Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Winter Haven Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing P-Fluorofentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcus Lutrell Walden (36, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and p-fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue). Walden faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on February 14, 2024, Walden agreed to sell what he believed was methamphetamine and fentanyl, which he described in communications as “ice cream” and “mashed potatoes” to a confidential source in Winter Haven, Florida. Walden agreed to meet the confidential source at a motel in Winter Haven to conduct the sale. An analysis of the fentanyl by the DEA Laboratory revealed that it was para-fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. Later that day, Walden sold a Taurus .22 caliber pistol to the confidential source.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
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 Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years for Fentanyl ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Efrain Rivera Matos (45, Tampa) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl charges. Rivera Matos pleaded guilty on December 8, 2023.
According to court documents, on July 27, 2022, Rivera Matos conspired to ship approximately 560 grams of pressed fentanyl pills to Tampa. On August 31, 2022, Rivera Matos conspired with others to distribute a parcel containing two kilograms of fentanyl powder that was concealed within an air fryer. Co-conspirators distributed fentanyl from a gas station car wash in Tampa, Florida.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Christopher Jorge Ponce (37, Naples) to 6 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The court also ordered Ponce to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Ponce pleaded guilty on November 22, 2023.
According to court records, on December 30, 2022, a Lee County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a gas station in Lehigh Acres and observed what appeared to be a sleeping man sitting in the driver’s seat of vehicle parked at a gas pump with a six-inch long clear glass pipe and lighter sitting in his lap. The male was later identified as Christopher Ponce, and when his vehicle was searched, deputies found quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as a loaded Smith and Wesson firearm which was linked to Ponce. As a convicted felon who previously served time in federal prison for a firearms offense, Ponce is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
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.
Federal Jury Convicts Four Unforgiven Members for Violent Racketeering OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Maverick Maher (42, Pensacola), Brandon Welch (36, Milton), Joshua Williamson (39, Live Oak), and Scott Marshall (48, Port Richey), guilty of violent crimes in aid of racketeering charges. Maher, Welch, Williamson, and Marshall were indicted on July 1, 2021.
Defendant
Conviction Offense(s)
Maximum sentence
Maverick Maher
a/k/a Saxon
Assault in aid of racketeering (3 counts)
Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering
(3 counts)
Threats in aid of racketeering
Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering
Conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering
Threats in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison
(per count)
3 years in prison
(per count)
5 years in prison
3 years in prison
3 years in prison
5 years in prison
20 years in prison
20 years in prison
Brandon Welch
a/k/a Scumbag
Assault in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison
Joshua Williamson
a/k/a Chaingang
Assault in aid of racketeering
20 years in prison
Scott Marshall
a/k/a Solo
Kidnapping in aid of racketeering
Assault in aid of Racketeering
Life in prison
20 years in prison
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the defendants were members of the “Unforgiven,” a white supremacy prison gang started in the Florida Department of Corrections. Since its founding, the enterprise has grown to include members inside and outside the department of corrections. The Unforgiven has a written “constitution” which described the means of gaining membership—by committing an extreme act of violence—and calls for violence against members who commit “violations.”
Members organized for meetings to discuss Unforgiven business. During these meetings, members in bad standing were discussed and their membership voted upon. In addition to in-person meetings, the Unforgiven Council used the Marco Polo messaging application to discuss and vote on violations, which included “patch takings” or the involuntary removal of the gang’s tattoo. The evidence at trial established assaults on five members of the Unforgiven who were attacked and mutilated.
On January 2, 2019, Welch and Williamson stabbed fellow Unforgiven member J.T. in the Columbia Correctional Institution. Welch and Williamson attacked J.T. to gain or maintain membership in the Unforgiven. Testimony and evidence established Welch and Williamson stabbed J.T. twelve times and caused significant injuries requiring J.T. be transported via helicopter for medical care.
On January 19, 2019, Maher confined and defaced C.L., a member of the Unforgiven, to maintain membership in the Unforgiven. Testimony of witnesses established Maher sat on C.L. while he forcibly tattooed over numerous existing tattoos on C.L.’s body.
Maher also aided or abetted two additional attacks. In July 2020, members of the Unforgiven attacked C.S. in his home in Lake City, Florida, and struck C.S. with a shotgun before slicing open his back to deface his “patch.” Testimony established Maher sent the group from a church meeting in Satsuma, Florida to enforce a vote taken by members.
Testimony and evidence also established that Maher targeted W.H., a member of the Unforgiven. Unforgiven members attacked W.H. in his living room within Pasco County in June 2020 and forcibly tattooed over W.H.’s Unforgiven tattoos.
In November 2019, Scott Marshall and two other Unforgiven members lured R.S. to a home in Pasco County. The men held R.S. against his will and forcibly covered R.S.’s Unforgiven tattoos. Parts of the attack were videotaped by one of the assailants and shared with Unforgiven members over Marco Polo.
Maher conspired with others over the Marco Polo application to assault a number of Unforgiven members, as well as “grey boys” and “race traitors” in response to perceived disrespect to the enterprise.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Department of Corrections Inspector General’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and David Sullivan
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dovontate James Wright (26, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wright faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2022, Wright was the front seat passenger of a silver Nissan Altima driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Police Department officers stopped the vehicle and Wright fled on foot into a discount auto parts store. Inside the store, Wright ran behind the service counter, into the back of the store, where he tripped and fell into a product bin when he attempted to pull an object from his waistband. The object was a fully loaded Smith and Wesson model 40C .40 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber.
In an interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wright admitted to possessing the firearm and being a convicted felon. Wright had previously served three years in a Florida state prison for committing aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and grand theft of a motor vehicle. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An analysis of the DNA recovered from the firearm matched Wright’s DNA.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael Kenneth.
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.
Bradenton Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dovontate James Wright (26, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wright faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on September 2, 2022, Wright was the front seat passenger of a silver Nissan Altima driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road in Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota Police Department officers stopped the vehicle and Wright fled on foot into a discount auto parts store. Inside the store, Wright ran behind the service counter, into the back of the store, where he tripped and fell into a product bin when he attempted to pull an object from his waistband. The object was a fully loaded Smith and Wesson model 40C .40 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber.
In an interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wright admitted to possessing the firearm and being a convicted felon. Wright had previously served three years in a Florida state prison for committing aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and grand theft of a motor vehicle. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An analysis of the DNA recovered from the firearm matched Wright’s DNA.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael Kenneth.
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 Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing an FBI Informant and Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Robert Lee Ward (55, Fort Myers) to life in federal prison for killing an FBI informant and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. A jury found Ward guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine on February 18, 2022. Another jury found Ward guilty of killing an FBI informant on September 29, 2023.
According to the evidence and testimony presented during the trials, Ward was the leader of a drug trafficking organization in Fort Myers that distributed cocaine in Fort Myers and other locations for over a decade until his arrest in 2018. Ward and his co-conspirators routinely purchased kilograms of cocaine from Ward’s supplier in Miami and distributed the cocaine in Fort Myers and Panama City.
