship or association with someone with a disability.

Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination may contact the Civil Rights Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida by calling our Civil Rights Hotline at (813) 274-6095 or emailing us at [email protected]. To fill out our civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights-complaint-form. 

The Attorney General is authorized to investigate alleged violations of Title III of the ADA and to bring a civil action in federal court if the United States is unable to secure voluntary compliance in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance. Ensuring that professional offices of health care providers do not discriminate against patients with disabilities is an issue of general public importance. 

For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) or (833) 610-1264 (TTY). Accessibility specialists are available to answer questions from individuals, businesses, and state or local governments. All calls are confidential.

Tampa, Florida – Terry Brunning has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release for tax evasion. The Court also ordered Brunning to pay $2,467,523.44 in restitution to the United States Department of the Treasury associated with tax evasion for tax years 1999, 2000, and 2001. Brunning pled guilty on April 2, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Brunning’s acts of evading taxes included the purchase of real property, vehicles, and the procurement of various cashier’s checks in the name of a business which served to conceal the property’s beneficial ownership and source, in order to avoid enforcement of a tax judgment against his personal assets. The defendant conducted these transactions through this business entity in a willful attempt to evade or defeat the payment of taxes due and owing for tax years 1999 and including 2001. As a result of the defendant’s actions, a tax loss, inclusive of penalties and interest, is due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service in the amount of $2,467,523.44.          

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Whitney Mackay.

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, Florida – Taqiy Lewis (29, Lakeland) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to 30 years in federal prison. On March 2, 2026, Lewis pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon in connection with a shooting. United States Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on December 24, 2020, 70-year-old M.C. was outside her Lakeland home with her family, including young children. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Lewis and others engaged in a shootout outside of M.C.’s residence. M.C. was struck twice and killed. Three others, including a 13-year-old, were also shot and wounded outside the residence. 

Two years later, on February 9, 2023, during an unrelated investigation, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and officers from the Lakeland Police Department recovered a Kahr CM9 9mm pistol while executing a search warrant in Lakeland. Forensic testing using the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) confirmed that this firearm was the one used to kill M.C. Further investigation revealed that six casings collected from the crime scene, two spent projectiles recovered from the residence, and a bullet recovered from M.C.’s body were all fired by Lewis and the Kahr CM9 pistol he had possessed. 

At the time of the shooting, Lewis was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Subsequent evidence revealed that after the shooting, Lewis obtained a fake alibi and had the jacket and sandals he used during the commission of the shooting burned in a barrel. Lewis remains under investigation by state law enforcement for causing M.C.’s death. 

This case was investigated by both the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lakeland Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

Jacksonville, Florida – Carlos Alvaro Canjura Ventura (44, Jacksonville) has been indicted by a federal grand jury for producing and attempting to produce child sexual abuse materials. Ventura faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. He was arrested on December 18, 2025, in connection with a related state case. Ventura has been detained in this federal case, and his trial is set for September 8, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, from August 2024 through December 18, 2025, Canjura Ventura did employ or use and attempt to employ or use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.       

This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. 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.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Tampa, FL – Eric Turner (30, Georgia) and Jose Smith (29, Valrico) have been charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. If convicted, Turner and Smith each face a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Eric Turner and Jose Smith have been operating a drug-trafficking organization since at least 2024, starting with distributing illicit pills to eventually trafficking kilogram-quantities of heroin through the Darknet. Digital evidence, postal records, surveillance, drug seizures, and an undercover operation, established that Turner (based in Lizella, Georgia) sourced kilogram-bricks of heroin and shipped them to Smith at his residence in Valrico, Florida, where Smith would break them down into smaller quantities to ship to their Darknet customers. As of April 2026, their Darknet vendor account showed more than 2,500 fulfilled heroin orders, as well as thousands of reviews from customers praising the quality of the heroin.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the Georgia State Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Lexus Inez Lewis (30, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense, and a consecutive mandatory minimum penalty of two years for the aggravated identity theft. No sentencing date has been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, in 2022, Lewis obtained employment at Citibank in its fraud department by using another person’s identity. From approximately November 2022 through April 2023, Lewis used her position to obtain customers’ credit card numbers, which she would then fraudulently use to purchase items such as jewelry or furniture, pay for her own living expenses or travel, or pay other individuals’ rent in exchange for a cash payment. When ultimately confronted by law enforcement, Lewis admitted to her conduct.

Lewis agreed to forfeit $463,619, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian and Kevin C. Frein. The forfeiture is being handled by Suzanne Nebesky.

