Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Rovonte Lamar Daniels (29, Sanford) and Frederick Lee Brown (31, Sanford) each with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Daniels and Brown each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Brown and Daniels that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the offense.

 According to the indictment, Daniels has previously been convicted of four felony offenses and Brown has previously been convicted of five felony offenses.  Despite knowing they were felons, Brown and Daniels each possessed a Canik firearm on December 13, 2023. As convicted felons, Brown and Daniels are 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of indictments charging Antonio Resendiz-Badillo (39, Mexico) and Erlin Maradiaga-Flores (30, Honduras) with aggravated identity theft, misuse of Social Security numbers, and making false statements regarding citizenship with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment. If convicted on all counts, each faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 years, up to 12 years, in federal prison.   

 According to the indictments, Resendiz-Badillo and Maradiaga-Flores misused the names and Social Security numbers of others and falsely claimed to be United States citizens with the intent to engage unlawfully in employment.

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 (HSI), the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced William Daniel Leonard (55, Maryland) to 20 years in federal prison for using the internet and his cellphone to attempt to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.  The court also ordered Leonard to forfeit a cellphone which was used to commit the offense. Leonard was found guilty after a two-day trial on October 12, 2023.

According to evidence and testimony introduced during the trial and sentencing hearing, Leonard reached out to an undercover agent who was posing online as the father of a 13-year-old daughter. Leonard expressed interest in meeting the “child” for sex and spent the next three weeks planning his trip from Maryland to Florida. During the same time that he was making plans to come to Florida, Leonard was talking to two other minors online, a 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old girl.

Leonard traveled to North Carolina on November 19, 2021, to see the 14-year-old girl after deciphering her address from a digital photograph that she had sent to Leonard. On December 7, 2021, Leonard arrived in Florida with two boxes of condoms to meet the notional 13-year-old girl, where he was met by law enforcement officers and arrested.

“This predator sought to betray the innocence of a child, and his sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for those who seek to exploit our most vulnerable,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Today's sentencing underscores HSI’s commitment to the relentless pursuit of those who threaten the safety and securing of our children.”           

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Amanda Daniels.

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 Attorney’s 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, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Bobby Peterson (41, St. Petersburg) guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death, distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and distribution of fentanyl. Peterson faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2024.

Peterson was arrested on February 18, 2022, and detained.

According to testimony, evidence presented at trial, and court records Peterson was a supplier of fentanyl and other controlled substances in Pinellas County. On May 12, 2020, Peterson distributed fentanyl to Jacqueline Schnieder who in turn distributed some of the fentanyl to a friend, M.G. A few hours later, M.G. died of fentanyl toxicity. On the same day, Peterson communicated with another individual, L.O., about the sale of fentanyl. Hours later, L.O. also died of fentanyl toxicity.

When Peterson was told about M.G.’s death, he expressed no remorse and instead responded, “they know what they’re doing.” After Peterson became aware that M.G. had died from the fentanyl he distributed, Peterson continued to sell fentanyl. On February 5, 2021, Peterson sold fentanyl to an undercover detective.

Jacqueline Schnieder previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case and is pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas Park Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Basilio Jim Diaz (Hernando, 64) to 14 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for destruction of evidence and accessing with intent to view child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Diaz to forfeit electronic devices, which were used in the commission of the offense, register as a sex offender, and pay $38,000 in restitution. A federal jury found Diaz guilty on January 10, 2024.  

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on March 9, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Diaz’s home seeking evidence of child exploitation. When the FBI announced their presence, Diaz refused to exit his home. FBI SWAT members used an armored vehicle to break through the front door and obtain a visual inside the home. The SWAT agents also deployed two drones to better assess the situation inside the home. After nearly an hour, Diaz had disabled one of the drones and was in the process of disabling the second drone when SWAT agents entered the home and detained Diaz. A search of the home revealed that Diaz had spent those 45 - 50 minutes destroying evidence. Despite Diaz’s efforts, the FBI used forensic tools to recover thousands of images and videos depicting the child sexual abuse and exploitation of children from Diaz’s laptop. Agents also recovered two child-like sex dolls.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and task force officers from the Tampa Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Ross D. Roberts.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that five individuals have pleaded guilty to a total of 35 counts of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering, concealment money laundering, and structuring in an international scheme to hide proceeds of computer fraud committed on victims throughout the nation. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of structuring.

Defendant

Date of Guilty Plea

Count(s) in Indictment to Which Defendant Pleaded Guilty

Scheduled Sentencing Date

Cristian Rodriguez Labour

2/21/24

1 (conspiracy)

5/22/24

Jihad William Morales

5/2/24

1 (conspiracy)

2-8 (money laundering)

9-11 (structuring)

 

TBD

Michael Gabriel Robles Vazquez

4/9/24

1 (conspiracy)

12-14 (money laundering)

7/10/24

Aramys Gonzalez Rodriguez

3/25/24

1 (conspiracy)

15-23 (money laundering)

24-29 (structuring)

7/10/24

Jorge Ivan Ortiz Buil

4/9/24

1 (conspiracy)

30-34 (money laundering)

35 (structuring)

7/10/24

 

According to the plea agreements and other court documents, Labour recruited Morales, Robles Vazquez, Gonzalez Rodriguez, and Ortiz Buil to incorporate fake businesses in Florida and open business bank accounts in Deltona and Orlando. Unnamed conspirators hacking into the computer systems of small businesses throughout the country would then direct wire transfers to the fake businesses in Florida. Once the transfers were received, Labour, Morales, Robles Vazquez, Gonzalez Rodriguez, and Ortiz Buil would immediately transfer the bulk of the funds to businesses in the Zhejiang, Weifang, Shouguang, Huzhou, and Hangzhou regions of China while withdrawing a portion as payment for their participation in the conspiracy. The transfers were designed to conceal the source of the fraud proceeds and the defendants further obscured their withdrawals by structuring them to avoid bank reporting requirements.  

Over a two-week period, in early March 2021, Labor and Morales laundered over $560,000 and attempted to launder another $200,000 using a single account in Deltona by sending the fraud proceeds to accounts in Zhejiang and Weifang and taking $80,000 in structured withdrawals as payment. Morales was captured on camera during one of the withdrawals (pictured below):

From June through November 2021, Labor and Vazquez used three different bank accounts in Orlando to launder $116,000 and attempted to launder $50,000 more. From August through December 2021, Labour and Gonzalez-Rodriguez used at least three different bank accounts in Orlando to launder over $1 million. Labour and Ortiz Buil attempted to launder $1 million in one bank account in December 2021 before successfully laundering around $250,000 at four different banks from December 2021 through February 2022, which laundering included using other individuals that Ortiz-Buil recruited into the scheme.

Overall, members of the conspiracy successfully laundered $3,323,941 to offshore accounts in China and unsuccessfully attempted to launder another $6,145,877, all of which were the proceeds or attempted proceeds of computer fraud and cyber intrusions on small businesses throughout the United States.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Chad Allen Pease (48, Fort Pierce) with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender. If convicted on all counts, Pease faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Pease that the United States intends to forfeit assets which were used in commission or are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to court documents, on February 3, 2024, Pease, a registered sex offender, began communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer (UC) whom Pease believed to be the father of a 13-year-old girl. Over the course of the conversation, Pease made plans to meet up with the UC and his “daughter” so that Pease could have sex with the child. On February 4, 2024, Pease traveled to the prearranged meeting spot. He was later arrested.  

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 (HSI) and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

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 – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Robert Jones IV aka “Klout” (24, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Jones entered a guilty plea on January 18, 2024.

According to court documents, in February and March 2023, Jones sold methamphetamine to an undercover police officer. During each of the transactions, Jones hid the methamphetamine inside the gas cap of his vehicle. He then drove to a pre-determined meeting location in St. Petersburg, where the drugs were retrieved as Jones remained inside his vehicle.

