Middle District of Florida

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging U.S. citizen Abduvosit Razikov (44, Orlando) and Uzbek national Dilrabo Obidova (35, Orlando) with conspiring for more than 16 years to make false statements to federal agencies, illegally obtain immigration benefits, make false statements in U.S. passport applications, and illegally obtain U.S. passports. The superseding indictment also charges Razikov and Obidova with several counts of passport fraud, and it charges Obidova with making false statements to federal agencies and attempting to illegally procure naturalization or U.S. citizenship. If convicted, Obidova and Razikov each face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for conspiracy and up to ten years in federal prison for passport fraud. Obidova also faces five years in federal prison for false statements to a federal agency and up to ten years in federal prison for attempting to illegally procure naturalization or U.S. citizenship.

According to the superseding indictment, Razikov, originally a national of Uzbekistan, gained immigration status and eventually obtained U.S. citizenship through a fraudulent marriage to a U.S. citizen. Razikov and Obidova separately conspired for Obidova to gain immigration benefits in the United States through her own fraudulent marriage to a different U.S. citizen. In the meantime, Razikov and Obidova secretly married each other and concealed their relationship from immigration authorities, including by listing Obidova’s sham husband as the father on Razikov and Obidova’s children’s birth certificates. Their efforts to hide their respective fraudulent marriages led to both Razikov and Obidova making several false statements in applications for U.S. passports for Razikov and their children.

After obtaining lawful permanent resident status, Obidova attempted to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. According to the superseding indictment, in her application for naturalization, Obidova made numerous false statements, under penalty of perjury, relating to her background, marriages, and past attempts to illegally obtain immigration benefits and status.

A superseding 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 U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kara M. Wick and Richard Varadan.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Shawndell Johnson (31, Melbourne) with distribution of controlled substances, possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Johnson that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition which are alleged to have facilitated some of the offenses.  

According to the indictment, on September 1 and September 8, 2022, Johnson distributed a mixture containing fentanyl. Then, on March 16, 2023, Johnson possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl, and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing cocaine. Johnson is also charged with possessing multiple firearms and ammunition despite his previous felony convictions for third-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and with possessing a firearm in furtherance of his March 16, 2023, drug offenses.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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 unsealing of an indictment charging thirteen individuals in a drug conspiracy and related charges. According to the indictment, the defendants conspired with one another to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine within the Middle District of Florida. See chart below for details.

Defendant

Charges

Maximum Penalty

Daniel Carrillo

(35, Weeki Wachee)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine

3 Counts -Distribution of cocaine

Life in prison

(Mandatory Minimum of 10 years)

Yoned Onil Santana Vazquez

(18, Hudson)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine

1 Count - Distribution of cocaine

40 years

(Mandatory Minimum of

5 years)

Georgelys Natal Vazquez

(27, Hudson)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

1 Count - Distribution of cocaine

20 years

Lucy Carrillo Gonzalez

(60, Port Richey) 

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

1 Count - Distribution of cocaine

20 years

Jacqueline Navarro 

(53, Port Richey)

1 County - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine

5 Counts - Distribution of cocaine

1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

Life in prison

(Mandatory Minimum of 10 years)

Betsy Luz Trinidad 

(32, Weeki Wachee)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine

4 Counts - Distribution of cocaine

Life in Prison

(Mandatory Minimum of 10 years)

Rolando Alvarez Canete

(40, Holiday)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

1 Count - Distribution of cocaine

20 years in prison

 

Kevin Valdez

(33, Port Richey)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

20 years in prison

Victor Hernandez Jr

(24, Port Richey)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

20 years in prison

 

John Patrick Barrett, (57, Port Richey)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

Life in prison

(Mandatory Minimum of 10 years)

Jennifer Hanna

(51, Hudson)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

1 Count - Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

2 Counts - Distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

Life in prison

(Mandatory Minimum of 10 years)

Johan Eloy Del Valle Carrillo

(41, Puerto Rico)

1 Count - Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

1 Count - Attempted distribution of cocaine

20 years in prison

James Perry Oneal

(29, Clearwater)

1 Count – Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

1 Count – Possession with intent to distribute of cocaine

20 years in prison

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Jeffrey Chang.

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.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Victor Yoel Perez Cremades (52, Tampa) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The court also ordered Cremades to forfeit $4,820, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. A federal jury had found Cremades guilty on May 9, 2023.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on September 8, 2021, the FBI served a search warrant on Cremades’ residence in Tampa. In Cremades’s bedroom, agents located a bag containing more than 800 grams of pills pressed to look like oxycodone tablets and over 3,000 grams of methamphetamine. The bag was in the same closet as Cremades’s passport, ID card, and Social Security card. An additional 145 grams of methamphetamine was located in the dining area.

On the same day, agents intercepted a suspicious package in the mail that was destined to a fictitious person at Cremades’s address. The package contained more than 1,700 grams of methamphetamine and over 1,200 fentanyl pills pressed to look like oxycodone tablets. During the search, agents located financial receipts showing Cremades had sent money to the same city the suspicious package was mailed from.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department 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, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Brooke Padgett.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Andrez Galarza Miranda (51, Mexico) to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Galarza Miranda had pleaded guilty on September 29, 2023.

According to court documents, on May 6, 2022, Miranda made arrangements to sell 15 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant outside a restaurant in Jacksonville. Upon arrival to the agreed upon location, a traffic stop was initiated and Miranda was found in possession of 15 pounds of methamphetamine. At the time, Miranda was on supervised release after having served 18 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute marijuana and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Eric Joen Brenes-Colon (34, Orlando) to 9 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and MDMA (Ecstasy). Brenes-Colon had pleaded guilty on October 26, 2023.