Federal investigators used confidential informants to make multiple purchases of cocaine from Ward’s co-conspirators. A confidential informant that purchased cocaine from Ward was relocated by investigators after they learned of a threat against the informant’s life.
In 2012, the FBI obtained the assistance of Kristopher Smith, a member of Ward’s organization, who agreed to cooperate in the investigation against Ward. After learning about Smith’s cooperation with investigators, Ward solicited James Broomfield to kill Smith. Broomfield agreed to kill Smith for $30,000. Ward provided Broomfield with a loaded firearm and told him where to locate Smith.
On January 7, 2013, Broomfield and another individual followed Smith and his girlfriend as they drove to their son’s school. Smith remained in the car while his girlfriend entered the school. Broomfield and his accomplice parked their vehicle behind the informant’s car. Broomfield ran up to the car and shot Smith several times, killing him.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Panama City Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Candace Rich.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identities, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Three-Time Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida–United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Dominick Yvon Louissaint, (19, Lake Mary) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted Louissaint faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Louissaint that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition involved in the offense.
According to the indictment, Louissaint has previously been convicted of felonies on three occasions. Despite knowing this fact, the indictment alleges that Louissaint possessed a Taurus firearm on January 24, 2024. As a convicted felon, he is 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 Sanford Police Department. 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.
Orlando Man Indicted for Distributing and Possessing FentanylRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Luis Miguel Plaza (33, Orlando) with distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl. If convicted on all counts, Plaza faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, beginning on or about August 25, 2023, through February 8, 2024, Plaza distributed and possessed distribution amounts of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and an analogue of fentanyl. The amounts ranged from 40 to 400 grams.
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. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Videos and Photos of Children Being Sexually AbusedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that Octavio Adalberto Robledo (54, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to download and receive videos and photos of young children being sexually abused. At sentencing, Robledo faces a minimum of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime of supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Robledo was arrested on July 5, 2023, at the Miami International Airport and has been detained since that date. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, a detective with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, who was also an FBI task force officer, was investigating individuals located in Florida who were actively receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet using a particular online file-sharing network. The detective downloaded a video and six photos depicting children being sexually abused from a particular internet protocol (IP) address that traced to an apartment in Jacksonville where Robledo was living.
On April 18, 2017, two FBI agents went to Robledo’s apartment to interview him. During the interview, Robledo provided consent for the FBI to take custody of his desktop computer and search it. Robledo admitted that he used online file-sharing programs to seek out child sexual abuse material and had done so just two days before. He further stated that he kept these materials locked in a secure program to avoid detection.
A subsequent examination of Robledo’s desktop computer revealed that its internal hard disk drive contained at least 655 photos and two videos depicting prepubescent children engaging in the lewd display of their genitalia or sexual intercourse. Robledo had downloaded this child sexual abuse material during the period from February 19, 2016, through April 16, 2017.
This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville and Miami), 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 May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Fort McCoy Man Indicted for Possession of Unregistered Machinegun and SilencersRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Edward Smith (59, Fort McCoy) with possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons—a machinegun and two silencers. If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
According to court documents, special agents searched Smith’s Marion County residence on February 15, 2024, pursuant to a federal search warrant. Inside Smith’s bedroom, agents located a Sten machinegun and two silencers. None of the items were registered to Smith in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett.
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.
Five-Time Convicted Felon Indicted on Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Reginald Dugger (42, Orlando) with attempted possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Dugger faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for the drug offense and up to 15 years in federal prison for the firearm offense. The indictment also notifies Dugger that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition involved in the offenses.
According to the indictment, on February 29, 2024, Dugger attempted to possess with intent to distribute N,N-Dimethylpentylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. The indictment further alleges that Dugger, knowing he had previously been convicted of a felony, possessed firearms, namely a Rock Island Armory revolver and a Palmetto State Armory rifle. As a convicted felon Dugger is 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 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
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.
Brevard County Man Indicted for Smuggling 25 Migrants from the Bahamas to FloridaRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Michael Andrew Milano (42, Merritt Island) with 25 counts of human smuggling. If convicted, Milano faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment also notifies Milano that the United States intends to forfeit any property traceable to proceeds of the offense and any property or conveyances used to facilitate or commit the offenses.
According to court documents, on February 29, 2024, Milano and a companion traveled from Brevard County to The Bahamas in a 42-foot fishing vessel. During a brief stop in The Bahamas, Milano loaded 25 non-U.S. citizen migrants onto the vessel, returning to Brevard County shortly thereafter. Milano allegedly forced all 25 migrants to lie flat on the deck of the vessel throughout the voyage back to the United States.
That evening, as officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were conducting routine safety inspections in the Intracoastal Waterway/Indian River region, they encountered Milano and boarded his vessel. On board, they discovered the migrants, still lying flat on the deck. Federal and local law enforcement agencies responded, and the U.S. Coast Guard took custody of the migrants to process and repatriate them.
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), with valuable assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.
Keystone Heights Multi-Convicted Felon Arrested for Possession of Ammunition by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Allen Tereal Grimes (33, Keystone Heights) with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Grimes faces up to 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Grimes that the United States intends to forfeit ammunition, which is alleged to be traceable to his offense. Grimes made his initial appearance in federal court on March 4, 2024, and was ordered detained.
According to the indictment, on August 11, 2023, Grimes was in possession of Winchester 9mm ammunition. At the time of the incident, Grimes had seven prior felony convictions, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding a police officer, felony battery, and assault with intent to commit to a felony. As a previously convicted felon, Grimes is prohibited from possessing a firearm 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 Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Doctor Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Drug Distribution, False Statements to Medicare, and Paycheck Protection Program FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Tommy Louisville (71, Pembroke Pines) to one year and one day in federal prison for unlawful drug distribution, false statements relating to health care matters, and Paycheck Protection Program fraud. The court also ordered Louisville to pay restitution in the amount of $35,319.23 to the Small Business Administration and $8,466.56 to Medicare. Louisville entered a guilty plea on November 3, 2023.
According to court documents, Louisville was a Florida-licensed physician and Drug Enforcement Administration registrant. On May 30, 2019, the Florida Board of Medicine suspended Louisville from the practice of medicine for two years, thereby making him ineligible to lawfully prescribe controlled substances. Louisville continued to issue controlled-substance prescriptions after his medical license was suspended. Furthermore, he concealed the fact that he was not authorized to issue prescriptions from Medicare in connection with the submission to Medicare of the prescriptions for payment. Louisville eventually shuttered his medical business in November 2019.
Between April 2020 and May 2020, Louisville used his closed business to fraudulently obtain a federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan in the amount of $33,034. Louisville submitted an application that contained multiple fraudulent representations, including stating average monthly payroll suggesting he actively operated a medical business; stating he employed six employees; and certifying that loan proceeds would be used for business-related purposes.