During a search of Jones’s residence, law enforcement officers recovered assorted drug paraphernalia, including a digital scale, plastic resealable bags, a heat seal, and distribution quantities of methamphetamine. Jones later admitted to selling drugs from his home and took ownership of the methamphetamine found in the residence.   

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael Kenneth.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Timothy Neal (46, Boston, MA) has pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl. Neal faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on April 26, 2022, Neal’s co-defendant, Haley Eaton, sold two bags of fentanyl to Neal. The next day, Neal purchased an additional three bags of fentanyl from Eaton. Neal consumed the fentanyl he had purchased from Eaton, along with A.C., at his residence. On April 28, 2022, at around 2:00 a.m., Neal awoke to find A.C. unresponsive. A.C.’s minor daughter called 911 and emergency responders arrived on scene and pronounced A.C. dead.

During a search of Neal and A.C.’s residence, law enforcement officers found an empty bag that had previously contained fentanyl. The bag was the same kind that Eaton had sold to Neal, and it was found on A.C.’s dresser in a plastic container. Neal confirmed it was the same bag he had purchased earlier from Eaton, which he had used with A.C. A laboratory analysis confirmed that the bag contained fentanyl residue. 

Eaton previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces return of an indictment charging Alex Jones (31, Pinellas County) and Jhakheem Smith (24, Pinellas County) with Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery. If convicted of the robbery offenses, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each charge. If convicted of the firearm offense, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the indictment and court hearings, on November 8, 2023, Jones and Smith robbed a convenience store in the Clearwater area. During the robbery, they brandished a firearm. They also used the firearm to strike the victim, a store clerk, in the back of the head. Jones and Smith then forced the victim at gun point to the back of the store before they fled the scene.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Allen R. Jenkins (68, Sarasota) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Jenkins faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Jenkins, a United States Railroad Retirement (USRRB) disability annuitant, was actively working in multiple capacities throughout the period he was receiving USRRB disability benefits and failed to report any of that work as required. Specifically, Jenkins was listed as a Registered Agent/Officer of at least 22 businesses, maintained five real estate broker’s licenses, and was licensed and working as a Community Association Manager. Jenkins failed to report this work activity, despite receiving annual reminder notices to report all work activity, and provided false, incomplete, and misleading answers on the one occasion he was directly asked about his work activity by the RRB. Jenkins was also buying and renovating properties for profit, which he did not report. Based on Jenkins’s failure to make the required reports, USRRB overpaid him approximately $271,124 in disability benefits.

This case was investigated by the Railroad Retirement Board, Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Gordon.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Richard Welbourne (67, Port Charlotte) to 51 months in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Welbourne was also sentenced to 15 years of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Welbourne pleaded guilty on January 12, 2024.

According to court documents, from August 7, 2022, through November 15, 2022, Welbourne knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material that he had searched for, downloaded, and viewed from the internet. 

In June of 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received four cybertips from an Electronic Service Provider reporting that Welbourne was involved in the possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).    

On November 15, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Welbourne’s residence in Port Charlotte, Florida and Welbourne’s computer was seized. In addition, agents spoke with Welbourne, who admitted that he would click on links that contained CSAM. Welbourne admitted that he would save the links to his “favorites” in the web browser so he could easily access the sites in the future. Welbourne said that he did not save any of the images or videos to his computer.  Welbourne also admitted that he had seen girls as young as 4 or 5 years old on the CSAM sites that he visited and to accessing the internet to view CSAM for approximately 20 years.    

A subsequent forensic examination of Welbourne’s computer revealed child sexual abuse material.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Tyrone Jose Beltran Lugo (27, Orlando) with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. If convicted, Beltran Lugo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to court documents, a federal search warrant was executed at a residence used by Beltran Lugo. At the residence, agents located over 20 kilograms of cocaine, approximately $96,000 in currency, nearly 85 grams of heroin, and two loaded handguns with extended magazines.

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 valuable assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Paul Lesslie Thompson (70, Anthony) has pleaded guilty to receipt of stolen government property. Thompson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and an order of forfeiture for at least $1.16 million, which represents the proceeds of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on January 26, 1983, Thompson applied for United States Veterans Affairs (VA) Disability Compensation based on a loss of vision. Between May 1993 and December 2022, Thompson exaggerated the impairment during his VA vision examinations. Based on his false representations to the VA, he eventually received 100 percent disability compensation. Despite his claims to the VA, however, Thompson maintained a Florida driver license and passed multiple associated vision examinations with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Based on his exaggerated visual impairment, Thompson fraudulently received $1,169,327.54 from the VA in disability compensation.

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the filing of a complaint charging Jordanish Garcia-Torres (28, Orlando) with carjacking resulting in death. If convicted, Garcia Torres faces a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.

According to the complaint, on April 11, 2024, Garcia-Torres carjacked a woman at gunpoint in Winter Springs, Florida, and forced her to drive to a location in Osceola County where she was murdered by gunshot and burned while in her vehicle.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Cloud Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie McNeff and Michael P. Felicetta.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced John Alton Knight, Jr. (58, Port Charlotte) to 12 years in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Knight entered a guilty plea on April 26, 2023.

According to court documents, on August 9, 2022, Knight was arrested by deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office after he was found in possession of over 2,700 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 49 grams of fentanyl. Deputies located evidence showing Knight’s intention to distribute those drugs including a scale, plastic baggies, a drug cutting agent, and vacuum sealed bags.

This case was investigated by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis (35, Orlando) with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and the seizure of numerous kilograms of methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and cocaine, pressed pills, firearms, and drug proceeds. If convicted on all counts, Pherai-Bogeajis faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.   

According to court documents, a federal search warrant was executed on April 9, 2024, at two residences – one in Orlando and one in Ocoee – used by Pherai-Bogeajis. At the Orlando residence, DEA agents located approximately 150 pounds of methamphetamine and over 100,000 pressed pills in the garage.     

   

In Pherai-Bogeajis’ bedroom, agents recovered 3 kilograms of cocaine. They also found four firearms and over $700,000 in drug proceeds.

  

   

         

At the residence in Ocoee, agents found several thousand pressed pills, 10 kilograms of marijuana, and two vehicles with hidden compartments commonly used for concealing narcotics. Pherai-Bogeajis was not present at either premises but was later apprehended and is now in federal custody.

A criminal complaint 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 Orlando Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Oviedo Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Angel Gabriel Hernandez (29, LaBelle) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on August 9, 2023, Hernandez sold a Beretta 9mm handgun to an undercover ATF agent. As a convicted felon who previously served time in Florida state prison for burglary, Hernandez is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.       

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (71, Mansfield, OH) to life in federal prison plus 25 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Davis to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Davis entered a guilty plea on December 20, 2023.

According to court documents, Davis entered a bank in Fort Myers on October 31, 2023, and discharged a handgun while making verbal commands to the teller to give him money from the cash register. After obtaining money from the teller, Davis fled the bank. Davis was previously convicted of armed bank robbery and using and carrying a short-barreled shotgun in relation to a crime of violence in November 2001.

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for committing two federal hate crimes by attacking two Black women with a gun.

Frederick Eugene Pierallini III, 27, previously pleaded guilty to these crimes on July 6, 2023.

“The defendant is being held accountable for targeting two Black women with a gun on two separate days because of their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one in this country should have to live in fear that when they use public spaces or work at their job, they risk attack by someone who hates them because of the color of their skin. The Justice Department is committed to protecting Black people from racially-motivated violence. We will continue to be relentless in investigating and prosecuting individuals who threaten or commit unlawful acts of hate.”