According to court documents, Brenes-Colon was the source of supply of kilograms of cocaine for a drug-trafficking operation that operated in Central Florida and Tampa in 2020 and 2021. Brenes-Colon coordinated shipments of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Florida and delivered cocaine to Georgi Milenov Solakov (31, Tampa) up until March 2021, when Solakov was arrested. Some of the cocaine was sent from Puerto Rico to Solakov’s residence near downtown Tampa in parcels with Styrofoam coolers of cocaine inside. Solakov was convicted of federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses on September 17, 2021, and he is currently serving time in federal prison. Brenes-Colon also distributed MDMA tablets and marijuana, and several firearms, including a shotgun, a semi-automatic pistol, and an assault rifle, were seized in connection with the investigation.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. Del Mastro and E. Jackson Boggs Jr.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nicholas Munson Troemner (41, Marco Island) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Troemner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on February 16, 2023, in North Fort Myers, Troemner was in possession of a loaded Taurus pistol. At the time, Troemner had multiple prior felony firearm and drug-related convictions and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Troemner agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition as part of a plea agreement.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonnetric Devonte Ivey (30, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Ivey faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on March 22, 2023, Ivey was stopped by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic stop. Ivey made a throwing motion prior to complying with the deputy’s demands. In the same area of the throwing motion, deputies located a loaded Taurus pistol. DNA evidence later linked Ivey to the loaded pistol. At the time, Ivey was a convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Ivey agreed to forfeit the loaded pistol as a part of the plea agreement.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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 Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Joshua Friedbauer (61, Tampa) to 15 years in federal prison for enticement of a minor and receipt of child sex abuse material. Friedbauer is also responsible for an Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act assessment of $3,000 and a Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act assessment of $10,000. Friedbauer had pleaded guilty on July 5, 2023.

According to court documents, around June 2021, Friedbauer visited the Philippines and met the impoverished 13-year-old child victim through her mother, with whom Friedbauer shared a romantic relationship. Thereafter, Friedbauer coerced, persuaded, and used the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing photos of this conduct. In return, Friedbauer gave the child money and other gifts. When the child victim resisted and did not fully cooperate with his requests, Friedbauer continued to pressure and guilted her for more images.

“This predator traveled internationally and exploited the impoverished financial status of a mother and her child to create sexually explicit imagery for his perverse conduct,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “The vile actions of child predators make lifetime victims of their prey and cause irreparable harm. This successful sentencing is a testament to the strength of our global network of law enforcement partnerships, including the Philippine National Police, and our commitment to serve and protect victims of human trafficking and exploitation.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa, with substantial assistance from the Philippine National Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.

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

Jacksonville, FL – A Florida woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for a scheme to file false tax returns and to two years in prison for an unrelated online romance scam. The two sentences are to run concurrently with each other.

According to court documents and statements made in court related to the tax scheme, Iona Coates owned and operated Bits & Bytes Accounting Services Inc., which provided tax preparation and bookkeeping services. Between 2015 and 2020, Coates claimed $228,788 in tax refunds on her individual federal income tax returns by falsely reporting that taxes had been withheld from her income and had been paid to the IRS. Coates further enriched herself by creating nearly 20 sham entities for the sole purpose of filing false tax returns that claimed fuel tax credits. Between 2017 and 2019, Coates prepared and filed 35 such returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court regarding the online romance scheme, in 2020, Coates met two individuals online through a dating website. She subsequently provided them with her bank account information and began receiving money into her account from victims of the scheme. She sent the money she received to them. In December 2020, U.S. Secret Service agents met with Coates and explained that she was acting as a “money mule” in an online romance scheme. As the agents described, the individuals, acting as fake suitors on dating websites, convinced victims to send money to Coates’s bank account. The Secret Service advised Coates to cease participation in the scheme, as the individuals were using her bank account to facilitate their theft. Coates, however, soon thereafter began acting as a money mule for another online romance scammer. Between December 2020 and September 2021, she received $229,376.26 into her bank accounts from victims of the scheme and sent the money to the scammer.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Brian Davis ordered Coates to serve a total of three years of supervised release for both schemes. Judge Davis also ordered Coates to pay approximately $186,288 in restitution to the United States related to the tax charges and $229,376.26 in restitution to the victims of the romance scheme.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the tax scheme and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the online romance scheme.

Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the tax case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frein prosecuted the online romance scheme case.

A Florida woman was sentenced today to two years in prison for a scheme to file false tax returns and to two years in prison for an unrelated online romance scam. The two sentences are to run concurrently with each other.

According to court documents and statements made in court related to the tax scheme, Iona Coates owned and operated Bits & Bytes Accounting Services Inc., which provided tax preparation and bookkeeping services. Between 2015 and 2020, Coates claimed $228,788 in tax refunds on her individual federal income tax returns by falsely reporting that taxes had been withheld from her income and had been paid to the IRS. Coates further enriched herself by creating nearly 20 sham entities for the sole purpose of filing false tax returns that claimed fuel tax credits. Between 2017 and 2019, Coates prepared and filed 35 such returns.

