Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Florida CPA Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL — A Florida Certified Public Accountant pleaded guilty today to evading payment of more than $2.2 million of income tax liabilities.
According to court documents, Ronald St. Clair attempted to hide his assets from the IRS after accumulating tax debts for 2011 through 2017. In 2020, after the IRS notified St. Clair that it intended to levy his assets to collect his unpaid taxes, St. Clair sold real property he owned and transferred the proceeds into a bank account in a third party’s name. After transferring these funds out of his own name, St. Clair directed the money for his personal and business use and intentionally failed to disclose these funds and assets while he was seeking a payment plan with the IRS.
St. Clair pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Darcey of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Marissa R. Brodney and Aaron I. Henricks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
Florida CPA Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Florida Certified Public Accountant pleaded guilty today to evading payment of more than $2.2 million of income tax liabilities.
According to court documents, Ronald St. Clair attempted to hide his assets from the IRS after accumulating tax debts for 2011 through 2017. In 2020, after the IRS notified St. Clair that it intended to levy his assets to collect his unpaid taxes, St. Clair sold real property he owned and transferred the proceeds into a bank account in a third party’s name. After transferring these funds out of his own name, St. Clair directed the money for his personal and business use and intentionally failed to disclose these funds and assets while he was seeking a payment plan with the IRS.
St. Clair pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. His sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Marissa R. Brodney and Aaron I. Henricks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick L. Darcey of the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Clearwater Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Distributing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Zachary William Thomas (29, Clearwater) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to seven years and six months in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. Thomas was also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution and will be required to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between February 13 and 16, 2024, Thomas chatted online with an individual on a social media application. Thomas sent images and videos of CSAM to that individual and, in exchange, received additional CSAM from that individual. The FBI executed a search warrant at Thomas’s home and seized two cellphones that belonged to Thomas. Both cellphones contained hundreds of images and videos of CSAM.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Four-Time Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Skyler Palmer (31, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of all charges, Palmer faces a minimum sentence of 17 years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on August 8, 2025, Palmer possessed methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. He also possessed two firearms in furtherance of that drug offense. Palmer has previously been convicted of four felonies, including a prior firearm offense. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Dade City Woman Sentenced to Two Years for Committing Aggravated Identity Theft While Stealing Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Vivina Barnwell (62, Dade City) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge James S. Moody, Jr. to two years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and access device fraud. Barnwell pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025. The court also ordered Barnwell to pay more than $96,000 in restitution to the Social Security Administration. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Barnwell’s adult son, P.C., was a beneficiary of Social Security disability benefits. P.C. went missing in 2016 and remains missing to this day. Despite reporting him missing to the local police, Barnwell concealed his disappearance from the Social Security Administration, which continued to make monthly benefit payments onto P.C.’s debit card. Barnwell had control of that card and used it to withdraw and spend P.C.’s benefits for her own use.
“The intentional deception perpetrated against the Social Security Administration in this case constitutes theft of taxpayers’ dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Such fraud will not be tolerated against our federal programs.”
“Stealing Social Security benefits intended for another is an egregious betrayal of trust. Ms. Barnwell’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to holding accountable those who exploit SSA programs for personal gain,” said Norman Jenkins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Atlanta Field Division, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG). “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect beneficiaries and ensure that funds meant to support disabled individuals are used for their care and well-being.”
Department of Justice efforts support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The core mission of the National Fraud Enforcement Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. The National Fraud Enforcement Division will fulfill that mission by coordinating with agencies responsible for administering benefit programs; partnering with federal, tribal, state, territorial, and local law enforcement on fraud-fighting efforts; developing systems and processes that ensure efficient identification of fraud against taxpayer dollars; and equipping prosecutors and law enforcement with state-of-the-art tools and resources needed to bring criminal actors to justice.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the New Port Richey Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
National Partnership of Insurance Brokers and its Former Subsidiary Agree to Pay over $135 Million for Affordable Care Act Enrollment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
AP of South Florida, LLC (APSF), an insurance brokerage company headquartered in Florida, has agreed to plead guilty for its role in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollment fraud scheme. APSF, through its highest-ranking executives, preyed on thousands of vulnerable consumers to fraudulently enroll them into fully subsidized ACA plans, for which the federal government awarded $141.5 million in unwarranted subsidies. In a parallel civil resolution, AssuredPartners, Inc., a national partnership of insurance brokers and the then-parent company of APSF, agreed to pay $107 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting fraudulent ACA health insurance plan applications. AssuredPartners, Inc., is not charged in the criminal information.
