Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tamiko L. Williams (48, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to theft of government money. Williams faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. As part of her plea, Williams agreed to forfeit $103,820, the proceeds of her criminal conduct. 

According to court documents, between December 2019 and continuing through April 2022, Williams agreed to be a fiduciary for Veterans Affairs (VA) funds that were meant to benefit her disabled family member. During that time, Williams made large cash withdrawals from the fiduciary account and used it for personal spending until she was removed from the fiduciary account in April 2022. 

“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that the VA OIG will vigorously investigate those who steal from vulnerable veterans who are unable to manage their financial affairs,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG appreciates the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts to stop fraud within the VA’s Fiduciary Program.”

This case was investigated by Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.   

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Carl Stephen Smith, Jr. (33, Green Cove Springs) has pleaded guilty to distributing child sexual abuse materials using the internet. Smith faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. Smith was arrested on January 31, 2023, and has been detained since that time.

According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline report in July 2022 from an online social media application (app) that indicated three child sexual abuse videos had been uploaded on the app by a user named “daddysir142.” The internet protocol (IP) address used to upload these materials was traced to an internet service provider in Green Cove Springs. An investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office revealed numerous other CyberTipline reports submitted by online social media apps for IP addresses that were linked to Smith and his residence in Green Cove Springs.

On January 31, 2023, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), together with other law enforcement personnel, executed a federal search warrant at Smith’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Smith admitted that he communicated with minors on social media and that he used social media apps to search for child sexual abuse materials.

HSI agents seized a cellphone belonging to Smith. A forensic review of this device revealed that it contained at least 22 videos and 37 photos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The device contained online conversations between Smith and other users in which Smith distributed materials depicting the sexual abuse of young children.

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Michael O’Brien (48, North Port) with theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer and possession of a stolen firearm. If convicted, O’Brien faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.

According to the indictment, on January 17, 2024, O’Brien stole a firearm from J&J One Stop Gun Shop in Port Charlotte, a federal firearms licensee.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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. 

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Frank Thomas Diviak (23, Altoona) on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of stolen firearm, and stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee. If convicted, Diviak faces up to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and up to 10 years in prison each for possessing the stolen firearm and stealing firearms from a federal firearms licensee. A federal grand jury returned the indictment on December 20, 2023. 

According to court records, Diviak was previously convicted of three state felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. On December 4, 2023, Diviak went into a Lake County pawn shop, took a revolver off a display, and put it in his pocket. He fled the store on his bicycle but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. As Diviak raised his hands to surrender to the officers, the stolen revolver fell out of his clothing and onto the ground. As a convicted felon, Diviak is prohibited from possessing firearms and 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eustis Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of William Scott Fogg (37, Altoona) on an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Fogg faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Fogg on December 20, 2023. 

According to court records, Fogg has been convicted of eight felonies since 2008, including burglary, grand theft, and illegal drug possession. On August 28, 2023, Fogg approached his girlfriend, who was seated in a truck with her minor children. Fogg entered the vehicle, took a pistol out of the center console, pulled back the slide, and threatened to shoot all of them. Responding deputies subsequently took Fogg into custody and recovered the loaded firearm. As a convicted felon, Fogg is prohibited from possessing firearms and 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It will be 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.

Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Paul Bryan McCorkle (55, Interlachen) to 27 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of an explosive. The court also ordered McCorkle to forfeit an improvised explosive device. McCorkle entered a guilty plea on October 25, 2023.

According to court documents, McCorkle had been convicted of online enticement of a child in 2003 and was required to register as a sex offender. In 2007, and again in 2013, McCorkle failed to update his sex offender registration as required and was convicted of these felony offenses. As a convicted felon, McCorkle was prohibited from possessing explosives.

On February 22, 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to a mobile home fire in Putnam County. Once there, several witnesses reported that McCorkle had been manufacturing homemade explosives in the mobile home. McCorkle, who was at the scene, informed officers that he had at least two “M80”-type devices in a drawer in his room in the mobile home, as well as components to make the devices. McCorkle voluntarily surrendered to ATF a similar device he was storing at a separate residence. Examination of the device revealed it was approximately 15 inches long and contained more than half a pound of Pyrodex powder, which is an explosive under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Bureau of Fire Arson and Explosives Investigation, and the Putnam County Fire Rescue Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jahroy Elijah Sackey (44, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Sackey faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is not yet scheduled.

on December 7, 2018, Sackey drove his car to an Orlando gas station and sold 30 grams of heroin to “Individual 1.” On March 5, 2019, Sackey drove his car to the same gas station, and this time sold over 250 grams of heroin to “Individual 1.” Sackey was arrested shortly thereafter. A search of Sackey’s car revealed an FN Herstal pistol with 24 rounds of armor-piercing ammunition, as well as 156 grams of cocaine. Law enforcement searched Sackey’s house and recovered a Glock 30 pistol, ammunition, and more heroin.

At the time, Sackey had a previous felony conviction and had served time in federal prison for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it. As a convicted felon, Sackey is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.

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

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Mirtza Ocana (38, Tampa) with smuggling over $100,000 of United States currency into the United States from Cuba. If convicted on all counts, Ocana faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. 

According to the complaint, Ocana arrived at Tampa International Airport on an international flight from Cuba on February 5, 2024. She claimed that she did not have more than $10,000 on her person (a limit that would trigger reporting requirements), thus had nothing to declare. However, during a routine inspection of her luggage, agents from the Department of Homeland Security recovered approximately $30,000 in bulk cash concealed in three wrapped packages. Ocana then admitted that she flew from Cuba to Tampa two to three times per month to smuggle cash into the United States and that she knew that bringing bulk cash into the United States without reporting it was illegal. Agents searched Ocana and discovered an additional $70,000 in cash hidden in her clothes. Ocana’s flight history later revealed that she had flown from Cuba to Tampa 45 times since May 2023.

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

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.

Tampa ― U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) has collected $78,043,065 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023 (FY 2023). Of this amount, $36,767,863 was collected in criminal cases and $28,641,442 was collected in civil actions.    

The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $41,230,830 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to its efforts in local civil cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $12,589,388 in these jointly handled cases. 

“We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who seek to illegally exploit federal government programs by fraudulent means,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “The funds recovered in the previous fiscal year will help victims recover from their losses and assist law enforcement in pursuing justice.”

U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Anita Cream, recovered a total of $55,930,305. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $36,767,863 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $44,372 in criminal monetary penalties pursued jointly by these offices.

Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $19,118,070 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2023. For instance, in FY 2023, almost $44 million forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $3 million was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases

United States ex rel. Sanchez v. Smart Pharmacy, et al., Case no. 3:14cv1493 (M.D. Fla.).  The United States intervened in two related qui tam cases in June 2018 and litigated the government’s claims against a large Jacksonville area compounding pharmacy, Smart Pharmacy, and one of its principal owners, Gregory Balotin, claiming that the pharmacy billed the Tricare program for millions of dollars in reimbursement for medically unnecessary pain creams. Specifically, the intervenor complaint alleged the pharmacy created compounded creams using an anti-psychotic agent, Ariprazole, for no medical purpose and solely to boost reimbursement. The complaint also alleged that the pharmacy routinely waived patient co-payments, without regard to patient need, to improperly incentivize prescriptions for the unnecessary pain creams. In June 2023, we announced a settlement of all claims in exchange for $7.4 million.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-jacksonville-compounding-pharmacies-and-their-owner-agree-pay-least-74-million-resolve   

United States ex rel. Bomar v. Bayfront HMA Medical Center, et al., Case no. 8:16cv3310 (M.D. Fla.). 

An investigation arising from this qui tam case determined that the Lakeland Regional Medical Center (LRMC) had defrauded the Florida Medicaid program through a complex scheme involving sham donations to local government organizations. These donations increased Medicaid payments to LRMC, by freeing up funds for the local government to make payments to the State as the state share of Medicaid payments to LRMC. The state share was “matched” by the federal government before being returned to LRMC as Medicaid payments. Through this scheme, Medicaid payments LRMC received were thus funded by the federal government and LRMC’s own donations, in violation of the prohibition on non-bona fide donations. In March 2023, LRMC agreed to pay $4 million to resolve these allegations. 

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/florida-s-lakeland-regional-medical-center-agrees-pay-4-million-settle-common-law-allegations  

United States ex rel. Improta v. Ocenture, Case no. 3:19cv358 (M.D. Fla.).

The United States intervened in this qui tam case that alleged a kickback scheme arising from genetic testing services. The complaint alleged that Ocenture and a subsidiary company, Carelumina, solicited genetic testing samples from Medicare beneficiaries directly and through marketers. Ocenture and Carelumina then paid physicians to falsely attest that the genetic testing was medically necessary and arranged for laboratories to process the tests and receive reimbursement from Medicare, with a portion of that reimbursement being paid to Ocenture and Carelumina. In December 2022, we announced a settlement of all claims in return for $3 million.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/ocenture-llc-and-carelumina-llc-settle-allegations-false-claims-unnecessary-genetic-testing

Skyetec

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Inspector General accused a Jacksonville area company, SMC Systems, Inc. d/b/a Skyetec, of violating the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 through a scheme whereby Skyetec would falsely certify that newly constructed homes met certain energy efficiency requirements and qualified for EPA’s “Energy Star” rating. The certifications were alleged to have been given to homes in many instances where Skyetec had performed incomplete tests on homes, or had run no tests at all. In September 2023, Skyetec agreed to settle our claims for $2.35 million.

Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/smc-systems-inc-pay-235-million-resolve-allegations-false-statements-relating-energy-star

United States ex rel. Graham, et al. v. Florida Cardiology, P.A., et al., Case no. 6:18cv1444 (M.D. Fla.) 

The United States intervened in this qui tam case in June 2022, and alleged that an Orlando area cardiology practice, Florida Cardiology, P.A., and 10 of its cardiologists―Sandeep Bajaj, Abbas Ali, Karan Reddy, Claudio Manubens, Milan Kothari, Saroj Tampira, Sayed Hussain, Raviprasad Subraya, Harish Patil, and Edwin Martinez―defrauded Medicare through a variety of schemes, including the submission of false claims for more interventional stints that were actually inserted into patients, claims for radiofrequency ablations that were not performed by the billing provider and in some instances that were not performed by a qualifying provider, and claims for services performed while the billing provider was outside of the country. In February 2023, the defendants agreed to settle all claims in the case in exchange for $2 million.   

Press Release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-cardiology-pa-and-10-physicians-agree-pay-2-million-settle-false-claims-act

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christian Noel Medina Torres (35, Lakeland) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Medina Torres faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for May 7, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, an undercover agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) arranged to sell Medina Torres 10 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for two Can-Am off-road vehicles and any cash Medina Torres could provide. On April 17, 2023, Medina Torres arrived in Volusia County with the two off-road vehicles and approximately $6,000 in cash. In exchange, the undercover agent provided Medina Torres a bag containing 10 kilograms of cocaine. After Medina Torres took the bag and began walking away, he was taken into custody.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney D. Richardson-Jones and Megan Testerman.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Sean Peter Brewer (36, Oldsmar) to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Brewer entered a guilty plea on September 1, 2023.

According to court documents, on November 11, 2022, officers from the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) responded to a gas station on Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater after receiving a report that a man was unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle parked at a gas pump. CPD and the Clearwater Fire Department discovered Brewer unconscious behind the wheel of his car. After Brewer was assessed by emergency services, CPD officers administered a field sobriety test, which Brewer failed. Officers arrested Brewer for driving under the influence and conducted a search incident to the arrest. That search revealed a backpack containing a scale with clear plastic baggies consistent with narcotics distribution, marijuana, multiple types of pills, 61 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield pistol and a “Cash App” debit card with the name “$seanbrew87.” 

At the time of the incident, Brewer had a previous felony conviction for unlawful use of a two-way communication device. As a convicted felon, 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 Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and David P. Sullivan.

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

             

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Mark Sotnick (46, Winter Springs) with distribution, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Sotnick faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison for the distribution and receipt charges, and a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for the possession charge. 

According to the indictment, Sotnick received child sexual abuse material on September 12, 2021, distributed child sexual abuse material on August 19, 2022, and possessed child sexual abuse material on January 4, 2024.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

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

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Luis Irizarry-Santiago, a/k/a “Bullet” (33, Spring Hill), to eight years and four months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, and cocaine. Irizarry-Santiago was also ordered to forfeit $28,889 in cash that was seized from his residence. Irizarry-Santiago entered a guilty plea on June 26, 2023.

According to court records, Irizarry-Santiago was indicted after a coconspirator, Janel Genereux, sold a gram of fentanyl and 0.2 grams of cocaine to a confidential source on one occasion, and almost 7 grams of a fentanyl analogue to another coconspirator on a separate occasion. A subsequent search of Irizarry-Santiago’s residence revealed drug paraphernalia and bulk cash.

Genereux previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case. She was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United State Attorney James Muench.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Charles Bernard Long (43, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material. Long faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on May 20 and June 1, 2023, undercover investigators downloaded child sexual abuse images through a file sharing program from a device using the internet protocol address at Long’s residence.

On August 10, 2023, FBI investigators executed a search warrant at Long’s residence and seized his digital media devices. A forensic review of those devices found approximately 260 files of child sexual abuse material, some depicting children as young as six years old.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

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’ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Debora Ryder (56, New Port Richey) to three years in federal prison for drug conspiracy. Ryder entered a guilty plea on September 19, 2023. She has also agreed to forfeit her nursing licenses.

According to court documents, Ryder was a Florida-licensed advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), registered nurse (RN), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registrant who conspired with another individual to distribute controlled substances in the names of individuals without lawful authority. As an APRN and DEA registrant, Ryder had the authority to issue prescriptions for controlled substances, however, she knew her licensing became delinquent on July 31, 2022, making her ineligible to issue controlled substances.

From August to September 2022, Ryder conspired with another individual, who provided Ryder with more than a dozen identifications and driver licenses for Ryder’s use, to issue prescriptions for promethazine with codeine and oxycodone without any medical evaluation. Ryder received cash and electronic payments in exchange for each controlled substance prescription she issued. Records revealed Ryder issued approximately 84 illegal prescriptions during the conspiracy.

Additionally, between January 2021 and August 2022, Ryder illegally issued 34 oxycodone and hydromorphone prescriptions in the name of J.R., Ryder’s deceased husband who died in 2018.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Tampa District Office) and the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit was created by the Department of Justice to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud, using data to identify and prosecute individuals contributing to the prescription opioid epidemic. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Benancio Pineda (50, Mexico) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pineda entered a guilty plea on September 28, 2023.

According to court documents, on December 20, 2022, Pineda met with an individual at a gas station in Wimauma and sold him approximately 1 kilogram of methamphetamine. This methamphetamine was 96% pure. On June 16, 2023, Pineda drove to meet the same person in Wimauma to sell him 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, but Pineda was pulled over by law enforcement near Sun City Center. Law enforcement recovered approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine from inside of Pineda’s car. This methamphetamine was 97% pure.  

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

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.

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Nilda Medina-Veguilla (38, Kissimmee) to 31 months in federal prison for making a false statement in a U.S. passport application, aggravated identity theft, and theft of government property. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $39,088, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Medina-Veguilla entered a guilty plea on September 7, 2023.

According to court documents, Medina-Veguilla is a U.S. citizen who was born in Puerto Rico. In 2005, she was charged with counterfeiting and illegal appropriation by Puerto Rican authorities. In 2008, a warrant was issued for her arrest. That same year, Medina-Veguilla moved to the continental U.S. and obtained an identification card and then a Florida driver license in the name of identity theft victim “N.T.D.” Medina-Veguilla held herself out as N.T.D. for approximately 15 years, using N.T.D.’s identity when getting married and divorced, for criminal arrests, for employment and tax purposes, to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and to obtain a U.S. passport.

On February 23, 2021, Medina-Veguilla applied for a U.S. passport at the South Creek Post Office in Orlando. On that application, she used N.T.D.’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number. For proof of citizenship and identity, Medina-Veguilla submitted a copy of N.T.D.’s Puerto Rico birth certificate and a Florida driver license which she had fraudulently obtained.

On numerous occasions between 2013 and 2022, Medina-Veguilla applied for SNAP benefits using addresses in the Middle District of Florida. She completed online applications with information about her financial status and family situation and used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of N.T.D. in the applications. As a result of her illegal activities, Medina-Veguilla obtained and used $$39,088 in SNAP benefits.

The SNAP is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture that was authorized by Congress to help low-income individuals and families by providing monthly benefits with which to buy food. These benefits were formerly called “food stamps.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Kevin Edward Hargrave a/k/a “Kevin Edward Wade,” of Locust Grove, Georgia, to five years in federal prison for conspiring to commit wire fraud and to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1.5 million, the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy. Hargrave was also ordered to pay restitution to his victims, including $418,115 to the IRS. Hargrave entered a guilty plea on October 4, 2022.

According to court documents, Hargrave controlled a number of companies, including WSA Optimization Firm, Inc., that purported to offer “credit repair services” to the public. Hargrave promoted these services through multiple company-specific websites, radio advertising, emails, text messages, and posts on YouTube.com and other social media sites. These marketing campaigns promised to “erase bad credit” information from consumers’ credit reports within 90 days – “guaranteed.” Notwithstanding these promises, multiple customers reported to federal investigators that they paid for credit repair services, saw no such results, and were denied refunds.

When an undercover federal agent called to inquire about these credit repair services, he was told that WSA Optimization used “federal laws to remove all negative derogatory items off your credit.” Further, the agent was told “we are able to remove those items off your credit without you paying [creditors] back.” A company representative also claimed that WSA Optimization employed a team of 5 attorneys and 23 paralegals who worked to remove negative credit information from credit reports.