According to court documents and statements made in court regarding the online romance scheme, in 2020, Coates met two individuals online through a dating website. She subsequently provided them with her bank account information and began receiving money into her account from victims of the scheme. She sent the money she received to them. In December 2020, U.S. Secret Service agents met with Coates and explained that she was acting as a “money mule” in an online romance scheme. As the agents described, the individuals, acting as fake suitors on dating websites, convinced victims to send money to Coates’s bank account. The Secret Service advised Coates to cease participation in the scheme, as the individuals were using her bank account to facilitate their theft. Coates, however, soon thereafter began acting as a money mule for another online romance scammer. Between December 2020 and September 2021, she received $229,376.26 into her bank accounts from victims of the scheme and sent the money to the scammer.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Brian Davis ordered Coates to serve a total of three years of supervised release for both schemes. Judge Davis also ordered Coates to pay approximately $186,288 in restitution to the United States related to the tax charges and $229,376.26 in restitution to the victims of the romance scheme.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the tax scheme and the U.S. Secret Service investigated the online romance scheme.

Trial Attorneys Kevin Schneider and Wilson Stamm of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin C. Frein for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the tax case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frein prosecuted the online romance scheme case.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tyran Terrell Harris (24, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Harris faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal grand jury had indicted Harris on December 12, 2023.

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

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

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Basilio Jim Diaz (64, Hernando County) guilty of destruction of evidence and accessing with the intent to view child sexual abuse material. Diaz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2024. Diaz has also agreed to forfeit his electronic devices which were used in the commission of the offense.  

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

This case was investigated by the FBI, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and Task Force Officers from the Tampa Police Department and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Ross D. Roberts.

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

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Lawrence Lamar Singleton II (34, Orlando) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Singleton faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Singleton that the United States intends to forfeit a Sig Sauer firearm, a Smith & Wesson firearm, Blazer ammunition and Lake City Army ammunition, which are alleged to be involved in the offense.

According to the indictment, on May 14, 2023, Singleton possessed two firearms and ammunition. At the time of the alleged offense, Singleton had prior felony convictions for burglary of a dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer and driving while license suspended (two prior convictions). 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.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Jason Santos (27, Orlando) to eight years and four months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The court also ordered Santos to forfeit 11 firearms and various ammunition, which are traceable to the offense. Santos had pleaded guilty on September 22, 2023.

According to court documents, on February 15 and March 14, 2023, Santos sold cocaine to an undercover deputy from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement subsequently obtained a search warrant for a residence out of which Santos was operating and recovered 11 firearms, various ammunition, a tactical bag, and drug paraphernalia, including scales and empty clear bags. Officers also recovered various controlled substances, including, fentanyl, cocaine, LSD, MDA, methamphetamine, cannabis, alprazolam, and mushrooms.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. The case was 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Antavious Anton Gray, Jr. (23, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Gray faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on October 19, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Gray was a passenger. The driver gave law enforcement consent to search the vehicle, wherein they located a semi-automatic Smith & Wesson firearm with an extended magazine in a satchel on the floorboard where Gray had been sitting. A lab analysis revealed Gray’s DNA was on the firearm. At the time, Gray had a prior felony conviction for possession of a firearm by a person found to have committed a delinquent act. As a convicted felon, Gray is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It is being 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Luis Rosado (28, Winter Park) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Rosado faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Rosado that the United States intends to forfeit a Taurus pistol, a Radical Firearms rifle, a Silver Eagle shotgun, and Sellier & Bellot and Norma ammunition, which is alleged to be involved in the offense.

According to the indictment, on August 20, 2023, Rosado possessed a pistol, a rifle, a shotgun, and various ammunition. At the time of the alleged offense, Rosado had 19 prior felony convictions. 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Roman Batista (38, Kissimmee) to five years in federal prison for importing cocaine into the United States. Batista had pleaded guilty on September 25, 2023.

According to court documents, on July 10, 2023, Batista flew from the Dominican Republic to the Orlando International Airport. After securing his checked luggage from the baggage claim area, Batista was referred for a bag examination. Customs and Border Protection Officers conducted an examination of Batista’s luggage wherein 2,994 grams of cocaine was located hidden in a speaker. 

“CBP is focused on attacking every link in the global illegal narcotic trafficking chain. The diligent work by our CBP Officers prevented these illicit drugs from ever finding their way on to the street of Orlando or beyond,” stated Miami/Tampa Director of Field Operations Carlos Martel. “One of CBP’s main mission is to relentlessly prevent the flow of illicit narcotics into our nation and our job is performed 24/7.”

“This sentencing is a testament to Homeland Security Investigations’ commitment to stop those who exploit our nations travel system to further their illicit narcotic distribution networks,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “The outstanding law enforcement partnership we have with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Orlando International Airport has ensured this criminal will now face the consequences of his actions.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Darius Hudson (44, Arcadia) guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three separate Hobbs Act robberies, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Because of the specific robberies that they each participated in, the defendants also face mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment. Hudson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 27 years, and up to life, in federal prison.  A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to the evidence introduced during the trial, between December 2020 and April 2021, a group of individuals conspired with each other to commit armed robberies throughout Pasco, Polk, Lee, and Hillsborough Counties, as well as Georgia and Arizona. While committing these offenses, the conspirators, including Hudson, impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks, often with law enforcement insignia, or vests with “Sheriff” affixed. They drove a black Dodge Durango equipped with lights, and often handcuffed their victims. During these robberies, victims and their family members were awoken in the middle of the night at home, beat, pistol whipped, threatened, and, on several occasions, shot.

This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alfred Clayton Rosier, Jr. (29, Sarasota) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rosier faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, on September 22, 2022, a deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office retrieved a package from a FedEx facility after the deputy’s canine partner had alerted on the package for the presence of narcotics. After the deputy had procured and executed a search warrant on the package, law enforcement discovered approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine. The package was addressed to a residence in Sarasota.

Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with officers from the Sarasota Police Department and deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, conducted a controlled delivery of a portion of the methamphetamine to the residence. Rosier was found outside of the residence with a large box as law enforcement was executing a search warrant. When Rosier observed law enforcement approaching, he threw the box inside of a parked white van and jumped inside of a car parked next to the van. Upon a search of the van and the box that Rosier had thrown inside, agents discovered approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and 647 grams of methamphetamine. They also recovered a small backpack that contained a loaded pistol and documents addressed to Rosier.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Victor Aguilar (32, Orlando) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Aguilar had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2023.

According to court documents, in May 2023, Aguilar responded to a social media posting from an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 15-year-old child. Aguilar engaged in sexually oriented conversation, telling the undercover officer in detail what he planned to do with the minor. The two discussed meeting locations, including a mall in the Ocala area. A few hours later, Aguilar told the undercover officer he had arrived at the Ocala mall to meet with the minor. While Aguilar was waiting, deputies arrived and arrested Aguilar.

“This predator knowingly targeted a child to carry out his deviant behaviors, but our team of investigators were diligent in bringing him to justice,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “HSI investigators, alongside our partners, the U.S. Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, have successfully removed another predator from the streets.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the United States Secret Service, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Belkis H. Crockett and Tyrie K. Boyer.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Moad Mohamed Benkabbou (23, Kissimmee) to six years in federal prison for making false statements to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in an interview relating to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Benkabbou had pleaded guilty on May 5, 2023.

According to Benkabbou’s plea agreement and evidence previously admitted during a hearing, Benkabbou swore an oath to support ISIS in January 2020, made plans to travel to Turkey and Syria to fight for ISIS, sent money to support ISIS, purchased airplane tickets in August 2020 and January 2021 (later cancelled both tickets), and sent ISIS propaganda videos to others, including ISIS sponsored videos showing the executions (by gunshot and beheading) of American allies fighting against ISIS.  Benkabbou also sent a photo of himself dressed as an ISIS fighter with the statement, “Hey Crusaders hey Jews die within your rage.” When interviewed on two occasions by FBI in relation to these activities, Benkabbou lied about his involvement with and support of ISIS.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn P. Napier and Kara M. Wick.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert Lee Pringle (35, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Pringle faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on May 3, 2022, law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle Pringle was driving. Rather than stopping, Pringle fled at a high rate of speed and later crashed into another vehicle. During a search of the stolen vehicle, officers located two firearms on the front passenger floorboard as well as a pistol magazine on the driver’s side floorboard. Also on the front passenger floorboard was a backpack containing paperwork with Pringle’s name, prescription bottles with Pringle’s name, suspected narcotics, digital scales, baggies, and 9mm bullets.

At the time, Pringle had multiple prior felony convictions, including carrying a concealed firearm, robbery, burglary of a conveyance, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, grand theft third degree, and fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer at high speed or with wanton disregard. As a multi-convicted felon, Pringle 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 Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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 Kristian Ramos (43, Kissimmee) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Ramos faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Ramos that the United States intends to forfeit a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun, which is alleged to be involved in the offense.

According to the indictment, on May 23, 2023, Ramos possessed a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun. At the time of the alleged offense, Ramos had prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and robbery. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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 Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. (75, Altamonte Springs) has pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to record required information about firearms purchases. Hernandez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison for each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Hernandez was an owner and responsible party for Arms Hill LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL or Federal Firearms Licensee) from 2019 through 2023. In 2022, the FBI obtained information that Hernandez was supplying firearms to an individual who was unlawfully selling them to drug dealers and convicted felons and that Hernandez was falsifying paperwork in connection with supplying those firearms. FFL dealers who operate within the law require purchasers to complete specific forms (ATF Form 4473) and answer numerous questions about the buyer’s background and eligibility to purchase firearms. Firearms that are sold without a Form 4473 indicating the true purchaser are more valuable on the black market because they provide an avenue for otherwise prohibited persons to acquire firearms.

Beginning in April 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), through a cooperating source, conducted a series of undercover purchases from Hernandez. On April 20 and 24, 2023, and again on May 1, 2023, Hernandez sold nine firearms to the ATF’s source. Hernandez charged above-market prices for the firearms while also creating false ATF Form 4473 forms documenting fake sales to Hernandez’s relatives. On May 19, 2023, during the execution of a search warrant, ATF agents found pre-filled ATF 4473 forms with information from Hernandez’s relatives that had been pre-populated and prepared for future fake sales. Hernandez’s FFL records indicate that nearly a quarter of his sales as an FFL from 2019-2023, including more than 260 firearms, were recorded as though they were sold to his relatives. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Apopka Police Department, and the Altamonte Springs Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana E. Hill and Noah Dorman.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Alexander Lightner (26, Venice, FL) with interstate transmission of a threat to injure and unlawful possession of a silencer. If convicted on all counts, Lightner faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. 

According to court filings, on December 29, 2023, Lightner made the following threats on an internet messaging platform indicating his intention to carry out a mass shooting: “2024 there shall be saints u fuq”; “Highscore shall be defeated”; “I’ll delete this, but I say to you there is no surrender only death. Only purpose”; “When my @ says last seen a week ago remove me from everything.”; “It’s called a .308 black tip.”; and “Those that know me know. It’s over, you have not seen the wrath of the Aryan that has no purpose left.” In the racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist (“RMVE”) community, a “saint” is an individual who commits an act of mass violence in furtherance of RMVE ideology, and the term “high score” refers to the death toll amassed by an attacker, or saint, who commits an act of mass violence.