The Department of Justice announced this case and two others in support of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at a press conference in Washington today.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the Department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.”
The Criminal Case
The federal government offers subsidies to help eligible beneficiaries pay for health insurance plans. These subsidies are offered as tax credits to beneficiaries or as payments to insurers as Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs). APTCs are paid directly to insurance plans by the federal government in the form of a payment toward the beneficiary’s applicable monthly premium.
A criminal information was filed yesterday charging APSF with one count of major fraud against the United States. APSF has agreed to resolve the criminal charge by pleading guilty and paying restitution of $27.6 million. As part of its plea agreement, APSF admitted that, through certain of its executives and employees, APSF knowingly and intentionally defrauded the federal government. According to court documents, APSF targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and, through “street marketers” working on APSF’s behalf, sometimes offered cash and gift cards to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. APSF enrolled these vulnerable consumers in ACA plans that were fully subsidized by the federal government by submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. As a result of being enrolled in subsidized ACA plans for which they did not qualify, some of these consumers experienced serious disruptions in their medical care or prior insurance coverage under Medicaid or other programs. Some consumers who APSF fraudulently enrolled into fully subsidized ACA plans lost access to free health benefits through Medicaid or local assistance programs, and as a result, these consumers faced increased costs in accessing HIV medication, medication to treat opioid dependence and medication to treat mental health disorders. At times, consumers faced unaffordable co-pays and other costs because APSF enrolled these consumers in plans without regard to the consumers’ medical needs, the availability of other programs (including Medicaid and local assistance programs) and the consumers’ ability to pay out-of-pocket costs.
“APSF defrauded the U.S. government in order to line their pockets by exploiting the vulnerable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The FBI and its partners are working every day to put an end to corporate malpractice. We are turning off the spigot and other entities ripping off the taxpayer for illicit gain should take note.”
“As yesterday’s resolution demonstrates, the Criminal Division will pursue both corporate and individual actors that defraud the United States taxpayer and exploit consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Together with our partners, we previously prosecuted the former President of APSF, who will serve 20 years in prison for his crimes. Yesterday, the Department is announcing that his employer, APSF, has agreed to plead guilty for its role in the scheme and will pay $27 million in restitution. For over a year, APSF made money on the backs of vulnerable consumers and by siphoning money from a critical social safety net meant to protect working families. The conduct was orchestrated by APSF’s highest ranking executive and was pervasive throughout the company. Open and notorious corporate frauds will not be tolerated.”
“Exploiting people in crisis to generate profit at the expense of taxpayers is unconscionable,” said Inspector General T. March Bell of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “By manipulating the ACA marketplace and disrupting access to essential treatments, APSF compromised core federal health care protections and inflicted real harm on consumers who relied on those safeguards. HHS‑OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to apply the full scope of our oversight and enforcement authorities to protect taxpayer dollars and consumers.”
“Yesterday’s action underscores that companies cannot enrich themselves by manipulating federal health care programs and exploiting vulnerable individuals,” said Chief Guy Ficco of IRS Criminal Investigation. “In this case, executives falsified eligibility information to drive millions in improper subsidies, turning a program meant to provide care into a source of illicit revenue. IRS Criminal Investigation traced the flow of funds behind this scheme, and we will continue to pursue those who misuse taxpayer dollars for personal gain.”
According to court documents, APSF received commissions and other payments from an insurance company in exchange for enrolling consumers in the ACA plans. In turn, APSF paid a street marketing company in exchange for consumer referrals. To maximize these commission payments, APSF used misleading sales scripts and other deceptive sales techniques to convince consumers to state that they would attempt to earn the minimum income necessary to qualify for a subsidized ACA plan, even when the consumers initially stated to APSF’s insurance agents that they had no income. APSF also bypassed the federal government’s attempts to verify income and other information and deliberately a large volume of applications to Medicaid for various individuals in a way that guaranteed their denial so that they could sign up these same consumers for a fully subsidized ACA plan and maximize commissions.
APSF’s former president, Cory Lloyd, was previously convicted at trial in November 2025 for his role in the scheme and sentenced to twenty years’ imprisonment. According to court documents, Lloyd began the scheme at a legacy entity. In February 2021, APSF acquired certain assets of that legacy entity. Lloyd then became the President of APSF, where he continued to orchestrate the fraud scheme on behalf of APSF.