In reality, Hargrave did not employ a team of attorneys or paralegals.  Instead, supposedly to improve its customers’ credit scores, company representatives would send form letters to each credit reporting agency and falsely claim that all negative credit information on the customers’ credit reports was the product of identity theft or fraud. These letters – which did not disclose that they were mass produced by WSA Optimization – were sent in envelopes listing a fictional return address. 

An analysis of bank records established that more than $8 million in deposits were made into the business bank accounts controlled by Hargrave and a family member, and that significant funds were diverted from those accounts to pay for luxury vehicles, mortgage payments on their residence, personal credit cards, jewelry, items at retail stores, utilities, restaurants, and other living expenses. For example, funds were used to make over $128,000 in mortgage payments on Hargrave’s residence in Fernandina Beach, which he sold in 2022 for $870,000. Similarly, approximately $300,000 was used to make down-payments and monthly financing payments on automobiles owned by Hargrave and a family member, including a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Rolls Royce Wraith, a Porsche Boxster, a Range Rover, a Ford F-150, and two Mercedes Benz vehicles.

An analysis of Hargrave’s real and personal property, certain business records, credit card statements, and the bank records collectively demonstrate that his joint tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2019 underreported taxable income and improperly claimed certain business expenses. A financial investigator with the IRS estimated that since 2015, by underreporting his and a family member’s tax liability, Hargrave has caused the United States to lose approximately $418,115 in tax revenue.

“It was clear that Mr. Hargrave believed the law did not apply to him,” stated IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Lani Rosado-Espinal.  “Despite being in the midst of a global pandemic, he stole millions of dollars from vulnerable people, who were struggling financially and defrauded the IRS. IRS-CI and the FBI will continue to partner with the United States Attorney’s Office to identify, investigate and assist in the prosecution of criminals like Mr. Hargrave, whose greed leads them to prey on others, including U.S. taxpayers.” 

“Fraud and corruption pose a fundamental threat to our national security and our way of life,” said Michael C. Malsch, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The FBI is committed to coordinating with our partners and aggressively pursuing those who take advantage of others for their personal gain. This sentencing should serve as a warning to others who might engage in these types of schemes.”  

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. 

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara has sentenced Alonso Pineda-Torres (52, Colombia), a/k/a “Galladita,” to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine on board vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Pineda-Torres entered a guilty plea on October 11, 2019, after his arrest and extradition from Colombia.

According to court records, Pineda-Torres was a member of a transnational criminal organization that dispatched self-propelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessels from Colombia into the Pacific Ocean, destined for Sinaloa Cartel members in Oaxaca, Mexico. Pineda-Torres recruited SPSS crew members for these trips, delivered money to them, and assisted in the departure of an SPSS. Two of these SPSS vessels were interdicted in international waters, resulting in the seizure of over 12,000 kilograms of cocaine and the prosecution of the crewmembers in the Middle District of Florida.

This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché’s office at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Pineda-Torres. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jeremy Middleton (25, Apopka) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of stolen firearms. The court also ordered Middleton to forfeit the 13 stolen firearms he had in his possession. Middleton entered a guilty plea on September 13, 2023.

According to court documents, on January 4, 2023, Middleton drove to a federally licensed gun store in Melbourne and breached the back door with what appeared to be a grinder and a hammer. Middleton entered the store and stole 13 firearms, carrying them out in a black trash bag.

Surveillance image of Middleton from the Melbourne gun store.

On January 6, 2023, Middleton attempted to breach the door of a gun store in Clearwater, but was disrupted by law enforcement and arrested. Two of the firearms stolen from the gun store in Melbourne were recovered in the vehicle Middleton was driving, and the 11 remaining stolen firearms were recovered from a trash bag in the yard at Middleton’s residence.

The trash bag from Middleton’s yard containing the stolen firearms from Melbourne.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Melbourne Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results of the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat the disturbing spike in threats against public officials, religious institutions, and individuals in our community, as well as crimes motivated by hate-based ideologies. Over approximately the past year and half, federal prosecutors across the District have prosecuted more than 27 defendants for threats, stalking, harassment, interference with the exercise of civil rights, and other hate-based crimes. The defendants charged in these cases committed federal offenses on the internet, over the phone, in voicemails, on commercial aircraft, and in person. The attached chart details the threat and hate-crimes prosecutions that the U.S. Attorney’s Office has handled in the last year and a half.

The threats of violence, threatening conduct, and actions charged in the listed cases have caused serious harm to individual and organizational victims. Often these crimes create major disruptions in the continuity of operation of schools, retail establishments, medical facilities, houses of worship, and government offices. As the attached chart illustrates, federal judges have imposed substantial sentences on defendants charged with threat-related offenses in the Middle District of Florida. For example, the Court sentenced seven of these defendants to terms of imprisonment of more than a year. In some cases, the Court imposed sentences of five years’ imprisonment.

The Middle District of Florida’s pursuit of threat crimes is consistent with its overall strategy of reducing violent crime and sending the message to the community that threats of violence will also be taken seriously.  

“If you threaten somebody with violence, law enforcement will take you at your word,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “And if you commit a crime based on hate, we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those crimes, too. Law enforcement officers and federal prosecutors will act quickly to disrupt true threats and hate-based crimes by charging you in federal court.”

“Thanks to our strong law enforcement partnerships, we have the people, resources, and technology to identify and arrest those making violent or hate-based threats,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.”

“FDLE takes every threat seriously. We will work with our law enforcement partners and exhaust our investigative resources to apprehend anyone who dares to incite harm on Florida’s citizens,” says FDLE Fort Myers Special Agent in Charge Eli Lawson. “Safeguarding Florida’s faith-based communities is paramount.”          

Many of the cases that have been prosecuted involved threats directed at victims based on their race, religion, color, national original, or sexual orientation.

Significant cases prosecuted in the past year include:

In Jacksonville in July 2023, Frederick Eugene Pierallini III (27, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to two federal hate crimes related to intimidating two Black women and interfering with their enjoyment of federally protected activities because of their race and color. According to court documents, on September 10, 2022, Pierallini directed racial slurs at a store cashier. He then threatened the clerk by brandishing and cocking a shotgun. Two days later, Pierallini approached a woman on a public sidewalk, directed racial slurs at her, and threatened to kill her. Pierallini then left, returned with a shotgun, and fired a single shot. Pierallini is scheduled to be sentenced on April 24, 2024, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for each count. The FBI Jacksonville Field Office and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

In Orlando in January 2024, Jeziah Guagno (24, Boynton Beach) was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications to a federal judge. According to court documents, in May 2021, a federal judge in the Middle District of Florida received a threatening letter from M.S.—an inmate at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution. The letter included violent threats to murder the judge and his wife. When interviewed, M.S. denied making the threats. Guagno, however, was also serving time in the same Florida prison as M.S. Subsequent DNA and fingerprint analysis by the FBI determined that Guagno’s DNA was on the envelope and his palmprint was on the letter. Further investigation revealed that the federal judge who had been threatened in the letter had previously dismissed a civil case filed by Guagno. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, and the Florida Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett.

In Tampa in January 2024, Alexander Lightner (26, Venice) was charged by indictment with interstate transmission of a threat to injure and unlawful possession of a silencer. According to court filings, on December 29, 2023, Lightner made several online posts indicating his intent to carry out a mass shooting. Federal law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Lightner’s residence and located an unregistered firearm silencer, ammunition, and multiple firearms in his bedroom. 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’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt. 

Threat cases prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida were investigated by the Anaheim Police Department, the Carbondale Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Hialeah Police Department, the Hollywood Police Department, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City Police Department, the Miami Dade Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas Park Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Supreme Court of the United States Police Department, the Tampa Police Department, the Temple Terrace Police Department, the Transportation Security Administration, the United States Capitol Police, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and other state and local partners.

These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan, Tyrie Boyer, Erin Favorit, Carlton Gammons, William Hamilton, Stacie Harris, Abigail King, Kirwinn Mike, Brooke Padgett, Candace Rich, Lindsey Schmidt, Ilyssa Spergel, Karyna Valdes, Ashley Washington, and Kara Wick, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler.

For more information about other threat cases prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr.

In addition to bringing federal prosecutions arising from this conduct, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has engaged in community efforts aimed at deescalating hate speech and encouraging tolerance and understanding. The Office recently implemented the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate initiative, which seeks to teach the community how to identify, report, and help prevent hate crimes and to build trust between law enforcement and communities. To provide information about some of the federal resources and programs that are available for identifying, reporting, and preventing hate crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has set up a dedicated webpage (www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/unitedagainsthate).

Defendant

(Age, Residence)

Charge(s)

Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Status

                                                

Sean Albert

(20, Winter Park)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure

Sentenced to time served (approximately 8.5 months) on September 14, 2023.

Christopher Au- Young

(36, California)

Interstate stalking (6 counts)

 

Sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on November 1, 2023.