Federal law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at Lightner’s residence. During the search, agents recovered an unregistered firearm silencer, ammunition, and multiple firearms from Lightner’s 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 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. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Elliott Dubenion (40, Jacksonville) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Dubenion had pleaded guilty on September 27, 2023.

According to court documents, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office identified Dubenion as a mid-level supplier of fentanyl to other dealers in Duval and Clay counties. Agents conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl directly from Dubenion in Jacksonville on January 27 and February 7, 2023. According to lab reports, Dubenion sold approximately 84 grams of fentanyl. 

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.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Gabriel Daniel Pinnace (31, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to smuggling firearms from the United States and making materially false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Pinnace faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each offense. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to the plea agreement, on May 15, 2021, Pinnace and an individual in a related case, Antonio Reyes, attempted to smuggle three firearms and 57 rounds of ammunition from Jacksonville to Venezuela. Prior to that date, Reyes enlisted Pinnace to purchase the firearms from federally licensed firearms dealers with knowledge that the firearms would be sent to Venezuela. Pinnace purchased the firearms after falsifying ATF Forms 4473, which are required for all firearms purchases. After purchasing the firearms, Pinnace scratched the serial numbers off two of the firearms and provided them to Reyes, who then concealed the firearms and ammunition in a futon that he attempted to mail using a freight forwarding service. Employees from the freight forwarder observed the firearms during a routine x-ray of the parcel and contacted law enforcement. On May 22, 2021, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized the three firearms, which included a Glock 17 pistol and two Smith and Wesson M&P 15 rifles. Forensic technicians at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) restored the obliterated serial numbers, which allowed ATF agents to trace the firearms back to Pinnace. On May 24, 2021, Pinnace reported the firearms as stolen. Following Reyes’s arrest on unrelated state charges on August 11, 2023, federal agents from ATF, HSI, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) searched Reyes’s cellphone and found conversations between Reyes and Pinnace discussing trafficking firearms to Venezuela. 

On August 26, 2023, ATF, HSI, and CBP agents conducted an operation to purchase firearms directly from Pinnace. That morning, Pinnace met with an undercover agent and agreed to sell the agent three firearms. That afternoon, agents surveilled Pinnace as he travelled to a gun store in Jacksonville, where he falsified another ATF Form 4473 and purchased two firearms. After leaving the store with what appeared to be a gun box, Pinnace travelled to meet with the undercover agent. At that meeting, Pinnace sold the undercover the three firearms and instructed the undercover to scratch off the serial numbers.

Reyes previously pleaded guilty to smuggling firearms from the United States and conspiring to use a facility of interstate commerce to commit a murder-for-hire on January 3, 2024. His sentencing hearing is set for April 23, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Henry L. Adams has sentenced Geoffrey Scott Carter (44, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Carter to forfeit 10 firearms and assorted ammunition. Carter had pleaded guilty on March 28, 2023.

According to court documents, on August 5, 2022, in St. Johns County, a police officer observed an SUV commit a traffic offense and the officer executed a traffic stop. The only occupants of the SUV were its driver and Carter. A police canine alerted when walked around the SUV, indicating the recent presence of illegal drugs in the vehicle. When an officer searched the SUV, he found two loaded pistols (one of which had been previously reported stolen), approximately 36 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 21 grams of cocaine, 3 grams of MDMA (also known as ecstasy), 3 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, syringes, and baggies. The driver denied knowing that there were illegal drugs in the vehicle but confirmed that Carter was a drug dealer. When searched, Carter had brass knuckles in his pocket and was wearing an empty firearm holster. When an officer located the holster, Carter stated that it was for holding his cigarettes. Carter was arrested for various state offenses, but soon was released on bond.

Following Carter’s release, a confidential source, acting at the direction of law enforcement, purchased controlled substances from Carter four times at Carter’s home in Jacksonville. During these transactions, Carter sold the confidential source approximately 645 grams of methamphetamine, 3 grams of fentanyl, and a Colt revolver. Having previously been convicted of 11 felony offenses, Carter is prohibited by law from possessing firearms, including the Colt revolver.

On November 2, 2022, law enforcement agents and officers executed a federal search warrant at Carter’s home. During the search, they located seven loaded handguns, two body armor vests, ammunition, a scale, baggies containing methamphetamine and marijuana, a Nazi flag, and a vest with markings associated with the “Unforgiven,” a white-supremacist prison gang.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Augustine Beach Police Department, 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, FL – January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. To commemorate this month, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg renews his Office’s commitment to prosecuting human traffickers, protecting victims, empowering survivors, and preventing the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes.

In recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reaffirms that vindicating the rights of human trafficking victims and other vulnerable persons ranks among its highest priorities.

“Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children and adults, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any society. That’s why in January and throughout the year, my Office’s dedicated prosecutors, victim witness coordinators, and support personnel work with our law enforcement partners to combat human trafficking and bring offenders to justice.”

Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

Information on the Office’s work to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking.

To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has released a Public Service Announcement on how to identify potential trafficking situations and where to report suspected human trafficking activity.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Erik Barner (45, St. Petersburg) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Barner had pleaded guilty on October 20, 2023.

According to court documents, on February 22, March 1, and March 10, 2023, Barner sold cocaine to a confidential informant working with the St. Petersburg Police Department. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for a residence out of which Barner was operating, and a vehicle. Officers recovered four firearms and various ammunition that had been dispersed throughout the home. In the vehicle, officers found 176 grams of cocaine. Three of the firearms recovered from the home were later determined to have been reported stolen. Two of the firearms had Barner’s DNA on them.