Tampa, Florida – Jazzmen La Vone Gaskins (39, Texas) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell to 15 years in federal prison for sex trafficking. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $40,000, the proceeds of the sex trafficking. Gaskins pleaded guilty on April 2, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between July 2023 and March 2024, Gaskins trafficked “Victim 1” using force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause the victim to engage in a commercial sex act.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced four Tampa men for the armed robberies of two Tampa convenience stores. E’barous Harris (age 27) was sentenced to 14 years and 7 months in prison, Ronald Brown (age 25) to 15 years in prison, Jermaine Dawes (age 33) to 14 years and 10 months in prison, and Tra-Vontae Watson (age 32) to 20 years and 5 months in prison. Each previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents and proceedings, in July 2024, the above-named individuals conspired together to rob the convenience stores. Harris, Watson, and Brown went inside the stores, while Dawes acted as the lookout and getaway driver. Watson and Brown carried firearms, which they utilized to steal cash from both locations. Law enforcement ultimately located the robbers at a motel in Tampa.  Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the four men getting in and out of the vehicle used in the robberies, and the larger firearm, a rifle, could be seen being loaded into the vehicle as well. Search warrants for multiple hotel rooms associated with the individuals were executed and a rifle consistent with the one seen on video and used in the robberies was located. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 

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, FL – Armando Martinez (51, Plano, TX) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, III, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to 20 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Martinez previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents filed with the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Martinez, who had his Florida Appraiser’s license revoked, orchestrated and executed a bank fraud scheme directed at multiple financial institutions by taking over the identity and license number of a legitimate licensed appraiser. Martinez then purportedly conducted onsite appraisals for dozens of properties in Florida. In reality, Martinez paid others to go to the properties and take pictures for appraisals he completed. He then sent the appraisals to the victim lenders, using his computer after having fled the United States to the Dominican Republic. Based on the false and fraudulent appraisals, the financial institutions were fraudulently induced to approve and fund mortgage loans and pay Martinez appraisal fees. As a result of Martinez’s appraisal fraud, more than $65 million in mortgages are impaired or defective. These mortgages were either guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or purchased and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

On April 7, 2026, 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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Housing and Development – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

A Florida man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison and lifetime supervised release for the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of victims as young as eight years old. 

According to court documents, Vincent Anthony Principe, 55, of Arcadia, travelled to the Philippines over the course of several years and sexually abused four minors, including one as young as eight. He sexually abused children and documented the abuse on video. He then published the videos on a website devoted to child exploitation. He also possessed over 100 images of child sexual abuse material, including those depicting the exploitation of pre-pubescent children.  

“The defendant’s vile acts not only caused serious harm through his sexual abuse of multiple minors, but he also inflicted added layers to that harm by memorializing the abuse and distributing it to other offenders,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No child predator will find safe haven in the United States. The Department is committed to holding U.S. citizens accountable for harming children whether committed in the United States or internationally.”

“The vile actions of this child predator who exploited children while traveling internationally is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who prey on children.”

“The Secret Service is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from exploitation and abuse,” said the Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Forrest of the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes and underscores our dedication to working with U.S. and international partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice, no matter where their crimes occur.”

Principe pleaded guilty to the charges on April 30.

The USSS conducted the investigation with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Queensland Police Service, and Europol.

Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande Viacava for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

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 www.justice.gov/psc.

Fort Myers, FL — Vincent Anthony Principe (55, Arcadia) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime supervised release, for the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of victims as young as eight years old. Principe must also register as a sex offender. Principe pleaded guilty on April 30, 2026. 

According to court documents, Principe traveled to the Philippines over the course of several years and sexually abused four minors, including one as young as eight. He sexually abused children and documented the abuse on video. He then published the videos on a website devoted to child exploitation. He also possessed over a hundred images of child sexual abuse material, including those depicting the exploitation of pre-pubescent children. 

“The vile actions of this child predator who exploited children while traveling internationally is reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who prey on children.”

“The defendant’s vile acts not only caused serious harm through his sexual abuse of multiple minors, but he also inflicted added layers to that harm by memorializing the abuse and distributing it to other offenders,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “No child predator will find safe haven in the United States. The Department is committed to holding U.S. citizens accountable for harming children whether committed in the United States or internationally.”

“The Secret Service is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society from exploitation and abuse,” said the Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Forrest of the U.S. Secret Service’s (USSS) Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s crimes and underscores our dedication to working with U.S. and international partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice, no matter where their crimes occur.”

The USSS conducted the investigation with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Queensland Police Service, and Europol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande Viacava and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.

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 www.justice.gov/psc.