In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration (Tampa District Office), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida School District to Protect Civil Rights of Students with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the Pasco County School District in Florida to resolve the department’s investigation into alleged discrimination against students with disabilities in school discipline, threat assessment practices and referrals of students to law enforcement. The department conducted its investigation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The department’s investigation found that the district routinely suspended students or called police for disability-related behavior that could have been addressed through proper support and de-escalation. The investigation also found problems with how the district conducted threat assessments (a process to identify, evaluate and respond to potential school security concerns). When these assessments involved students with disabilities, the district systematically failed to consider the relationship between a student’s disability and their behavior, and whether appropriate support for the student would address the behavior that prompted the assessment. Instead, the district often unnecessarily referred students to law enforcement to be arrested or to start the process for an involuntary admission into a mental health facility under Florida’s Baker Act.
The agreement requires the district to end discriminatory practices under which students lost hours of classroom time, were treated unfairly in the threat assessment process, and even faced the prospect of being arrested or sent to a mental health facility against their will. The department will monitor the district’s implementation of the agreement and will also continue to monitor and enforce an ongoing desegregation order that covers the district.
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we remain committed to disrupting the school to prison pipeline and ensuring that the doors of academic opportunity are open to all,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Too often schools rely on suspensions and law enforcement to address disability-related behaviors of students, without considering what they can do to help those students stay in and succeed at school. Equal participation in schools for students with disabilities means providing those students with the services and interventions they need to succeed. This agreement is part of our ongoing efforts across the country to combat practices that push students out of the classroom.”
“Each and every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and thrive,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office, in partnership with the department’s Civil Rights Division, will vigorously investigate and enforce the protections of the ADA to end discrimination on the basis of disability in all settings, including in our public schools. I am heartened by the district’s commitment to this significant agreement, which will undoubtedly improve the education and everyday lives of students with disabilities in our community.”
The district cooperated with the department throughout the investigation and has committed to improving its services for students with disabilities. Among other actions, under the agreement, the district will:
- Ensure that district personnel accurately assess disability-related behaviors, identify appropriate interventions for those behaviors and monitor the implementation of those interventions;
- Hire a consultant with expertise in behavior interventions who will assist in updating its policies and practices;
- Update its student code of conduct, threat assessment process and process for calling law enforcement to ensure that the district is adequately considering disability-related behaviors and modifying its policies and procedures to avoid discrimination based on disability;
- Develop appropriate trainings to help schools implement the agreement and respond appropriately to student behavior and
- Improve data collection and analysis systems and regularly evaluate data to ensure students with disabilities are not excluded from school for disability-related behaviors through the district’s discipline, threat assessment and law enforcement referral practices.
The enforcement of Title II of the ADA is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida worked in collaboration with the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section to investigate this case. Information about the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and a complaint form for the unit can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights.
View the department’s letter to the district here.
View the settlement agreement here.
View settlement agreement summary here.
Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida School District to Protect Civil Rights of Students with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement agreement with the Pasco County School District in Florida to resolve the department’s investigation into alleged discrimination against students with disabilities in school discipline, threat assessment practices and referrals of students to law enforcement. The department conducted its investigation under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The department’s investigation found that the district routinely suspended students or called police for disability-related behavior that could have been addressed through proper support and de-escalation. The investigation also found problems with how the district conducted threat assessments (a process to identify, evaluate and respond to potential school security concerns). When these assessments involved students with disabilities, the district systematically failed to consider the relationship between a student’s disability and their behavior, and whether appropriate support for the student would address the behavior that prompted the assessment. Instead, the district often unnecessarily referred students to law enforcement to be arrested or to start the process for an involuntary admission into a mental health facility under Florida’s Baker Act.
The agreement requires the district to end discriminatory practices under which students lost hours of classroom time, were treated unfairly in the threat assessment process, and even faced the prospect of being arrested or sent to a mental health facility against their will. The department will monitor the district’s implementation of the agreement and will also continue to monitor and enforce an ongoing desegregation order that covers the district.
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, we remain committed to disrupting the school to prison pipeline and ensuring that the doors of academic opportunity are open to all,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Too often schools rely on suspensions and law enforcement to address disability-related behaviors of students, without considering what they can do to help those students stay in and succeed at school. Equal participation in schools for students with disabilities means providing those students with the services and interventions they need to succeed. This agreement is part of our ongoing efforts across the country to combat practices that push students out of the classroom.”
“Each and every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn and thrive,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office, in partnership with the department’s Civil Rights Division, will vigorously investigate and enforce the protections of the ADA to end discrimination on the basis of disability in all settings, including in our public schools. I am heartened by the district’s commitment to this significant agreement, which will undoubtedly improve the education and everyday lives of students with disabilities in our community.”
The district cooperated with the department throughout the investigation and has committed to improving its services for students with disabilities. Among other actions, under the agreement, the district will:
- Ensure that district personnel accurately assess disability-related behaviors, identify appropriate interventions for those behaviors and monitor the implementation of those interventions;
- Hire a consultant with expertise in behavior interventions who will assist in updating its policies and practices;
- Update its student code of conduct, threat assessment process and process for calling law enforcement to ensure that the district is adequately considering disability-related behaviors and modifying its policies and procedures to avoid discrimination based on disability;
- Develop appropriate trainings to help schools implement the agreement and respond appropriately to student behavior and
- Improve data collection and analysis systems and regularly evaluate data to ensure students with disabilities are not excluded from school for disability-related behaviors through the district’s discipline, threat assessment and law enforcement referral practices.
The enforcement of Title II of the ADA is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available on its website at www.justice.gov/crt, and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section. Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida worked in collaboration with the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section to investigate this case. Information about the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and a complaint form for the unit can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights.
View the department’s letter to the district here.
View the settlement agreement here.
View settlement agreement summary here.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo con un Distrito Escolar de Florida para proteger los derechos civiles de los estudiantes con discapacidadesRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo de conciliación con el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Pasco en Florida para resolver la investigación del departamento sobre la presunta discriminación contra estudiantes con discapacidades en la disciplina escolar, las prácticas de evaluación de amenazas y las remisiones de estudiantes a las fuerzas del orden público. El Departamento llevó a cabo su investigación en virtud del Título II de la ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA, por sus siglas en inglés).
La investigación del Departamento encontró que el distrito suspendía, de forma rutinaria, a los estudiantes o llamaba a la policía por un comportamiento relacionado con la discapacidad que podría haberse abordado mediante el apoyo y la disminución adecuados. La investigación también encontró problemas con la forma en que el distrito llevó a cabo evaluaciones de amenazas (un proceso para identificar, evaluar y responder a posibles cuestiones de seguridad escolar). Cuando estas evaluaciones involucraban a estudiantes con discapacidades, el distrito, de forma sistemática, no consideró la relación entre la discapacidad de un estudiante y su comportamiento, y si el apoyo adecuado para el estudiante abordaría el comportamiento que impulsó la evaluación. En su lugar, el distrito a menudo remitió a estudiantes innecesariamente a las fuerzas del orden público para su detención o para iniciar el proceso de admisión involuntaria a un centro de salud mental de acuerdo con la ley Baker de Florida.
