Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Eleven Years in Federal Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and for Violating Terms of Supervised ReleaseRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Corinthian King (32, Jacksonville) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine. King has also agreed to the forfeiture of a Glock 9mm pistol and ammunition, possessed during his commission of the offense. King had pleaded guilty on September 21, 2022, and admitted to violating his supervised release on April 25, 2023.
According to court documents, in April 2022, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic top of King as he was departing a Southside motel. During the traffic stop, the officer learned that King had a suspended driver license. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered a digital scale with cocaine residue, plastic baggies, and a loaded Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol under the rear passenger seat. As the officers prepared to transport King, they discovered a plastic baggie in his pants containing more than 50 grams of powder cocaine, more than 40 grams of methamphetamine, and fentanyl and oxycodone pills.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Lake County Convicted Felon Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Traffic More Than 130 Pounds of MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Jack Protzman (74, Tavares) to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic more than 130 pounds of marijuana. The court also ordered Protzman to forfeit $18,440, and an additional $32,800 was administratively forfeited, which amounts were traceable to proceeds of the offense. Protzman had pleaded guilty on August 16, 2022.
According to court documents, an individual working with law enforcement met with Protzman regarding his marijuana dealing. Protzman showed the individual THC oil cartridges he was trafficking and said he purchases 2,000 cartridges at a time. Protzman also advised that he cultivated marijuana out of state and could provide marijuana to the individual in 50-pound increments. Protzman also advised that he was looking for someone to assist him in transporting his marijuana across state lines in a concealed compartment in a specially-outfitted vehicle.
Protzman sold the individual hundreds of THC oil cartridges and pounds of marijuana, including one instance where Protzman delivered 110 pounds of marijuana in November 2019, which was seized by law enforcement. Agents seized $32,800 in cash from Protzman.
In 2004, Protzman was convicted of conspiracy to import 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana into the United States and sentenced 5 years and 11 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
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.
Jacksonville Registered Sex Offender Indicted for Committing Multiple Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Andrew David Salas (35, Jacksonville) with interstate travel with the intent to engage in sexual conduct with a child, interstate transportation of a child to engage in sexual activity, production, attempted production, and possession of child sexual abuse materials, and committing felony offenses involving a child while required to register as a sex offender. If convicted, Salas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison, and a lifetime of supervised release. Salas was arrested at his residence on November 3, 2022, and has been in custody since that time. He is scheduled for arraignment on May 4, 2023.
Salas is a registered sex offender, having been convicted of carnal knowledge of a minor child in Virginia in 2008.
An indictment is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Carroll County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Georgia State Attorney General’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Atlanta and Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown and Kelly S. Karase.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Bank Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kiana Fiona Alphonse (29, Covington, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, five counts of false representation of a Social Security number, and five counts of aggravated identity theft. Alphonse faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 2 years’ in federal prison on the aggravated identity theft charges, up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, up to 5 years in federal prison on each count of false representation of a Social Security number, and payment of restitution to the victims she and her co-defendant, Anthony Jermaine Robinson (31, Covington, Georgia), had defrauded. Her sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents and public records, in 2019, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) stopped a car Robinson was driving for a cracked windshield. Based on a probable cause search of the car, the CCSO located among other items, counterfeit Social Security cards and driver licenses in the identity of genuine individuals, genuine credit cards in the name of individuals, and multiple phones. Pursuant to a search warrant, the CCSO conducted a forensic examination of Robinson’s cellphone and determined that it contained among other things, text messages between Robinson and Alphonse. The text messages outlined instructions on how to fraudulently set up business accounts at banks using fraudulent business documents for non-existent businesses, identification documents, and Social Security numbers.
Follow up investigation by law enforcement determined that in 2019, Robinson and Alphonse obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of multiple victims and then obtained counterfeit driver licenses purportedly from Washington state and Delaware in the identity of the victims. The counterfeit driver licenses contained the PII of the victims, but a photo of Alphonse. Using the PII including the Social Security numbers of the victims, the counterfeit driver licenses, and documents created for fictitious businesses, Alphonse visited multiple banks and set up fraudulent business bank accounts in the name of various victims. These bank accounts were then utilized as part of a scheme to defraud multiple victims involving the online purchase of nonexistent cars. Once the bank accounts received funds from the victims, Robinson, Alphonse, and co-conspirators withdrew the funds for their own personal use.
Alphonse appeared in federal court on April 26, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing her to Jacksonville from Newton County Jail in Georgia where she is serving a jail sentence for violating probation on a firearm related crime.
Robinson appeared in federal court on November 3, 2022, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from Georgia State Prison where he is serving a prison sentence for violating parole on a fraud related crime. The Court ordered Robinson detained pending trial. On February 8, 2023, Robinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces a maximum penalty of 32 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims he and Alphonse defrauded. Robinson is also wanted on violation of probation warrants from South Carolina and Columbia County, Florida on two unrelated financial crime cases.
This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Patraic Setzer (29, New Port Richey) to three years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Setzer to forfeit a Sig Sauer firearm, which is traceable to the offense. Setzer had pleaded guilty on February 7, 2023.
According to court documents, officers from the New Port Richey Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Setzer, a six-time convicted felon, on May 31, 2022. A police canine alerted on the vehicle and officers searched the car, locating a loaded Sig Sauer firearm. Setzer was on federal supervised release at the time of the incident, following a sentence in the Bureau of Prisons for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Port Richey Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
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.
Cape Coral Trio Convicted for Their Roles in A Multi-Million Dollar Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Carlos Tejeda (62, Cape Coral), Juan Tejeda (35, Cape Coral), and Pedro Pelaez (59, Cape Coral) guilty in connection with their involvement in a large-scale credit card fraud scheme which operated in Cape Coral between late-2015 and mid-2018. Father and son ringleaders, Carlos and Juan Tejeda, were each convicted of 44 federal crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit money laundering, production of counterfeit access devices, and possession of device-making equipment. For his role in the fraud, Pelaez was convicted of 11 federal crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of more than 100 years in federal prison, including 2-year minimum mandatory sentences for each aggravated identity theft conviction. Their sentencing hearings are yet to be scheduled. All three defendants were remanded into custody pending sentencing.
According to evidence presented at trial, Carlos Tejeda recruited several friends and associates, including co-defendant Pedro Pelaez, to create shell companies, obtain credit card processing terminals for their shell companies, and then permit Carlos Tejeda to swipe counterfeit credit cards fraudulently encoded with stolen credit and debit card numbers using the shell company credit card terminals. Evidence showed that Juan Tejeda’s primary role was to encode the counterfeit cards for his father Carlos Tejeda, but that he personally swiped counterfeit cards on shell company terminals as well. Each fraudulent transaction was typically between $1,000 and $3,000, but the same stolen card number was often used several times across multiple shell companies before victim cardholders from across the United States even knew their card numbers had been compromised.
After the stolen funds were deposited into shell company bank accounts, the shell company owners would kickback a pre-determined percentage of the fraudulent proceeds to Carlos or Juan and keep the remainder for themselves. In total, nine shell companies were used to perpetrate the fraud, including those personally opened by Carlos Tejeda and Juan Tejeda. Credit card transaction data presented to the jury showed that during the duration of the fraud, more than $2.6 million dollars of credit card charges were attempted or conducted on the shell company terminals. In total, nine people have been convicted for their roles in this fraud, including the three above-named defendants and six others who previously pleaded guilty to their involvement and are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Cape Coral Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
Brazilian National Pleads Guilty to Attempted Sex Trafficking of A ChildRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva (23, Brazil) has pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a child. Evangelista Da Silva faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. As part of the plea agreement, Evangelista Da Silva will forfeit the electronic devices he used in committing the offense and make restitution to victims associated with this case who have been identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
According to the plea agreement, on October 6, 2021, Evangelista Da Silva used his cellphone to communicate with an undercover agent who purported to have access to two minor children, ages 13 and 14. Evangelista Da Silva coordinated a meeting and travelled to a designated location in St. Petersburg, Florida to meet the fictitious children for the purposes of engaging in sex. Once Evangelista Da Silva arrived, he stated he wanted to engage in oral sex and vaginal intercourse with the 13-year-old and paid the undercover agent $200.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former University Administrator Sentenced for Role in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Brian Carroll (47, New Market, Tennessee) to 15 months in federal prison for wire fraud. The court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $42,000, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme. Carroll had pleaded guilty on January 5, 2023.
According to court documents, at the time of the commission of the offense, Carroll was serving as the Executive Vice President of Southeastern University, a private university in Lakeland, Florida. Carroll became involved in a project to redesign the website and digital brand of the university’s President. Carroll conducted a self-dealing scheme to enrich himself by setting up an “anonymous” LLC based in New Mexico and setting up a bank account in the name of that LLC, both of which he controlled. The Board of Directors and President of Southeastern University were unaware of Carroll’s involvement in this LLC.
The LLC that Carroll controlled then submitted a bid to the university to perform the web rebranding project for a total price of $185,000. Carroll recommended and promoted the acceptance of this contract, thereby causing the university to make a number of wire payments to that LLC for work done on the project. Unbeknownst to the university, Carroll’s LLC contracted with an unrelated company based in New York to do the actual work on the project and create the new website. This New York company charged Carroll’s LLC $30,000 for the project. Carroll thus engineered a scheme to pay his LLC $185,000 for a project that, in reality, cost only $30,000 to perform. He thereby defrauded Southeastern University out of approximately $155,000.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Former Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Providing Contraband to Federal InmatesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Edward Davis (52, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of providing contraband into a prison. He faces a maximum penalty of six months in federal prison.
According to court records, Davis is a retired Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) correctional officer. In 2019, he was working as a BOP correctional officer at the United States Penitentiary II, Federal Correctional Complex Coleman in Florida. Between December 10, 2018, and February 1, 2019, Davis gave contraband to Coleman inmates in exchange for payment. When confronted, Davis told BOP staff that he “really messed up,” had “a weak moment,” and “brought cigarettes in for an inmate.” Davis added that he had been paid in two separate transactions for smuggling in the contraband—one payment was for $1,300 and another payment was for $1,400. Cigarettes are an item prohibited by the prison’s rules. If possessed by inmates, they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison as well as the life, health, and safety of other prisoners and staff.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Duval Man Pleads Guilty to Lying on A Federal Form While Attempting to Purchase A Firearm While Subject to an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic ViolenceRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dr. Rakesh Verma (46, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federal firearms dealer. Verma faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on October 16, 2020, Verma attempted to purchase a Smith and Wesson, 9mm pistol from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Verma falsely stated that he was not subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner, when in fact he was subject to a permanent injunction for protection against domestic violence. The instant background check prevented Verma from receiving the firearm. All instant background denials are referred to law enforcement for possible prosecution.