Fort Myers, Florida – Myles Andrew Strickland (36, Bartow) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to 21 years and 5 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon, using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Strickland was found guilty on November 20, 2025, following a jury trial. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.     

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Strickland was a convicted felon and fugitive wanted on a state arrest warrant out of Polk County. A U.S. Marshals Service task force located Strickland in Lee County. When confronted, Strickland led authorities on a foot chase. During the chase, Strickland turned to face a Deputy U.S. Marshal who had been pursuing him and racked the slide of the firearm he was carrying inside of a jacket, thus preparing the firearm to fire. Strickland was then struck by gunfire from pursuing law enforcement, but a bullet hole in his jacket and a spent cartridge casing showed that Strickland had discharged his firearm. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

Tampa, Florida – Juan Jaramillo Vazquez (50, Mexico), a/k/a Juan Vazquiz, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and aggravated identity theft. Vazquez pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Vazquez was found to be voluntarily present in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States three times in 2012. Vazquez had not received the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission. Vazquez is a citizen of Mexico. Vazquez also fraudulently used a victim’s Social Security number to gain employment and tax benefits, fraudulently representing himself to an employer and the Social Security Administration.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Tiffany Fields.

Orlando, Florida – Christopher Alexander Delgado (34, Apopka) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering.  He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the money laundering count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8,2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

“Delgado provided fraudulent information to solicit investor funds and then spent his ill-gotten gains on his extravagant lifestyle,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt fraud schemes and prosecute fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings. We will also continue to work with investigators to locate and seize assets traceable to Delgado’s scheme.”

According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Delgado was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Goliath Ventures (“Goliath”), formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. From at least January 2023 through at least January 2026, Delgado and his co-conspirators 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. As reflected in a companion civil asset forfeiture action, the United States has identified at least $400 million paid by investors to Goliath.

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, luxury travel accommodations, and to fund Delgado’s and other Goliath employees’ luxury lifestyles. With victim investors’ funds, Delgado purchased at least six residential properties, each worth between $1.15 million and $8.5 million, and millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles, watches, and jewelry, including Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Rolex watches, several dozen Louis Vuitton bags, wallets, luggage, and custom Tiffany jewelry. In the plea agreement, Delgado has admitted to causing a minimum of $250 million in losses to investors.       

Delgado has agreed to forfeit 8 real properties, 11 vehicles, 30 watches, more than 50 luxury bags and wallets, and at least 29 pieces of high-end jewelry which were purchased with or are traceable to proceeds of the offense. He has also agreed to forfeit several bank and cryptocurrency accounts which were seized by the United States.     

If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the IRS’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting this link. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email [email protected]. Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/goliath_ventures. 

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Hannah Nowalk Watson. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Cream.

Jacksonville, Florida – Daniel Don Juan (35, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. He faces a minimum sentence of 15 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 court records, on April 12, 2025, agents from the Department of Homeland Security (HSI) in Jacksonville were contacted by HSI agents in Savannah regarding a traffic stop conducted by the Turner County Georgia Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). One of Don Juan’s co-conspirators had been pulled over for a traffic violation. During the stop, TCSO and Georgia State Police conducted a dog sniff around the co-conspirator’s vehicle during which the dog alerted to drugs being present inside the vehicle. During a subsequent search, the officers located approximately seven kilograms of fentanyl.

Agents determined that this co-conspirator was transporting the drugs from Lawrenceville, Georgia, to Jacksonville, Florida. According to Don Juan’s co-conspirator, on the morning of April 12, 2025, the co-conspirator was instructed by Don Juan to meet an individual at a store in Lawrenceville to pick up “7 pieces,” which was later determined to mean the seven kilograms of fentanyl. Once the co-conspirator arrived in the store parking lot, a male arrived in a separate vehicle and placed a box containing the seven kilograms of fentanyl in the back of co-conspirators vehicle. 

Already serving a federal prison term for a prior drug conspiracy conviction, Don Juan used a contraband cellphone and instructed this co-conspirator to deliver this box to Jacksonville. Don Juan provided specific instructions on the route to Jacksonville as well as a meeting location and information regarding the person his co-conspirator was to meet in Jacksonville to deliver the box containing the drugs.  Agents learned that this co-conspirator had made several trips to deliver drugs for Don Juan in the past, including within the Middle District of Florida. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Highway Patrol, the Turner County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizarro and 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Henglie Zhou (31, China) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to five years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Zhou pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on October 7, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a transit van for a traffic violation. Zhou was the driver and sole occupant of the van. A canine unit responded to the traffic stop and alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.