El acuerdo requiere que el distrito ponga fin a las prácticas discriminatorias según las cuales los estudiantes perdieron horas lectivas en el aula, fueron tratados de una manera injusta en el proceso de evaluación de amenazas e incluso se enfrentaron a la posibilidad de ser detenidos o enviados a un centro de salud mental contra su voluntad. El departamento supervisará la implementación del acuerdo por parte del distrito y también continuará supervisando y haciendo cumplir una orden de desegregación continua que cubre al distrito.
«Mientras celebramos el 70º aniversario de Brown v. la Junta de Educación, seguimos comprometidos a interrumpir la vía de la escuela a la prisión y a garantizar que las puertas de las oportunidades académicas estén abiertas a todos», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Con demasiada frecuencia, las escuelas confían en las suspensiones y en las fuerzas del orden para abordar comportamientos relacionados con una discapacidad de los estudiantes, sin considerar qué pueden hacer para ayudar a esos estudiantes a permanecer y triunfar en la escuela. La igualdad de participación en las escuelas para estudiantes con discapacidades implica la provisión a esos estudiantes de los servicios e intervenciones que necesitan para tener éxito. Este acuerdo es parte de nuestros esfuerzos continuos por todo el país para combatir las prácticas que alejan a los estudiantes del aula».
«Cada niño merece la igualdad de oportunidades para aprender y prosperar», comentó Roger Handberg, el Fiscal Federal del Distrito Centro de Florida. «Nuestra oficina, en asociación con la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento, investigará a fondo y hará cumplir las protecciones de la ADA para poner fin a la discriminación por motivos de discapacidad en todos los entornos, incluyendo en nuestras escuelas públicas. Me anima el compromiso del distrito con este acuerdo tan importante, que, sin lugar a dudas, mejorará la educación y la vida cotidiana de los estudiantes con discapacidades en nuestra comunidad».
El distrito cooperó con el Departamento a lo largo de la investigación y se ha comprometido a mejorar sus servicios para estudiantes con discapacidades. Entre otras acciones, en virtud del acuerdo, el distrito:
- Garantizará que el personal del distrito evalúe con precisión los comportamientos relacionados con una discapacidad, identificará las intervenciones adecuadas para esos comportamientos y supervisará la implementación de dichas intervenciones;
- Contratará a un consultor con experiencia en intervenciones conductuales que le ayudará a actualizar sus políticas y prácticas;
- Actualizará su código de conducta estudiantil, el proceso de evaluación de amenazas y el proceso para llamar a las fuerzas del orden público, con el fin de asegurar que el distrito considere adecuadamente los comportamientos relacionados con la discapacidad y modifique sus políticas y procedimientos para evitar la discriminación por motivos de una discapacidad;
- Desarrollará capacitaciones adecuadas para ayudar a las escuelas a implementar el acuerdo y responderá adecuadamente al comportamiento de los estudiantes; y
- Mejorará los sistemas de recopilación y análisis de datos y evaluará periódicamente los datos para garantizar que los estudiantes con discapacidades no sean excluidos de la escuela por comportamientos relacionados con su discapacidad a través de la disciplina del distrito, la evaluación de amenazas y las prácticas de remisión a las fuerzas del orden público.
La aplicación de la ley de Igualdad de Oportunidades Educativas de 1974 es una de las principales prioridades de la División de Derechos Civiles. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en su sitio web en www.justice.gov/crt, e información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas está disponible en www.justice.gov/ crt/educational-opportunities-section. Los miembros del público pueden denunciar posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
La Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Centro de Florida trabajó en colaboración con la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas de la División de Derechos Civiles para investigar este caso. Para información sobre la Unidad de Derechos Civiles en la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Centro de Florida y un formulario de quejas para la unidad, vaya a www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights.
Visualizar la carta del Departamento al distrito aquí.
Visualizar el acuerdo de conciliación aquí.
Visualizar el resumen del acuerdo de conciliación aquí.
Clay County Man Sentenced to More Than 5 Years for Federal Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Lemuel Henry Crowder (53, Orange Park) to five years and six months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Crowder entered his guilty plea on October 20, 2023.
According to court documents, on February 26, 2023, deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle being driven by Crowder for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop, a law enforcement canine positively alerted for the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Deputies searched Crowder’s vehicle and found over 20 grams of fentanyl, over 30 grams of cocaine, and a loaded firearm.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.
Spring Hill Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Florida Box Turtles, Loggerhead Musk Turtles, and Ornate Diamondback TerrapinsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Kevin Olbrych (48, Spring Hill) to 15 months in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release for Lacey Act trafficking of Florida box turtles, loggerhead musk turtles, and ornate diamondback terrapins. The Court also permanently enjoined Olbrych from possessing, caring for, transporting, selling, transferring, or distributing any animals, and ordered him to pay $7,500 to the Lacey Act Reward Fund. The Lacey Act Reward Fund is a Congressionally authorized fund available to pay for the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of wildlife pending their disposition at the conclusion of civil and criminal matters and to compensate witnesses and cooperators in criminal investigations. Olbrych entered a guilty plea on November 17, 2023.
According to court documents, the Tampa Police Department executed an unrelated search warrant at Olbrych’s residence in 2018. During the search, law enforcement discovered several 300-gallon pools filled with turtles and other containers for the rearing of turtles. In total, Olbrych unlawfully possessed 120 turtles. The animals were not housed properly, and Olbrych did not have proper licensure to possess them. Law enforcement confiscated the turtles and turned them over to an individual qualified to rehabilitate them on behalf of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
After the search, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service began investigating Olbrych and discovered that for years he had illegally sold turtles to a co-conspirator in Oregon who later sold them to buyers in China. Further investigation revealed that even after law enforcement seized the turtles from Olbrych’s home in 2018, he continued to traffic in turtles through 2021, including the ornate diamondback terrapin depicted below.
"Ensuring wildlife conservation through effective law enforcement, meeting regulatory requirements, and promoting compliance is paramount,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent in Charge Douglas Ault. “Our investigation led to another successful conviction in the continuous illegal turtle trade, highlighting the ongoing difficulties in safeguarding vulnerable species. These investigations underscore the vital need for rigorous law enforcement actions to uphold conservation laws and protect biodiversity worldwide.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with substantial assistance from the Tampa Police Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
Naples Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Gavin Michael Harold (23, Naples) to six years and six months in federal prison for possession of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Harold was also sentenced to a lifetime of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Harold had entered a plea of guilty on November 29, 2023.