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 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.
Citrus County Man Arrested for Receiving Stolen Benefit Payments from the Department of Veterans AffairsRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Howard Lawrence II (55, Citrus County) with one count of receiving stolen government property. If convicted, Lawrence faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and the forfeiture of at least $364,000.
According to court records, the Veterans Affairs (“VA”) Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (“DIC”) program furnishes a monthly benefit paid to eligible survivors of deceased military service members. If the surviving spouse remarries, however, they are no longer eligible to receive DIC benefits. Lawrence was a surviving spouse of a military service member who died in 1994. Lawrence remarried in November 1995. Beginning in November 1995, and continuing through approximately April 1, 2023, Lawrence received DIC benefits to which he was not entitled because he repeatedly told the VA that he had not remarried. In fact, Lawrence had remarried twice – once in 1995 and again in 2023. By failing to report his subsequent marriages, Lawrence illegally received a total of $364,497.80 in stolen VA DIC benefit payments.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Middleburg Man Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Sam David Harris, Jr. (37, Middleburg) with possession of videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. If convicted, Harris faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Harris has been ordered detained pending trial.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida (NEFL) INTERCEPT Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This case is 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.
Clay County Softball Coach Indicted for Producing Sexually Explicit Images and Videos of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and the return of an indictment charging Andrew Lynn Overheul (43, Orange Park) with six counts of producing and attempting to produce child sexual abuse files. If convicted, Overheul faces a minimum mandatory 15 years, up to 180 years, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Overheul that the United States intends to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the charged offenses. Overheul has been ordered detained pending a trial scheduled for the June 2023 trial term.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Northeast Florida (NEFL) INTERCEPT Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This case is 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.
Clay County Man Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing A Sawed-Off ShotgunRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dylan Milton Jarvis (31, Orange Park) has been found guilty of unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun), following a bench trial. Jarvis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and forfeiture of the sawed-off shotgun seized by law enforcement during their investigation. The case is set for sentencing on July 24, 2023.
According to court documents, at approximately 5:30 pm on January 11, 2022, deputies from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to calls of shots fired near Blanding Boulevard, a heavily traveled road in Orange Park. Eyewitnesses in the area described an individual, later identified as Jarvis, carrying a shotgun and firing multiple rounds. Upon making contact with Jarvis in a parking lot, the deputies determined that Jarvis had fired three to four shells from a Harrington & Richardson, 12-gauge shotgun and then discarded the firearm. The deputies located the shotgun in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot along with multiple spent shotgun shells. During an interview with the CCSO, Jarvis admitted to illegally modifying the shotgun. Follow up investigation by the CCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that Jarvis had previously sawed off the barrel and the stock of the 12-gauge shotgun. A record check confirmed that this sawed-off shotgun was not registered to Jarvis in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of the sawed-off shotgun.
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.
Apopka Woman Sentenced for Role in Construction-Related Wire Fraud and Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Mayra Velasquez (35, Apopka) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States and the Internal Revenue Service. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $600,752, and an order for the forfeiture of three properties in Polk County, all as part of the proceeds of the conspiracies. Velasquez had pleaded guilty on March 9, 2022.
According to court documents, Velasquez owned and managed a construction company which purported to supply construction services and labor for construction contractors and subcontractors. In order to comply with Florida law, Velasquez’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. Velasquez’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be Velasquez’s employees at construction sites and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Velasquez or others then regularly received “payroll checks” from contractors that they cashed at various financial institutions to pay Velasquez’s purported “employees” and other related expenses.
During the time period charged, Velasquez falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that her company had a very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. Velasquez also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that her company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.
In reality, Velasquez’s company received and cashed more than $7 million in checks from various construction contractors for these purported “employees.” These payroll figures far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Velasquez had reported to her worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees, in reality the employees of other entities, performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurance companies that dealt with Velasquez’s company lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover. The loss to those insurers was almost $750,000 in insurance premiums that were not paid.
As a result of these misrepresentations, Velasquez’s company also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and evaded laws that required the payment of state and federal payroll taxes on behalf of these workers. Velasquez’s company did not collect or remit any such payroll taxes to the United States. In addition, the contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were also able to avoid responsibility for those taxes as well. The amount of those unpaid payroll taxes totaled more than $1.769 million.
“Velasquez engaged in a scheme which benefitted her at the expense of every U.S. Taxpayer,” said IRS CI Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne. “This scheme is all too common in the construction industry and IRS CI is working hard to ensure all employers operate on an even playing field and according to the law.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Workers’ compensation fraud will not be tolerated in Florida. It puts businesses and injured workers in jeopardy and drives up insurance costs for honest business owners who properly protect their employees.”
“This fraudster was responsible for a scheme to evade worker’s compensation premiums and avoid paying employment taxes, resulting in illicit profits and proceeds in the millions of dollars,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “HSI is proud to partner with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services to hold criminals accountable for taking advantage of government, private industry, and America’s workforce.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Investigative and Forensic Services Bureau of Insurance Fraud, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). It is part of a lengthy investigation by those agencies into the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Former Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Indicted for COVID Relief Fraud Involving Fraudulently Obtained Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Deconna Burke (34, Jacksonville) with one count of wire fraud involving COVID Relief Fraud through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). If convicted, Burke faces up to 20 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United States government.
According to the indictment, in April 2021, Burke submitted a PPP loan application to a lender authorized by the Small Business Administration to lend funds for approved PPP loan applications. The PPP loan application falsely claimed that Burke operated his own babysitting business with a gross income of $98,000. Throughout the loan application Burke made multiple false statements regarding his purported payroll and operating expenses. In support of his PPP loan application, Burke submitted a false IRS Form 1040 “Profit or Loss From Business.” It contained false statements about operating expenses, gross income, and wage expenditures for his purported business. In reliance on the false statements in his PPP loan application and supporting documentation, Burke received a PPP loan for $20,415. After receiving the PPP loan proceeds into his bank account, Burke began making withdrawals and spending it on personal expenses to include paying off a loan for a motorcycle. In November 2021, Burke filed a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application, falsely stating that he had spent the $20,415 on payroll. In reliance on his false statements the Small Business Administration forgave the entire loan amount. Burke’s case is set for trial in July 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 the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder of CellmateRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Romeo Lopez-Hernandez (37, Coleman) to life in federal prison. A federal jury had found Lopez-Hernandez guilty of first degree, premeditated murder on January 19, 2023.
According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, on February 1, 2021, Lopez-Hernandez strangled his cellmate to death using a torn bed sheet he had made with an improvised knife. After the victim lost consciousness, Lopez-Hernandez watched for guards and continued to strangle the victim until he was sure that the victim had died. Lopez-Hernandez later confessed to the murder and bragged about it to prison personnel. At trial, however, Lopez-Hernandez changed his story and claimed the victim had committed suicide.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett.
Federal Jury Convicts Two Men for Conspiring to Transfer Unregistered Machinegun Conversion Devices Disguised as “Pen Holders”Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury today found Kristopher Justinboyer Ervin (43, Orange Park) and Matthew Raymond Hoover (39, Wisconsin) guilty of conspiring to transfer unregistered machinegun conversion devices that they referred to as “Auto Key Cards.” Additionally, Ervin was convicted of seven counts of transferring unregistered machinegun conversion devices, three counts of possessing unregistered machinegun conversion devices, and one count of structuring cash transactions to avoid currency transaction reporting requirements. Hoover was also convicted of four counts of transferring unregistered machinegun conversion devices. Ervin faces a maximum penalty of 110 years in federal prison and Hoover faces a maximum penalty of 45 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31, 2023. Ervin was first charged on March 2, 2021, and Hoover on January 26, 2022. Both Ervin and Hoover have been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in January 2021, Ervin’s bank contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to report that employees believed that Ervin was trafficking in machinegun conversion devices. Subsequent investigation revealed that Ervin was running an online business selling machinegun conversion devices, known as lightning links, etched into metal cards, which he referred to as Auto Key Cards. Ervin described the Auto Key Card as a “pen holder,” a “novelty,” and a “political sculpture.” A lightning link can be dropped into an otherwise legal AR-15 type firearm and convert it into a fully automatic machinegun.
In February 2021, federal agents from ATF and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) surveilled Ervin and observed him dropping off dozens of packages at an Orange Park, Florida post office, each of which was determined to contain unregistered machinegun conversion devices.
The ATF examined the Auto Key Cards and a firearms enforcement officer was able to remove the pieces of a lightning link from an Auto Key Card using a common Dremel rotary tool in about 40 minutes. When the firearms enforcement officer placed the two pieces of the lightning link into an AR-15 type firearm, it converted the semi-automatic firearm to be fully automatic.
Hoover operated a YouTube channel called CRS Firearms on which he advertised Auto Key Cards. In his videos, Hoover stated that “laws only work if we follow them” and encouraged his viewers to use “discreet ordering” by mail to purchase Auto Key Cards. Hoover stated that his viewers could cut a lightning link out of the Auto Key Card, “drop it in your receiver, scratch your full auto itch, throw it away when you’re done” and “no one’s the wiser.”
Hoover’s videos advertising the Auto Key Card led to a substantial increase in Ervin’s sales. Ervin sold more than 2,000 Auto Key Cards in only a few months. Multiple purchasers of the Auto Key Card testified at trial that they had learned about it from Hoover’s videos and purchased the Auto Key Card intending to use it to convert their AR-15 type weapons into machineguns. Ervin compensated Hoover for his advertisements by sending cash through the mail and, on one occasion, a Louis Vuitton purse.
In March 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant at Ervin’s home and recovered Auto Key Cards containing etchings for more than 1,500 lightning links.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and David B. Mesrobian.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Colombian Men Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Traffic over $100 Million Worth of CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Court Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced two brothers, Robin Castro-Gomez (36, Colombia) and Alvaro Castro-Gomez (41, Colombia), each to 22 years in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute over 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) of cocaine. The approximate value of this cocaine is over $100,000,000. The Castro-Gomez brothers had pleaded guilty on September 12, 2022.