Evidence presented in Lloyd’s trial showed that, while President of APSF, he received complaints from a medical provider alerting Lloyd that multiple consumers, “who were homeless, were given cash to sign up” for these ACA plans. The provider further complained that: “All of them have opioid addiction and were desperate for money. All of them were unaware they had insurance until the provider tried to get them medications through the county hospital for uninsured patients. These people are worse off than if they had no insurance because they are being asked to pay >$500 per month for their medications.” Evidence presented in Lloyd’s trial also showed that, despite receiving such warnings, APSF continued to fraudulently enroll consumers in fully subsidized ACA plans by “bumping up” their income to make them appear qualified for subsidies.
A change of plea hearing for APSF will be set for a later date, where the terms of the plea agreement between APSF and the Department of Justice will be considered by a federal judge. If the plea agreement is accepted by the court, APSF will be sentenced by a federal district court judge at a later date.
The government reached its criminal resolution with APSF based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of the offense conduct; the fact that the fraud began at a legacy entity whose assets were acquired by APSF in February 2021; APSF’s failure to conduct adequate acquisition diligence, oversee the acquired operations, and detect the open and pervasive fraudulent scheme, which allowed the conduct to persist at APSF for approximately 18 months after the asset acquisition; and the pervasiveness of the offense, which involved multiple former APSF employees and former members of its senior executive management, including its President (Lloyd), who personally conducted and promoted the scheme. APSF also did not voluntarily and timely self-disclose the conduct to the Department of Justice but did receive credit for clearly accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct, cooperating with the government’s investigation, and implementing remedial measures.
FBI, HHS-OIG and IRS-CI are investigating the criminal case.
Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the criminal case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
The Civil Case
The False Claims Act settlement resolves allegations that, from February 2021 through September 2022, APSF knowingly submitted false or fraudulent applications for subsidized ACA plans on behalf of thousands of consumers in order to obtain commissions and bonus payments from insurers. APSF contracted with “street marketers” who targeted homeless shelters, bus stops, drug treatment clinics and similar locations. The marketers offered incentives, such as cash or gift cards, to individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans or to provide their personal information so that APSF could submit applications on their behalf. APSF employees then submitted applications falsely representing that the consumers would make a minimum income amount just over the federal poverty line in order to cause the government to pay the highest subsidy amount.
APSF employees also knowingly submitted false information to Florida’s Medicaid program in order to generate letters stating that the applicant was denied Medicaid coverage and then used these letters as a qualifying event to trigger a Special Enrollment Period, which allowed APSF to submit applications for ACA plans outside of the normal enrollment periods. APSF employees also evaded the federal government’s attempts to verify information in consumers’ ACA applications by submitting false information in response to inquiries from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services when it sought to verify the false information (including income information) submitted by APSF. Some consumers experienced disruptions in their medical care as a result of being enrolled by APSF in subsidized ACA plans that did not provide coverage for their medical needs. APSF received commissions, bonuses, and/or other payments for consumers it enrolled in ACA plans, and a significant portion of APSF’s revenues from these fraudulently obtained payments flowed up to its then-parent corporation, AssuredPartners.
“Federal benefit programs funded by American taxpayers provide an important safety net for vulnerable populations,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Yesterday’s resolution sends the clear message that the United States will hold accountable actors who exploit those programs to enrich themselves at the expense of the public.”
“Our office will use all available tools, including the False Claims Act, to confront those who submit false claims under the Affordable Care Act,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This case exemplifies our dedication to protecting our nation’s taxpayers from fraud.”
“This $135 million resolution lays bare a brazen scheme that caused real harm by targeting vulnerable individuals for profit and disrupting their access to critical care,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “Because of APSF’s manipulation of individuals’ enrollment statuses, Medicaid and other programs intended to support vulnerable populations were undermined in fulfilling their mission. HHS-OIG will continue to aggressively pursue accountability for those who choose greed over patients and work to protect the integrity of public resources.”
The settlement resolves allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The whistleblower will receive $24.3 million as their share of the recovery in this case.
The resolution obtained in the civil matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The civil matter was handled by Attorneys Wendy Zupac and David Wiseman of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Bloor for the Middle District of Florida.
The Commercial Litigation Branch’s Fraud Section investigates complex health care fraud allegations and files suit under the civil False Claims Act to recover money on behalf of defrauded federal health care programs. Settlements and judgments under the False Claims Act exceeded $6.8 billion in the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2025. Working with United States Attorneys, investigative agencies, and whistleblowers, Fraud Section attorneys have recovered more than $85 billion in False Claims Act settlements and judgments since 1986.
The claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability in the civil settlement.