According to court documents, between December 2022 through January 2023, an FBI Task Force Agent using a peer-to-peer file sharing program connected to Harold’s computer and downloaded files depicting a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On March 20, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Harold’s residence in Naples, Florida, and seized Harold’s laptop computer. A subsequent forensic examination of Harold’s laptop computer revealed in excess of 8,500 images and 450 videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
On March 20, 2023, during an interview with agents, Harold admitted that he had been downloading child pornography for a while. Harold told the agents that he did not let anyone use his laptop and told agents where he stored his collection on his laptop.
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 which assisted with this investigation. 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.
Federal Jury Finds Conspirators Guilty of Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from Higher Education InstitutionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Andrea Mitchell (54, Tampa) and Lester Best (53, Tampa) guilty of conspiring to commit wire fraud and 22 substantive counts of wire fraud. Mitchell was also found guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft. Mitchell and Best each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the conspiracy and fraud counts. Mitchell faces an additional 2-year mandatory consecutive sentence on the aggravated identity theft counts. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Mitchell and Best were indicted in December 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Mitchell served as a financial services manager at a higher education institution in the Middle District of Florida. Mitchell, Best, and their coconspirators used her position to embezzle hundreds of thousands of dollars from the institution. Mitchell stole the identities of current and former students at the higher education institution and then used their student identification numbers to access their student sponsorship accounts. Mitchell identified refunds in these accounts made by the higher education institution to a tuition management business and/or a college savings program on behalf of the students and, thereby, located entries reflecting illusory balances in the students’ sponsorship accounts. Mitchell used the illusory balances to create the appearance of funds to back fraudulent checks. She then caused the higher education institution to issue the checks in the names of multiple coconspirators who had been recruited by Best to negotiate the bogus checks. None of these coconspirators were students at the higher education institution. The coconspirators cashed or deposited the fraudulent checks at various financial institutions and then shared the proceeds. As a result, the higher education institution lost more than $835,000.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
Ocala Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Clinton Darnelle Kaham (24, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Kaham faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on July 6, 2022, officers from the Ocala Police Department discovered Kaham, a gang member, in possession of a loaded firearm. The firearm had previously been reported stolen out of Marion County. A subsequent FBI forensic analysis found very strong support that Kaham was the source of the DNA profile developed from the trigger, grip, frame, and trigger guard of the firearm. Kaham has a prior felony conviction for possession of heroin (2021). As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
Ocala Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threat to Kill and Lying in Attempted Firearm PurchaseRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Michael Guy Dambrosia (61, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of a threat to injure and making a false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm. Dambrosia faces a maximum penalty of ten years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on August 30, 2021, Dambrosia attempted to purchase a firearm from a local federally licensed firearms dealer. In completing the necessary paperwork to purchase the firearm, Dambrosia indicated that he was not a convicted felon even though he knew this to be false.
Later, on January 30, 2023, Dambrosia made an interstate telephone call to the victim’s office in Washington, D.C. and left an obscenity-laden, threatening voicemail stating that he would kill the victim.
This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police – Threat Assessment Section and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler III and Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
Naples Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Dominic Lawrence Carsi (34, Naples) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for distributing videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Carsi to a term of supervised release for life and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Carsi had entered a guilty plea on October 31, 2023.
According to court documents, on February 27, 2023, Carsi distributed videos of young children being sexually abused through his social media account to an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) located in Minnesota. Using the chat function in another social media app, Carsi wrote to the undercover agent that he had plenty more.
On April 11, 2023, agents with HSI in Fort Myers executed a search warrant for Carsi’s residence and seized Carsi’s cellphone and computer. The subsequent forensic examination of the devices revealed more than 600 images and over 570 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On April 11, 2023, during an interview with agents, Carsi admitted that he watched and downloaded child sex abuse material. Carsi remembered the conversation with the undercover agent, and he admitted that he sent a video of a baby and another video of a four-year-old child being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a member of the Southwest Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking (INTERCEPT) Task Force, which also includes Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Colombian National Pleads Guilty to Producing and Trafficking over 1,400 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Juan Carlos Perlaza Caicedo (45, Colombia), a/k/a “Olindo Perlaza Caicedo” and “Gafas,” has pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 5 or more kilograms of cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Perlaza Caicedo faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Perlaza Caicedo was arrested in Tumaco, Colombia on May 4, 2019, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant. He was extradited to the United States on November 22, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, Perlaza Caicedo was responsible for the production and transportation of several tons of cocaine from Colombia to Central America from at least 2002 through 2017. In addition to transportation logistics, Perlaza Caicedo managed and operated cocaine-production laboratories in Colombia, where he manufactured large amounts of cocaine on a per-order basis. In addition to production of cocaine at laboratories, Perlaza Caicedo helped coordinate multiple maritime cocaine transportation trips, including recruitment and payment of mariners and determination of maritime routes to avoid law enforcement.
The cocaine Perlaza Caicedo produced was ultimately destined for importation to the United States. In August 2011, March 2012, and September 2014, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted drug smuggling vessels associated with Perlaza Caicedo’s efforts. During those three interdictions alone, Perlaza Caicedo played a role in conspiring to transport at least 1,422 kilograms of cocaine. Following his arrest in Colombia, Perlaza Caicedo admitted his involvement in cocaine-smuggling along the Pacific coast of South and Central America.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi- jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Colombian law enforcement authorities provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition from Colombia of Perlaza Caicedo.
The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Krebs.
Chipley “Sovereign Citizen” Convicted at Trial of $3.4 Million Tax Fraud Scheme, Filing A False Lien, and Absconding While on BondRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury today found Judy Grace Sellers guilty of conspiracy to submit false tax returns and defraud the U.S. Treasury, substantive counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, filing a false lien against the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, and failure to appear. Sellers faces a maximum penalty of 23 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 22, 2024.
Sellers originally was indicted in December 2014. Her indictment was superseded to add a charge for absconding while on bond in February 2024.
According to evidence presented at trial, in 2008 and 2009, Sellers operated a website called commercialredemption.com on which she promoted the use of IRS form 1099-OID to commit tax fraud. Sellers identified as a so-called “sovereign citizen” and perpetuated the false premise that the U.S Treasury maintains secret accounts attributed to every U.S. citizen that can be drawn on by filing a series of bogus documents with the U.S. Treasury and other government entities.
As part of this fraud scheme, Sellers also promoted the use of IRS form 1099-OID to fraudulently report to the IRS debts – including mortgages, student loans, credit card debts, and court judgments – as income, along with 100% withholdings of that “income” in informational returns in order to overcome the IRS’s internal controls and induce the IRS to issue refunds that were not owed. The proper use of the 1099-OID form is for companies such as brokers to report to the IRS income received by the purchaser of a discounted security. Sellers personally created and submitted to the IRS 1099-OID forms that were fraudulent on their face.