Barner has previous felony convictions for possession of cocaine, throwing a deadly missile at or into an occupied vehicle, possession of cocaine with intent to sell, and two trafficking in cocaine convictions. 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 St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James 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.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Evan Ingram (42, Clearwater) has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. For the distribution charge, Ingram faces up to 20 years in federal prison. For the possession of firearm charge, he faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Ingram was previously convicted of seven felonies including possession of cocaine, sale or delivery of cocaine, robbery, aggravated assault, and sale of a counterfeit substance. On five dates in August and two dates in September 2022, Ingram distributed a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine. Court records also show that on four of those dates Ingram sold either a firearm or a firearm and ammunition.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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 results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in major or sophisticated fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.

On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the Task Force has prosecuted 77 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare (“HCF”). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $85 million. Fifty-six of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 21 defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.) In fiscal year 2023, the Task Force indicted 26 COVID-19 fraud related cases in which defendants sought to obtain more than $15 million from the various federal programs.

For example, in October 2023, U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber sentenced Denis Casseus to two years in federal prison for bank fraud and an illegal monetary transaction. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $298,875, the proceeds of the bank fraud. According to court documents, Casseus submitted two fraudulent PPP applications, in which he falsely represented that the PPP funds would be used only for business-related purposes, as specified in the loan applications. Instead, Casseus used a portion of the fraudulent-obtained money for the purchase a residence in Cape Coral.

In a separate matter, United States District Judge Kathryn Mizelle sentenced Vitalii Chychasov to eight years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and trafficking in unauthorized access devices. Chychasov was an administrator of a series of websites that sold Social Security numbers. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic to and purchases on the website increased dramatically due to individuals purchasing Social Security numbers and other personal information in order to commit COVID-19 fraud, primarily unemployment insurance fraud.

Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.

The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.         

The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida

COVID Fraud Criminal Cases

Charged Cases

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Max. Imprisonment

Type of Fraud*

Intended Loss

Amount

Tampa Division

Alexander Alli

Wire fraud conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$80k

Ellyn Pinkney

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$40k

Kieanna Garrett

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$40k

Nicole Bramble-King

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$40k

Mehdi Tazi

Conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 5 years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

UI

$1.5M

Modupe Ogundele

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20k

Devontaie Deravil

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$480k

Jordan Ross

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

EIDL/PPP

$1.3M

Demarius Wilson

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$18k

Tommy Louisville

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$33k

Dawn Ogundele

Theft of government funds

Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

False statement to obtain federal employees’ compensation

Maximum Prison Term: 5 years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, and Michael Kenneth

Orlando Division

Evan Edwards

Joshua Edwards

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Visa fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

False statements

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$8M

Emmet Bowens

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$740k

Latresia Wilson

False statements

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

HCF

$2.6M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser

Jacksonville Division

James Wigg

Wire Fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

PPP

$476k

This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSA Tysen Duva

Fort Myers Division

Venera Price

Mail fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

ERAP

$82k

Timothy Jolloff

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL

$2.1M

Lisa Jolloff

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL

Diop McKenzie

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

EIDL/PPP

$237k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling

Ocala Division

Henry Wade

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$500k

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Adjudicated Cases

Tampa Division

Joseph Abdo

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$500k

Keaujay Hornsby

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Kareem Spann

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Marqus Willard Johnson

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$500k

Charles Cunningham

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$800k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon

Orlando Division

Joseph Faubert

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$778k

This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt

Jacksonville Division

Christopher Daragjati

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Theft of government funds

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

PPP

$150k

This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican

Ocala Division

Passion Jackson

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20K

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Fort Myers Division

Evan Graves

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$1.3M

This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSAs Yolande Viacava and Simon Eth

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Alexander Leszczynski

Wire fraud, bank fraud, illegal monetary transactions

Sentence Imposed: 17 and ½ years in federal prison

PPP

$1.1M

Louis Thornton, III

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$815k

Kary Stevenson

Corey Quinn

Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)

Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)

UI

$1M

Bridgitte Keim

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison

PPP

$588k

Wayne Ganaway

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison

EIDL

$300k

Eriaius Bentley

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison

UI

$3M

Rolanda Wingfield

Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison

UI

$135k

Tywon Spann

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison

UI

$3M

Randy Jones

Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

EIDL/UI

$250k

Julio Lugo

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$4.4M

Keith Nicoletta

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.9M

Rosenide Venant

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$413k

Melinda Hernandez

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud,

wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison

UI

$1.5M

Bri’antina Mills

Wire fraud and theft of government funds

Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

EIDL

$10K

Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison

EIDL

$150k

Omar Esquivel Bello

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

EIDL

$242k

Steve Moodie

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

UI

$1.5M

Richard Simpkins

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.9M

Devaris McClain

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

UI

$85K

Jalissa McDuffy

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention

PPP

$41k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, and SAUSA Chris Poor

Orlando Division

Daniel Johnson

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison

UI

$2.3M

Jacquavius Smith

Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$10k

Johnson Eustache

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$2.2M

Joseph Harrison

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison

UI

$2.1M

Tomas Ziupsnys

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

PPP

$2M

Holly Urban

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.5M

Joel Greenberg

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release

Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison

EIDL

$430k

Don Cisternino

           

Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison

PPP

$7.2M

Keith Ingersoll          

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.  