Michael Basaman

(45, Temple Terrace)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure (2 counts)

Maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on April 5, 2024.

Mario Bentley          

(39, Jacksonville)

Interstate stalking (2 counts) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Charged by indictment on January 23, 2024.

Curtis Brown

(35, Indian River)

Threatening to kill a United States judge

Sentenced to 15 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on June 27, 2023.

Michael Dambrosia

(61, Ocala)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure, making false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on March 4, 2024.

Caleb Hunter Freestone

(28, Miami)

Gabriella Oropesa

(25, Cooper City)

 Anarella Rivera

(47, Hialeah)

 Amber Smith-Stewart

(24, Okeechobee)

Conspiracy Against Rights and Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (2 counts)

Maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison.

Charged by superseding indictment, scheduled for trial in March 2024.

Jeziah Guagno

(24, Boynton Beach)

Mailing a threat to injure

 

Sentenced to 37 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 9, 2024.

David Hannon

(67, Sarasota)

Threatening to kill a United States congresswoman

Sentenced to 36 months of federal probation on July 6, 2022.

Robert Dewayne Lashley

(52, Citrus Springs)

Hate Crime Acts

Sentenced to 26 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 25, 2023.

Roy Lamar Lashley

(56, Citrus Springs)

Hate Crime Acts

 

Sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on January 25, 2023.

Jordan Patrick Leahy

(29, Seminole)

Interference with federally protective activities based on race (2 counts)

Sentenced to 24 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release on November 7, 2022.

Alexander Lightner

(26, Sarasota)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure, possession of unregistered silencer

Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on March 4, 2024.

Deep Alpesh Kumar Patel

(21, Sarasota)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure

Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing on March 14, 2024.

Frederick Eugene Pierallini III (27, Jacksonville)

Interference with federally protective activities based on race (2 counts)

Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing in April 2024.

 

Justin Rancourt

(35, St. Petersburg)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure

Sentenced on July 11, 2023, to time served (approximately 10 months in federal prison) to be followed by 120 months of supervised release.

Neal Sidhwaney

(43, Fernandina Beach)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure

Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

Pleaded guilty, scheduled for sentencing on April 1, 2024.

Evan Sims

(41, Rhode Island)

False information and threats regarding the possession of an explosive on an airplane

Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

Charged by complaint on December 6, 2023.

Aaron Thompson

(43, Raiford)

Mailing a threat to injure

Sentenced to 41 months in federal prison on October 23, 2023.

 

Stephen Thorn

(65, Pensacola)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure, making telephone calls without disclosing identity to abuse, threaten, and harass

Maximum penalty of 7 years in federal prison

Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial in June 2024.

Robert Trout

(19, St. Petersburg)

Transmission of interstate threat to injure

Maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

Charged by indictment, scheduled for trial on February 5, 2024.

*Sealed cases and certain other cases are not listed in this chart.

Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Miguel Alejandro Diaz Gonzalez (41, Orlando) to 50 years in federal prison for production and transportation of child sex abuse material. Diaz Gonzalez entered a guilty plea on May 18, 2023.

According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip concerning an online media storage account associated with username “Satans child,” where investigators found child sexual abuse material. FBI agents traced that account to a home in Orlando where Diaz Gonzalez was living. Agents also recovered a video that Diaz Gonzalez produced and shared depicting him raping an 8-year-old child who had previously been in Gonzalez’s care. Two other child victims, ages 10 and 11, were also identified in the investigation as victims who Diaz Gonzalez had molested in his home. Diaz Gonzalez was also responsible for sharing and transporting several images and videos depicting children being drugged, raped, and molested by adults.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Emily C. L. Chang.

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.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Katherine Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Javontah Harris, a/k/a “Gut,” (32, St. Petersburg) to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Harris entered a guilty plea on November 14, 2023.

According to court documents, Harris is a member of Bag Tawk Entertainment (BTE), an organization known for distributing controlled substances in St. Petersburg. Harris and other members of BTE used residences in Pinellas County to manufacture and sell narcotics. In videos posted online, Harris and his fellow BTE members featured images of drug manufacturing and lyrics about making and selling narcotics.

On January 23, 2022, Harris possessed 224.1 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, approximately $1,843 cash, and make-shift business cards containing a phone number traced to a BTE co-conspirator with “G” – for “Gut” – on the cards. During the execution of numerous search warrants at the BTE stash houses, agents located over 200 grams of pure methamphetamine, more than 100 grams of cocaine, and approximately 180 grams of fentanyl or fentanyl analogues in addition to firearms.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jaiprakash Gulvady (51, Land O’ Lakes) today pleaded guilty to procuring citizenship or naturalization unlawfully, misusing evidence of citizenship or naturalization, and making false statements in a passport application and using a passport secured by false statements. Gulvady faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His conviction for unlawfully procuring citizenship or naturalization also results in the automatic revocation of his U.S. citizenship at the time of sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, Gulvady, an Indian national, came to the United States in 2001 on a temporary business visa. In August 2008, less than two weeks after divorcing his wife, a U.S. citizen whom he had married the year before, Gulvady married another U.S. citizen. Based on that marriage, Gulvady was able to adjust status and became a lawful permanent resident in June 2009. Two months later, in August 2009, Gulvady traveled to India for the first time since he had arrived in 2001. While in India, Gulvady married an Indian woman before returning to the United States. On a subsequent visit to India, Gulvady and his Indian spouse conceived their first and only child, who was born in January 2011.

In August 2013, Gulvady’s marriage to his U.S. citizen wife was dissolved. The following year, Gulvady filed an Application for Naturalization in which he falsely stated under penalty of perjury that he was not currently married; that he did not have any children; and that he had never been married to more than one person at the same time. Based on that application, Gulvady became a naturalized U.S. citizen in August 2014. Using his fraudulently obtained Certificate of Naturalization as evidence of U.S. citizenship, Gulvady filed an application for a U.S. passport, in which he falsely omitted his Indian spouse. The Department of State issued Gulvady a U.S. passport, which he then used to reenter the United States on at least three occasions.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Shirin Marshall (55, Tampa) guilty of four counts of mail fraud. Marshall faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2024. A grand jury had returned an indictment against Marshall on February 24, 2022.

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, in August 2000, Marshall claimed a back and shoulder injury while working as a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. In July 2001, she filed a subsequent claim related to workplace stress. Marshall later began receiving disability benefits and wage compensation from the Department of Labor’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Program (“DOL-OWCP”) mailed to her in monthly checks. An investigation by the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General revealed that Marshall concealed her physical capabilities, emotional state, and employment activities from the DOL-OWCP to continue receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits. Marshall also misrepresented her true medical condition to her treating physicians and made false representations on forms she annually submitted to DOL-OWCP. As result of Marshall’s fraudulent scheme, the DOL-OWCP provided her at least $500,000 in wage compensation she was not entitled to receive.  

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Phillip Roy Wasserman (67, Sarasota) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, substantive counts of wire fraud and mail fraud, and evasion of payment of income taxes. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $6,318,299.75, the proceeds of the criminal conduct.

A federal jury had found Wasserman guilty of the fraud charges on May 15, 2023. Wasserman pleaded guilty to tax evasion on October 23, 2023.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wasserman, a former lawyer and licensed insurance agent, and his co-conspirator Kenneth Rossman, a Florida certified public accountant and licensed insurance agent, made false and fraudulent misrepresentations and concealed material information in order to convince elderly victim-investors to put their money into Wasserman’s new insurance venture, “FastLife.” Some victim-investors were persuaded to liquidate traditional investments, such as annuities, and/or to borrow funds against existing life insurance policies to generate cash to invest in the venture. These victim-investors were not told about surrender fees and other costs associated with said liquidations, and Rossman prepared income tax returns for victim-investors in a manner designed to conceal negative personal tax consequences that resulted from liquidations. Wasserman paid Rossman a percentage of the victim-investors’ money as compensation for his role in the conspiracy. Wasserman also used victim-investors’ money to make Ponzi-style payments to earlier victim-investors in the FastLife venture, as well as to victim-investors in his earlier hedge fund and real estate fund ventures. Wasserman spent a significant amount of the victim-investors’ money to finance a lavish lifestyle that included a luxury personal residence, a beach house on Casey Key, professional hockey season and playoff tickets, concerts and other shows, vehicles, jet skis, jewelry, including a diamond ring, personal celebrity entertainment, gambling, retail shopping, home improvements, personal insurance, and a host of other expenses for his personal benefit and the benefit of family members.

The evidence also established that Wasserman took numerous steps to evade payment of more than $900,000 in taxes, and to conceal a multitude of civil judgments and other debts pending against him at the time he solicited victim-investors to put their money into FastLife. In addition, Wasserman took steps to conceal FastLife’s mounting business debts to various business vendors and service providers, employees and independent contractors, and victim-investors.