A search of the van revealed 22 cardboard boxes in the cargo area. Each box contained between 20 and 30 vacuum-sealed bags containing marijuana. In total, there was approximately 597 pounds, or 271 kilograms, of marijuana. Zhou later advised that the van was rented. He claimed to not know who had rented the van or for how long it was rented. Zhou denied having knowledge of the marijuana being inside the van or whether the boxes were inside at the time he took possession of the vehicle. 

The investigation revealed that Zhou had rented the van the same day of his arrest. Rental agency records further revealed that Zhou had previously rented cargo vans in Jacksonville on 11 occasions between March and September 2024. Each rental lasted one or two days. 

In related court proceedings, Jack Anntsai Chang, Kenneth Chu, Hang Sin, Yonquan Yu, Wai Lok Hui, Shaoyun Ye, Fan Liu, and Key’on Garmon have each been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana. 

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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol. 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Ocala, Florida – Trevor Hedge (57, Ocala) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to life in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. A federal jury found Hedge guilty on March 3, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in May 2025, the Ocala Police Department hosted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit children. During the operation, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (UC) posed online as a neglected 13-year-old child. Hedge messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. During this conversation, Hedge described his “addiction” to sexual activity with minors and told the UC that he was “grooming” her. On May 22, 2025, Hedge arranged to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity. The Ocala Police Department arrested Hedge when he arrived to pick up the UC at a predetermined location. 

Hedge is a registered sex offender. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault of a minor in 1993.  

This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. 

Ocala, Florida – Cain Matias Godinez (42, Mexico) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury found Matias Godinez guilty on March 5, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in May 2025, the Ocala Police Department hosted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to exploit children. During the operation, a detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (UC) posed online as a 13-year-old prostitute. Matias Godinez messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. During the conversation, Matias Godinez described the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage and discussed ways to ensure that he and the UC would not get caught. On May 27, 2025, Matias Godinez traveled from Gainesville to Marion County to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity. Matias Godinez was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office when he arrived at the meeting location. 

This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

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.

Jacksonville, Florida – Tresonda Benefield (26), Nathanial Carter (25), Jakeithiyan Daniel (25), and Jackeri Lewis (28), all residents of Jacksonville, have been sentenced by United States Judge Jordan E. Pratt to federal prison terms for their involvement in a series of armed robberies of retail stores in Jacksonville. Benefield, Carter, and Lewis were each sentenced to 16 years and 1 month in federal prison and Daniel was sentenced to 14 years and 6 months in federal prison. In addition to their prison sentences, they were also ordered to pay restitution for the money they stole. Benefield, Carter, and Daniel pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and Lewis pleaded guilty on June 9, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to court documents, between April 9 and May 1, 2024, the crew robbed four stores in Jacksonville. Benefield, Carter, and Lewis participated in all four robberies, while Daniel was involved in the last two. Benefield surveilled each of the stores prior to the robberies and drove the rest of the participants to the stores a few minutes prior to closing. Once the store employees began to lock up the store at night, the crew approached the employees wearing masks and brandishing firearms, demanding that they go back inside the store to unlock the safe. The store employees were then forced to hand over the money inside the safe. The group collectively stole more than $11,000 from the four stores. 

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

Jacksonville, Florida – Shane Christopher Abrams (38, Deland) has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and use a 13-year-old minor to produce and send him photos depicting her own sexual abuse. Abrams was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Abrams pleaded guilty on March 5, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, on April 3, 2024, an undercover FBI agent posing as a 13-year-old child (the “child”) engaged in text conversation on a particular social media application (“app”) with another app user who was subsequently identified as Abrams. During this conversation, the “child” advised that she was 13 years old, and Abrams began asking questions about her body and sexual experience. Between April 4 and April 20, 2024, Abrams and the “child” exchanged numerous text messages. Abrams solicited the “child” to produce and send him photos of her genitalia, giving the “child” explicit instructions as to how to comply with his demands. As part of his efforts to entice the “child” to take and send him sexually explicit photos, Abrams sent the “child” photos of his own genitalia. On May 20, 2024, Abrams was arrested by FBI agents. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Today, United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces criminal charges against numerous individuals in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicare. In addition, one civil settlement was announced. Many of the charges are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown and stem from schemes to defraud Medicare. 

“Millions of Americans depend on critical services provided by our nation’s federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Companies or individuals who exploit these systems through fraud and deception for their personal gain compromise the efficacy of those services and commit theft from taxpayers. We will continue to leverage the resources of our law enforcement partners to ensure that these programs remain sound and effective in the future.”