According to court documents and information offered in open court, between August of 2017 and March of 2018, Robin and Alvaro Castro-Gomez conspired to traffic over 3,500 kilograms of cocaine through the Eastern Pacific Ocean via three different low-profile vessels. These cocaine-laden vessels left the shores of Tumaco, Colombia, with an ultimate destination of Central America for further importation into the United States. Alvaro Castro-Gomez has a prior federal conviction for trafficking narcotics on the high seas.
Regarding the first drug trafficking venture in August of 2017, Robin Castro-Gomez was the leader of this operation, recruiting mariners to partake in the trip, as well as giving orders and providing logistical equipment to his co-conspirators. Alvaro Castro-Gomez was present at the dispatch site and participated in furthering this drug trafficking conspiracy. After the low-profile vessel was launched from the shores of western Colombia, the United States Coast Guard interdicted the vessel approximately 420 nautical miles northwest of the Galapagos Islands. The target vessel had 998 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of cocaine stashed inside. (Photos of the vessel and cocaine bales below):
In November of 2017, Robin Castro-Gomez again led and organized another drug trafficking venture in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, giving orders to mariners and handling the logistical operations of the crime. Alvaro Castro-Gomez recruited, hired, and paid one of the mariners for his participation in the drug trafficking voyage. This boat, too, launched from the shores of western Colombia. The United States Coast Guard interdicted the low-profile vessel approximately 326 miles northwest of Isla de Coco, Costa Rica. The target vessel contained 1,453 kilograms (3,203 pounds) of cocaine. (Photo of vessel below)
Again, in March of 2018, Robin Castro-Gomez organized and operated another drug trafficking venture in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Alvaro Castro-Gomez was also present at the dispatch site and participated in furthering the drug trafficking conspiracy. Days after the low-profile vessel launched from the western shores of Colombia, the United States Coast Guard interdicted the boat approximately 360 nautical miles south of Guatemala. The low-profile vessel was captured with 1,120 kilograms (2,469 pounds) of cocaine stored inside. (Pictures of the vessel and cocaine below)
This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. 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.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.
Starke Couple Indicted on Mail Theft ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Connor Lee Austin (31, Starke) and Maranda Ann Stewart (26, Starke) with theft of mail. If convicted, each faces up to five years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case.
According to court documents and public records, Austin and Stewart stole First Class mail over multiple months in 2022. Austin appeared in federal court on April 19, 2023, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from Florida State Prison, where he is serving a prison sentence of 36 months for grand theft, grand theft from a dwelling, and burglary. The Court ordered Austin detained pending trial. Stewart appeared in federal court on April 17, 2023, and was released on a bond. Their trial is set for June 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 the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service, with valuable assistance from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
South Carolina Man Arrested for Stealing and Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Alexander Timothy Rosa (31, South Carolina) on a three-count indictment charging him with possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee. If convicted, Rosa faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.
According to the indictment, on or about October 26, 2021, Rosa unlawfully took a firearm from a pawn store that is licensed to engage in the business of dealing firearms. Rosa continued to possess the stolen firearm until November 9, 2021. Rosa was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including breaking into a motor vehicle (2014), grand theft (2015), robbery (2017), and two counts of assault and battery first degree (2017). As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is 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.
This case is being investigated by the Belleview Police Department, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
International Firearms Dealer Involved in $2 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme Sentenced to More Than 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Daniel Ira Johnson (35, Orlando), a/k/a “Shotta” a/k/a “Lajon Black,” to seven years and six months in federal prison for shipping firearms to the United Kingdom and committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 unemployment insurance relief. Johnson had pleaded on December 27, 2022.
According to court documents, Johnson shipped firearms to a conspirator in Rugby England in December 2019 and January 2020. He concealed the firearms in a safe, wrapping them to avoid detection, and declaring them to be “car parts” on customs paperwork. After the global COVID-19 pandemic and in March 2020, following the government response of extending and expanding unemployment insurance benefits, Johnson and conspirators used personal identification information from real individuals, without their knowledge, to apply for and obtain unemployment insurance benefits. Those benefits were loaded onto debit cards that were delivered to addresses Johnson and others accessed and the fraud proceeds were quickly withdrawn from those cards or used to purchase U.S. postal money orders. Johnson participated by exchanging PII with conspirators, withdrawing funds from ATMs, purchasing U.S. postal money orders, and instructing other conspirators as to how to use PII to file claims for unemployment insurance benefits. Johnson and his conspirators are linked to $1.9 million in attempted fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in this scheme, over $555,000 of which were paid.
“Daniel Johnson defrauded 19 different state workforce agencies by fraudulently collecting more than $500,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Johnson stole unemployment benefits intended for American workers in need of assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of all unemployment insurance benefit programs,” said Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge, Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Carson of the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, Miami Field Office stated, “The illegal smuggling of firearms from United States is a serious violation of our nation’s export control laws. Along with our agency partners, we will pursue these violators wherever they are located- worldwide.”
“Daniel Johnson’s lawless pursuits have finally come to a halt, thanks to the collaborative efforts between the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and our federal partners,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Today’s sentencing should be a reminder to criminals that we will aggressively pursue those that aim to defraud innocent individuals.”
“Disrupting the international flow of illegal guns inevitably saves lives and reduces crime both domestically and abroad. Stopping this scheme to illegally export weapons to the UK did just that,” said Special Agent in Charge Katrina W. Berger, who oversees Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) operations in Georgia and Alabama. “Cases like this highlight the great results that can be achieved when agencies work together to protect our communities both here and abroad.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Department of Labor OIG, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Second Conspirator in Russia-Ukraine Sanctions Violation Case ArrestedRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Sergey Karpushkin, 46, of Miami and a citizen of Belarus, has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions against oligarch Sergey Kurchenko and two related companies by purchasing over $150 million in steelmaking materials. Karpushkin’s alleged co-conspirator, John C. Unsalan, 41, of Orlando, was indicted by a federal grand jury for the same scheme on April 12, and was arrested on April 14 on related charges.
According to court documents, Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating Ukrainian state assets or economically significant entities. The two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans, OOO (Gaz-Alyans), based in the Russian Federation, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis (Vneshtorgservis), based in the unrecognized territory of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.
The complaint charges Karpushkin with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The indictment against Unsalan charges him with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA; 10 counts of violating the IEEPA; one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering; and 10 counts of international money laundering. If convicted, Karpushkin and Unsalan each face up to 20 years in federal prison on each count with which they are charged. Unsalan made his initial appearance in federal court on April 17, and has been detained pending further court proceedings. Karpushkin made his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon and was also detained.
The FBI Tampa and Washington Field Offices are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, OFAC, and the FBI Miami Field Office.
Trial Attorney Sean O’Dowd of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
Second Conspirator in Russia-Ukraine Sanctions Violation Case ArrestedRead the Press Release
Sergey Karpushkin, 46, of Miami and a citizen of Belarus, has been arrested and charged by a federal criminal complaint with engaging in a scheme to violate U.S. sanctions against oligarch Sergey Kurchenko and two related companies by purchasing over $150 million in steelmaking materials. Karpushkin’s alleged co-conspirator, John C. Unsalan, 41, of Orlando, was indicted by a federal grand jury for the same scheme on April 12, and was arrested on April 14 on related charges.
According to court documents, Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating Ukrainian state assets or economically significant entities. The two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans, OOO (Gaz-Alyans), based in the Russian Federation, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis (Vneshtorgservis), based in the unrecognized territory of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.
The complaint charges Karpushkin with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The indictment against Unsalan charges him with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the IEEPA; 10 counts of violating the IEEPA; one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering; and 10 counts of international money laundering. If convicted, Karpushkin and Unsalan each face up to 20 years in federal prison on each count with which they are charged. Unsalan made his initial appearance in federal court on April 17, and has been detained pending further court proceedings. Karpushkin made his initial appearance in federal court this afternoon and was also detained.
The FBI Tampa and Washington Field Offices are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, OFAC, and the FBI Miami Field Office.
Trial Attorney Sean O’Dowd of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls, and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Guilty of Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thelonious Wayne Kirby (51, Jacksonville) has been found guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, following a bench trial. Kirby faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Kirby is currently in state custody and appeared in federal court on a writ. He is currently serving a state prison sentence for unrelated charges.
According to court documents, on October 28, 2020, Kirby sold a .38 caliber revolver to an undercover officer from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. At the time, Kirby had eight prior felony convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is
handling the forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition.
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.
Eight Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Niko Wimbley (30, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wimbley had pleaded guilty on January 12, 2023.
According to court documents, on December 26, 2021, Wimbley was driving a stolen sedan with another convicted felon as his passenger. Both men were armed with fully loaded, semi-automatic pistols. Wimbley and his passenger were arrested that night during a traffic stop in the Rivergrove neighborhood of Tampa, near the intersection of East Sligh Avenue and Rowlett Park Drive. The officers had followed the stolen vehicle until Wimbley and the passenger exited the car. When ordered to stop, both men fled on foot, leaving behind their loaded semi-automatic pistols in the stolen vehicle. During a search of the stolen car, the officers recovered a loaded black SCCY CPX-1 9mm pistol on the driver’s seat, and a loaded black Springfield XDS (HS Produkt) .45 caliber pistol in the passenger side footwell. Wimbley’s DNA was found on the SCCY CPX-1 pistol. Wimbley agreed to forfeit the pistol and ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
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.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
U.S. Citizens and Russian Intelligence Officers Charged with Conspiring to Use U.S. Citizens as Illegal Agents of the Russian GovernmentRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Tampa, Florida, returned a superseding indictment charging four U.S. citizens and three Russian nationals with working on behalf of the Russian government and in conjunction with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) to conduct a multi-year foreign malign influence campaign in the United States. Among other conduct, the superseding indictment alleges that the Russian defendants recruited, funded and directed U.S. political groups to act as unregistered illegal agents of the Russian government and sow discord and spread pro-Russian propaganda; the indicted intelligence officers, in particular, participated in covertly funding and directing candidates for local office within the United States.