The evidence further showed that in response to the investigation, Wasserman created a second set of books and fabricated a compensation agreement in an effort to convince investigators that he had not made improper personal use of victim-investors’ funds. Moreover, he urged one witness to lie to investigators, attempted to dissuade several victim-investors from cooperating with law enforcement, and requested that one victim-investor make a baseless complaint against an investigator. In a further effort to thwart the investigation, Wasserman falsely and fraudulently represented that he had an audit from a highly-regarded financial services firm that would show that neither he nor FastLife had committed any wrongdoing. Evidence at trial showed that Wasserman had never engaged the firm to perform an audit and had never received any final work product from the firm.

“With false promises of riches and security, Mr. Wasserman exploited the most vulnerable in our society. Investment schemes that target the elderly are especially heinous and will not be tolerated by the justice system. IRS Criminal Investigators will leave no stone unturned to protect elderly victims and bring some justice to those who might prey upon them,” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS-Criminal Investigation. “False allegations against our investigators, coverups of financial documents, or witness tampering will not deter us. Wasserman called himself the Annuity King but his actions and crimes have earned him another name: Convicted Felon.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and Rachel K. Jones. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant Suzanne Nebesky.

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Desha Cooper (32, Ocoee) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Cooper entered a guilty plea on October 24, 2023.

According to court records, on the night of February 3, 2023, an officer from the Orlando Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that Cooper was driving. The officer observed a loaded firearm on the driver’s side floorboard of the vehicle, and Cooper fled on foot. The United States Marshals Service later located and arrested Cooper. At the time of his arrest, Cooper, a previously convicted felon, was in possession of a second loaded firearm. As a convicted felon who previously served time in federal prison for a firearm offense, Cooper is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with valuable assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.  

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

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Daniel Gonzalez (23, St. Petersburg) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Gonzalez faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

According to court proceedings, the charges arise from a January 1, 2023, shooting in a St. Peterburg parking garage during which a 16-year-old was shot. After the shooting, responding officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department observed a vehicle fleeing the parking garage. The officers followed the vehicle for a short period of time until the pursuit was terminated due to weather conditions. Soon after, a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm pistol was found in the road where officers had observed the vehicle fleeing. The firearm was swabbed for DNA and Gonzalez’s DNA was found on two different parts of the firearm.

At the time, Gonzalez had a prior felony conviction for sale or delivery of a controlled substance. As a convicted felon, he 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Battle, Jr. (29, Palm Harbor) and Carlos Keanu Smith (28, Largo) have pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offenses and a minimum mandatory sentence of 7 years, up to life, for brandishing the firearm. Battle also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a Hobbs Act Robbery, which involves a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, 2024, and Battle is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2024.   

According to court documents, on the morning of June 9, 2023, Battle and Smith met for the purposes of robbing an armored truck. They followed the armored truck along its route from Pinellas County to eastern Hillsborough County before eventually reaching a gas station in Ellenton. Florida Department of Transportation toll records show Battle’s vehicle following seconds behind the targeted armored truck that morning. Surveillance video showed the vehicle also following the armored truck to other locations before conducting the robbery at the gas station in Ellenton when the driver returned to his vehicle. Battle and Smith approached the victim with pistols pointed at him, forcing him to the ground. They stole more than $150,000 from the armored truck.  

In connection with the same armored truck robbery, Jorge Serrano Espinoza (19, Clearwater), was also recently charged with Hobbs Act Robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, and aiding and abetting others who brandished firearms during the robbery.

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 and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Walter Lamar Jackson (43, Georgia) guilty of assault within the special maritime or territorial jurisdiction of the United States resulting in serious bodily harm. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 20, 2024, before Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II. A grand jury returned an indictment against Jackson on August 16, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Jackson was an inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Sumter County. On July 15, 2021, he was housed in a special housing unit cell with another inmate. At approximately 5:50 p.m., correctional officers responded to an emergency alarm and discovered Jackson’s cellmate lying on the floor unconscious. Jackson was standing over his cellmate’s body, slamming his cellmate’s head into the concrete, which resulted in severe injuries. The officers immediately stopped the assault and placed Jackson in handcuffs. Jackson stated to medical personnel that he had attacked his cellmate after giving him three warnings to be quiet.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk and William S. Hamilton.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Allan Gomez-Zelaya (43, Honduras) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft.  Gomez-Zelaya faces a minimum mandatory penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, E-Verify is a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The SSA and USCIS check the submitted information against the records of actual persons who are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a voluntary program for employers and requires documents such as a Social Security number and photo identification of a prospective employee. 

From at least 2018 through October 2022, Gomez-Zelaya used another person’s means of identification in order to defeat the E-Verify system and to commit the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security number and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Jacksonville, Florida – Visiting United States District Judge Larry A. Burns from the Southern District of California has sentenced Jesse Rance Moore (46, Bell) to 21 years in federal prison for four counts pertaining to Hobbs Act robberies and three counts for brandishing a firearm during the robberies. The court also ordered Moore to forfeit his firearm, which was used to commit the offenses. A jury had found Moore guilty on November 2, 2023.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the FBI first learned of a masked man robbing a string of pharmacies in the Columbia County area after the North Florida Pharmacy of Fort White was robbed at gun point on January 13, 2022. This masked individual was captured on surveillance cameras walking into the pharmacy with a black handgun, and demanding controlled substances, specifically, oxycodone, OxyContin, and Percocet.   

After holding up multiple store employees and taking the controlled substances, the masked man exited the pharmacy and drove southbound on US Highway 27. Unbeknownst to the robber, a good Samaritan in the pharmacy’s drive-thru followed the getaway vehicle and captured the license plate number, which led back to Moore. The FBI also later discovered that the vehicles used in previous three robberies (North Florida Pharmacy of Fort White on August 2, 2021; North Florida Pharmacy of Chiefland on November 20, 2021; and the Baya West Pharmacy in Lake City on December 29, 2021) either matched the description of a white Ford F-350 registered to Moore or matched the vehicles Moore’s wife rented just days prior to the robberies.  

According to trial testimony and evidence, law enforcement seized articles of clothing, multiple masks, the firearm, handwritten notes, and brown boots associated with the robberies. In addition, and despite Moore’s many disguises, witnesses testified to the robber’s physical appearance, clothing, interactions, and demeanor during the robberies.

During trial, evidence seized from Moore’s cellphone was presented to demonstrate that he had Googled medications stolen from the pharmacies, store hours of pharmacies, and a variety of key word searches, including the question “do drug stores get robbed in florida,” which he Googled just weeks prior to the first robbery. 

 

According to court documents, Moore was employed as a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper from January 13, 2003, to February 27, 2017. Moore had several disciplinary issues during his term of employment, where he was twice terminated, but later reached settlement agreements to convert his dismissals to suspensions.

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Chiefland Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger today sentenced Ernesto Hidalgo (30, Orlando) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Hidalgo entered a guilty plea on September 21, 2023.    

According to court documents, over the course of several months in 2023, Hidalgo engaged in a series of drug sales to a source cooperating with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Hidalgo sold the source an ounce of cocaine for $1,000 on January 10, 2023; an ounce of fentanyl for $2,000 on January 17, 2023; another ounce of fentanyl for $1,900 on March 2, 2023; 50 fake fentanyl pills (pills that are pressed to look like pharmaceutical controlled substances but actually contain fentanyl) for $1,000 on March 27, 2023; and another three ounces of cocaine for $2,700 on March 31, 2023.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Alyssa Avery (32, Green Cove Springs) to six years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine base, and cocaine. Avery entered a guilty plea on October 19, 2023.

According to court documents, on January 30, 2023, deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) observed Avery driving in a rental vehicle in Green Cove Springs. When deputies learned Avery did not have a valid driver’s license, they initiated a traffic stop. During the stop, a CCSO canine alerted the detectives to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. Deputies searched the vehicle and found over 20 grams of fentanyl in 17 individual sealed baggies, 60 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine, over 13 grams of cocaine, and over 16 grams of cocaine base. Deputies also recovered a digital scale. Detectives learned Avery had been released from the Florida Department of Corrections the month prior for trafficking methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

WASHINGTON – Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the 70th and 71st Attorney General’s Awards, honoring Justice Department employees and others for extraordinary contributions to the enforcement of our nation’s laws. Recipients from both 2022 and 2023 were selected from a group of more than 800 nominees.

“Each of today’s recipients has served with distinction, and in so doing, they have enabled the Justice Department to advance its work on behalf of the American people,” said Attorney General Garland. “Their exceptional leadership, heroism, and dedication have benefited people and communities across the country.

“It is indeed an honor to join Attorney General Garland in recognizing three members of my office for their distinguished service to our district and country,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “AUSAs Bratt, Krigsman, and Asokan continue to perform at the highest level as they work with our law enforcement partners to keep our citizens safe.”