This week, the USAO-MDFL participated in a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. The Takedown involved the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms.

The following individuals were charged in the Middle District of Florida: 

Leigh Tesar (44, Sarasota), Walter Presha, Jr. (51, Ellenton), and Koby Evans (31, Apollo Beach) were charged by indictment for their roles in a more than $118 million wound care fraud scheme. Tesar, Presha, and Evans were charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks. Tesar was charged with health care fraud and payment of health care kickbacks. Presha and Evans were also charged with receipt of health care kickbacks. As alleged in the indictment, Tesar, Presha, and Evans targeted Medicare patients so that Tesar, a nurse practitioner, could bill Medicare for unnecessary and expensive wound allografts and so that Presha and Evans, both nurses, could be paid kickbacks for referring patients to Tesar. In certain instances, Tesar caused Medicare to be billed for expensive allografts that were never applied to patients, were applied to infected wounds, and were applied to wounds that would not heal because the patient was terminally ill. During a period of 18 months, Medicare was billed more than $118 million for skin grafts and wound care services that were medically unnecessary, ineligible for reimbursement, not performed, and procured through kickbacks. Medicare paid approximately $61 million based on these false and fraudulent claims. The government has seized approximately $11.8 million in assets in this matter. The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Chris Wenger of the National Rapid Response Strike Force and Owen Dunn of the Florida Strike Force. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

Leo Corrigan (56, Tampa) was charged by information with conspiracy to defraud the United States, to purchase, sell, and distribute, and arrange for the purchase, sale, and distribution of Medicare beneficiary identification numbers, and to solicit and receive health care kickbacks in connection with two schemes to fraudulently bill Medicare for over $7.5 million and to receive approximately $1.7 million in illegal kickbacks and bribes. As alleged in the information, Corrigan conspired with others to purchase Medicare beneficiary identification numbers and used those numbers to bill Medicare for over-the-counter COVID-19 tests to be shipped to those whose Medicare beneficiary identification number had been purchased, regardless of whether the Medicare beneficiary had requested the tests. Further, Corrigan owned and controlled a corporation that he used to provide Medicare beneficiary information to certain laboratories that could then use the information to bill Medicare for genetic testing in exchange for payment. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields. 

Konstantin Braverman (40, Lake Worth) was charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and conspiracy to solicit and receive kickbacks in connection with a scheme to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare for COVID-19 tests. From April 4, 2022, until the declared end of the COVID-19 public health emergency on May 11, 2023, Medicare covered and paid for these tests at no cost to the beneficiary but only if the beneficiary requested the tests. As alleged in the indictment, Braverman and co-conspirators introduced “marketers” to medical service providers and the “marketers” agreed to sell the providers lists of Medicare beneficiaries and their identifying information. The providers shipped COVID-19 tests to the identified beneficiaries, none of whom had requested the tests, and billed Medicare for the tests. The providers then paid the “marketers” a set dollar amount per beneficiary, but the providers paid this amount only if a claim submitted on behalf of a beneficiary was reimbursed by Medicare. The “marketers” paid Braverman a share of the proceeds obtained from the providers. The conspirators caused the submission of approximately 152,000 fraudulent claims to Medicare for the period of January 2023 through November 2023, which resulted in reimbursements totaling approximately $14,405,700. Braverman received a total of approximately $1,509,426 in proceeds as a result of his involvement in the offense. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clint Locke is handling the forfeiture.

“This defendant allegedly exploited a program designed to serve the public during a national health emergency, fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in proceeds,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Health care fraud is not a victimless crime. It steals taxpayer dollars, undermines trust in critical public programs and diverts resources from those who need it most. The FBI will continue to work with our partners to pursue those who use deception and fraud to line their own pockets at the public’s expense.”

Lawrence Waldman, of Miami, has entered into a civil settlement to pay $5 million to resolve a False Claims Act case in connection with a health care fraud kickback scheme involving medically unnecessary genetic and respiratory diagnostic testing services. Waldman separately pleaded guilty to criminal charges stemming from his role in the scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 28, 2026. As alleged, Waldman was a former sales representative of ASAP Labs and shared in its profits. Waldman paid kickbacks from ASAP Labs to certain physicians in return for agreeing to sign requisition forms for medically unnecessary laboratory tests that were submitted by ASAP Labs in violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statute and that were used to support false claims for Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE reimbursement. The civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen. The criminal case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