After submitting the fraudulent 1099-OID forms, Sellers’s co-conspirators would prepare and submit fraudulent returns seeking massive refunds, in one case exceeding half a million dollars on a single return. All of these refunds were based on non-existent 1099-OID “income” and withholdings. The conspiracy resulted in the submission of at least 22 returns requesting fraudulent refunds totaling at least $3.4 million from the IRS.
In 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Florida filed a civil action in federal court to enjoin Sellers from promoting her fraudulent scheme on her commercialredemption.com website. In retaliation, Sellers filed a false lien against the then-U.S. Attorney and a Department of Justice tax attorney who was leading the civil action.
In 2014, Sellers was indicted on charges of tax fraud and for filing a false lien and arrested. In January 2015, Sellers was placed on house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor pending trial. In May 2015, Sellers was granted permission by her probation officer to leave her home to get her hair done in preparation for her pretrial hearing a few days later. The next day, Sellers cut off her GPS ankle monitor, flung it on the side of the highway, and absconded.
Cut GPS Ankle Monitor
Sellers was not found until more than eight and a half years later in New Mexico. Prior to this, Sellers had pleaded guilty to failing to appear for her sentencing in her previous federal counterfeiting case in 2002. In her previous case, Sellers was apprehended living under a false name in Mississippi.
This case was investigated by IRS – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly Milliron.
Port Charlotte Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Related to NASA’s Space Launch SystemRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Steven Lukens (54, Port Charlotte) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Lukens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and has agreed to forfeit $271,024.35, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 22, 2024.
According to the plea agreement, Lukens was the Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Atlantic International Supply, LLC (Gulf Atlantic). Gulf Atlantic entered into a sub-contract with Company-1 to procure materials needed for NASA’s space launch system at the Kennedy Space Center. However, Lukens submitted products that did not meet the quality standards and specifications required under the contract. Lukens then fraudulently led Company-1 to believe that the products met the required standards by submitting forged quality control documentation.
In total, Lukens submitted at least 191 fraudulent quality control documents to Company-1. These included fraudulent Certificates of Compliance, fraudulent Pressure Testing Certificates, and fraudulent test reports. Lukens’s materially false, fraudulent, and misleading representations caused Company-1 to pay Gulf Atlantic at least $271,024.35 for the parts it submitted.
This case was investigated by the NASA Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lyons, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorney Shannon Laurie.
Four Colombian Traffickers, Including Colombian National Police Officer, Indicted for Conspiring to Import Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Hector Fabio Marin-Usme (37), Luis Arbey Vasquez-Romero (46), David Esteban Cardenas-Miramag (27), and John Janier Buitrago-Munoz (34), all from Colombia, with conspiracy to import 5 or more kilograms of cocaine into the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.
According to the indictment, the above-named individuals and others conspired to smuggle cocaine via commercial flights from Cali, Colombia to San Andrés Island, Colombia. Marin-Usme was a recruiter, Cardenas-Miramag was a cargo handler at the international airport in Cali, Vasquez-Romero was a security supervisor at the same airport, and Buitrago-Munoz was a Colombian National Police officer assigned to the airport on San Andrés Island.
Beginning on an unknown date, the conspirators initiated attempts to smuggle cocaine from a commercial flight in mainland Colombia to San Andrés Island. In order to avoid detection, the conspirators diverted cameras within the secure area of the Cali airport and disguised the cocaine in boxes of apples.
On July 29, 2023, and after the commercial flight arrived at the San Andrés Island airport, the conspirators attempted to smuggle the cocaine past an inspection area and past law enforcement. However, the Colombian National Police uncovered the scheme and seized approximately 1,300 kilograms 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 prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi- jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecution of this case is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.
Wauchula Man Sentenced for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Christopher Froehlich (42, Wauchula) to 40 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material. Froehlich entered a guilty plea on July 19, 2023.
According to court documents, Froehlich posed as a 15-year-old boy and connected with the 15-year-old victim via a live-streaming video service. Froehlich convinced the victim that they were in a relationship and coerced the child to produce sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich. When the child tried to stop producing sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich, Froehlich threatened to post the videos and photos to social media for the child’s family and friends to see. In June 2020, the child attempted to stop communication with Froehlich, at which point Froehlich posted the child’s nude photos to social media. Froehlich continued to contact the child until June 2022 by using various phone numbers and different usernames on social media platforms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Courtney H. Derry.
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’ Office 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.
United States Sues For-Profit Schools in Tampa and Orlando for False Claims Involving the Post-9/11 GI BillRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - The United States has filed a civil lawsuit against two New Horizons Computer Learning Center franchises and their owner, Robert J. Remington, alleging they submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition payments. The defendants allegedly overcharged the VA by failing to report tuition waivers and scholarships provided to GI Bill students and falsely certifying compliance with Title 38’s ban on incentive compensation tied to student enrollment.
The GI Bill financially supports service members, veterans, and their eligible dependents who attend an education or training program at an educational institution. The longer a person serves in the military, the greater the benefits available under the GI Bill. If a school offers to waive tuition for a student receiving less than 100-percent assistance, that tuition waiver must be reported to the VA and the student’s portion reduced accordingly. Additionally, Title 38 prohibits participating schools from paying any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing student enrollments.
In its complaint, the United States alleges Remington and his businesses, LTJ Group V, LLC, and Innovak of Florida, Inc., which did business as New Horizons Computer Learning Centers, repeatedly failed to report tuition waivers for students receiving less than 100-percent assistance under the GI Bill and failed to comply with Title 38 by paying commissions, bonuses, or other incentive payments to enrollment representatives based on sales of New Horizons courses to GI Bill students.
The claims asserted against Remington, LTJ Group V, and Innovak of Florida are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay S. Griffin and Mamie V. Wise.
Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to the VA Office of Inspector General at (800) 488-8244 or at [email protected].
Tampa Man on Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Benjamin Cedric Graddy (40, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute dimethylpentylone and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Graddy faces a minimum mandatory penalty of five years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on March 17, 2023, officers from the Tampa Police Department observed a vehicle being driven by Graddy fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of 22nd Street North and 27th Avenue East in Ybor City. During the traffic stop, the officers smelled the odor of marijuana and observed white powder in plain view on the driver’s floorboard. A search of the vehicle revealed a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm located in the vehicle’s center console. The officers also recovered a distribution amount of dimethylpentylone (67.56 grams) as well as N-ethylpentylone in two containers inside the vehicle.
At the time of the offense, Graddy was also on federal supervised release for a prior felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition conviction. He also had multiple prior felony convictions, including attempted felony murder, attempted robbery with a deadly weapon, attempted burglary of an occupied building and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a convicted felon, Graddy is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Diego F. Novaes.
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.