Additionally, in a separate case out of the District of Columbia, a criminal complaint was unsealed charging Russian national Natalia Burlinova with conspiring with an FSB officer to act as an illegal agent of Russia in the United States.
“Russia’s foreign intelligence service allegedly weaponized our First Amendment rights – freedoms Russia denies its own citizens – to divide Americans and interfere in elections in the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The department will not hesitate to expose and prosecute those who sow discord and corrupt U.S. elections in service of hostile foreign interests, regardless of whether the culprits are U.S. citizens or foreign individuals abroad.”
“Efforts by the Russian government to secretly influence U.S. elections will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As today’s announcement demonstrates, the Criminal Division is committed to eradicating foreign malign influence from the U.S. political system and helping ensure the integrity of our elections.”
“Today’s announcement paints a harrowing picture of Russian government actions and the lengths to which the FSB will go to interfere with our elections, sow discord in our nation and ultimately recruit U.S citizens to their efforts,” said Acting Assistant Director Kurt Ronnow of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “All Americans should be deeply concerned by the tactics employed by the FSB and remain vigilant to any attempt to undermine our democracy. The FBI remains committed to confronting this egregious behavior and ultimately disrupting our adversaries and those who act on their behalf.”
United States v. Ionov, et al.
According to the superseding indictment returned in the Middle District of Florida, Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, a resident of Moscow, was the founder and president of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR), an organization headquartered in Moscow, Russia, and funded by the Russian government. Ionov allegedly utilized AGMR to carry out Russia’s malign influence campaign. Ionov’s influence efforts were allegedly directed and supervised by Moscow-based FSB officers, including indicted defendants Aleksey Borisovich Sukhodolov and Yegor Sergeyevich Popov.
“The prosecution of this criminal conduct is essential to protecting the American public when foreign governments seek to inject themselves into the American political process,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We thank our partners at the FBI for their tireless investigation of these events and their commitment to ensure justice is done.”
Among other illegal activities, the superseding indictment alleges that Ionov, Sukhodolov and Popov conspired to directly and substantially influence democratic elections in the United States by clandestinely funding and directing the political campaign of a particular candidate for local office in St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2019. For instance, the superseding indictment alleges that Popov expressly referred to this effort on behalf of the FSB as “our election campaign,” and Ionov referring to the candidate as the “candidate whom we supervise.” Ionov and Popov allegedly intended that this election interference plot would extend beyond the 2019 local election cycle in St. Petersburg, and subsequently discussed that the “USA Presidential election” was the FSB’s “main topic of the year.”
Moreover, from at least November 2014 until July 2022, Ionov allegedly engaged in a years-long foreign malign influence campaign targeting the United States. As a part of the campaign, Ionov allegedly recruited members of political groups within the United States, including the African People’s Socialist Party and the Uhuru Movement (collectively, the APSP) in Florida, Black Hammer in Georgia and a political group in California (referred to in the superseding indictment as U.S. Political Group 3), to participate in the influence campaign and act as agents of Russia in the United States, including the following indicted defendants:
- Omali Yeshitela, a U.S. citizen residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, who served as the chairman and founder of the APSP;
- Penny Joanne Hess, a U.S. citizen residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, who served as the leader of a component of the APSP;
- Jesse Nevel, a U.S. citizen residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and St. Louis, Missouri, who served as a member of a component of the APSP; and
- Augustus C. Romain Jr., aka Gazi Kodzo, a U.S. citizen residing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Atlanta, who served as a leader of the APSP and a founder of Black Hammer in Georgia.
One focus of Ionov’s alleged influence operation was to create the appearance of American popular support for Russia’s annexation of territories in Ukraine. For example, in May 2020, Ionov allegedly sent a request he stated was from “Russia, the Donetsk People’s Republic” – an apparent reference to a Russian-occupied region in eastern Ukraine – to Yeshitela and members of other U.S. political groups to make statements in support of the independence of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, a Russian-backed breakaway state in eastern Ukraine. Ionov later allegedly touted to the FSB that Yeshitela’s video-recorded statement of support was the first time that “American nonprofit organizations congratulated citizens” of the occupied region.
Ionov’s use of the APSP to promote Russian propaganda relating to Ukraine allegedly continued after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On the day Russia invaded Ukraine, Feb. 24, 2022, Ionov allegedly emailed Nevel an “URGENT MESSAGE” which contained pro-Russian talking points in support of the invasion. Thereafter, throughout March 2022, the APSP repeatedly hosted Ionov via video conference to discuss the war, during which Ionov falsely stated that anyone who supported Ukraine also supported Naziism and white supremacy, and Yeshitela and another APSP member allegedly made statements of solidarity with the Russian government.
Ionov, Sukhodolov, Popov, Yeshitela, Hess, Nevel and Romain are charged with conspiring to have U.S. citizens act as illegal agents of the Russian government within the United States without providing prior notification to the Attorney General, as required by law. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Yeshitela, Hess and Nevel are also charged with acting as agents of Russia within the United States without such prior notification. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Risha Asokan for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Demetrius Sumner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
United States v. Burlinova
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint unsealed in the District of Columbia, Russian national Natalia Burlinova, a resident of Moscow, conspired with an FSB officer to recruit U.S. citizens from academic and research institutions to travel to Russia to participate in a public diplomacy program called Meeting Russia. The program was operated by PICREADI, a Russian organization led by Burlinova, funded by the Russian government and devoted to promoting Russian national interests.
“The defendant is accused of subverting our foreign agent notification laws to promote Russian national interests here in the United States, concealing from the public that her recruitment efforts were funded by a Russian security service,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “We will continue to expose these serious crimes and hold all who perpetrate them accountable.”
The affidavit alleges that the FSB officer provided funding and other support for Burlinova’s foreign recruitment and her efforts to advance Russian interests in the United States. In return, Burlinova provided the FSB officer with extensive information about U.S. citizens who were recruited to attend her programs, including their résumés, passport information, photographs and analyses of their views toward Russia. Burlinova further identified for the FSB officer particular U.S. citizens who, in Burlinova’s view, had expressed positive attitudes towards Russia and were prepared to continue to collaborate. During a recruitment trip to the United States in fall 2018, Burlinova met with U.S. citizens at various universities and research institutions and provided to photographs of her meetings to the FSB officer. The FSB officer used the information Burlinova provided prepare FSB intelligence reports. Burlinova never notified the Attorney General of these efforts or otherwise disclosed to the public that her recruitment efforts were supported and funded by a Russian security service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Friedman for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Emma D. Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
An indictment and a complaint are merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ponte Vedra Man Sentenced to Prison and Ordered to Pay More Than $1.9 Million in Taxes He Willfully EvadedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Patrick Brian Hines to a year and a day in federal prison for the willful evasion of taxes due and owing. The court also ordered Hines to pay $1,927,077.90 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Hines had pleaded on November 2, 2022.
According to court documents, from 2004 through 2011, Hines owned and operated a network of telecommunication entities that purchased the rights to specific 1-800 phone numbers and charged consumers’ telephone bills for directory assistance services. Hines owned and operated these entities in his own name. After several lawsuits against the entities and Hines, in April 2011, Hines dismantled most of his entities and the entities filed for bankruptcy. In October 2012, a new telecommunication company was established in Hines’s wife’s name. Hines operated the company established in his wife’s name for his personal benefit from 2012 through 2018, during which time the company generated more than $4 million in revenue. Rather than owning and operating the company in his own name, Hines operated it through nominees. This was done during the time the Federal Communications Commission issued a forfeiture order for the entities and Hines to pay $1.6 million. In addition, in 2016, the California Public Utilities Commission filed a complaint against Hines and his companies, which resulted in a finding that Hines was responsible for $9.8 million plus interest, which remains outstanding. Hines used multiple nominee owners for the company in an attempt to distance himself from it and to evade and defeat the payment of income taxes and other obligations.
From 2012 through 2018, Hines used a system of nominee entities and individuals to conceal his assets and income. Hines paid personal expenses from the company’s business accounts, and he diverted profits of the company into the bank accounts of other nominee entities he controlled and to individual bank accounts he controlled. From 2012 through 2018, Hines arranged for $2.5 million to be spent on personal expenses from these nominee accounts, to include $38,000 in personal training sessions, dues for two private clubs, $275,000 in mortgage payments for a multi-million-dollar residence, and tuition for his children’s private schooling.
Beginning as early as November 28, 2011, the IRS sent Hines collection notices of his unpaid taxes, yet Hines failed to pay. Despite advice from his accountant to pay his taxes, Hines claimed to be “broke” and living off of the proceeds from the sale of the house.
On June 29, 2016, Hines filed an IRS Form 433-A in which he falsely claimed to have no income, but was supported by his spouse who gave him $3,479 per month, even though he knew that he had received the personal benefit of at least $2 million from 2012 through 2018. Hines has accrued penalties and interest as a result of his delinquent taxes, resulting in total outstanding balance of $1,927,077.90.
“For over a decade, Mr. Hines lied to the Internal Revenue Service, cheated the tax system, and stole from honest American taxpayers,” said Brian Payne IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Mr. Hines’s attempts to conceal assets and income to evade taxes were unsuccessful and a tough lesson that came with significant consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Orlando Felon Sentenced to More Than 7 Years on Firearm Charges in Connection with ShootingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Darrius Jaques Garrett (33, Orlando) to seven years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Garrett to forfeit a Glock pistol and ammunition, which were used in this case. Garrett had pleaded guilty on November 30, 2022.
According to court documents, Garrett was charged with knowingly possessing a Glock pistol and .22 caliber rounds of ammunition on May 27, 2022, in connection with a shooting. At approximately 4:00 p.m. that day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Americana Boulevard in Orlando where they found a man who had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso. That man was later treated and released from the hospital. Surveillance images from a nearby business captured the shooting.
Five days later, on June 1, 2022, Garrett was observed in the same area by deputies with the same Dodge Charger depicted on the video. Inside, deputies found a loaded Glock firearm that authorities allege was used in the shooting.
Garrett is a 5-time convicted felon and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Columbia County Convicted Felon Indicted on Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kristofferson Farmer, Jr. (22, Lake City) with possessing with the intent to distribute alpha-PVP (a.k.a. flakka) and fentanyl, both controlled substances. Additionally, he was charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of those drug trafficking offenses. Farmer, a previously convicted felon, is also charged with possessing two Glock pistols and an AR-15 rifle after being convicted of offenses in Columbia County in 2018. If convicted, Farmer faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal 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 investigation began with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office’s Task Force, and the case was then further investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
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.