Rustam Abdaev, (38, Tampa) a Russian citizen living in Tampa, was charged by information with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in defrauding Medicare and Medicaid by submitting false and fraudulent claims for durable medical equipment (“DME”). Abdaev has entered a guilty plea and is pending sentencing. According to court records, from at least December 2024 through June 2025, Abdaev and co-conspirators used the company “Sunny and Recovery Inc.” to submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Part C and Florida Medicaid for DME, including back, knee, and wrist braces. Medicare Part C and Medicaid were billed more than $19 million and paid approximately $941,000 for claims submitted between December 2024 and May 2025. Abdaev wired substantial portions of the proceeds to financial institutions outside the United States and used additional funds for personal benefit and to pay co-conspirators. The conspirators used stolen beneficiary information and physician provider numbers to submit DME claims that were not prescribed, not medically necessary, and not actually provided. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

Henry Garcia (59, Bradenton) was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to offer and pay kickbacks and bribes and nine counts of offering and paying kickbacks and bribes. According to court records, in 2020 and 2021, Garcia ran multiple medical equipment companies, including New Level 3 and On-Point Medical Alliance, that supplied knee and back braces to Medicare beneficiaries. Garcia worked with two co-conspirators: one in Florida who funneled him pre completed doctors’ orders, and another in Canada who ran call centers targeting Medicare beneficiaries to generate those orders. These call centers contacted seniors across the country and used telemedicine companies to obtain physician signatures on brace orders, even when the equipment was not medically needed. Garcia’s companies obtained the necessary provider identification numbers and submitted claims to Medicare Advantage plans as if the braces were legitimately ordered and required. Garcia paid kickbacks for each brace order that led to reimbursement. The scheme relied on call centers, sham telehealth encounters, and kickbacks to generate and submit claims that were not actually eligible for reimbursement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany E. Fields, and the forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Blain Goff.

Marc Vincent Pazienza (56, Pasco County), a licensed Florida attorney, was charged by indictment with two counts of wire fraud and two counts of falsification of records in a federal investigation for his role in using his position and authority as an attorney to defraud clients, including by creating shell corporations to hide clients’ criminally derived proceeds and then stealing those funds. According to court documents, from June 2023 through at least March 2025, Pazienza orchestrated a scheme to steal money from two of his clients by falsely promising to safeguard their money, funds which were fraudulently obtained through defrauding Medicare. Instead of safeguarding the funds, Pazienza used the money, an amount over $300,000, for his personal benefit, including cash withdrawals, transfers to other accounts he controlled, and purchases of furniture, jewelry, and other items. Pazienza also provided false and fraudulent documents in response to a federal grand jury subpoena relating to a health care fraud investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Fields, and the forfeiture of his car, jewelry, and other property is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

Laurent Cassagnol (Orange County) and Heriberto L. Rivera (Lake County) were charged by information with conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks. According to court documents, Rivera was the Chief Executive Officer of Family Integrative Medicine of Orlando, LLC (“FIMO”) and paid kickbacks to Cassagnol, a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) employee, in exchange for Cassagnol sending VA patients to FIMO. Rivera allegedly paid kickbacks to Cassagnol based on the number of VA patients he was able to successfully steer to FIMO. FIMO then billed the VA for services it provided to those VA patients. Rivera paid Cassagnol approximately $175,172 in kickbacks, which resulted in approximately $14,080,969 in claims submitted by FIMO to the VA that were procured through the payment of kickbacks. The VA paid FIMO approximately $11,948,349 on those claims. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Angela Benoit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

“Today’s enforcement action reflects our firm commitment to protecting federal health care programs and the individuals who depend on them,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Those who exploit patients or jeopardize the integrity of our programs for personal gain will be held accountable. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, HHS‑OIG will continue to pursue those who seek to defraud federal health care programs and ensure that they face justice.”

“These cases highlight the sickening exploitation of our nation’s healthcare system and the cold, callous efforts of those putting profit over patient care. These cases also emphasize the FBI’s collective resolve to work with our law enforcement partners to identify the fraud, dismantle the schemes, and ensure justice is served,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford. 

“The days of fraudulent healthcare schemes depriving veterans of essential services and benefits, while siphoning funds from taxpayers, are over,” said Cheryl L. Mason, Inspector General of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “Thanks to the relentless dedication of the VA OIG’s special agents, healthcare inspectors, and auditors, we are actively identifying these offenders and ensuring they face justice. Our unwavering commitment is to protect veterans and safeguard the critical resources meant for their care.”

Descriptions of the nationwide cases involved in this week’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here. 

The Middle District of Florida worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division and the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Takedown: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa and Jacksonville), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service – Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.

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. 