Marion County Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Matthew Allen Gahan (24, Summerfield) has pleaded guilty to one count of producing child sex abuse material and one count of possessing child sex abuse material. Gahan faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on May 13 and continuing through May 25, 2023, Gahan spoke with a minor outside of the United States. Gahan coerced the minor to participate in video calls in which the minor engaged in sexual activity at Gahan’s direction. Gahan recorded these calls without the minor’s knowledge. On September 13, 2023, the FBI searched Gahan’s home pursuant to a federal search warrant and found multiple videos and images portraying the sexual abuse of young boys. Gahan also used the dark web to distribute and receive child sex abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Man Previously Convicted of Domestic Battery Indicted for Illegally Trying to Buy A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Peter Lawrence (42, Jacksonville) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm.
According to the indictment, Lawrence completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from Cash America Pawn, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Lawrence indicated on the required paperwork that he was not previously convicted of a crime involving domestic violence. The indictment alleges that this was a false statement, and that Lawrence was previously convicted of domestic battery.
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 is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.
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.
Hendry County Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ruben Justus Edwards (43, Clewiston) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on July 5, 2023, Edwards sold an undercover law enforcement agent two handguns—a Beretta and a Taurus—in Clewiston. As a multi-time convicted felon, Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms 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 Simon Eth.
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.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ernest Jeshad Foster (32, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Foster faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on August 23, 2023, Fort Myers Police Department officers conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which Foster was the front seat passenger. Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed Foster reaching into the glove compartment and quickly shutting it. As soon as Foster exited the car, the glove compartment popped open and officers saw a firearm, which was later identified as loaded Taurus handgun. As a seven-time convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
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.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Coroy Dontavia Flournoy (40, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Flournoy faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on February 21, 2023, Flournoy was arrested at a residence in Fort Myers in connection with an active warrant, after which law enforcement searched the residence and found a loaded Glock handgun, multiple magazines, and several dozen rounds of ammunition under the mattress of a bed inside the house. DNA analysis performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement later linked the firearm to Flournoy, a multi-time convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
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.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jddarrian Christopher Irons (33, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Irons faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on October 5, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front seat passenger. During the traffic stop, Irons initially misidentified himself to officers by providing a false name and date of birth. Then, when officers searched the car, they found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun in a fanny pack wedged between the front passenger seat—where Irons had been sitting—and the door. Just minutes earlier before getting into the vehicle, Irons had been seen wearing the fanny pack in a nearby apartment complex. As a multi-convicted felon who had recently been released from a seven-year state prison sentence, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
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.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Willie James Hunter, Jr. (22, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hunter faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department initiated a traffic stop on a car in which Hunter was the passenger. The car slowed down, and Hunter exited the vehicle. The car then fled from police and was later found abandoned. Officers located a handgun and a rifle in the abandoned car. Hunter’s fingerprints were later found on the rifle. At the time, Hunter had prior felony convictions for possession of a firearm by a delinquent and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon Hunter is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Hunter agreed to forfeit the rifle.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and 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.
Clandestine Cocaine Laboratory Owner and Former Supplier to Clan Del Golfo Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Import Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edgar Cubillos-Burbano (63, Colombia), a/k/a “Don Julio,” “Julio El Quemado,” and “Efrain Ospina,” has pleaded guilty to conspiring to import 5 or more kilograms of cocaine into the United States. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Cubillos-Burbano was arrested in Necocli, Colombia on November 10, 2021, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant. He was returned to the United States on September 20, 2023.
According to the plea agreement, Cubillos-Burbano was the owner and operator of clandestine cocaine laboratories in northern Colombia and was permitted to operate these laboratories with the permission of Clan Del Golfo, Colombia’s largest drug cartel. He supplied various purchasers, including Clan Del Golfo, and the cocaine was sent either to Central America for ultimate importation to the United States or routed to Europe.
On July 5, 2015, Colombian law enforcement seized approximately 3,082 kilograms of cocaine near the shoreline of Capurgana, Colombia on the border between Colombia and Panama. One of the defendant’s cocaine purchasers was responsible for smuggling this shipment (pictured below), half of which was intended for the United States.
After his arrest in Colombia in connection with this case, Cubillos-Burbano admitted his involvement in this smuggling venture to federal agents. He further admitted to operating clandestine cocaine laboratories with the permission of Clan Del Golfo, including a laboratory capable of producing 300 to 400 kilograms of cocaine every 15 days.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi- jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.
The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s Office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, and Colombian authorities provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition from Colombia of Cubillos-Burbano.
The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Alien in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara sentenced Jose Jaime Morado Zepeda (28) to three years and six months in federal prison for being an alien in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. Morado Zepeda entered a guilty plea on November 15, 2023.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2023, a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office arrested Morado Zepeda for driving under the influence. From the truck that Morado Zepeda was driving, deputies recovered two Colt MK IV 45 caliber pistols, a Riley Defense Inc. RAK47 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, a Romarm/Cugir GP WASR-10/63 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, a Winchester 94AE 30-30 caliber rifle, and assorted ammunition.
Subsequent to his arrest, an agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations performed an immigration records check on Morado Zepeda and determined that he was a native and citizen of Mexico with no legal status in the United States.
On July 14, 2023, during an interview with federal agents, Morado Zepeda admitted that he was born in Mexico, did not have legal status in the United States, and that he bought and owned the firearms located in the truck.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Sarasota, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Port Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Texas Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Honest Services FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell today sentenced Michael Shirley (40, Austin, TX) to seven years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and honest services fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $536,402.33, which are the proceeds of the offenses. Shirley was found guilty following a jury trial on July 27, 2023.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Shirley served as a campaign consultant for former Seminole County Tax Collector Joel Greenberg in 2016. After Greenberg was elected, Greenberg and Shirley, through Shirley’s company Praetorian Integrated Services LLC, entered into a lucrative contract that provided Shirley with $12,500 each month for the performance of consulting services to the Tax Collector’s office. In that capacity, the evidence established that Shirley did little to no work. Additionally, Shirley began submitting grossly inflated invoices to the Tax collector’s office for printing services.
On September 25, 2017, Shirley, through Joseph Ellicott, paid Greenberg a $6,000 cash kickback and bribe. Ellicott was sentenced for his role in this scheme in 2022 and testified during the trial. As a result of the kickback and bribe, Shirley was allowed to continue billing the Seminole County Tax Collector’s office into September 2019. The evidence established that between October 2017 and September 2019, Shirley performed almost no work for the Tax Collector’s office. As a result of the kickback and bribery scheme, Shirley defrauded the taxpayers of Seminole County out of more than $634,000.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Daniels and Chauncey Bratt.
Mississippi Man Indicted on Firearm and Counterfeiting ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Bryan Lyndell Chapman (26, Mississippi) with one count of manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, one count of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Chapman faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the counterfeiting offenses, up to 15 years in federal prison on the firearm offense, and payment of restitution to the victims he allegedly defrauded. The indictment also notifies Chapman that the United States intends to forfeit a Bushmaster Firearms pistol, ammunition, and a printer traceable to the offenses. Chapman was arrested on February 26, 2024, and ordered detained.