Download IndictmentWebster Man Found Guilty of Distributing, Receiving, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Jesse James Bertetto (29, Webster) guilty of four counts of distributing, receiving, and possessing child sexual abuse material. Bertetto faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison for each count. He is also required to register as a sex offender. Bertetto had been indicted on May 10, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in December 2020, Bertetto possessed child sexual abuse material on his cellphone, including images and videos of minors under the age of 12. The web history on his cellphone revealed that he had searched for child sexual abuse material and had visited websites known to law enforcement as frequently containing child sexual abuse material.
In January 2022, Bertetto continued to possess images and videos of children on another cellphone, including young children being sexually abused. He also actively traded videos of child sexual abuse material over a social media platform in January 2022.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Tampa, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
President of Metalhouse LLC Indicted for Sanctions Evasion and International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – The Justice Department announced today the indictment and arrest of John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Metalhouse LLC, for engaging in a three-year scheme to violate U.S. sanctions against oligarch Sergey Kurchenko and two of Kurchenko’s companies by providing those sanctioned parties with over $150 million in return for steelmaking materials.
As alleged in the indictment, between July 2018 and October 2021, Unsalan, 41, of Orlando, Florida, acting through his company, Metalhouse, transferred over $150 million to Kurchenko and companies controlled by Kurchenko. In return, Unsalan received from Kurchenko metal products used in steelmaking and attempted to collect from Kurchenko millions of dollars of funds for undelivered products.
“The arrest of John Can Unsalan should serve as a warning to those who seek to do business with sanctioned individuals or entities that endanger the security of the United States and our allies,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is relentlessly pursuing those whose seek to evade sanctions imposed against the Russian regime and whose crimes enable the regime to continue its unjust, illegal war in Ukraine.”
“For over three years, the defendant pursued personal profit at the expense of our national security, by unlawfully transacting with sanctioned entities that were propping up puppet governments in Russian-occupied Ukraine, as alleged in today’s indictment,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The Department of Justice will use all of its authorities to stop those who would conspire with Kremlin cronies to support Russia’s unprovoked attacks on Ukraine.”
“For years, John Can Unsalan engaged in a scheme to do business with a sanctioned oligarch and his company through more than $150 million in illegal transactions,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Today’s arrest demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to pursue those who seek to violate sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine.”
“Economic sanctions are critical tools used to protect the national security of the United States and our allies,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “During a three-year scheme, Unsalan allegedly transferred $150 million to Sergey Kurchenko, who was sanctioned for his role in misappropriating Ukrainian state assets. Let the defendant's arrest serve as a reminder of the FBI's commitment to bringing to justice those who try to evade U.S. sanctions in an effort to support sanctioned Russian oligarchs.”
“As highlighted by this arrest, we are firmly committed to enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia for its malevolent military invasion of Ukraine,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the dedicated investigative work by our law enforcement partners, an individual who willfully sent more than $150 million to a sanctioned oligarch is facing the possibility of a lengthy term of imprisonment.”
Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine. The two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans, OOO (Gaz-Alyans), based in the Russian Federation, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis (Vneshtorgservis), based in the Russian occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.
Unsalan allegedly engaged in trade with these sanctioned individuals and entities to procure steelmaking equipment and raw material despite knowing that Kurchenko, Gaz-Alyans, and Vneshtorgservis were subject to U.S. sanctions that prohibited Unsalan from doing business with them. No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or transfers.
Unsalan is charged with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA); 10 counts of violating IEEPA; one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering; and ten counts of international money laundering. The indictment also provides notice of the United States’ intention to forfeit from Unsalan the proceeds of his offenses.
Unsalan made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Norway of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Tampa Field Office, Orlando Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office, International Corruption Unit, are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and OFAC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Sean O’Dowd of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
President of Metalhouse LLC Indicted for Sanctions Evasion and International Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the indictment and arrest of John Can Unsalan, aka Hurrem Can Unsalan, the president of Metalhouse LLC, for engaging in a three-year scheme to violate U.S. sanctions against oligarch Sergey Kurchenko and two of Kurchenko’s companies by providing those sanctioned parties with over $150 million in return for steelmaking materials.
As alleged in the indictment, between July 2018 and October 2021, Unsalan, 41, of Orlando, Florida, acting through his company, Metalhouse, transferred over $150 million to Kurchenko and companies controlled by Kurchenko. In return, Unsalan received from Kurchenko metal products used in steelmaking and attempted to collect from Kurchenko millions of dollars of funds for undelivered products.
“The arrest of John Can Unsalan should serve as a warning to those who seek to do business with sanctioned individuals or entities that endanger the security of the United States and our allies,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department is relentlessly pursuing those whose seek to evade sanctions imposed against the Russian regime and whose crimes enable the regime to continue its unjust, illegal war in Ukraine.”
“For over three years, the defendant pursued personal profit at the expense of our national security, by unlawfully transacting with sanctioned entities that were propping up puppet governments in Russian-occupied Ukraine, as alleged in today’s indictment,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The Department of Justice will use all of its authorities to stop those who would conspire with Kremlin cronies to support Russia’s unprovoked attacks on Ukraine.”
“For years, John Can Unsalan engaged in a scheme to do business with a sanctioned oligarch and his company through more than $150 million in illegal transactions,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Today’s arrest demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to pursue those who seek to violate sanctions imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked aggression toward Ukraine.”
“Economic sanctions are critical tools used to protect the national security of the United States and our allies,” said Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office. “During a three-year scheme, Unsalan allegedly transferred $150 million to Sergey Kurchenko, who was sanctioned for his role in misappropriating Ukrainian state assets. Let the defendant's arrest serve as a reminder of the FBI's commitment to bringing to justice those who try to evade U.S. sanctions in an effort to support sanctioned Russian oligarchs.”
“As highlighted by this arrest, we are firmly committed to enforcing the sanctions imposed by the United States against Russia for its malevolent military invasion of Ukraine,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the dedicated investigative work by our law enforcement partners, an individual who willfully sent more than $150 million to a sanctioned oligarch is facing the possibility of a lengthy term of imprisonment.”
Kurchenko was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in 2015 for his role in misappropriating state assets of Ukraine or of an economically significant entity in Ukraine. The two sanctioned companies – Kompaniya Gaz-Alyans, OOO (Gaz-Alyans), based in the Russian Federation, and ZAO Vneshtorgservis (Vneshtorgservis), based in the Russian occupied Georgian region of South Ossetia – were designated by OFAC in 2018 for acting on behalf of and providing material support to the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic and Luhansk People’s Republic in the separatist-controlled regions of eastern Ukraine.
Unsalan allegedly engaged in trade with these sanctioned individuals and entities to procure steelmaking equipment and raw material despite knowing that Kurchenko, Gaz-Alyans, and Vneshtorgservis were subject to U.S. sanctions that prohibited Unsalan from doing business with them. No licenses from OFAC were applied for or issued for these payments or transfers.
Unsalan is charged with one count of conspiring to violate and evade U.S. sanctions, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA); 10 counts of violating IEEPA; one count of conspiring to commit international money laundering; and ten counts of international money laundering. The indictment also provides notice of the United States’ intention to forfeit from Unsalan the proceeds of his offenses.
Unsalan made his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Norway of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Tampa Field Office, Orlando Resident Agency, and Washington Field Office, International Corruption Unit, are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and OFAC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Sean O’Dowd of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case.
The investigation was coordinated through the Justice Department’s Task Force KleptoCapture, an interagency law enforcement task force dedicated to enforcing the sweeping sanctions, export controls and economic countermeasures that the United States, along with its foreign allies and partners, has imposed in response to Russia’s unprovoked military invasion of Ukraine. Announced by the Attorney General on March 2, 2022, and under the leadership of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General, the task force will continue to leverage all of the department’s tools and authorities to combat efforts to evade or undermine the collective actions taken by the U.S. government in response to Russian military aggression.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Postal Employee Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute More Than 11 Kilograms of FentanylRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Theodore Garlow (53, Lehigh Acres) to five years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Garlow had pleaded guilty on January 10, 2023.
According to court documents, in 2021, Garlow was employed by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as a Rural Carrier assigned to the Lehigh Acres Post Office. On September 30, 2021, the USPS - Office of Inspector General (OIG) received information regarding five suspicious parcels that were enroute to Garlow’s home address in Lehigh Acres. On that same date, Garlow sent text messages inquiring about the five parcels to the postal carrier assigned to deliver the mail on the route where Garlow’s home is located. After the postal carrier told Garlow that he did not have the parcels, Garlow went to the Lehigh Acres Post Office and walked around the building in search of the packages.
On October 1, 2021, special agents from USPS OIG went to Garlow’s home with the five suspicious parcels. Garlow agreed to speak with the agents and admitted that he went to the post office to find out why the parcels had not been delivered. Garlow consented to the search of the parcels, which contained pills. When asked what the pills were, Garlow said that he believed that the pills were tramadol. Garlow told the agents that he had received a text message from an unknown number asking him if he wanted to make more money. Garlow admitted that he eventually replied to the text message because he needed money to pay his mortgage and other bills. Garlow said that he started communicating with an individual about four months prior and that this individual had instructed him to open a P.O. Box at the post office and a box at a UPS Store. Garlow followed these instructions and provided his home address and the addresses of the two boxes to the individual. Garlow later admitted to receiving parcels containing what the individual said was tramadol, Percocet, hydrocodone, oxycodone, and another pill for sleep. Upon receiving the packages, Garlow counted and separated the pills into baggies, printed out shipping labels, and mailed out the pills using a spreadsheet detailing the names and addresses that had been provided by the individual. Garlow admitted to receiving 10 to 15 parcels.
During the interview, Garlow provided 8 crates full of pills and 19 USPS Priority Mail envelopes to the agents. Garlow said he was paid based on the number of pills being shipped, and that he had mailed out more than 200 parcels or envelopes. Garlow said that he knew that what he was doing was wrong, but he needed to make money.