An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Report Fraud: 

Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

If you are reporting cyber-enabled crime, to include online scams, email hoaxes, or other internet-enabled crimes, please submit a tip to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.GOV.

For health care fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, and related matters, contact the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS, or online at TIPS.HHS.GOV.

Court Documents:

Jacksonville, Florida – Owens Coleman Parker, Jr. (51, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Parker pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Parker picked up and attempted to transport a vehicle which contained a hidden compartment holding more than 6 kilograms of fentanyl and more than 7 kilograms of methamphetamine. When law enforcement tried to stop him, Parker fled, leading police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. Parker then exited the vehicle and fled on foot before police apprehended him. Subsequently, Parker admitted that he knew he was picking up a load of drugs and that he intended to transport them to another location and was to be paid for doing so. Parker was arrested and given a bond, however, failed to appear in court and fled to Mexico before ultimately surrendering to authorities.     

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

Orlando, FL – Ya Hance Pierre Boston (33, Oviedo) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton to 15 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026. Boston’s federal sentence will commence upon the expiration of his state sentence. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on December 30, 2024, Boston, who was a multi-time prior convicted felon, pawned a Glock, G43, 9mm pistol at a pawnshop in Orlando. Boston walked into the pawnshop with the firearm inside his sweater and proceeded to the clerk’s counter. Boston provided the clerk with his identification, signed the pawnshop’s form, and inked his thumbprint on the form. The firearm Boston pawned had previously been stolen from a vehicle in Apopka. As a previously convicted felon, Boston is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Cruz.

Tampa, Florida – George Russell Isbell, Jr. (69, San Diego, California) has pleaded guilty to mailing a threatening communication. Isbell faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. No sentencing date has been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on or about September 18, 2025, Isbell mailed an angry, offensive, and threatening letter from San Diego, California to his victim, a media personality located in Tampa, Florida. In the letter, he referenced one of the victim’s friends, Mr. Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist who, tragically, had recently been murdered during a public engagement on a college campus. The letter went on to state: 

“Maybe someone will blow your head off!!! We can hope! Planning any public engagements? Love to see your head explode and your blood stain the concrete red. What a sight!”.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

Fort Myers, Florida – Ivel Sanchez Rivera (52, Hialeah), Osmani Barrios Carrera (37, Hialeah), Yunior Lopez Delgado (42, Miami), and Alberto Perez Elias (57, Miami) have been charged in a superseding indictment with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, interference with commerce by robbery and use, and carry and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, along with a consecutive sentence of 7 years for brandishing a firearm during the robbery. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the superseding indictment and other court documents, the defendants robbed a jewelry store in Cape Coral on January 6, 2026, by breaking into a vacant business next door. They then broke through the wall into the jewelry store before holding the manager at gunpoint. The robbers gained access to a safe and took thousands of pieces of jewelry worth more than $1 million. They then fled to Miami before they were eventually arrested following an investigation. Alberto Perez Elias has not been arrested and remains at large. 

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 Cape Coral Police Department, the Hialeah Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.

Orlando, FL - An illegal alien from Honduras was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for his role in operating a years-long off-the-books cash payroll scheme that facilitated the employment of illegal aliens working in the United States. The scheme caused a total loss to the United States of more than $38 million.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 to 2022, Mario Flores, of Honduras, an illegal alien, conspired with others to create a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business. These shell companies cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry, charging them a percentage of the dollar amount of the checks they cashed as a fee for this service. Through this scheme, construction contractors and subcontractors paid their workers in cash without withholding and paying required payroll taxes, allowing them to operate without regard to the workers’ legal authority to work in the United States. Flores also caused the filing of false tax documents with the IRS to conceal the scheme.

“These individuals didn’t just run an off the books payroll scheme—they built a pipeline of fraud that stole from taxpayers and helped sustain an unlawful employment scheme,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation, working hand in hand with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is laser focused on cutting off the financial lifeblood of schemes that exploit workers, cheat honest businesses, and undermine the integrity of our tax system. When criminals think they can hide in the shadows, our agents follow the money—and bring the truth into the light.”

“Today, we held an illegal alien from Honduras accountable for a brazen scheme that stole more than $38 million from American taxpayers to facilitate the employment of illegal aliens,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This case exposes how unchecked illegal immigration fuels widespread payroll tax fraud and underground economies that harm American workers and taxpayers. This sentence sends a strong message: those who exploit our open borders, cheat the U.S. Treasury, and violate federal laws will face justice.”