According to the indictment and public records, from 2023 into 2024, Chapman manufactured counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. He then defrauded businesses by passing the counterfeit currency. At the time of his arrest, Chapman was out on bond for a pending felony firearm charge in the state of Mississippi. He also was previously convicted of a felony in state court in Tennessee. As a convicted felon, Chapman is prohibited from possessing a firearm 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 Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office, and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
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.
Four-Time Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kristian Ramos (43, Kissimmee) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Ramos faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, Ramos possessed a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun. At the time of the offense, Ramos had prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and robbery. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.
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.
Webster Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Jesse James Bertetto (30, Webster) to 27 years in federal prison for distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Bertetto to register as a sex offender and pay $74,500 in restitution. A federal jury found Bertetto guilty on April 12, 2023.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in December 2020, Bertetto possessed child sexual abuse material on his cellphone, including images and videos of minors under the age of 12. The web history on his cellphone revealed that he had searched for child sexual abuse material and had visited websites known to law enforcement as frequently containing child sexual abuse material.
In January 2022, Bertetto possessed images and videos of children on another cellphone, including young children being sexually abused. He also actively traded videos of child sexual abuse material over a social media platform in January 2022.
“Jesse Bertetto perpetuated the abhorrent behavior of sexually exploiting children online, contributing to the severe psychological damage these children will endure the rest of their life,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “Alongside partners like the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, our investigators are dedicated to removing this vile content from the dark web and holding these predators accountable for their actions.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Tampa and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Titusville Man on Federal Supervision Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Carmel Linot (33, Titusville) has pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Linot faces up to 30 years in federal prison for bank fraud and a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 year in prison for the aggravated identity theft, which will run consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Linot is currently on federal supervised release in the Middle District of Florida for aggravated identity theft in a separate case. He was previously prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville Division. Linot was arrested on June 12, 2023, and the court ordered him detained on the federal supervised release case and the new indictment involving bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.
According to the plea agreement and public records, Linot obtained the Social Security number (SSN) of a minor victim. Using this SSN, a counterfeit State of Georgia driver license, and false employment documents, Linot opened a bank account under a false identity at a credit union. After opening up the bank account in the false identity, he then obtained a credit card by using the victim’s SSN.
This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Florida Tax Preparer Sentenced for False Return ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A Florida tax return preparer was sentenced today to two years in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing and filing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2017 through 2020, Phedson Dore and his co-conspirator ran Empire Tax Services and filed hundreds of false returns each year. Dore typically inflated federal income tax withholdings and reported fictitious itemized deductions to generate refunds for clients to which they were not entitled. To conceal his participation in the fraud, Dore did not always list on the returns his name as the person who prepared them or include Empire’s Electronic Filing Number (EFIN). Instead, he used his employees’ names and the EFINS of other return preparation businesses. Dore and his co-conspirator caused a loss to the IRS of approximately $970,000.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. ordered Dore to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $970,976.00 in restitution to the United States.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Brian Flanagan and Marissa Brodney of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Richardson-Jones and Shannon Laurie for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Tampa Man Indicted for Unauthorized Computer Intrusion and Related Violations of the Wiretap ActRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Timothy Burke (45, Tampa) with conspiracy, unauthorized access of protected computers, and violations of the Wiretap Act. If convicted on all counts, Burke faces a maximum penalty of 62 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Burke that the United States is seeking forfeiture of a website domain and 20 computer-related devices used to commit the charged criminal conduct, and $1,500, the proceeds of certain charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, Burke and Conspirator 2 secured and used compromised credentials—usernames and passwords—to gain unauthorized access to protected computers owned or used by the victim entities, namely the “National Sports League” and “StreamCo,” and to obtain and steal information from those entities’ computers. As to the StreamCo-related conduct, the indictment further alleges that Burke and Conspirator 2: (1) used the compromised credentials to access a website of the StreamCo-Net, a StreamCo service that allowed its broadcaster-customers to record and transmit high-resolution encoded content and communications over the Internet; (2) obtained and stole StreamCo proprietary information from that website; and then (3) used that stolen StreamCo proprietary information to intercept, download, and save the StreamCo broadcaster-customers’ streams. The indictment also specifies two StreamCo broadcaster-customers impacted by the charged conduct.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tampa Field Office – Cyber Squad. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and James A. Muench.
Download IndictmentQatar Man Sentenced for Transportation and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Saoud Al Naimi (21, Tampa) to five years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Al Naimi to forfeit three iPhones, an iPad Pro, and a MacBook, which were used in the commission of the offense. Al Naimi was also ordered to register as a sex offender. Al Naimi entered a guilty plea on August 22, 2023.
According to court documents, Al Naimi is a citizen of Qatar and was in the United States on a student visa, attending courses at a local college. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding Al Naimi’s use of an internet platform to upload a video of child sexual abuse. HSI agents searched Al Naimi’s electronic devices for evidence of child sexual abuse material and found hundreds of images and videos of children engaged in sex acts, including children under 12 years old. A search of Al Naimi’s iPhone revealed that he had obtained images of child sexual abuse in May 2020, while outside of the United States. U.S. border crossing records confirmed Al Naimi transported child sexual abuse material into the United States when he entered in January 2022. Between May 2020 and April 2022, Al Naimi transported child sexual abuse material between the United States and Qatar approximately three times.
“This predator contributed to the vile practice of sexually exploiting children online and has caused irreparable harm by condemning them to a lifetime of victimhood,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “Alongside partners like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, HSI investigators will always seek to stop the vile actions of child predators and hold them accountable for their actions.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jury Finds Remaining Co-Defendants Guilty of Multi-State Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Other Related ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Alfred Lamar Shavers (49, Bunnell) and Tyrone James Jones (56, Palm Coast) guilty of conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Jones was also convicted of distributing methamphetamine on two separate occasions, and Shavers was convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Their sentencing hearings have been scheduled for May 28, 2024. Shavers, Jones, and seven co-conspirators were charged in a superseding indictment resulting from a joint, multi-state investigation Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Jones and Shavers were local drug dealers who operated in Volusia and Flagler counties. They were part of a drug trafficking organization that imported large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Mexico into California and Arizona, and then transported it in commercial trucks across the country into the Middle District of Florida. Jones distributed several pounds of methamphetamine on multiple occasions during the investigation.
During the investigation, Shavers purchased and sold distribution quantities of cocaine on several occasions from his Bunnell residence. On October 31, 2022, search warrants were executed at six locations in Palm Coast, Bunnell, and Daytona Beach—including Shavers’s residence. During the search of Shavers’s residence, law enforcement seized nine firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunitions, cocaine, a digital scale, and small baggies. Shavers is a previously convicted felon and was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Shavers stipulated to the forfeiture of all the firearms in the superseding indictment.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, and the Volusia Bureau of Investigation which includes the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the DeLand Police Department.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian and Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.