In the Middle District of Florida, for 2023, Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for his contributions to an international investigation involving the Hive ransomware group that targeted more than 1,500 victims in over 80 countries around the world, including hospitals, school districts, financial firms, and critical infrastructure. In addition, the Middle District of Florida’s National Security Chief Cherie Krigsman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Risha Asokan were recognized for their valuable contributions to the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

For details on all of today’s award recipients, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-honors-justice-department-employees-and-partners-70th-and

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Charles David Mobley (50, Lake Worth) to two years in federal prison for making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer in connection with the acquisition of a firearm. Mobley entered a guilty plea on April 4, 2022.

According to court documents, special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) identified Mobley as a potential black-market firearms dealer after law enforcement recovered several firearms purchased by Mobley in connection with separate criminal investigations. Undercover ATF agents subsequently engaged in five different straw purchases from Mobley between July 2021 and August 2021. For each purchase, Mobley went to federally licensed firearms dealers, bought firearms requested by the undercover agents, and falsely certified in ATF paperwork he was purchasing the firearms for himself. Mobley subsequently provided the undercover agents with the purchased firearms. In total, Mobley straw-purchased nine firearms for the undercover ATF agents, some of which had large-capacity magazines attached.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Ronnie Lee Seward (41, Seffner) to 25 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Seward entered a guilty plea on September 20, 2023.

According to court documents, on January 12, 2023, the Tampa Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at an apartment in South Tampa where Seward had just delivered methamphetamine to a co-defendant, Sean Barton. Seward was detained and ultimately arrested after law enforcement discovered over a half-kilogram of methamphetamine in Seward’s vehicle. Seward had previously served three separate state prison sentences in Florida. His prior convictions include lewd and lascivious molestation, felony battery, armed trafficking in amphetamine, trafficking in amphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm, among others.

Barton previously pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Michael Jayson Scarlett (44, Moreno Valley, CA) to five years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The court also ordered Scarlett to forfeit his cellphone, which was used to commit the offenses. Scarlett entered a guilty plea on August 31, 2023.

According to court documents, on March 5, 2023, Scarlett’s checked bag was searched during an interdiction operation at the Orlando International Airport. Inside, agents located several packages of vacuum-sealed methamphetamine. The packages were later weighed and analyzed by a forensic chemist at the DEA lab and found to contain more than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine. Further investigation revealed that Scarlett had brought narcotics from California to Florida on multiple occasions. He was paid for transporting the narcotics each time.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kyle Jay Hunter Baronville (36, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Baronville faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Baronville in Orange County. During the first controlled purchase, Baronville sold the confidential source 357.3 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine. During the second purchase, Baronville sold the confidential source 892.5 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced John David Horton (38, Georgia) to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl. Horton had pleaded guilty on September 11, 2023.

According to court documents, on December 20, 2022, agents with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit were conducting surveillance when they observed Horton exit a vehicle carrying a black bag. After Horton returned to the vehicle with the bag, agents continued to conduct surveillance and observed multiple traffic violations, resulting in a traffic stop. A police canine then provided a positive alert to the odor of illegal narcotics, leading to a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers located a black bag matching the bag Horton was observed carrying, which contained 283.8 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine and 167.4 grams of fentanyl.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Floyd Hintteon Green, Jr. (62, Winter Haven) to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Green was found guilty on September 6, 2023, following a bench trial.

According to court documents, on December 28, 2022, detectives with the Winter Haven Police Department pulled over Green’s vehicle for a window tint violation. During a consensual search of the vehicle, detectives found a black toiletry bag containing 442 grams of high-purity methamphetamine. Green admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and that he sold it for about $2,600 per pound. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Winter Haven Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Samantha J. Newman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert Jones IV, a/k/a “Klout,” (24, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Jones faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each distribution count and up to 40 years in federal prison for the possession with intent to distribute count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

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

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

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

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Doron Markowitz (50, Port Charlotte) to 20 years in federal prison for producing images depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Markowitz to a lifetime of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender.  Markowitz had pleaded guilty on August 16, 2023.

According to court documents, between August 23 and September 2, 2022, Markowitz produced images of a minor being sexually abused. In September 2022, the mother of a 13-year-old minor learned of the sexual abuse and contacted law enforcement to report Markowitz. The minor described an incident in which the minor believed that Markowitz had used his cellphone to take a photo of the minor being sexually abused. Shortly thereafter, Markowitz was located in Port Charlotte and his cellphone was seized by law enforcement.   

On September 6, 2022, during an interview with law enforcement, Markowitz admitted that he had sexually abused the minor at least 10 times. The following day, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Markowitz’s cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of his cellphone revealed four images depicting the sexual abuse of the minor. The images had been taken on August 23 and September 2, 2022.    

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

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the 2023 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During 2023, which includes the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has indicted 167 defendants. These defendants face federal firearms and violent crime charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 445 firearms associated with these defendants.

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, ending on December 31, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted 41 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 93 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart for case details)

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office spoke with more than 200 middle and high school students during the first quarter of 2024. Assistant United States Attorneys also met with college and law students to discuss firearm and violent crime prevention and prosecution. Prison re-entry events at Baker Re-entry Center and Lawtey Correctional Institute this quarter reached almost 100 inmates.

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

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

Q1 PSN case highlights:

United States v. Edward James Bess, III (Ft. Myers)

On December 12, 2023, Edward James Bess, III (29, Fort Myers) was sentenced to 33 years and 4 months for carjacking causing serious bodily injury, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and a second carjacking.  Bess carjacked two victims, one in Fort Myers whom Bess shot in the leg before taking the victim’s vehicle. The victim was injured but survived the shooting. Bess carjacked a second victim in Sumter County. Bess was eventually apprehended by law enforcement following a chase.  

United States v. Jesse Moore (Jacksonville)

In November 2023, a federal jury found Jesse Rance Moore (46, Bell) guilty of four counts pertaining to Hobbs Act robberies and three counts of brandishing a firearm during the robberies. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, the FBI first learned of a masked man robbing a string of pharmacy stores in the Columbia County area after the North Florida Pharmacy in Fort White was robbed at gun point on January 13, 2022. This masked individual was captured on surveillance exiting a blue/grey sedan, walking into the pharmacy with a black handgun, and demanding controlled substances, specifically, oxycodone, oxycontin, and Percocet. After holding up multiple store employees and taking the controlled substances, the masked man exited the pharmacy and drove southbound on US Highway 27. Unbeknownst to the robber, a good Samaritan in the pharmacy’s drive-thru followed the getaway vehicle and captured the license plate number, which led back to Moore. Further, the FBI later discovered that the vehicles used in the previous three robberies either matched the description of a pickup truck registered to Moore or matched the vehicles Moore’s wife had rented just days prior to the robberies. Law enforcement seized articles of clothing, multiple masks, the firearm, handwritten notes, and brown boots associated with the robberies. During trial, evidence seized from Moore’s cellphone was presented to demonstrate that he had googled medications stolen from the pharmacies, the store hours of pharmacies, and a variety of keyword searches, including the question “do drug stores get robbed in florida,” which he had Googled just a couple weeks prior to the first robbery. Moore’s sentencing is set for January 30, 2024.

United States v. Kingsley Wilson and Viviana Rodriguez (Ocala)

In November 2023, Kingsley Wilson (35, Kissimmee) pleaded guilty to 1 count of dealing in firearms without a license, 14 counts of making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms (FFL) dealer, and 14 counts of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. In December 2023, his girlfriend, Viviana Rodriguez (41, Kissimmee), pleaded guilty to one count of dealing in firearms without a license, seven counts of making a materially false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), and seven counts of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. According to the plea agreement and evidence presented in court, between January 2022 and July 2023, Wilson purchased 92 firearms from FFLs within the Middle District of Florida. Rodriguez purchased an additional 47 firearms during the same period. While purchasing these firearms, Rodriguez falsely certified on ATF Form 4473s (Firearm Transaction Records) that she was the “actual transferee/buyer” of the firearms. Rodriguez was actually purchasing these firearms for others in exchange for monetary payments. Wilson’s cellphone revealed numerous conversations between Wilson and others, including Rodriguez, about the illegal purchases and transfer of these firearms. Fourteen of the firearms purchased by Wilson and Rodriguez have been recovered by law enforcement at crime scenes (including homicides) in the Bahamas and Canada.

United States v. Bernard Rogers (Orlando)

On October 10, 2023, Bernard Rogers was sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for committing three armed robberies in July 2022. First, Rogers entered a Cracker Barrel in Melbourne and robbed the cashier of cash using a firearm. He then robbed a cashier at a Dollar General in Orlando, once again stealing cash from the register. Rogers was caught shortly after his third armed robbery, a T.D. Bank in Melbourne. The bank teller gave Rogers a concealed GPS tracker and law enforcement caught him after a brief car chase. Rogers was arrested in his rental getaway car with more than $3,000, the GPS tracker, and a loaded Ruger .380 firearm.