“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting the integrity of our financial system and enforcing our nation’s laws. Those who orchestrate large-scale payroll tax fraud and facilitate the illegal employment of unauthorized workers will be held accountable,” said HSI Acting Executive Associate Director John Condon. “HSI, alongside IRS Criminal Investigation and our federal, state, and local partners, remains dedicated to dismantling schemes that defraud the United States and undermine the integrity of our workforce.”

In addition, Flores and his conspirators defrauded workers’ compensation insurance companies by leasing their certificates of insurance to contractors and by providing false and fraudulent information to the insurers about, among other things, the number of workers covered by the insurance and the amount workers were paid.

Flores pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. 

Iris Villafranca, Osman Zapata, and Francisco Alvarez, who conspired with Flores, were previously sentenced. Villafranca was sentenced to 17 years in prison. She was ordered to pay more than $38 million in restitution to the United States and forfeit $89 million of criminal proceeds from the scheme. Zapata was sentenced to more than four years in prison and was ordered to pay more than $2.5 million in restitution to the United States. Francisco Alvarez was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay more than $2.3 million in restitution. Conspirator Michael Mayorga awaits sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida and Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.  ICE ERO Miami (Orlando sub-office), Florida Highway Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, State Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have assisted in arrest operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu of the Middle District of Florida, Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty, and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and are prosecuting the case. 

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.

Orlando, Florida – Quincy Owens (51, Sebring) has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Owens pleaded guilty on March 30, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, on December 15, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration was conducting surveillance on Owens, who had been identified as a fentanyl and methamphetamine dealer. Agents observed Owens obtaining a large black bag from an unidentified male and placing it in the trunk of his vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Owens was driving and a narcotics-detecting canine alerted positively to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. A subsequent search of Owens’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of the black bag, which contained over 4,500 grams of pure methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Orlando, FL — Michael Ron David Kadar, 27, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was arraigned today on an indictment from the Middle District of Florida charging him with hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religion committed against Jewish institutions throughout Florida, including schools and community centers. In addition, Kadar faces charges in the District of Columbia for threats made against the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League Washington, D.C. offices and in the Middle District of Georgia for cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding an alleged hostage situation at a residence in Athens, Georgia.

“Targeting individuals, groups, or institutions for their religious beliefs is contradictory to the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and against the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The crimes alleged in this indictment caused undue trepidation and threats of harm to the Jewish community in our district and will not be tolerated.”  

“The alleged crimes stand out for their cruelty and for the harm they caused to the Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When technology is exploited to terrorize houses of worship and community centers, it is an attack on religious liberty and public safety. We will never lose sight of the families, staff, and first responders who were forced to live with these threats.”

“The FBI takes all threats seriously and will always utilize the full extent of our resources to restore safety and security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “This indictment demonstrates that commitment and our promise to work together with our partners to protect the civil rights of all Americans.”

An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations in the United States led to the identification and arrest of Kadar in Ashkelon, Israel, and the instant indictment. The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that in early 2017, Kadar made multiple calls relaying bomb and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida, including to preschool programs operated at those facilities. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made those threats. Many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area, although no actual explosives were found.

Kadar arrived in the United States on June 18 following extradition from Norway, where he had been detained at the request of the United States. He traveled to Norway after serving a sentence in Israel for related conduct. 

The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and the interstate threats charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court-ordered restitution.

This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Field Office. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara M. Wick and Diane Hu for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Jared Hosid of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach for the Middle District of Georgia and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the cases with assistance from the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. The Department of Justice also acknowledges and appreciates the assistance of Norwegian authorities.  

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Jacksonville, Florida – Charles Curtis Williams (47, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Williams sold drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine to an undercover detective on seven different occasions in 2025. Subsequently, Williams was stopped and apprehended by law enforcement on his way to another drug transaction. After Williams was arrested, law enforcement located bags of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in his car. 

Federal agents executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence and seized a loaded firearm with an additional magazine, oxycodone pills, bags of crack cocaine and cocaine, fentanyl packaged for individual sale, and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a ledger with drug sales information, baggies, a beaker, and scales. Due to his criminal history, Williams was classified and sentenced as an armed career criminal under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

Ocala, Florida – Michael Joseph Vitoff (50, Zephyrhills) has been charged by indictment with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, on the attempted enticement offense and a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, for the attempted production offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between June 2 and June 5, 2026, Vitoff communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. The minor, however, was an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. During the conversation, Vitoff asked the minor to produce sexually explicit images of herself and send them to him. Vitoff also expressed his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor. 

Vitoff was arrested on June 5, 2026, when he traveled to a location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity with the minor. He remains in custody pending the resolution of the criminal case.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be 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.