“The violent assaults committed against these two women because of their race are intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “There is no place in our society for such heinous acts. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who target individuals and communities because of their race, ethnicity or beliefs.” 

“Hate crimes like these are not only attacks on the victims but are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to prioritize investigating civil rights violations and work together tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.”

According to court documents, Pierallini willfully intimidated the victims and interfered with their enjoyment of federally protected activities using force or a threat of force, because of their race and color. Victim 1 was enjoying her private employment and Victim 2 was enjoying a facility provided by the state of Florida.

Specifically, on Sept. 10, 2022, Pierallini went to a convenience store, located in Jacksonville, Florida. Victim 1 was working there as a clerk at the register. Pierallini attempted to buy snacks at the register, but his card was declined. He then attempted to walk out of the store with unpaid merchandise. Pierallini ultimately returned, scolding Victim 1 for not knowing how to do her job and directing racial slurs at her. Pierallini left the store, retrieved a shotgun from his car, pointed it at Victim 1 and cocked it by pulling the slide back to open the chamber and loaded a bullet into it. Victim 1 ran away in fear. Pierallini continued to use racial slurs throughout the encounter.

Two days later, on Sept. 12, 2022, Pierallini approached Victim 2 as she was sitting in her walker on the public sidewalk. He directed racial slurs at her and told her that she could not sit where she was. Pierallini also threatened to kill Victim 2. He then left, returned with a shotgun and fired a single shot. Victim 2 sustained injuries when she fell to the ground in response, but she was not hit by Pierallini’s shot.

The FBI Jacksonville Field Office and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

Jacksonville, FL  – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for committing two federal hate crimes by attacking two Black women with a gun.

Frederick Eugene Pierallini III, 27, previously pleaded guilty to these crimes on July 6, 2023.

“The defendant is being held accountable for targeting two Black women with a gun on two separate days because of their race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “No one in this country should have to live in fear that when they use public spaces or work at their job, they risk attack by someone who hates them because of the color of their skin. The Justice Department is committed to protecting Black people from racially-motivated violence. We will continue to be relentless in investigating and prosecuting individuals who threaten or commit unlawful acts of hate.”

“The violent assaults committed against these two women because of their race are intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “There is no place in our society for such heinous acts. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute individuals who target individuals and communities because of their race, ethnicity or beliefs.” 

“Hate crimes like these are not only attacks on the victims but are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community,” said Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI and our partners will continue to prioritize investigating civil rights violations and work together tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.”

According to court documents, Pierallini willfully intimidated the victims and interfered with their enjoyment of federally protected activities using force or a threat of force, because of their race and color. Victim 1 was enjoying her private employment and Victim 2 was enjoying a facility provided by the state of Florida.

Specifically, on Sept. 10, 2022, Pierallini went to a convenience store, located in Jacksonville, Florida. Victim 1 was working there as a clerk at the register. Pierallini attempted to buy snacks at the register, but his card was declined. He then attempted to walk out of the store with unpaid merchandise. Pierallini ultimately returned, scolding Victim 1 for not knowing how to do her job and directing racial slurs at her. Pierallini left the store, retrieved a shotgun from his car, pointed it at Victim 1 and cocked it by pulling the slide back to open the chamber and loaded a bullet into it. Victim 1 ran away in fear. Pierallini continued to use racial slurs throughout the encounter.

Two days later, on Sept. 12, 2022, Pierallini approached Victim 2 as she was sitting in her walker on the public sidewalk. He directed racial slurs at her and told her that she could not sit where she was. Pierallini also threatened to kill Victim 2. He then left, returned with a shotgun and fired a single shot. Victim 2 sustained injuries when she fell to the ground in response, but she was not hit by Pierallini’s shot.

The FBI Jacksonville Field Office and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Timothy Lee King (33, Groveland) on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, King faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, King was previously convicted of 11 felonies, including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, burglary, and two prior convictions for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On January 16, 2024, King was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Because of his prior felony convictions, King is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Ernesto Gonzalez Campos (36, Brandon) to 18 months’ probation, to include a $1,000 fine and 50 hours of community service. Campos was found guilty by a federal jury on November 30, 2023.

Campos is the most recent individual to be sentenced in “Operation Ornery Birds II.” Five others were previously sentenced in the Middle District of Florida. Operation Ornery Birds II was a Florida-wide investigation conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Campos engaged in the ongoing capture, sale, and trade of protected migratory songbirds. On at least three occasions in 2020 and 2021, Campos sold and traded indigo buntings, painted buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and blue grosbeaks, all of which are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Campos trapped the birds from the wild and, once they were tamed, sold them within the songbird community.

This case was investigated by United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa Spergel and Senior Trial Attorney Patrick Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Victoria Zerillo (49, Riverview) to 18 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud in connection with her embezzlement of funds from a senior citizen residential community. As part of the sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $410,963.78, the proceeds of the wire fraud. Zerillo entered a guilty plea on August 18, 2023.

According to court documents, Zerillo was employed as a general manager of a non-profit that provided HVAC, appliance, and plumbing repair services to members of a senior citizen residential community. From December 2015 through November 2022, Zerillo and others conspired to commit wire fraud and embezzled more than $400,000 from the non-profit by creating false and fraudulent bank statements and destroying records. Zerillo spent the money on personal expenses, including luxury vacations. At sentencing, members of the senior citizen community testified that Zerillo’s embezzlement significantly harmed them financially.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with inappropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Anthony J. Salomone (64, Odessa) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Salomone faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 11, 2024.

According to court documents, Salomone’s mother received Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits as the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. The benefits were direct deposited into the mother’s checking account to which Salomone had access via a power of attorney. Salomone’s mother died on October 2, 2017. Salomone did not report his mother’s death to the VA, which continued to deposit monthly benefits for her until March 2022, thinking she was still alive. Salomone took those benefits, to which he was not entitled, and spent them on his own personal and business expenses. In total, he stole $63,359.92 in funds belonging to the United States.

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Del Mastro and Suzanne Huyler.

Jacksonville, FL – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Michael A. Crider (44, Jacksonville) to 30 months in federal prison for escaping from custody. Crider entered a guilty plea on January 3, 2024.

According to court documents, in 2018, Crider was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 6 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. In January 2023, while Crider was completing that term of imprisonment, the Bureau of Prisons transferred him into the custody of Bridges Federal Reintegration Centers–Jacksonville, a residential re-entry center or halfway house. While in custody there, Crider was subject to drug testing. On the evening of April 11, 2023, Crider was provided a copy of an incident report documenting a recent positive test for cocaine. Later, around midnight, a halfway house staff member noticed that Crider was not in his assigned dormitory. Staff members searched the facility but could not locate Crider.

A month later, on May 13, 2023, at approximately 6:00 a.m., in St. Augustine, Florida, a police officer saw a minivan (which Crider was driving) traveling at over 100 mph, running red traffic lights, and weaving in and out of traffic. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Crider refused to pull over, and a chase ensued. Crider eventually crashed the minivan and was arrested.

At the crash scene, the officer smelled marijuana coming from the minivan.  Crider initially refused to identify himself, but eventually stated that he knew there was a warrant for his arrest. In the backseat of the minivan, police found a backpack, which contained several documents bearing Crider’s name, a scale, and a dose of buprenorphine 8mg, a synthetic opioid and Schedule III controlled substance.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Peter Alexander Lawrence (41, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making false statements and representations to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lawrence faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, in March 2023, Lawrence completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. On the form, Lawrence indicated that he had not been convicted of a crime where a judge could have imprisoned him for more than one year, and also that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.  Both those statements were false in that, in 2008, Lawrence was convicted of a crime where the prison sentence could have been more than a year, and in 2018, he was convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Tyran Terrell Harris (24, Leesburg) to two years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harris entered a guilty plea on February 7, 2024.