United States v. Antonio Brown and Steven Jackson (Tampa)

On October 4, 2023, Antonio Brown (45, Tampa) was sentenced to 17 years in prison for conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. His codefendant, Steven Jackson, was previously sentenced to 13 years and 6 months in prison. According to court documents, Brown and Jackson robbed two auto parts stores in the Tampa area on August 29, 2021. During the first auto parts store robbery, Brown and Jackson carried firearms and wore surgical masks when they entered the store. They brandished their firearms, demanded money from store employees, and stole approximately $300 from cash registers. Brown and Jackson then drove to a second auto parts store where they again entered wearing masks and carrying firearms. They pointed their firearms at store clerks and demanded money from the cash registers. Later that night, officers from the Tampa Police Department conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle that Brown was driving. During a search of the car, they found a distinctive hat that one of the robbers had worn during the armed robberies, approximately $900 in cash, and Jackson’s wallet containing his identification. Further investigation provided evidence showing Jackson in the vicinity of the auto parts stores at the times of the robberies. Officers also found the clothes Jackson wore during the robberies in his garbage outside his residence.  

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

  Charged Cases

 

Defendant(s)

(Age)

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

 

Fort Myers Division

 

1st Quarter

 

Javier Velasquez, Jr. (37)

Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a machinegun, and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to life in federal prison.

6

 

Luis Armando Rodriguez-Padilla (27)

Illegal reentry by a previously convicted felon, possession of a firearm by and alien unlawfully in the United States, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison.

1

 

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Benjamin S. Winter.

 

Jacksonville Division

 

1st Quarter

 

Timothy Crowe (54)

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

 

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

 

Gabriel Daniel Pinnace (31)

False statement during purchase of firearm, aiding and abetting smuggling firearms, aiding and abetting possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

 

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison (false statement), 5 years in federal prison (aiding and abetting).

3

 

Eric Joel Valdez (22)

Possession of a stolen firearm and transportation of a stolen firearm

Maximum Penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

1

 

Andre Lee Long (48)

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

Minimum/maximum penalty: 5 years, up to life, in federal prison and 10 years, up to life in federal prison.

1

 

Scott Randall Chance, Jr. (22)

Dealing Firearms without a license, possession of an illegal machinegun, distribution of a controlled substance.

Maximum penalty:  5 years in federal prison and 10 years in federal prison.

8

 

Anthony Lavar Wilson (40)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

 

Markee Washington (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a machinegun.

Minimum/maximum penalty:  15 years, up to life, in federal prison and 10 years in federal prison.

2

 

Jaime Rosario Ang (51)

Distribution of 5 grams or more of pure methamphetamine and distribution/possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine.

Minimum/maximum penalty: 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison and 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

 

Mar’Kesie Williams (27)

Possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty:  10 years in federal prison.

1

 

Michael Thomas Sawyer (49)

Making false statements to a firearms dealer

Maximum penalty:  5 years in federal prison.

0

 

Paul Allen Anderson, Jr. (31)

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

Minimum/maximum penalty:  10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

5

 

Randolph Wayne Swindle

Making false statements to a firearms dealer.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

 

Roberto Roman Ramirez (50)

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

 

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

 

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

 

Ocala Division

 

1st Quarter

 

Jared Boyle (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 in federal prison.

1

 

Jerome Junior Swopshire (40)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 in federal prison.

1

 

Marcus Cleaver Morgan, Jr. (23)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 in federal prison.

1

 

James Wendell Jackson

(31)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Tyran Terrell Harris

(23)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Gregory Howard Coleman, III (27)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

William Scott Fogg (37)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr. (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Frank Thomas Diviak (23)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie Boyer, Sara Swartzberg, and Hanna Nowalk.

 

Tampa Division

 

1st Quarter

 

Gabriel Gladman (23)

False statements with the intent to purchase firearms and selling/transferring a firearm to a juvenile under the age of 18.

Maximum penalties: 10 years in federal prison (false statement) and up to 1 year in federal prison (selling/transferring a firearm to a juvenile).

16

 

Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes (46)

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl (3 counts), and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

 

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (per fentanyl count); and up to 15 years in federal prison (firearm offense).

0

 

Brandale Swails (29)

Hobbs Act robbery.

 

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

0

 

Marcel Morris (33)

 

 

 

 

 

Darrence White (27)

 

 

 

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

 

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Maximum penalty: 40 years in federal prison (fentanyl offense); and up to life imprisonment (methamphetamine offense)

1

 

Baruch Roche, II (33)

Possession of a firearm in a federal facility.

 

Maximum penalty: One year in federal prison.

0

 

Darius Lavon Williams (38)

Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine;

possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (drug offense); Minimum mandatory 20 years, up to life, in federal prison (firearms offenses).

2

 

Kavar Young (32)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Maria Guzman, Diego F. Novaes, and Ross Roberts.

 

Orlando Division

 

1st Quarter

 

Dainton Steve Drummond (61)

Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Dana Calley (54)

Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

4

 

Karon Lyshawn Watson (36)

Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life, in federal prison under Armed Career Criminal Act.

1

 

Tramon Jamal Stewart (23)

Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Shawndell Johnson (31)

Distribution of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

2

 

Verun Maharajh (31)

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

 

Maximum penalty: 35 years in federal prison.

4

 

Chrissie Fier Williams (38)

Export of firearms and ammunition (3 counts), and shipment of firearms without a license (3 counts).

 

Maximum penalty: 60 years in federal prison.

18

 

Victor Morales-Acosta (26)

Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

Kristian Moises Ramos (43)

Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

 

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Sartoian, Dana Hill, Richard Varandan, Adam Nate, Megan Testerman, Diane Hu, Matthew Del Mastro, and Noah Dorman.

 

Adjudicated Cases

Defendant(s)

(Age)

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

1st Quarter

Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (71)

Armed bank robbery; discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 25 years, up to life, in federal prison.  

1

This PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Mark Morgan.

Jacksonville Division

1st Quarter

Jesse Rance Moore (46)

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

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison; minimum mandatory penalty of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison (brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crime of violence).

1

Paul Bryan McCorkle (55)

Receiving and possessing an explosive by a convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

0

Samuel Arthur Thompson (53)

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

 

Minimum mandatory penalty: 10 years, up to 20 years in federal prison; 15 years up to 40 years in federal prison; up to 10 years in federal prison; 25 to 50 years in federal prison; 10 years  in federal prison.

1

Diandre Murel (30)

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

 

Mandatory minimum penalty:  5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison.

3

Annette Elaine Jones

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

 

Mandatory minimum penalty: 10 years, up to life in federal prison.

2

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

Ocala Division

 

                   1st Quarter

 

Jared Boyle (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Wendell Doyle Goney (51)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Raymond Devon Haynes (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Kingsley Samuel Richard Wilson (35)

False statement to firearms dealer; dealing in firearms without a license.

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

139

Viviana Rodriguez (41)

False statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer.

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

0

Craig Antwon Oneal (53)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

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

Tampa Division

1st Quarter

Floyd Hintteon Green, Jr. (62)

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

 

Minimum mandatory penalty: 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (48)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Minimum mandatory penalty:15 years, up to life, in federal prison under Armed Career Criminal Act.

0

Nicholas Quinton Hanson (31)

 

 

 

 

Marcus Dewonn Mobley, Jr. (23)

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

 

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

0

Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (48)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Mandatory minimum penalty: 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

1

Erik Barner (44)

Possession of controlled substance with the intent to distribute it; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (drug offense); minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison (firearm charge).

0

Ivan Lamar Vasquez (39)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life, in federal prison, qualifies for enhanced penalties under Armed Career Criminal Act.

1

Francisco Cabrera (28)

Armed robbery; possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 28 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Jason Washington (42)

Possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine with intent to distribute it.

Minimum mandatory penalty: 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

0

Donald Robert Smith (29)

Hobbs Act robberies; brandishing a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies; and discharging a firearm during and in relation to another of the robberies.

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison for robbery offenses; minimum mandatory of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison for brandishing the firearm; and a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for discharging the firearm.

0

Oscar Freemond Fowler III (48)

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

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison (drug offense); maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison (firearm offense).

1

John Knight (46)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Donovan Shabazz (50)

Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.

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

2

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, David W.A. Chee, Shauna S. Hale, Christopher F. Murray, David P. Sullivan, Callan L. Albritton, and Diego F. Novaes.

Orlando Division

1st Quarter

Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. (75)

Failure to record firearms purchaser by FFL dealer (3 counts)

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

9

Nicholas Brooks Race (40)

Bank robbery.

 

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

0

Desha Cooper (31)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

2

Carlos Aquino (42)

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

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

1

O’Neil Clifton Gordon (31)

Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

 

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Dana Hill, Michael Sartoian, Noah Dorman, Richard Varandan, Kara Wick, and Rachel Lyons.

               

 

Sentenced Cases

Defendant(s)

(Age)

Charges

Sentence Imposed

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

1st Quarter

Manuel Alfredo Dickerson Copland (30)

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; possession of MDMA, possession of oxycodone, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Sentence imposed: 26 years, 10 months in federal prison.