A subsequent forensic laboratory analysis of the pills revealed that a majority of the pills were fentanyl. Further, the lab analysis found that some of the pills’ physical characteristics, including shape, color, and manufacturer’s markings indicated that the tablets should have been a controlled substance such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, or oxycodone hydrochloride manufactured by a specific company, but were instead analyzed and found to be fentanyl. The pills were in excess of 11 kilograms of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Orlando Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearm and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Ramondo Zavious Williams (42, Orlando) to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Williams had pleaded guilty on December 15, 2022.
According to court documents, an officer with the Winter Park Police Department attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Williams, resulting in Williams fleeing at a high rate of speed and later crashing into another vehicle. Following the crash, Williams exited the vehicle and fled on foot carrying a black backpack. After Williams was detained, officers searched the backpack and the vehicle Williams was driving. Inside the backpack, officers found suspected marijuana, a large sum of cash, and two baggies of pills that were later determined to be approximately 68 grams of methamphetamine. Inside the vehicle, officers located a loaded FN model FNX-45 tactical .45 caliber handgun between the driver’s seat and center console as well as plastic bags, more suspected marijuana, and cash. At the time, Williams had multiple prior felony convictions, including for drug and firearm offenses. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
“The law will always catch up to those who attempt to peddle their poison in our communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Alongside our partners at the Winter Park Police Department, HSI remains committed to ridding our streets of criminals who have no respect for the law.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Winter Park Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Shannon Laurie.
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.
Naples Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jeffrey Holcombe (51, Naples) to 25 years in federal prison for producing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Holcombe to a term of 25 years of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. This sentence will run concurrent to a remaining term of imprisonment imposed in January 2022, by a U.S. District Court in Fort Lauderdale in a separate case. Holcombe had entered a plea on January 23, 2023.
According to court documents, between at least July 18, 2020, continuing through March 3, 2021, Holcombe produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of a minor.
On April 3, 2021, while FBI agents were assisting other agents from the Southern District of Florida in executing a warrant for Holcombe on an unrelated charge, law enforcement stopped Holcombe in his vehicle in Naples and observed a cellphone on the vehicle’s passenger seat. The vehicle was impounded, along with its contents, including Holcombe’s cellphone. On the same date, agents went to Holcombe’s home and discovered a minor residing there. Further investigation revealed that Holcombe had been sexually abusing the minor, and that he often photographed, or video recorded his sexual abuse of the minor at his home and at various hotels.
On April 5, 2021, agents executed a federal search warrant on Holcombe’s vehicle and cellphone. A forensic analysis of the cellphone revealed 26 images and 16 videos depicting the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The minor was between the ages of 16 to 17 at the time of the sexual offenses. Another search warrant for Holcombe’s and the minor’s Snapchat accounts revealed sexually explicit videos depicting Holcombe with the minor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Lee County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Clayton Mack Rhodes (45, Fort Myers Beach) to seven years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. The court also ordered Rhodes to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense. Rhodes had pleaded guilty on August 9, 2022.
According to court records, in the early morning hours of January 22, 2021, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) responded to an emergency call for service at a residence in Fort Myers Beach and located an unconscious male in the living room of the home. It was later determined that the individual died as the result of a drug overdose. The deputies also located Rhodes inside the home, who was identified as the roommate of the decedent. When deputies searched the residence, they located a loaded Glock handgun in Rhodes’s bedroom. As a convicted felon who had previously served more than a decade in federal prison for a drug trafficking crime, Rhodes is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced After Brandishing A Firearm on Social MediaRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Terry Kristopher Flournoy (23, Fort Myers) to two years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Flournoy to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he illegally possessed. Flournoy had pleaded guilty on December 21, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 27, 2020, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department arrested Flournoy on an active warrant after he had posted a video on Instagram of food items at a Fort Myers area restaurant. When arrested, officers located a loaded Glock pistol. Flournoy’s fingerprint was later located on the magazine of the firearm. Officers further noted that Flournoy had posted a video on social media pointing what appeared to be a Glock pistol at the camera on the same evening of his arrest. Flournoy is a convicted felon, and as a result, 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 Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Citrus County Man Found Guilty of Possessing A Short-Barrel RifleRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has found David Robinson, Jr. (24, Tampa) guilty of possessing an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) firearm. Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 20, 2023. Robinson had been indicted on October 11, 2022.
According to evidence presented at trial, deputies from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office encountered Robinson in September 2022. Robinson had in his possession a loaded short barrel rifle. The barrel length was approximately 12.5 inches long. The rifle was not registered to Robinson in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer record.
This case was investigated by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Leesburg Convicted Felon Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Timothy Eric Evans (41, Leesburg) under the Armed Career Criminal Act to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the handgun and ammunition used in the offense. Evans had pleaded guilty on June 8, 2022.
According to court documents, on May 21, 2021, officers from the Tavares Police Department discovered Evans in possession of a stolen vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, officers located MDMA and a loaded handgun in the center console. Evans admitted that the MDMA belonged to him but denied possessing the firearm. An analysis of Evans’s cellphone revealed a large volume of messages and images of illegal narcotics and firearms, including messages in which Evans tried to buy and sell firearms.
Evans has eight prior state felony convictions, including attempted strongarm robbery (1998), robbery with a firearm (1998), aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (1998), strongarm robbery (2003), attempted second-degree murder (2008), possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2008), sale of cocaine (2008), and possession of cocaine (2020). Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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.
This case was investigated by the Tavares Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Film Producer Sentenced to 10 Years for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Nacoe Ray Brown (55, Baltimore, Maryland) to 10 years in federal prison for bank robbery and violating the terms of his supervised release. The penalties included 8 years for the robbery offense and 2 years consecutive for violating the terms of his supervised release related to his previous convictions for bank robbery in the District of Maryland. Brown had pleaded guilty on January 4, 2023.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Brown was previously convicted of robbing three banks in the Baltimore area in 2001. After a federal jury convicted him of the robberies, he was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. In 2020, Brown was released early on compassionate release grounds based upon concerns over the pandemic. Brown then began serving his term of supervised release under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office in Baltimore.
On June 28, 2022, while visiting Florida, Brown robbed the McCoy Federal Credit Union in Belle Isle. Wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, a surgical style facemask, and plastic gloves, Brown passed a note to the teller threatening that he had a gun and demanding money. He fled the bank with $4,296 in stolen cash. Surveillance cameras captured Brown as he appeared to the teller during the robbery:
A witness watched Brown flee the bank and enter a nearby gas station where he had staged a change of clothes. The witness reported this to the Belle Isle Police Department, who quickly responded and located Brown at the hotel where he was staying. Police recovered the demand note and the stolen cash from Brown’s bag. They also recovered the disguise he had discarded in the restroom of the gas station.
After he was arrested, Brown told authorities that he committed the bank robbery because he was filming a movie in Florida and had run out of money to pay for the production.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Belle Isle Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Members of Caribbean Arms Trafficking Ring Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tevin OBrian Oliver (30, Homestead), Jameal Kaia Phillip (30, Trinidad and Tobago), and Edward Soloman King III (31, Tampa) have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Oliver and Phillip pleaded to conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States, and King pleaded guilty to disposing of a firearm to an alien who had been admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant visa. Oliver and Phillip each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. King faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The defendants also agreed to forfeit various firearms, ammunition, and related items, which facilitated the offenses.
According to the plea agreements, Oliver, Phillip, and King were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022. Oliver and Phillip are both nationals of Trinidad. The firearms, which included pistols and long rifles, and related equipment were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items to avoid detection by law enforcement and customs authorities. King helped Phillip and Oliver acquire and transfer firearms in the Tampa area. Conspirators also acquired firearms from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination.
On or about April 7, 2021, Oliver shipped a package concealing and containing various firearms and related equipment, including a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a SAR Arms SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, and a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol, from Miami to Trinidad and Tobago. Authorities in Trinidad seized those firearms and other related items at Piarco International Airport on or about April 22, 2021.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), including HSI’s Attaché (Caribbean), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of National Security (Transnational Organized Crime Unit) and Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Special Investigations Unit), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
This case is 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.
Middleburg Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Cody Mack McCormick (35, Middleburg) today pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. McCormick faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on December 12, 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida issued a search warrant authorizing the search of McCormick’s home. The next day, McCormick agreed to be interviewed by a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. During the interview, McCormick told the agent that there were no firearms in his home, but that there was ammunition. McCormick admitted that he was a convicted felon and confirmed that he knew that he could not legally possess firearms.
After interviewing McCormick, law enforcement searched his home, during which they located 317 rounds of ammunition on shelves in McCormick’s bedroom. When asked, McCormick provided the combination to a safe, which was also in his bedroom. Inside the safe, agents found 43 additional rounds of ammunition and the registration to McCormick’s car. As a previously convicted felon, McCormick is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being 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.
Middle District of Florida Task Force Continues to Combat COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
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, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “These cases should serve as a warning to those who might have engaged in similar fraudulent activity that holding those accountable for these crimes remains a high priority for federal authorities.”
The USAO-MDFL’s Civil Division, in conjunction with the Fraud Section of the Department of Justice Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, recently announced a $325,000 settlement with Florida companies Kingwood Orlando Reunion Resort LLC and Kingwood Crystal River Resort Corp. (“Crystal River”) regarding allegations that they violated the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness application submitted by Crystal River.
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 57 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the PPP, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $65 million. 43 of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 14 defendants.
(See chart for criminal case details.)
For example, in February 2023, Keith Ingersoll (46, Orlando) was sentenced to nine years and one month in federal prison for a variety of fraud schemes, including a real estate scam and a fraudulent EIDL application.
Also in February 2023, Daniel Joseph Tisone (35, Naples) was sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison for a variety of COVID-19 fraud offenses. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to forfeit properties, an engagement ring, ammunition, and cash seized from bank accounts and must pay more than $2.6 million in restitution. Tisone, a convicted felon, submitted false and fraudulent EIDL, MSLP, and PPP loan applications containing false representations, including about his criminal history, average monthly payroll, number of employees, and gross revenues.
Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $16.8 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 $9.8 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 (SBA OIG), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, 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.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Alexander Leszczynski
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$200k
Charles Cunningham
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800k
Ellyn Pinkney
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$14M
Kieanna Garrett
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Nicole Bramble-King
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, and Jennifer Peresie
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Chauncy Bratt, Shannon Laurie, and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82k
Ismaelle Manuel
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$280k
Denis Casseus
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$298k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava
Ocala Division
Henry Wade
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$500k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
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
Richard Simpkins
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Steve Moodie
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500k
Omar Esquivel Bello
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$242k
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
Brian Blake
Possession of device-making equipment
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP/UI
$832k
Daniel Johnson
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Unlawful transfer of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
UI
$2.3M
Teresa McIntyre
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
EIDL
$730k
Jaheim Davis
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$219k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, Shannon Laurie, and Dana Hill, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Jacksonville Division
Desmond Williams
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
Kenneth Landers
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Money Laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1.4M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican
Fort Myers Division
Al Clint LaRoche
Bank Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
PPP
$1M
This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Trent Reichling
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
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
$10K
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria
Wire fraud
Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison
EIDL
$150k
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
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 27 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)
Middle District of Florida Second Quarter 2023 Prosecutions Include 63 Firearms and Violent Crime Indictments as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the second quarter of fiscal year 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the second quarter, ending on March 31, 2023, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has charged 63 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 87 firearms from our streets in the process. In addition, law enforcement seized several silencers and machine gun conversion devises. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the second quarter involved approximately 313 citizens. These community outreach efforts included presentations to elementary, middle, and high school students, meetings with community leaders, and re-entry programs.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q2 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Ronald Dale Perkins (Ft. Myers)
On January 17, 2023, Ronald Dale Perkins was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for distributing methamphetamine. According to court documents, on April 5, 2022, Perkins, a nine-time convicted felon, sold a sawed-off .410 caliber shotgun gun and methamphetamine to an undercover ATF special agent.
United States v. Brandon Corey Skeith (Jacksonville)
In February 2023, Brandon Corey Skeith was sentenced to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, in April 2022, after officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit observed Skeith selling fentanyl from a motel in Jacksonville, a search warrant was obtained for his room. Officers seized fentanyl packaged for sale, cocaine base, scales, beakers and a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed the pistol and found Skeith’s DNA on the firearm.
United States v. Aaron Haa (Ocala)
On February 9, 2023, Aaron Haa was sentenced to 17 years and 7 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court records, on December 9, 2020, Haa was arrested by state authorities after being found with a firearm during a traffic stop. After being released from state custody, Haa was arrested again a few weeks later. During the second incident, Haa led police on a high-speed chase on U.S. 441 in Marion County. A deputy had to force Haa’s vehicle to stop when Haa started fleeing into opposite lanes of traffic. After Haa flipped his vehicle, deputies took him into custody. Deputies recovered another firearm and 70 grams of methamphetamine intended for distribution from Haa’s vehicle. At the time, Haa had at least 20 prior state felony convictions, including trafficking in a controlled substance, fleeing and eluding, and sale of a controlled substance.
United States v. LaTravis Deyonta Mackroy (Orlando)
LaTavis Deyonta Mackroy was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for three bank robberies and an attempted bank robbery. According to court documents and evidence presented during trial, Mackroy was a federal prisoner residing at a halfway house in Orlando. After staying at the halfway house for more than a month, Mackroy was given a home pass which allowed him to spend the weekend with his family. On April 16, 2022, while on his home pass, Mackroy robbed a credit union by passing a demand note and threatening the teller. He left the credit union with $3,231 and returned to the halfway house the following day. The next weekend, Mackroy was again given a home pass. He robbed one bank on Friday, one bank on Saturday, and attempted to rob another bank on Saturday, which was not successful. During the final robbery, the teller walked away from his station after reading the demand note, which caused Mackroy to flee the bank empty-handed, leaving behind the demand note. That note contained four prints matching Mackroy’s fingerprints which were on file with the FBI. At the time of the robbery spree, Mackroy was still serving a federal sentence for a robbery of a pawn shop in Apopka in 2014.
U.S. v. Francisco Cabrera (Tampa)
In January 2023, Francisco Cabrera (28, Dover) was charged with armed robbery, armed carjacking, and attempting to murder federal agents. According to court documents, in January 2022, Cabrera robbed two smoke shops and a gas station. During each robbery, he showed victims a loaded magazine, inserted it into his pistol, and pointed the gun at the victims. Cabrera also approached a victim at a gas station and carjacked him at gunpoint. When law enforcement tried to conduct a traffic stop on Cabrera, he fled at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour in heavy midday traffic, firing multiple shots at the agents and officers pursuing him. ATF agents returned fire, striking Cabrera, which ended the pursuit. No one else was struck by the gunfire. If convicted on all counts, Cabrera faces a mandatory minimum mandatory sentence of 28 years, up to life, in federal prison. The case is currently set for trial in June 2023. An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Zachary Pegg (27)
Carjacking
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Brandishing a firearm during commission of a crime of violence
Min. 7 years to max. of up to life imprisonment
1
Jimmy Diggs (57)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Min. penalty 15 years up to max. penalty of life imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Simon R. Eth.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Byron Keith Jones, Jr. (34)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm
Max. penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment
1
Antoine Danielle Pearson, Jr. (28)
Possession of a machine gun and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years imprisonment
1
Bronquell Aurion Hutchinson (23)
Misrepresentation to firearms dealer during purchase of firearm
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment
0
Cody Mack McCormick (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Day’Jon Ma’Ki Major (19)
Possession of a machine gun and a stolen firearm
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment per charge
2
Donnell Bernard Demps, Jr. (26)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Maisha K. Daniels (47)
Stealing contents of postal package as postal employee and possessing, selling, and disposing of a stolen firearm
Max. penalty of up to 5 years’ imprisonment for postal crime and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Samuel Arthur Thompson (52)
Possession, receipt, and production of child sex abuse material, intrusion of protected computer causing damage; production of child sex abuse material by registered sex offender; failure to register as a sex offender; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of minimum 10 years’ imprisonment and maximum of 50 years’ imprisonment on child abuse charges and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Tony Kenneth Paul, Jr. (22)
Possession of a machinegun and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for firearm charge and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for drug charge
0
David Wayne Riddle, Jr. (29)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Pocols Lashawn Jackson (38)
Distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for drug charge and up to 15 years imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Trevor Jonathan Wright (31)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Avery Fuller (28)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Antonio Saquan Tate (19)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Jameise Vaughn Christian (32)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Delonte Antonio Martin (33)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Jaylaun Brown (20)
Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
0
Lucas Shirley (27)
Possession of unregistered short-barreled rifles and transferring unregistered short-barreled rifles
Max. penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each firearm charge
10 firearms
5 silencers
Lenwall Watts (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and distribution a controlled substance.
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment up to life for firearm charge and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for drug charge
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, John Cannizzaro, Laura Taylor, Michael Coolican, Aakash Singh, Kirwinn Mike, and David Mesrobian.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Luis Alicea (29)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Christopher Worlds (36)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Brady Williams (27)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Sarah J. Swartzberg, William Hamilton, and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Bernard Rogers (35)
Hobbs Act robbery (2 counts), bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (3 counts)
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for Hobbs Act and bank robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for each firearm charge
1
Michael Jerome Virgil (28)
Bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for bank robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for firearm charge
1
Carlos Aquino (41)
Possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl
Min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Min. mandatory consecutive 5 years up to life imprisonment
2
Edward Charlesalton Chappell (40)
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 10 grams or more of fentanyl analogue
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to 40 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Armed Career Criminal
Min. mandatory of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Rany Jonathan Parrales (35)
Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the purchase of a firearm
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
7
Robert Potocnak (48)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years consecutive up to life imprisonment
2
Alvarez Caprio Cosby (25) and Desmond Nyshon Smith (18)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
3
Jeremy Deion Middleton (24)
Receiving stolen firearms and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
13
Geoffrey Gaston (38)
Hobbs Act robbery (5 counts), and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence (4 counts)
Max. penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each Hobbs Act robbery and mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment for each firearm charge
0
Rico Allen Gandy (44)
Possession of firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Antione Oshea Ladson (28)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon (2 counts)
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years consecutive up to life imprisonment
1
Jahroy Elijah Sackey (43)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to 40 years’ imprisonment
1
Terrell Anthony Robinson (36)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and Armed Career Criminal
Min. mandatory of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Antavious Anton Gray, Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Allen Lee Glover (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon (2 counts)
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment
2
Leo Lamar Massey, III (47)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
1
Jatariuis Nyquan Horne (26)
Possession of ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Michael Joseph Hathaway (37)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, Kara Wick, Michael Felicetta, Terry Livanos, Ranganath Manthripragada, John Gardella, Aakash Singh, David Pardo, Stephanie McNeff, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Ashley Washington.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Evan Ingram (42)
Distribution of controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, and mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment for each possession of firearm and ammunition charge
1
Nicholas Quinton Hanson (32)
Marcus Dewonn Mobley, Jr. (22)
Possession of ammunition as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years imprisonment
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Terrance Paul Snow (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Martez Manning (26)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawfully possessing a firearm
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Clinton Justesen (48)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment and 20 years’ imprisonment for the drug offense
3
Francisco Cabrera (28)
Armed robbery, armed carjacking, and attempting to murder federal agents
Mandatory minimum 28 years up to life imprisonment
0
Dempsey Gilmore (32)
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum penalty of life imprisonment
1
Jojuan Lindsey (27)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum penalty of up to 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Dartis Cobb (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Shawn Lanier Lowman (23)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Leonon Ricky Davis (37)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Michelle Denise Herds (44)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment
1
Rodrick Quinelle Dallas (35)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
De’Antez Morgan (28)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Lennard Rashard Monroe (30)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years up to life imprisonment
Felon in possession of a firearm
Mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Milton Anthony Bradshaw (42)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Christopher Murray, David P. Sullivan, David W. A. Chee, Diego Novaes, Samantha Beckman, and Michael Kenneth.