According to the court records, Harris has multiple prior state felony convictions including grand theft, tampering with a witness, and grand theft auto.  On September 25, 2023, officers from the Leesburg Police Department observed Harris walking around an apartment complex with a loaded firearm. Knowing Harris was a convicted felon from previous interactions with him, the officers arrested Harris and took possession of the firearm. A record check showed the firearm had been reported stolen approximately two weeks earlier. Harris subsequently admitted to the officers that he knew he could not possess the firearm as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Anthony Donnell Pew (47, Orlando) on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Pew faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Pew on April 2, 2024.

According to the indictment, Pew was previously convicted of 14 felonies, including tampering with evidence, felony battery, and multiple sales of controlled substances. On February 28, 2023, Pew was in possession of two handguns and ammunition. Because of his prior felony convictions, Pew is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eustis Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Pugh (34, Clearwater) with possession of firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and Leon Williams (34, Clearwater) with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Pugh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, while Williams faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

According to the indictment, on January 3, 2024, Pugh was in possession of a loaded Taurus firearm and a loaded Sig Sauer firearm. Prior to possessing the firearms and ammunition, Pugh had previously been convicted of multiple felonies including aggravated battery, felonious possession of a firearm or ammunition, and the sale of cocaine. On the same date, Williams possessed multiple rounds of ammunition. Prior to possessing the ammunition, Williams had been previously convicted of multiple counts of the sale of cocaine.

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 and the Clearwater Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Richard Allen Randolph (44, Youngstown, Ohio) guilty of Hobbs Act robberies, namely three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm, and one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of the robberies. Randolph faces a minimum statutory penalty of 100 years in federal prison on the firearm counts and a maximum of 20 years on each of the robbery counts. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 30, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Randolph entered four Tampa commercial businesses between January 27 and February 26, 2020, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and facial covering. During each of the robberies, Randolph brandished and threatened the victims with a Beretta Pico pistol and removed cash from the registers. During the attempted robbery on February 26, 2020, Randolph again concealed his identity, entered the store, and threatened the clerk with the firearm. However, the victim’s boyfriend, who was outside the store waiting to take her home, confronted Randolph. Randolph then discharged the pistol twice in the parking lot of the business as the victims fled. Law enforcement recovered the bullet casing from the parking lot. The case remained active and under investigation under the name “Beretta Bandit” as no subject was able to be identified.

In July 2021, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop of an individual who was found to have a Beretta Pico pistol in his car. The individual did not match the description of the robber and told law enforcement that he had purchased the Beretta Pico pistol from Randolph, who was a former co-worker. Forensic examiners from the ATF laboratory later determined that the Beretta pistol was the firearm involved in the last robbery committed by Randolph.

During trial, the victims testified about their terror during the robberies committed by Randolph. However, they could not identify Randolph because he was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and a mask. The evidence at trial focused on the recovered Beretta Pico pistol, the testimony of the co-worker, the forensic analyses from the ATF laboratory in Atlanta, and other location data analyses by the FBI.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Maria Guzman and Brooke Padgett.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Mohammad Ali Hemmat (29, Milwaukee) guilty of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, production of child sexual abuse material, traveling on two occasions from Wisconsin to Florida for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a minor, and committing these offenses while required to register as a sex offender. Hemmat faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 35 years, up to life, in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8, 2024.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between April 2022 and March 2023, Hemmat used his cellphone and computer to sexually groom a 12-year-old girl in the Middle District of Florida. Hemmat groomed this minor through daily video chats, text message conversations, and by sending her cash, gifts, and fast food. Hemmat shared obscene material with this child through social media applications, and used a social media platform to remotely log-in to the minor victim’s laptop—which he had purchased for her—to search online for sexually explicit topics, images, and videos. The minor victim subsequently sent explicit images of herself to Hemmat over the internet.

In February 2023, Hemmat drove from Wisconsin to Florida for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the minor. In March 2023, Hemmat drove to Florida for a second time for the same purpose, but law enforcement was alerted to his presence by the minor victim. Although Hemmat attempted to return to Wisconsin without detection, law enforcement in Indiana apprehended him.

Evidence presented at trial also showed that Hemmat had engaged similar tactics in grooming a13-year-old child in the United Kingdom to send sexually explicit images of herself to Hemmat. Hemmat has a prior conviction for an offense involving a minor, requiring him to register as a sex offender in Wisconsin when he committed the above offenses.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Jasper County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office, the Sussex County (United Kingdom) Police Department, and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Risha Asokan.

This case was 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Orlando, Florida-based steel trading firm Metalhouse LLC, was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering to promote violations of U.S. sanctions against Sergey Kurchenko, a pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch. Unsalan’s former business associate, Sergey Karpushkin, a Belarusian national residing in Miami, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in the scheme. Unsalan pleaded guilty and was ordered to forfeit $160 million in proceeds from the offense. Karpushkin pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit international promotional money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $4.7 million in criminal proceeds.

Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine. Two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans OOO, based in the Russian Federation and controlled by Kurchenko, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis, based in the Russian occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.

As set forth in court filings, Unsalan and Karpushkin engaged in trade with these sanctioned individuals and entities to procure steelmaking equipment and raw material despite knowing that Kurchenko, Gaz-Alyans and Vneshtorgservis were subject to U.S. sanctions that prohibited U.S. persons and entities from doing business with them. No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or transfers.

As stated in court documents, between July 2018 and October 2021, Unsalan conspired with others to transfer over $150 million to Kurchenko and companies controlled by Kurchenko. Unsalan, acting through his company, Metalhouse, engaged in trade with sanctioned individuals and entities and received tens of thousands of tons of metal products from the companies. Between July 2017 and August 2020, Karpushkin conspired with Unsalan and other business associates, acting through Metalhouse, to enter into contracts and purchase orders for pig iron, steel billets, and wire rods from these sanctioned companies and agreed to share profits from these unlawful transactions. The co-conspirators intentionally concealed from U.S. banks and government officials the ultimate source and origin of the goods that they sought to acquire, knowing that they did not have the necessary authorization or license from OFAC to transact with Kurchenko and companies owned and controlled by Kurchenko.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa and Washington Field Offices investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorneys Sean O’Dowd and Sean Fern of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case.

The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

Co-Conspirator Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison and $4.7 Million Forfeiture

John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Orlando, Florida-based steel trading firm Metalhouse LLC, was sentenced to six years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering to promote violations of U.S. sanctions against Sergey Kurchenko, a pro-Russian Ukrainian oligarch. Unsalan’s former business associate, Sergey Karpushkin, a Belarusian national residing in Miami, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his role in the scheme. Unsalan pleaded guilty and was ordered to forfeit $160 million in proceeds from the offense. Karpushkin pleaded guilty to conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and to commit international promotional money laundering and was ordered to forfeit $4.7 million in criminal proceeds.

Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine. Two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans OOO, based in the Russian Federation and controlled by Kurchenko, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis, based in the Russian occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.

As set forth in court filings, Unsalan and Karpushkin engaged in trade with these sanctioned individuals and entities to procure steelmaking equipment and raw material despite knowing that Kurchenko, Gaz-Alyans and Vneshtorgservis were subject to U.S. sanctions that prohibited U.S. persons and entities from doing business with them. No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or transfers.