Former Gun Store Employee Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms and Ammunition to Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Frank Jude Petrone, Sr. (56, Parrish) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to three years and one month in federal prison for trafficking in firearms and selling firearms and ammunition to a convicted felon. Petrone pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 2, 2024, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that Petrone was selling firearms to an individual he knew to be a convicted felon. At the time, Petrone was a salesperson for a licensed gun store. On four separate occasions between October 2024 and January 2025, Petrone sold the convicted felon, acting as a confidential source, four firearms and 146 rounds of ammunition. Federal law prohibits selling firearms to a convicted felon, and a convicted felon cannot pass the National Instant Criminal Background Check System.
On October 17, 2024, Petrone sold a .357 Taurus International 605 Poly Protector revolver and 10 rounds of .357 ammunition to the confidential source. On November 8, 2024, Petrone sold a 9mm Sig Sauer M18 semi-automatic pistol and 57 rounds of ammunition to the confidential source. On January 2, 2025, Petrone sold a .45 TISAS 1911A1 semi-automatic pistol and 50 rounds of ammunition to the confidential source. During that transaction, Petrone also offered to sell a machinegun with an obliterated serial number. On January 28, 2025, Petrone sold a CZ Scorpion 9-millimeter pistol (not a machinegun), loaded with 29 of a possible 50 rounds of ammunition, to the confidential source.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Former Crewmember on Cruise Ship Sentenced to More Than Seven Years for Transporting Child Sexual Abuse Material into the United StatesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Robert Jonathan De Oliveira Ricci (36, Brazil) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie Sneed to seven years and three months in federal prison for transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material. Ricci pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025. The court also ordered Ricci to register as a sex offender and forfeit a smartphone, which he used to commit the offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Ricci was a crewmember on board an internationally operated cruise ship that arrived at the U.S. Port of Entry at Port Canaveral on March 10, 2025. A border search of Ricci’s smartphone revealed he had traveled into the United States with at least 83 videos and 184 images depicting the sexual abuse of children, including children as young as infants and toddlers.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to Six Years for Abusive Sexual Contact on an AircraftRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – John Daniel Fowler (65, Indianapolis, IN) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to 6 years in federal prison for abusive sexual contact on an aircraft. Fowler was also ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release following his release from prison. A federal jury convicted Fowler on January 13, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony presented at trial, Fowler was seated next to a minor on an aircraft flying from Indianapolis to Orlando. During the flight, Fowler observed the minor taking a cellphone photo through the window of the plane and asked the minor to send him the photo and provided his cellphone number. Several times during the flight, Fowler encroached on the minor’s space by placing his hand over the armrest and touching the minor, who pushed Fowler’s hand away each time. After the minor fell asleep, Fowler placed his hand under the minor’s blanket and touched her genitalia. The minor woke up as the plane was landing in Orlando, while Fowler was still groping her. The minor immediately reported the conduct to the flight crew, who separated the child victim from Fowler and notified law enforcement.
Fowler, a registered sex offender, was previously convicted in Indiana for sexual battery and criminal confinement. That victim, who was an adult at the time of the offense in 2017, testified at this trial to establish a pattern of similar conduct by Fowler. The victim’s testimony for that previous conviction established that the victim fell asleep and awoke to Fowler licking her genitalia without her consent.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Air Marshal Service, and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Cruz and Kaley Austin-Aronson.
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.
Plant City Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill the President of the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Nick Guadalupe Cruz-Lopez (20, Plant City, FL) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with making a threat to kill the President of the United States. If convicted, Cruz-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, on April 2, 2026, Cruz-Lopez posted the following photo on his Instagram account, which stated, “MAGA Otw to kill trump” and showed Cruz-Lopez in a vehicle holding an AR-15 style rifle:
Federal agents located Cruz-Lopez that day and arrested him.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
Federal Charges Filed Against Naples Man in $3.7 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Leonard W. Krane (75, Naples) has been charged by indictment with four counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, Krane faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over $3.7 million and other assets traceable to the proceeds of the offenses. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, between at least August 2017 and February 2025, Krane engaged in a long-running scheme where he allegedly made false representations that he possessed substantial funds overseas and required upfront payments from victims to access those funds. He promised that, in exchange for wiring him money, often tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, victims would receive significant returns once the overseas funds were recovered.
Instead, as alleged in the indictment, Krane did not invest the funds and the promised returns never materialized. Rather, the funds were used to support his personal lifestyle or were transferred overseas. The total loss attributable to the scheme exceeds $3.7 million.