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Giovanni Francois (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and MDMA
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Min. mandatory of 5 years up to life imprisonment
1
Shaborn Washington
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Alphonso James (29)
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Jontavious Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan and Simon R. Eth.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Gregory Austin Eward (25)
Conspiracy to possess and transfer unregistered firearm silencers
Max. penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment
0
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (46)
Selling fentanyl and high-purity methamphetamine while armed and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the three counts of selling fentanyl, minimum mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment per count of selling methamphetamine, and
minimum of 5 years up to life imprisonment consecutive for each of two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
2
Cory Lee Kelly (34)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
Sonja Leigh Quinn (50)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kirwinn Mike, Michael J. Coolican, Cherie Krigsman, Laura C. Taylor, and Michael Coolican.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Antonio Eugene Brutton (35)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Minimum of 15 years, maximum of life imprisonment
2
Christopher Richard Munroe (55)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment
3
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, and Belkis Crockett.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Nacoe Ray Brown (54)
Bank robbery and violating the term of supervised release
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for bank robbery and max. penalty of 3 years’ imprisonment for violating term of supervised release
1
Darius Rodney Capers (18)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier and attempted robbery of postal carrier
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
2
Jesus Rojas (21)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier, armed postal robbery,
theft of Arrow Key and receipt of stolen property
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment
0
Elsie Marie Crespo (27)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (3 counts); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Min. of 10 years up to life imprisonment for drug offenses; min. penalty of 5 years’ up to life imprisonment for firearm offense
1
Bengie Emannual Silva-Ramos (31)
Unlawfully engaging in the business of dealing in firearms, transferring and possession of machine guns, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances, possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy
Mandatory min. of 10 years and
up to life imprisonment
4
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Kara Wick, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Christopher Alvarez (19)
Four robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each robbery count, and a mandatory min. of 7 years up to life imprisonment, served consecutive to any other sentence
1
Patraic Setzer (28)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment
1
James Junior Williams (44)
Bank robbery
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment
0
Jamaal Black (22)
Robberies and discharging a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies.
Max. penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment for each robbery count, and min. mandatory of 10 years up to life imprisonment for firearm offense
1
Omar Rochester Miller, Jr. (23)
Robbery of a postal carrier, theft of postal keys, and brandishing a firearm during the robbery
Max. penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment for armed robbery; 10 years’ imprisonment for theft of postal keys; mandatory min. of 7 years’ imprisonment for brandishing the firearm
1
Thomas Bellere (40)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Mandatory min. penalty of 10 years up to life imprisonment
1
Reginald Roberts a/k/a “Rudy” (22)
Nathaniel Keith Carr a/k/a “Nate”(28)
Chrishawn De’Earl Butler a/k/a “Baby” (22)
Conspiracy to commit robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and brandishing and discharging firearms in the commission of crimes of violence
Mandatory min. of 14 years up to life imprisonment
0
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawfully possessing a firearm
Mandatory min. of 15 years up to life imprisonment
1
Yasin Carnegie (32)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Max. penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment.
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Ilyssa M Spergel, Stacie B. Harris, Diego Novaes, Michael Sinacore, and David P. Sullivan.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Ronald Dale Perkins (45)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and distributing methamphetamine
Sentence imposed: four years and nine months’ imprisonment
1
Cambrel Jamal Smart (29)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, and Trent Reichling.
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Brandon Corey Skeith (40)
Possession of fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 7 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
1
John Nathan Hemingway (52)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and cocaine base, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 9 years’ imprisonment
1
Frederick Lamont Sams (41)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 7 years’ imprisonment
1
Cornelius Dewyane Moore (30)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 2 years’ imprisonment
1
Raekwon Cannon (26)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years’ imprisonment
2
Terry Lenard Shipman (48)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years of imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Michael J. Coolican, and John Cannizzaro.
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Jaedyn Tiryse Presley
(23)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: Time Served: (4 months)
1
Michael Tyrone Young (32)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed:
33 months’ imprisonment
1
Aaron Haa (42)
Possession of a firearm by a felon; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
Sentence imposed: 17 years and 7 months’ imprisonment
3
Troy Nix (29)
Possession of a firearm by a felon; possession with intent to distribute heroin
Sentence imposed: 5 years and 8 months’ imprisonment
1
Rey Daniel Facio-Garcia (29)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Sentence imposed: 2 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
1
Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon.
Sentence imposed: 3 years and 4 months’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., Tyrie K. Boyer, William S. Hamilton, and Hannah Nowalk.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Kevin Deane Jones (30)
Unlawfully possessing ricin, a biological toxin, and for possession of two firearms as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
2
Nathan Joel Arledge (29)
Possession of machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, unregistered silencers, and child abuse material
Sentence imposed: 6 years’ imprisonment
3
Carlos Tawan Reed, Jr. (23)
Bank burglary and bank theft in connection with the destruction of an ATM
Sentence imposed: 4 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
0
Daniel Stephen King (28)
Possession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
9
Carlos Alberto Roman (56)
Possession of controlled substances and possessing a firearm equipped with a silencer in furtherance of drug crime
Sentence imposed: 40 years’ imprisonment
19 firearms,
6 silencers,
3 grenades
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Jennifer M. Harrington, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, Michael P. Felicetta, John M. Gardella, and Dana Hill.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Edwin Hill a/k/a “Z” (51)
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, distribution of fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence imposed: 21 years and 10 months’ imprisonment
1
Damien Boatwright (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 5 months’ imprisonment
1
Terry Augusta Newsome (34)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 7 years’ imprisonment
1
Robert Humberston (39)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years’ imprisonment
3
Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (30)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years’ imprisonment
1
Raequin Smith (27)
Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
1
Demetrius Haynes (32)
Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine
Sentence imposed: 14 years’ imprisonment
1
Marques Howard (31)
Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery, discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 17 years and 3 months’ imprisonment
1
Cedric Durham Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 4 years’ imprisonment
1
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Dan Baeza, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, David P. Sullivan, Maria Guzman, Shauna S. Hale, Samantha Newman, and David W. A. Chee.
Leader of Hillsborough Drug Trafficking Organization and His Wife Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of Heroin and FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Franqui (37, Tampa) to 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Franqui’s wife, Marie Rodriguez (41, Tampa), was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in federal prison for distribution of heroin and fentanyl. Franqui and Rodriguez had both pleaded guilty on May 31, 2022.
According to court documents, beginning no later than September 1, 2017, and continuing through August 27, 2020, Franqui and others, including his wife and codefendants Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado, Edgardo Colon Rosado, and Orlando Muniz Escalera, conspired to distribute heroin and fentanyl in in the Middle District of Florida. Franqui, who was the leader of his drug trafficking organization, used “runners” to field calls from customers and fulfill orders. The runners distributed the heroin to users in plastic baggies for $10 per bag. Well over a kilogram of heroin was distributed through the runner network alone. Franqui also distributed larger quantities of heroin and fentanyl to other drug dealers.
On three occasions between June 17 and August 14, 2020, Franqui and Rodriguez arranged transactions and sold heroin to a confidential source (CS). Franqui and Rodriguez provided the CS with more than 83 grams of heroin. In one of the distributions, fentanyl was mixed with the heroin.
Kevin Darnell Diaz Tirado, Edgardo Colon Rosado, and Orlando Muniz Escalera, who were all part of Franqui’s runner network, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and were sentenced in previous hearings. Diaz Tirado was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, Muniz Escalera was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, and Colon Rosado was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
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.
Career Offender Sentenced to More Than Twelve Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Derek Wallace (46, Tampa) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Wallace had pleaded guilty on November 29, 2022.
According to court documents, on January 5, 2022, Wallace arranged a drug transaction with a confidential source. Officers arrested Wallace when he arrived at the transaction location, he had fentanyl and methamphetamine in his possession. An additional 45 grams of fentanyl and 234 grams of methamphetamine were located in his residence. Wallace was on probation at the time.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Anthony David Keels (61, Titusville) to 15 years in federal prison. In December 2022, Keels had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as using a minor to distribute methamphetamine.
According to evidence admitted at sentencing, Keels had an extensive criminal history involving more than 20 felony and 10 misdemeanor convictions. From March through September 2022, during undercover drug buys and pursuant to a search warrant at Keel’s home. law enforcement recovered more than 200 grams of a fentanyl analogue, approximately 190 grams of fentanyl, approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, 3.5 grams of cocaine, and .5 grams of crack cocaine. In addition, during this conspiracy, Keels enlisted the assistance of at least three others, one of which was a 14-year-old child, to distribute methamphetamine.
Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated, "I applaud this partnership and the agencies involved who brought this dangerous drug dealer to justice. Through their outstanding efforts, an individual who actively participated in the distribution of a powerful drug responsible for the majority of our overdose deaths has been removed from our communities.”
“Illicit fentanyl is the primary driver of the drug overdose and poisoning deaths currently devastating our communities. DEA remains committed to holding anyone who chooses to bring this poison into our communities accountable for their actions, particularly those who endanger children for their own profit,” said Deanne Reuter, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Miami Field Division. “This investigation highlights our dedication and our commitment to working with our local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and healthy.”
This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Winter Haven Man Admits to Sexually Exploiting A 15-Year-Old Girl and to Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Billie Harold McDuffie, Jr. (36, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to a six-count indictment charging him with one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, one count of possessing device making equipment, one count of possessing 15 or more unauthorized access devices, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. He faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, up to life, in prison for the enticement offense, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each of the access device offenses, and a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of 2 years’ imprisonment on each aggravated identity theft offense. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 18, 2023.
According to court documents, McDuffie met the 15-year-old child victim online and enticed her to engage in sexually explicit conversations using a cellphone and social media. For five months, McDuffie repeatedly engaged in sexual contact with the child victim, even after she confirmed that she was a minor. An online tipster notified the Federal Bureau of Investigation of McDuffie’s sexual misconduct with the child.
On July 21, 2022, a search warrant was executed at McDuffie’s residence, where agents found both McDuffie and the child victim. Agents returned the child to her family and arrested McDuffie.
During their search of the residence, agents found evidence related to McDuffie’s fraud activities. The evidence included blank check paper, packets of stolen identities, multiple fraudulent debit and credit cards, fraudulent driver licenses, card encoders, and printers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
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.
Wesley Chapel Woman Convicted of Sexual Abuse of Inmate While Employed as A Prison GuardRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Fiona Eyana Palmer (39, Wesley Chapel) guilty of sexual abuse of an inmate. Palmer faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Palmer had been indicted on December 20, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Palmer was employed as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correction Complex when she engaged in sexual acts with an inmate at the prison. In two recorded phone calls between Palmer and the inmate, Palmer discussed the sexual acts and offered to send money to one of the inmate’s relatives.
This case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah Nowalk.