As stated in court documents, between July 2018 and October 2021, Unsalan conspired with others to transfer over $150 million to Kurchenko and companies controlled by Kurchenko. Unsalan, acting through his company, Metalhouse, engaged in trade with sanctioned individuals and entities and received tens of thousands of tons of metal products from the companies. Between July 2017 and August 2020, Karpushkin conspired with Unsalan and other business associates, acting through Metalhouse, to enter into contracts and purchase orders for pig iron, steel billets, and wire rods from these sanctioned companies and agreed to share profits from these unlawful transactions. The co-conspirators intentionally concealed from U.S. banks and government officials the ultimate source and origin of the goods that they sought to acquire, knowing that they did not have the necessary authorization or license from OFAC to transact with Kurchenko and companies owned and controlled by Kurchenko.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa and Washington Field Offices investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorneys Sean O’Dowd and Sean Fern of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case.

The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Rupert G. McLendon, III (51, Tampa) to 90 days in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $37,402, the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy. McLendon entered a guilty plea on January 25, 2024.

According to court documents, McLendon was a paid caretaker for a family member through the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran Directed Home and Community Based Services (VDHCBS) Program. The veteran for whom McLendon was a paid caregiver was admitted to the hospital in August 2018 and remained hospitalized until his death on or about December 31, 2018. McLendon failed to notify the VDHCBS program of the veteran’s hospitalization and death. Instead, McLendon continued to input, or cause to be input, caregiver hours into the VDHCBS payroll system, and he made false and misleading statements regarding the veteran’s whereabouts and health when contacted by VDHCBS staff. As a result of these fraudulent payroll entries and representations, the VDHCBS Program, and a government contractor associated with that program, suffered a total loss of at least $37,402.39.

“The Veteran-Directed Care program provides a vital bridge between VA’s treatment team and the daily care needs of our nation’s veterans. This sentencing sends a clear message that those who would exploit veterans to commit fraud will be investigated and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard this important VA program.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, ending on March 31, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted 64 defendants. These defendants face federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 97 firearms associated with these defendants.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office interacted with approximately 150 middle and high school students and community members during the first quarter of 2024. Re-entry events, including the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office DISMAS program, reached over 250 people.

“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”

PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.

Q2 PSN case highlights:

United States v. Mar’tavouis Martel Brown (Ft. Myers)

On January 26, 2024, Mar’tavious Martel Brown (25, Lehigh Acres) was sentenced to five years in federal prison. According to court records, Brown sold a pistol and cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Fort Myers.    

United States v. Jose Melean Reyes (Jacksonville)

In January 2024, Jose Melean Reyes (29, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to smuggling firearms from the United States and conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire. According to his plea agreement, on May 15, 2021, Reyes attempted to smuggle 3 firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition from Jacksonville to Venezuela. Reyes concealed the firearms and ammunition in a futon that he attempted to mail using a freight forwarding service.

Following Reyes’s arrest on unrelated state charges on August 11, 2023, federal agents searched Reyes’s cellphone and found conversations between Reyes and another individual discussing trafficking firearms to Venezuela. From Reyes’s phone, agents also learned Reyes and others were involved in a murder-for-hire plot based on a $60,000 debt. Reyes attempted to hire a hitman for $15,000, but federal agents prevented any murder from occurring by arresting Reyes on a criminal complaint. Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

United States v. Wendell Goney (Ocala)

On July 11, 2021, deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at a 10-acre business property in Mount Dora. Deputies used a law enforcement drone to assist with the outdoor search, only to have the drone destroyed by gunfire from a neighboring property. When deputies responded to that location, they confronted Goney, who admitted that he had just shot down the drone with a .22 caliber rifle. He claimed the drone had been “harassing” him. Goney then admitted to the deputies that he could not lawfully possess a firearm because he was a convicted felon. A record check confirmed Goney’s 29 prior state felony convictions, which included aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, illegal drug possession, burglary, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. On February 22, 2024, Goney was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $22,000 in restitution for the destroyed law enforcement drone.

United States v. Timothy Jones (Orlando)

On February 14, 2024, Timothy Jones, (60, Orlando) was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for two bank robberies he committed in Orlando and Kissimmee.  The first robbery occurred on June 2, 2022, one day after Jones was released from Putnam County Correctional Facility after having served an eight-year term of incarceration for bank robbery. During the first robbery in Orlando, Jones threatened to shoot everyone in the bank if they did not give him $150,000 and told the employee that there would be a “bloodbath” if he did not get what he wanted. After employees provided cash, Jones took the keys to an employee’s car and escaped.  A week later, Jones robbed a bank in Kissimmee. Jones again threatened the tellers with a gun and stole cash before stealing an employee’s car and escaping. Later that afternoon, Jones was apprehended near the employee’s car with nearly all the money from the second robbery.  Jones had previously been convicted of robbery charges in 1995, 2006, and 2013 and had spent most of the past 18 years incarcerated for robbery charges.

United States v. James Smith (Tampa)

On March 22, 2024, James Eugene Smith (44, Wimauma) was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, in the early morning hours of January 14, 2023, Smith was driving in Brandon, Florida and believed that a driver in a black sedan was brake checking him, while a separate driver prevented Smith from passing. Smith eventually passed both cars before brake checking the black sedan in return. The driver of the black sedan drove around Smith, and Smith and the driver of the black sedan then exchanged gunfire. Smith, in an alleged attempt to see the tag of the black sedan, made a U-turn. After making the U-turn, Smith spotted a gray sedan that he thought was the black sedan and opened fire. Smith followed the gray sedan into the gas station, again firing at it. Neither victim was shot. At the time of the incident, Smith had multiple prior felony convictions. As a convicted felon Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.  

These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.          

 

Charged Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

James Michael O’Brien

Theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer and possession of a stolen firearm.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

1

This PSN case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan.

Jacksonville Division

Bryan Lyndell Chapman

Manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes; passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison for each offense.

1

Peter Lawrence

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

Allen Tereal Grimes

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

0

Brian Givens

Possession of a machine gun.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Derrick Walden

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

James Clinton Gilmore, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine.

Maximum penalty: 155 years in federal prison

5

Ja’Quez Jerome Butler

Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (cocaine), minimum mandatory 5 years up to life in federal prison (firearm in furtherance of violent crime), 10 years in federal prison (firearm as convicted felon).

4

Jhatarrion Jakwan Sampson

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Justin William Lightsey

Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 5 years, up to life, in federal prison; up to 15 years in federal prison.

1

Kameron Lee Ingram

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Matthew Junior Rice

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Nathaniel Thomas Hatcher, III

Conspiracy to straw-purchase; making a false statement during purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison.

2

Nicholas Davonte High

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine, distributing and aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison.

1

Ralph Eric Lanham

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Sedrick Williams, Jr.

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine base; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; 15 years in federal prison.

1

Trillian Taheim Mitchell

Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

1

William Earl Union, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein, Brenna Falzetta, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Laura Taylor, Elisibeth Adams, Aakash Singh, and Kirwinn Mike.

Ocala Division

Roydrick Dixon

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Penalty: Minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Michael Andrew Zallen

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Robert Edward Smith

Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

3

Luis Ernesto Sanchez

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hanna Norwalk, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., William S. Hamilton, Belkis Crockett, and Sarah Swartzberg.

Tampa Division

Laela Marme 

Possession of stolen firearms.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

0

Daniel Gonzalez

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Brandale Swails

Hobbs Acts robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 7 years, up to 25 years, in federal prison.

3

Lewis James Scott

Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years (narcotics charge) in federal prison,  

minimum mandatory 5 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence, 15 years in federal prison.

1

Markis Maxwell

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.

1

Efrain Bermudez

Possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute; carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty:  life in federal prison (drug charges), 15 years in federal prison (firearm charge).

1

Sharquay Knighton

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Jarquis Bowens

Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison for each drug charge and 5 years in federal prison for the firearm charge.

1

Noe Alegria

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison.