2

Steven Dewayne Barnes, Jr. (26)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

 

Sentence imposed: 10 years, 1 month in federal prison.

1

Deshon G. Walker (27)

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison.

1

Omar Arriojas (57)

Attempting to smuggle goods from the United States and making a false statement during a firearms acquisition.

 

Sentence imposed: 18 months in federal prison.

3

Edward James Bess, III (29)

Carjacking causing serious bodily injury; discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and carjacking.

 

Sentence imposed: 33 years, 4 months in federal prison.

1

Chester Lewis Risco (20)

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

 

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

1

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Patrick L. Darcey, Simon R. Eth, and Trent Reichling.

Jacksonville Division

1st Quarter

Jonathan Donte Rogers, Jr. (22)

Possession of unregistered short-barreled rifle.

Sentence imposed: 21 months in federal prison.

0

Shawntae Jamell Clark (45)

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

Sentence imposed: 10 years, 5 months in federal prison.

2

Dwayne Eric Thompson (39)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison.

1

D’Trevious Sharron Epps (26)

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison.

2

Pocols Lashawn Jackson (39)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Sentence imposed: 6 years, 3 months in federal prison.

10

Maisha K. Daniels (47)

Possessing, selling, and disposing of a stolen firearm.

Sentence imposed:  3 years’ probation.

1

Adam Taylor (33)

Making false statements to a firearms dealer

Sentence imposed:  4 years’ probation.

2

James Frank Little (50)

Making false statements to a firearms dealer

Sentence imposed: 4 years’ probation.

0

Thelonious Kirby (52)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 37 months in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs John Cannizzaro, Kevin C. Frein, Frank Talbot, and Michael Coolican.

Ocala Division

1st Quarter

Mario Jerard Delaney (33)

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 37 months in federal prison.

1

Cody Richard Hawk (51)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison.

1

Timothy Roberts (28)

Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Sentence imposed: 6 years, 5 months in federal prison.

3

Christopher Worlds (36)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

1

Eddie Lee Parks, III (24)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

1

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk. and Tyrie K. Boyer.

Orlando Division

1st Quarter

Bernard Rogers (35)

Armed robbery.

Sentence imposed: 17 years in federal prison.

1

Christian Arroyo-Rivera (30)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine.

 

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

1

Allen Lee Glover (25)

Possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 6 years, 5 months in federal prison.

1

Cristian Burgos (25)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison.

1

Terrell Robinson (37)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.

1

Jennifer Lee Branham (42)

Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

0

Zachary Ramyard (22)

Robbery of Postal Carrier

Sentence imposed: 12 years, 1 month in federal prison.

0

Camilo Ignacio Vivas Sanchez (20)

Conspiracy to rob a Postal Carrier, robbery of Postal Carrier

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

0

Jonathan James Pilgrim (42)

Possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to distribute, and Possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

1

Jarule Jhlem Jarvis Neal (22)

Possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

2

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Dana E. Hill, Megan Testerman, Shannon Laurie, Kara Wick, Noah P. Dorman, Stephanie A. McNeff, and Karina Valdes.

Tampa Division

1st Quarter

Basilio Amaury Bron, Jr. (43)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of federal supervised release.

Sentence imposed: 5 years, 4 months in federal prison.

1

Kranston Algeno Rolle (33)

Firearms trafficking.

Sentence imposed: 4 years in federal prison.

2

Deterrio M. Young (29)

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

 

Sentence imposed: 15 years, 10 months in federal prison.

1

Carvia Harris (35)

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 2 years in federal prison.

0

Randell Alexander Love (48)

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

 

Sentence imposed: 25 years in federal prison.

0

Terrence Thompson (42)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

0

Clinton Justesen (49)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.

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

0

Eugene Washington, Jr. (36)

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

Sentence imposed: 9 years in federal prison.

0

Marquis Henry Mack (33)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison.

0

Johnathan Anton Williams (39)

Distribution of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

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

0

John Charles Anderson (40)

Bank robbery with an assault by using a deadly weapon.

Sentence imposed: 12 years in federal prison.

0

Michael Edward Lindsay (47)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it.

Sentence imposed:

(under the Armed Criminal Act)

15 years in federal prison.

0

Terrence Johnson, Jr. (28)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

 

Sentence imposed: 7 years in federal prison.

0

John Kennedy Braun (51)

Bank robbery.

Sentence imposed: 20 years in federal prison.

0

Michelle Denise Herds (45)

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

Sentence imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison.

1

Yvens Philone (36)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

7

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs David W.A. Chee, Michael Kenneth, David P. Sullivan, Callan Albritton, Christopher F. Murray, Diego F. Novaes, and Samantha E. Beckman.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Mar’tavoius Martel Brown (25, Lehigh Acres) to five years in federal prison for possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Brown had pleaded guilty on September 14, 2023.

According to the plea agreement, on August 19, 2022, Brown sold a pistol and cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Fort Myers.

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

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

Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alanzo Lamart Edison, a/k/a “Nuely,” (42, Cape Coral) to 10 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine. The court ordered that Edison’s federal sentence be served consecutive to a 15-year Florida state sentence previously imposed for unrelated criminal conduct. Edison had pleaded guilty on October 10, 2023.

According to court records, Edison sold fentanyl to an FBI informant on three occasions between November 2022 and January 2023. During the transactions, Edison was wearing a GPS monitor in connection with his pre-trial release for a pending Lee County felony criminal case. In April 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at a residence in Lehigh Acres associated with Edison and recovered more than a half-kilogram of controlled substances, including fentanyl and cocaine.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Lucas Shirley II (28, Jacksonville) to five years and five months in federal prison for transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles. Shirley pleaded guilty on August 17, 2023.

According to court documents, on January 4, 2023, an undercover (UC) agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and a confidential informant (CI) went to Shirley’s home in Jacksonville posing as leaders of a motorcycle gang. Shirley sold the CI three privately manufactured rifles (to include a machinegun, a short-barreled rifle, and a combination machinegun short-barreled rifle) and a firearm silencer. None of the firearms were registered in the National Firearms Registrations and Transfer Record, as required by law. Inside the home, the UC saw various tools and machines suitable for manufacturing firearm components and accessories.

In the weeks that followed, the CI, UC, and Shirley spoke on the phone and exchanged text messages about firearms Shirley was manufacturing. Shirley told the CI he had armor-piercing ammunition and the firearms he was building were like the ones that U.S. Navy SEALs carry in battle. Through text messages, Shirley also sent the UC photographs of short-barreled rifles and firearm silencers.

On January 24, 2023, the UC went to Shirley’s home and bought four short-barreled rifles equipped with firearm silencers. Shirley confirmed that two of the rifles were machineguns. These silencers and rifles were again not registered in the National Firearms Registrations and Transfer Record. Shirley also gave the UC three privately manufactured derringer-style pistols with the understanding the UC would pay for them at a later date.

On February 2, 2023, the UC and other agents arrested Shirley and executed a federal search warrant. During the search, they found a privately manufactured pistol, a privately manufactured rifle equipped with a silencer, over 200 rounds of ammunition, approximately 12 machinegun conversion devices, a template for manufacturing machinegun conversion devices, two bags containing methamphetamine and marijuana, a pipe suitable for smoking methamphetamine, and various firearm accessories and parts, including components that had been created using 3D printers. They also found tools, raw materials, and equipment, including a 3D printer, which can be used to manufacture firearms, silencers, and machinegun conversion devices. Shirley has never been licensed to manufacture or sell firearms.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Duglas Hernandez Valladares (38, Honduras) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Valladares faces a penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, E-Verify is a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The SSA and USCIS check submitted information against the records of actual persons who are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a voluntary program for employers and requires documents such as a Social Security number and photo identification of a prospective employee. 

From at least 2021 through October 2022, Valladares used another person’s means of identification in order to defeat the E-Verify system and to commit the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security number and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Transportation–Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor–Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Keith Dewayne Drayton, Jr. (27, Fort Myers) to four years and one month in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. The court also ordered Drayton to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Drayton had pleaded guilty on August 29, 2023.

According to court records, on the night of June 17, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Drayton was the front-seat passenger. The vehicle did not stop, and by the time the officers caught up to the vehicle, both the driver and Drayton had fled from the vehicle on foot. On the ground near the front passenger door of the vehicle, officers found a loaded Glock handgun. Inside the vehicle, officers located a satchel which contained a prescription pill bottle bearing Drayton’s full name, as well as a baggie containing almost a half-ounce of crack cocaine. Drayton was later located by officers hiding in a nearby dumpster.  

As a convicted felon who previously served time in federal prison for a firearm offense, Drayton is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.       

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. 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.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Byron Louder (34, Orlando) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Louder faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Louder that the United States intends to forfeit a Sig Sauer firearm, which is alleged to be involved in the offense.

According to the indictment, on December 25, 2022, Louder possessed a firearm. At the time of the alleged offense, Louder had prior felony convictions for delivery of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver. As such, he 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

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.