The indictment further alleges that victim funds were rapidly withdrawn or laundered through international wire transfers to individuals located in the United Kingdom.
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.
If you believe you may be a victim of the alleged crimes, you can contact the FBI at 800-CALL FBI (225-5324).
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
North Fort Myers Man Sentenced to More than Six Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Michael Peacock (39, North Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to six years and six months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Peacock pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Peacock was part of a ring of drug distributors in the Palmona Park neighborhood of North Fort Myers. In July 2024, Peacock sold a confidential informant approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine for $500.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.
Jury Finds Apollo Beach Man Guilty of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Ludwin Borgen (49, Apollo Beach) guilty of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Borgen faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to evidence presented at trial, Borgen was a drug dealer in the Tampa Bay area who had supplied the victim with fentanyl on multiple instances in the past. In the late evening of March 28, 2022, the victim began reaching out to Borgen to arrange a purchase the next day. On March 29, 2022, the victim met Borgen at a pharmacy, where she purchased fentanyl from him. The victim returned to a residence where she had been staying with a friend. That evening, the victim injected herself with the fentanyl while soaking in the bathtub. Intoxicated by the fentanyl, she slid under the water and drowned. After noticing that the victim had been in the bathroom for a long time, her friend checked on her and found her body in the bathtub with her head submerged under the water and a syringe floating next to her.
Toxicology revealed that the victim had approximately ten times the therapeutic concentration of fentanyl in her system—a concentration consistent with overdose deaths. Detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office who specialize in overdose deaths investigated and identified Borgen as the person who had sold the fentanyl to the victim. A detective used the victim’s phone to arrange another meeting with Borgen, who arrived intending to sell more fentanyl to the victim. After the investigation team arrested Borgen, they searched his vehicle and found fentanyl, baggies, syringes, and a scale.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Muriel Moore and Michael Sinacore.
Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Threats to Kill a Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Stephane Brice (23, Georgia) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 27 months in federal prison for interstate transmission of threats to assault and kill a federal law enforcement officer. Brice pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, Brice called the IRS to complain about a tax refund issue. During the call, Brice grew frustrated and threatened to go to the IRS office and kill and behead IRS employees. The following day, a federal law enforcement officer called Brice as part of an investigation into his threats. During this call, Brice began shouting profanity-laced threats to behead the federal law enforcement officer and to burn down his house with his children inside.
This case was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and the Internal Revenue Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler III and Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Milliron.
St. Petersburg Man Charged in Child’s Fentanyl Overdose and Multiple Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Rayshawn Smith (31, St. Petersburg) has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in great bodily injury, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, drug distribution, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Smith faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, between May 13, 2025, and January 14, 2026, Smith sold various kinds of drugs – including methamphetamine and fentanyl – to a confidential informant. On November 13, 2025, while in the sole care and custody of Smith, a one-year-old child ingested and overdosed on fentanyl, resulting in the need for life-saving measures at the hospital.
On January 14, 2026, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smith’s residence where they recovered drugs, guns, and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at a different location in his vehicle. When law enforcement searched Smith’s car, they found additional drugs and drug packaging materials.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yara Dodin.
Oasis Acupuncture LLC and Its Owner Agree to Pay $100,000 to Settle False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Oasis Acupuncture LLC and its owner, Dr. Hui-Li Yuan, have agreed to pay $100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting inflated claims for acupuncture services to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.
According to the settlement agreement, Oasis Acupuncture and Dr. Yuan billed the VA for acupuncture needle reinsertion services that were inflated and did not meet the minimum time requirements of 15 minutes per needle reinsertion. This resulted in the VA overpaying for Oasis Acupuncture’s claims.
“Protecting our veterans and their care is paramount,” U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This civil settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure compliance and proper billing by all providers.”
“This settlement demonstrates the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the integrity of claims submitted to VA healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG commends the US Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.”
This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor led the investigation.
The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Veterans Affairs OIG Hotline, at 1-800-488-8244.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability.
Former International Trucker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Traffic Guns Purchased in Florida and Found at Canadian Crime ScenesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Erhan John Er (35, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to four years and three months in federal prison for his role in an international firearms trafficking conspiracy. Er pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, from February to September 2022, Er worked as a cross-border truck driver, based in Sarasota. Er agreed to purchase firearms for a Canadian co-conspirator and smuggle those firearms into Canada. In July and September 2022, Er bought a total of 28 guns from firearms dealers in Sarasota and Naples, Florida. He took the firearms across the Canadian border and sold them to his conspirator in exchange for his expenses and $1,000 (CAD) per gun.