13

Gary Hanford

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Christopher Bock

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

0

Corey Myrick

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Donta Bryant

Possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

2

Dackerett Brooks

 

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Michael Grady

 

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

4

Daniel Gonzalez

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Deanthony Flowers

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Alex Jones

 

Jhakheem Smith

 

Conspiracy to interfere with commerce by threats or violence; interference with commerce by threats or violence; and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (violence charge),

up to life in federal prison (firearm charge).

0

Lewis James Scott

 

 

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (narcotics charge), up to life in federal prison (firearm charge).

1

Johnie Shields

 

Possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Daquan Carey

 

Possession of firearms by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

3

James Hilligardt

 

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Keith Rhoden

Interference with commerce by robbery and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison(robbery offense), life in federal prison (firearm offense).

1

Jaquavious Green

 

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Rasheio Black

 

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Darell Padilla

 

Interference with commerce by threats or violence and brandishing of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (violence offense), life in federal prison (firearm offense).

1

Tim Crawford

 

Interstate domestic violence, discharge of a firearm during and in the commission of a crime of violence, and interstate stalking.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Tyler Jacobs

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identify theft, witness tampering, destruction of evidence, and possession of ammunition.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison.

0

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Jeff Chang, Samantha Newman, Diego Novaes, Michael C. Sinacore, Michael R. Kenneth, and Candace Rich.

Orlando Division

Malcolm Bellamy

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Luis Rosado

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Lawrence Lamar Singleton II

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Byron Louder

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Benjamin Garmon, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Jonathan Nicola

Possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Jonen Castillo

Smuggling firearms from the United States to Canada. 

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

5

Reginald Dugger

Attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison(the drug offense),15 years in federal prison (firearm offense).

2

 

Dominick Yvon Louissaint

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Darryl James London

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

David Lewis Andrew Bryan

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon (2 counts).

Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison.

2

Sebastian Gabriel Lugo Lugo

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Edward Vincenzo Camacho

Theft of a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Noah P. Dorman, Michael Sartoian, Stephanie A. McNeff, Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, Diane Hu, Rachel Lyons, Kara Wick, and Richard Varadan.

Adjudicated Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

Nicholas Munson Troemner

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty:  15 years in federal prison.

1

Jonnetric Devonte Ivey

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Javier Joel Perez

Possession of controlled substance with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty:  20 years in federal prison (narcotics offense),

minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence (firearm offense), 15 years in federal prison (second firearm offense).

1

Willie James Hunter, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Ruben Justus Edwards

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Ernest Jeshad Foster

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Coroy Dontavia Flournoy

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon Eth.

Jacksonville Division

Antonio Jose Melean Reyes

Smuggling firearms from the United States and conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce in the commission of a murder-for-hire.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

3

Gabriel Daniel Pinnace

Smuggling firearms from the United States and making materially false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison for each offense.

3

Antonio Saquan Tate

Hobbs act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; mandatory minimum of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison

0

Brendon Bobby Brown

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Dondre Shauntrell Rosier

Distributing cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty:  20 years in federal prison; 10 years in federal prison

1

Andre Lee Long

Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Michael Thomas Sawyer

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

Paul Allen Anderson, Jr.

Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

5

Randolph Wayne Swindle

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

Roberto Roman Ramirez

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

Desmond Lee Maxwell

Conspiring to straw purchase firearms.

Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison.

2

Edgar Diaz Aquino

Possession of a firearm by an alien.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Aakash Singh, Kirwinn Mike, John Cannizzaro, and Frank Talbot.

Ocala Division

Tyran Terrell Harris

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Michael Latrelle Simpson

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

1

Clinton Kaham

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, and Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

Tampa Division

Evan Ingram

Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Darius Hudson

Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery (3 separate robberies) and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 27 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Benjamin Cedric Graddy

Possession with the intent to distribute dimethylpentylone and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Dovontate James Wright

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

0

Marcos Lutrell Walden

Distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison.

0

Elias Xavier Rosario Torres

 

 

Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Penalty: mandatory minimum 35 years, up to life, in federal prison.

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Penalty: mandatory minimum 35 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Gerard Eric Beasley

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

0

Stewart Walter Bachmann

Possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm not identified by a serial number.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison per charge.

0

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Diego Novaes, David W.A. Chee, Michael Kenneth, James C. Preston, Samantha Beckman, and Shauna S. Hale.

Orlando Division

Robert Lee Pringle

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

2

Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr.

Failing to record required information about firearms purchases (3 counts).

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison per count.

9

Antavious Anton Gray, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Jhroy Elijah Sackey

Possession with the intent to distribute heroin and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. 

1

Kristian Moises Ramos

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Alfred Lamar Shavers

Possession of firearm by convicted felon (Armed Career Criminal).

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

9

Christian Ponce

Rodney Hernandez

Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Penalty: minimum mandatory 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

3

Verun Maharajh

Export of firearms and ammunition, shipment of firearms without a license, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

Maximum penalty: 35 years in federal prison.

4

Chrissie Fier Williams

Export of firearms and ammunition (3 counts).

Maximum penalty: 30 years in federal prison.

18

Victor Morales-Acosta

Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Megan Testerman, Dana E. Hill, Noah Dorman, Stephanie A. McNeff, David Pardo, Michael Sartoian, Matthew Del Mastro, and Rachel Lyons.

 

Sentenced Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Sentence Imposed

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

Chester Lewis Risco, III

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed:  3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

1

Mar’tavoius Martel Brown

Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison.

1

Keith Dewayne Drayton, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon R. Eth.

Jacksonville Division

Andrew Tyler Harp

Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

1

Kristofferson Farmer

Possession with intent to distribute Alpha-PVP, a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Sentence imposed: 6 years, 8 months in federal prison.

3

Mario Lenard Elbert

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Sentence imposed:  7 years in federal prison.

2

Keith Allen Dixon

Distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

3

Geoffrey Scott

Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.

10

Lucas Shirley II

Transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles.

Sentence imposed: 5 years, 5 months in federal prison.

29

Charles David Mobley

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of a firearm.

Sentence imposed: 2 years in federal prison.

9

Edgar Guintivano

Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Jesse Rance Moore

Interference with commerce by threats or violence robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

Sentence imposed: 21 years in federal prison.

1

Paul Bryan McCorkle

Receiving and possessing an explosive by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 2 years, 3 months in federal prison.

1

Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr.

False Statements to a firearms dealer during firearm purchase.

Sentence imposed: Time served.

0

Samuel Arthur Thompson

Possession and receipt of child sex abuse material; intrusion of protected computer causing damage; production of child sex abuse material; failure to register as a sex offender; possession of firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 220 years in federal prison.

1

Tony Kenneth Paul, Jr.

Possession of a machine gun and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison.

3

Rakesh Verma

Making false statement to federal firearms dealer.

Sentence imposed: 1 year, 3 months in federal prison.

0

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, John Cannizzaro, David Mesrobian, Laura Taylor, Kirwinn Mike, and Frank Talbot.

Ocala Division

Raymond Devon Haynes

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed:  1 year, 1 day in federal prison.

1

Kingsley Samuel Richard Wilson

 

 

Viviana Rodriguez

Making a false statement to a firearms dealer, dealing in firearms without a license, making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer.

Sentence imposed (Wilson): 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

Sentence imposed (Rodriguez): 2 years, 6 months in federal prison.

140

Wendall Doyle Goney

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

1

Jared Boyle

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Belkis Crockett, Sarah Swartzberg, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie Boyer.

Orlando Division

Jason Santos

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Sentence imposed: 8 years, 4 months in federal prison.

11

Jeremy Middleton

Possession of a stolen firearms.

Sentence imposed:  3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

13

Carlos Aquino

 

 

 

Possession of 400 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Antione Oshea Ladson

Drug trafficking and possessing a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 10 years, 6 months in federal prison.