EIDL

$66k

Jaheim Davis

Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

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

UI

$219k

Teresa McIntyre

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

EIDL

$730k

Brian Blake

Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison

PPP/UI

$832k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg

Jacksonville Division

Jacob Byrd

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$10k

Deconna Burke

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$20k

Desmond Williams

Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud

Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$40k

Kenneth Landers

Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release

PPP

$1.4M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican

Fort Myers Division

Casey Crowther

Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$2.7M

Anthony Bruey

Amber Bruey

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions

Sentence Imposed:

Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison

Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL

$881k

Edrica Leann Watson

False statement to a lending institution

Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison

PPP

$392k

Daniel Joseph Tisone

Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person

Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL/MSLP

$10.7M

Liliana Gonzalez

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed:  5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement

PPP

$169k

Al Clint LaRoche

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison

PPP

$1M

Denis Casseus

Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release

PPP

$298k

Ismaelle Manuel

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release

PPP

$280k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus Casas, and Yolande Viacava

Ocala Division

Lavelle Harris

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison

PPP

$1.2M

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Types of Fraud*

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Health Care Fraud (HCF)

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Heidi Richards (50, Madeira Beach) with one count of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States, one count of trafficking in illicit labels, two counts of trafficking in unauthorized access devices, and one count of possession of 15 or more access devices. If convicted, Richards faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense and for trafficking in illicit labels. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each access device offense. The indictment also notifies Richards that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture for proceeds obtained from the offense.

According to the indictment, beginning at least as early as August 2017, Richards conspired with an unindicted coconspirator to obtain and traffic in illicit labels designed to be affixed to Microsoft software products. Richards sent wire transfers and payments totaling at least $5.14 million during that time to a company owned by the unindicted coconspirator to pay for and acquire software products. Richards also trafficked in Microsoft product activation keys that she or her company were not authorized to sell and obtained proceeds totaling $1,000 or more as a result in calendar years 2020 and 2022. Richards similarly possessed 15 or more unauthorized Microsoft product activation keys on March 8, 2023.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan and Trial Attorney Jared S. Hosid of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.

Download Indictment

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Brian David Casey (35, Clermont) to 21 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Casey had pleaded guilty on August 24, 2023.

According to the court records, Casey was previously convicted of three felonies, including burglary (2008) and two counts of battery on a law enforcement officer (2011). As a convicted felon, Casey is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

On March 20, 2023, Casey pointed a loaded shotgun at his neighbor, telling her that he was going to kill her. When Casey’s wife pushed the firearm’s barrel away, Casey fired the shotgun into the ground. Casey later admitted that he intended to discharge the firearm, calling it a “warning shot.” When federal agents subsequently arrested Casey for this offense, Casey was found to be in possession of another firearm—a loaded revolver.

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Henry Lee Adams, Jr. has sentenced Mario Lenard Elbert (34, Jacksonville) to seven years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Elbert had pleaded guilty on August 22, 2023.

According to court documents, on May 11, 2022, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Elbert’s vehicle due to traffic violations. Elbert fled from the vehicle on foot during the traffic stop but was apprehended following a short pursuit. Elbert had in his possession 54 grams of fentanyl and a loaded pistol. Elbert is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a South Carolina felony conviction (2019) for possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it.     

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

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, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Keith Allen Dixon (46, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dixon had pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023.

According to court documents, on January 6, 2023, Dixon sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant outside a hotel off Lane Avenue in Jacksonville. Dixon also sold two 20-gauge shotguns during the transaction. Dixon is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. At the time, Dixon was on probation following a conviction in Duval County for the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Dixon was accountable for at least 146 grams of pure methamphetamine.   

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 John Cannizzaro.         

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 Sheri P. Chappell has sentenced Augustin Desgrange (51, Haiti) to 30 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation by an aggravated felon. Desgrange had pleaded guilty on October 24, 2023.

According to court documents, on April 13, 2015, Desgrange was convicted of illegal reentry after deportation by an aggravated felon and aggravated identity theft. His status as an aggravated felon stems from a 1998 state conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Desgrange has previously been deported from the United States to Haiti on two occasions. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brent Brown (55, formerly of Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to failing to pay over payroll taxes withheld from employees. Brown faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. As part of his plea, Brown agreed to pay $3,832,360.48 in restitution to the IRS for unpaid payroll taxes, including both taxes withheld from employees and taxes that should have been paid by the company. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Brown was the Chief Executive Officer of Latitude 360, Inc., and the manager of its subsidiaries, including Latitude 360 Jacksonville. Brown exercised oversight over every aspect of the company’s business affairs, including payments of wages to the company’s employees and disposition of funds in the company’s bank accounts, and he had the corporate responsibility to collect, truthfully account for, and pay over the company’s payroll taxes.

Latitude 360 withheld taxes from employee wages, including federal income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act, or “FICA” taxes, which were required periodically to be remitted to the Internal Revenue Service. Brown, on behalf of the company, filed quarterly tax returns that accurately reflected the payroll taxes due, but he caused the company to fail to pay over the payroll taxes to the IRS.

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold B. Corsmeier and Laura Cofer Taylor.

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jason Harris (42, Palm Coast) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Harris faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Harris completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from Southeastern Sports, a federally licensed firearms dealer. Harris indicated on the required paperwork that he was not a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that this was a false statement, and that Harris was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including robbery, shooting or throwing a deadly missile, felony battery and sale of cocaine. Therefore, 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. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.

This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.              

This case 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, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Kristofferson Farmer, Jr. (24, Lake City) to six years and eight months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute Alpha-PVP, a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. Farmer had pleaded guilty on October 4, 2023.

According to court documents, on February 7, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Farmer’s residence. Found inside the residence was Alpha-PVP, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana. Additionally, three loaded firearms were found inside the residence, including a 45 caliber Glock pistol that had been reported stolen, a 9mm caliber Glock pistol, and an AR-15 rifle. Farmer admitted to owning the firearms and narcotics and stated he made approximately $40,000 a month selling narcotics out of his residence. Farmer’s DNA was found on the AR-15 rifle.