1

Geoffrey Gaston

Five armed robberies.

Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison.

0

Timothy Jones

Bank robbery.

Sentence imposed: 25 years in federal prison.

0

Yadier Torres-Rivera

Distribution of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl.

Sentence imposed: 15 years, 8 months in federal prison.

1

Desha Cooper

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

2

E’Chavion Semaj Flewellen

Distribution of fentanyl.

Sentence imposed: 16 years, 8 months in federal prison.

3

O’Neil Clifton Gordon

Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Stephanie A. McNeff, Diana Hu, David Pardo, Dana E. Hill, Noah Dorman, Megan Testerman, Richard Varadan, Rachel Lyons, and Kara Wick.

Tampa Division

Yvens Philone

Possession of firearms by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Sentence imposed:  10 years in federal prison.

0

Erik Barner

Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 17 years, 6 months in federal prison.

0

Sean Peter Brewer

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison.

0

Scott Carpenter, Jr.

Interfering with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. 

Sentence imposed: 28 years in federal prison.

3

James Eugene Smith

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 8 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs David P. Sullivan, Samantha Newman, David E. A. Chee, David P. Sullivan, Michael M. Gordon, and Michael Kenneth.

 

Jacksonville, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Josue Garriga III (34, Jacksonville) with online enticement of a minor child to engage in criminal sexual activity.  Garriga is a former police officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

According to the criminal complaint, Garriga met the child victim at church around September 2023 and began pursuing a relationship with her via text messaging and WhatsApp. Messages recovered from the victim’s phone revealed Garriga sent communications expressing his sexual interest in the child. Garriga went to the victim’s house late at night on several occasions and visited her at a coffee shop on March 6, 2024. During the March 6 encounter, while in his vehicle outside the coffee shop, Garriga grabbed the child’s hand, put her hand down his pants, and requested the child perform oral sex on him. When the child refused, Garriga asked the child to kiss his genitalia and would not let the child leave until the child did so.

A complaint 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. If convicted, Garriga faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include 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 Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly S. Milliron. 

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.

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tyler Lee Murrell (27, Hillsboro, Tennessee) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse images. Murrell was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Murrell was arrested on July 17, 2023, and ordered detained pending the outcome of proceedings in this case. He entered a guilty plea on December 7, 2023.

According to court documents, in March 2023, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) received information from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) about two CyberTipline Reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. These tips advised that child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) were suspected of being uploaded to a wireless cloud account. The subscriber information of the wireless account indicated the subscriber was Tyler Lee Murrell, with a residence in Jacksonville. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses were provided for the CyberTips and traced to a residence belonging to Murrell. Upon further investigation, JSO learned Murrell was likely a member of the military or a Department of Defense contractor and turned the investigation over to NCIS. 

NCIS learned that Murrell worked for a company at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. NCIS obtained a search warrant for Murrell’s cloud account and located a video depicting CSAM from one of the CyberTips and additional files of CSAM. NCIS executed a search warrant and seized Murrell’s phone on June 28, 2023. A search of the phone resulted in the discovery of numerous files of CSAM, including 43 videos and 38 images of CSAM. There were also numerous discussions related to CSAM. In one, Murrell discussed engaging in sexual activity with a minor female child if he and the female he was chatting with had a child together. In response, the female sent Murrell two CSAM videos. 

During an interview with law enforcement following his arrest, Murrell admitted to purchasing and receiving CSAM. He also admitted to speaking with an adult woman who would send him videos of CSAM.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Richard Aldo Melendez (36, Wauchula) to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking ring. Melendez entered a guilty plea on August 28, 2023.

According to court documents, Melendez conspired with Ellen Jean Bivens (25, Zolfo Springs) and Abdon Rivera, Jr. (33, Lake Wales) to distribute methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida. In late 2022, Melendez sold methamphetamine to undercover agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Then, in January 2023, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol, in coordination with DEA, stopped Melendez and Bivens as they were returning from a trip to Texas. A search of their vehicle yielded nearly 15 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Bivens was previously sentenced to 37 months in federal prison. Rivera has pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced James Joseph Weishaar (65, Palm Harbor) to eight years in federal prison for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Weishaar to pay $27,000 in restitution to victims of the offenses and register as a sex offender. He entered a guilty plea on September 27, 2023.

According to court documents, between March and December 2020, the FBI used a file sharing program to connect to Weishaar’s computer and download from it several files depicting the sexual abuse of children. In January 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Weishaar’s home and seized several electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed more than 1,000 photos and over 100 videos of child sexual abuse material, including images depicting sadistic conduct and toddlers. In an interview with the FBI, Weishaar stated, “I don’t even know if it’s okay, but I’m attracted to it.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation—Tampa, with substantial assistance from the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Ross Roberts.

This case was 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Scott Randall Chance, Jr. (22, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to dealing firearms without a license and knowingly possessing a machinegun. Chance faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in October 2022, federal and local law enforcement agencies identified Chance as a source of supply for illegal firearms and machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) in Duval and St. Johns counties. On four separate occasions, between February and July 2023, Chance illegally sold firearms and MCDs to an undercover law enforcement officer. In total, Chance sold six firearms and three MCDs to the undercover officer.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Orlando, FL ― U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg today announced a grant award of $418,000 to help support youth success in the Middle District of Florida. The grant was awarded to the City of Orlando Continuum of Care Project to Support Youth Success by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) through the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s (OJJDP) “Building Local Continuums of Care to Support Youth Success” initiative and is part of more than $17 million going to communities nationwide.  

“Effective prevention and intervention strategies are critical in reducing violence and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “Providing youth with opportunities to succeed and realize their potential is essential in developing our future leaders. This initiative is an investment in both.”

The Continuum of Care framework supports a network of services and opportunities to foster positive youth development and prioritizes community safety and effective program outcomes. This new OJJDP investment leverages decades of evidence-based learning to prevent youth from entering or deepening their involvement in the juvenile justice system and steer them on a path to success. At its core, the continuum of care approach is community-driven, leverages local insights, and addresses youth needs through mentoring, after-school programs, and other prosocial activities.  

More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page. 

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov. 

The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) provides national leadership, coordination, and resources to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and victimization. The Office helps states, localities, and Tribes develop effective and equitable juvenile justice systems that create safer communities and empower youth to lead productive lives. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo (26, Jacksonville) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of mail, and theft of mail. If convicted, Hidalgo faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, up to 5 years for the theft of mail and conspiracy to commit theft of mail counts, and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Frank Anthony Acanda, defrauded. Federal law enforcement arrested Acanda on December 13, 2023.

According to the indictment, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others drove around areas of Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine and stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes over several months. After opening the mail and stealing checks and money orders, Hidalgo, Acanda, and others acting on their behalf, deposited the items into bank accounts controlled by them and then used ATMs to immediately withdraw cash. In some instances, the co-defendants altered the stolen checks by increasing the amount of the stolen checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw from ATMs.          

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 Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

SAVANNAH, GA:  A Florida attorney has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for participating in a scheme to illegally obtain funding from a federal COVID-19 small business relief program.

Shaquandra Woods, 41, of Jacksonville, Fla., was sentenced to 75 months in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, said Jill E. Steinberg, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge R. Stan Baker, who presided over the four-day trial in which a federal jury convicted Woods, also ordered her to pay $42,848 in restitution and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of her prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.

“Shaquandra Woods prolifically filed fraudulent applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief funds for herself and for others,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to prosecute those who engage in such self-enriching behavior at taxpayers’ expense.”

As authorized by the CARES Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provided Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Woods, an attorney licensed to practice law in Florida and Georgia, completed at least nine applications for EIDL funding for herself and others, fabricating and submitting false documents to support the applications.