Farmer was previously convicted (2018) for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and carrying a concealed firearm. As such, he is prohibited from producing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

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, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Michael Buck Brockway (40, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet and his cellphone to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Brockway faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in prison as well as a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Brockway was arrested on July 28, 2023, and is being detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.

According to court documents, on July 17, 2023, an agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), using the personae of a 13-year-old child (UC), began an undercover investigation designed to identify individuals who were seeking to meet children online for sexual activity. The UC, as the “child,” began an online conversation on a particular social media application (app) with user “Telly_Rider,” who was later identified as Brockway. Over the next 10 days, Brockway and the “child” engaged in numerous sexually explicit conversations using several social media apps and text messaging. During these online conversations, Brockway confirmed that the child was only 13 years old, inquired about the child’s sexual experience, and asked if the child wanted to meet him in person for sex. On July 27, 2023, Brockway asked the child if “she” was alone for the next few days, and he confirmed that the child was living at a particular apartment complex in Jacksonville. Brockway sent the child explicit videos of himself using a sex toy, including one video that he produced and sent while onboard a U.S. Navy ship that was docked at Naval Station Mayport.

On July 28, 2023, Brockway drove to the apartment complex where the child purportedly lived, then over to a nearby restaurant where the child had agreed to meet him. When Brockway entered the restaurant to meet the child, he was arrested by detectives from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). During a search incident to his arrest, Brockway’s cellphone and three condoms were recovered from his front pockets. A search of Brockway’s car revealed a container of personal lubricant, an unopened bottle of vodka, and a sex toy. A search of Brockway’s cellphone revealed at least 200 photos and 400 videos depicting children being sexually abused.      

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging James Warren Finnister (47, Detroit, MI) with interfering with flight crew members and assaulting a flight attendant on an aircraft in the United States. If convicted, Finnister faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, Finnister interfered with crew members and flight attendants during a January 9, 2024, flight from Louisville to Orlando International Airport. Finnister allegedly sexually harassed flight attendants, assaulted a crew member, and requested entry into the aircraft cockpit while the plane was in flight, in addition to other disruptive behavior.

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

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

Download Criminal Complaint

Orlando, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Jeziah Guagno (24, Boynton Beach) to 37 months in federal prison for mailing threatening communications to a federal judge. Guagno had pleaded guilty on October 10, 2023.

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. Known handwriting samples from Guagno also matched the handwritten threats in 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kevin Scott Thompson (34, Winter Park) with three counts of receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Thompson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for each of the receipt counts, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the possession count.

According to court documents, law enforcement seized Thompson’s cellphone during a search of his home following an investigation into his activity of downloading child sexual abuse material from a file sharing program. While forensically examining the cellphone, investigators discovered numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the children depicted in the images and videos were under the age of 12 years old.

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Laela Marme (18, Temple Terrace) with possession of stolen firearms. If convicted, Marme faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

According to court documents, on October 28, 2023, Marme stole five firearms, including four handguns and a semi-automatic rifle, from a victim with whom she was in an ongoing relationship. Multiple photographs and videos were located on Marme’s Instagram account depicting her in possession of the stolen firearms.

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 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

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 for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Noah Michael Urban (19, Palm Coast), a/k/a “Sosa,” a/k/a “Elijah,” a/k/a “King Bob,” a/k/a “Anthony Ramirez,” with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Urban faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud charge. He also faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity offenses which will run consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed. Urban was arrested on January 9, 2024.

According to the indictment, between August 2022 and March 2023, Urban committed wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, which resulted in at least $800,000 being stolen from at least five different victims. 

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

This case is a joint partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, the United States Attorney’s Office District of Oregon, and the United States Attorney’s Office Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Malcolm Bellamy (33, Orlando) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Bellamy faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Bellamy that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition that are alleged to have been used during the commission of the offense.

According to the indictment, on April 21, 2023, Bellamy possessed a Forjas Taurus firearm. At the time of the alleged offense, Bellamy had prior felony convictions for robbery with a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm. As a convicted felon, Bellamy 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

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 unsealing of an indictment charging Michael Guy Dambrosia (61, Ocala) with interstate transmission of a threat to injure and making a false statement in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted on both counts, Dambrosia faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, on August 30, 2021, Dambrosia attempted to purchase a firearm from a local federally licensed firearms dealer. In completing the necessary paperwork to purchase the firearm, Dambrosia indicated that he was not a convicted felon even though he knew this to be false. Later, on January 30, 2023, Dambrosia made an interstate telephone call to the victim and left an obscenity-laden, threatening voicemail stating several times that he would kill the victim.

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

This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police - Threat Assessment Section. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joe Wheeler, III and Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hernan Cruz-Moreno (24, Earlimart, California) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cruz-Moreno 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, on May 2, 2023, Cruz-Moreno and Agustin Ortiz-Sanchez (22, Thermal, CA) flew from Los Angeles, California to Tampa International Airport with four suitcases containing a total of 60 kilograms of methamphetamine. Special agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and officers from the Tampa International Airport Police Department examined the luggage in a secure area of the airport, and a narcotics detection dog indicated there were drugs in the bags. Cruz-Moreno and Sanchez-Ortiz later retrieved the bags and were arrested by officers conducting surveillance. Cruz-Moreno admitted that he had been paid $2,000 by another individual to transport the luggage and stated at the time that he didn’t know what was in the bags, but he knew it was something illegal. 

In November 2023, Ortiz-Sanchez pleaded guilty to same offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2024.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Tampa International Airport Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.