As a result of the fraudulent applications, Woods was successful in obtaining more than $300,000 for herself.

“Woods will now pay the price for stealing pandemic relief funds that others needed to keep a business open or to keep a roof over their heads,” said Supervisory Senior Resident Agent Will Clarke of FBI Atlanta’s Savannah Resident Agency. “Federal programs such as these are set up to help those in need, not to benefit criminals. Prosecution of those who illegally obtain government benefits will continue to be a priority for our office.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that those who defraud SBA’s programs will be held accountable,” said Amaleka McCall-Braithwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Region of the SBA Office of Inspector General. “Our office will remain steadfast in pursuing those who exploit such vital resources for personal gain, ensuring accountability and justice for the American taxpayer. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to pursuing justice in this case.”

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan C. Grover and Former Senior Litigation Counsel Jenna G. Solari.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Javier Velasquez, Jr. (38, Clewiston) has pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of felon in possession of firearms, one count of illegal possession of a machinegun, and one count of carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Velasquez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to court documents, between July 13 and September 19, 2023, Velasquez sold an undercover federal agent cocaine, multiple firearms, and a Glock switch. A Glock switch enables a semi-automatic firearm to operate as a fully functioning machine gun. Velasquez is a convicted felon and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jevonn Clayton (48, Auburndale), Venus Lott (45, Bartow), and Richardson Sid (40, Winter Haven) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. All three defendants face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Sentencing hearings have not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, on August 11, 2022, Clayton agreed to transport suitcases containing methamphetamine from Los Angeles to Orlando on behalf of a drug trafficker. Shortly thereafter, Clayton and the drug trafficker recruited Lott and Sid to travel to California to assist in transporting the suitcases. 

On August 16, 2022, Clayton, Lott, and Sid departed Los Angeles for Orlando, with five suitcases packed with large amounts of methamphetamine.  Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation were investigating inbound flights at the Orlando airport. The agents located and searched the suitcases belonging to Clayton, Lott, and Sid and recovered several vacuum-sealed bags that contained over 35 kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

Tampa, FL – An indictment was unsealed in Tampa last week charging a Mississippi man for his alleged role in an over $70 million fraud scheme involving the payment of kickbacks and bribes to obtain doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME).

Joel Rufus French, 46, of Amory, made his initial appearance on April 11 in Oxford, Mississippi.

According to court documents, French allegedly managed multiple DME companies without disclosing his role to Medicare. He and his co-conspirators allegedly used the DME companies to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were obtained using doctors’ orders that were procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, not provided as billed, and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. French also allegedly obtained Medicare beneficiary information and paid kickbacks and bribes for doctors’ orders for DME. French allegedly generated and sold doctors’ orders for orthotic braces to suppliers and brokers in exchange for millions in kickbacks and bribes. Finally, French is alleged to have participated in a scheme to launder certain proceeds of his schemes.

French is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, French faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud count, as well as on the conspiracy to commit money laundering count. French faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks count.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Catherine Wagner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Peresie for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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

An indictment was unsealed in Tampa last week charging a Mississippi man for his alleged role in an over $70 million fraud scheme involving the payment of kickbacks and bribes to obtain doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment (DME).

Joel Rufus French, 46, of Amory, made his initial appearance on April 11 in Oxford, Mississippi.

According to court documents, French allegedly managed multiple DME companies without disclosing his role to Medicare. He and his co-conspirators allegedly used the DME companies to bill Medicare for orthotic braces that were obtained using doctors’ orders that were procured through illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, not provided as billed, and ineligible for Medicare reimbursement. French also allegedly obtained Medicare beneficiary information and paid kickbacks and bribes for doctors’ orders for DME. French allegedly generated and sold doctors’ orders for orthotic braces to suppliers and brokers in exchange for millions in kickbacks and bribes. Finally, French is alleged to have participated in a scheme to launder certain proceeds of his schemes.

French is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks, conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, French faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud count, as well as on the conspiracy to commit money laundering count. French faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on the conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks count.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa Field Office and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Catherine Wagner of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Peresie for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

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 – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Andrew David Salas (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to producing photos depicting the sexual abuse of a minor child. Salas faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years, up to 50 years, in federal prison, and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Salas is a registered sex offender, having been convicted of carnal knowledge of a minor child in Virginia in 2008. Salas was arrested on November 3, 2022, and has been in custody since that time. A sentencing hearing for Salas is scheduled for July 16, 2024.

According to court documents, in 2022, Salas used a web-based social media messaging platform to engage in an online conversation with a minor child who lived in Georgia. During this online conversation, Salas decided to drive from Florida to meet and pick up the child. On June 14, 2022, Salas drove from Jacksonville to an area near the child’s residence and met the child, who was on foot, at a particular intersection and invited the child into his car. The child entered Salas’s vehicle and told Salas that the child was underage. Salas then drove the child back to his residence in Jacksonville.

For more than four months, the child remained in Salas’s residence, and Salas engaged in sexual activity with the child on several occasions. Salas also used and persuaded the child to pose for him as he took photos of the child in sexually explicit positions. He also took sexually explicit photos of the child while the child slept.

In November 2022, FBI agents in Jacksonville obtained geolocation data showing that an electronic device linked to Salas had been near the child’s residence in Georgia on the evening of June 14, 2022. On November 3, 2022, an FBI agent and a detective with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) went to Salas’s residence to make contact with Salas and attempt to locate the child. Salas was arrested and his cellphone was seized. Later that day, the child was located and rescued by law enforcement near Salas’s residence and was returned safely to the child’s family.

JSO detectives obtained a search warrant for Salas’s residence and seized several computers and electronic devices. Meanwhile, the FBI obtained search warrants for, Salas’s cellphone. A review of the phone’s contents revealed information about the location of the child’s residence, as well as text messages exchanged between Salas and the child. Salas’s phone also contained sexually explicit photos of the child produced by Salas, as well as photos depicting other young children being sexually abused.  

This case was investigated by the Carroll County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Atlanta and Jacksonville), with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Seneca Dukes (42, Tampa), David Marty (43, Tampa), Emmanuel Gotay Hernandez (34, Tampa), Miriam Marti-Benning (49, Tampa), and Michelle Lipinski (35, Tampa) to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in serious bodily injury. Dukes and Marty, who were the leaders of the conspiracy, were sentenced to 26 years and 25 years, respectively. Gotay Hernandez was sentenced to 9 years, Marti-Benning to 8 years and 2 months, and Lipinski to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison.

Dukes and Marty pleaded guilty on October 23, 2023, the day their jury trial was to commence. Gotay Hernandez pleaded guilty on October 16, 2023, Marti-Benning pleaded guilty on November 14, 2022, and Lipinski pleaded guilty on August 11, 2022.

According to court proceedings and documents, in March 2021, the group conspired to obtain controlled substances and smuggle them into the Hillsborough County Falkenburg Road Jail. Dukes and Marty were housed in the same pod at the jail, and Lipinski, who worked as a nurse at the jail, routinely visited their pod. Dukes developed a relationship with Lipinski and asked her to meet with Marti-Benning to get packages from her and bring them to him during her rounds. Marty had his sister, Marti-Benning, obtain controlled substances, package them, and give them to Lipinski. Marty also enlisted the help of Gotay Hernandez, who previously was an inmate in the same pod of the jail as Dukes and Marty. Gotay Hernandez obtained fentanyl, and, at Marty’s direction, provided it to Marti-Benning, who in turn provided it to Lipinski.

On March 29, 2021, Lipinski smuggled packages containing fentanyl and methamphetamine into the jail during her rounds and delivered them to Dukes. The next morning, an inmate in the pod overdosed on the fentanyl, but jail medical personnel saved his life by administering Narcan.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Samantha Newman.