Canadian investigators have since recovered 10 of those firearms from crime scenes in Ontario and Quebec. All of the firearms recovered thus far have had obliterated serial numbers. Investigators have restored the serial numbers and traced them back to Er’s purchases in Florida.
“Er falsely claimed to gun dealers that he was buying guns for himself, only to smuggle the guns into Canada, where they were used in multiple crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “Working together with our local, federal, and international partners, this scheme was uncovered and Er has been brought to justice.”
“This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of cross border partnerships in protecting our communities. The OPP remains committed to working closely with our Canadian and U.S. law enforcement partners to disrupt organized criminal networks, enhance public safety and prevent illegal firearms from crossing our shared border.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Mike Stoddart, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, including ATF’s Attachés in Ontario and Quebec and ATF’s Buffalo and Rochester, New York Field Offices; Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Toronto Attaché; with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Canada Border Services Agency; the Durham Regional Police Service; the Halton Regional Police Service; the Hamilton Police Service; Ontario Provincial Police; the Sûreté du Québec; the Thunder Bay Police Service; the Toronto Police Service; the York Regional Police; the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office; and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.
Lakeland Couple Pleads Guilty to Committing String of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Andres Correa (39, Lakeland) and Cassandra Kerr (46, Lakeland) have pleaded guilty to a string of Hobbs Act robberies that occurred in August 2025. Correa pleaded guilty to four Hobbs Act robberies, four counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and conspiring to commit the robberies. Kerr pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and conspiring to commit the robberies. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on July 28, 2025, Correa and Kerr robbed a food truck on Sheldon Road in Tampa. During the robbery, Correa entered the business and brandished a firearm while demanding money from two victims. Kerr acted as a lookout for Correa during the robbery.
On August 5, 2025, Correa and Kerr robbed a gas station in Tampa. Correa brandished a pistol and demanded money. Correa pointed a firearm into one of the victim’s stomachs until he received money. Kerr acted as a lookout for Correa outside the store in her vehicle.
Two days later, Correa and Kerr robbed a food mart in Tampa. Correa entered the business and produced a pistol from his chest area while demanding money. Correa held one of the store clerks at gunpoint until receiving cash from the register. Kerr again acted as a lookout for Correa during this robbery.
On August 19, 2025, Correa robbed a smoke shop in Seffner. After pulling a pistol from his chest area, Correa grabbed a customer and moved him back towards the counter. He pointed a gun at the back of his head and demanded cash. The clerk complied by handing Correa the cash register drawer.
On August 26, 2025, FBI and ATF agents, along with detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, executed search warrants in two residences. Inside one of the homes they found clothing consistent with surveillance footage, a firearm consistent with the firearm used in the robberies, a stomach holster, and a ledger with a list of banks and smoke shops along with directions to get to those businesses.
This case is the result of joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Oviedo Man Convicted of Attempting to Coerce and Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Rusbel Montoya Mandujano (32, Oviedo) guilty of attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Montoya Mandujano faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 25, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on June 25, 2025, Montoya Mandujano began communicating online and via text messaging with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old “girl.” The “girl” was actually a team of detectives working with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in an undercover capacity. After Montoya Mandujano learned the “girl’s” age, he initiated discussions of various sexual acts he wanted to engage in with her and made a plan to meet up with her to do so. When Montoya Mandujano arrived at the meeting location on June 26, 2025, he was arrested by law enforcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Naples Man Pleads Guilty to $1.2 Million Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Targeting Elderly Hurricane Ian VictimRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Luis Emilio Hernandez (45, Naples) today pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud an elderly victim following Hurricane Ian. Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for each money laundering count. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over $1.2 million and other assets traceable to the proceeds of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hernandez convinced an 85-year-old victim to write him personal checks totaling over $1.2 million for construction materials and repairs that were never performed. Instead, Hernandez cashed the checks for his own personal gain. Investigators confirmed that Hernandez did not hold a contractor’s license in Florida, and no permits were ever pulled for any of the alleged work. Even after the elderly victim sold the home and it had been demolished, Hernandez continued to contact the victim through text messages and even made personal visits to their assisted living residence, intentionally lulling the victim to provide him with additional funds. To conceal the source of the funds, Hernandez laundered the victim’s money by purchasing and flipping vehicles in trade-ins at multiple car dealerships throughout the area.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
Employees and Inmates at Citrus County Detention Facility Charged with Bribery and Introduction of ContrabandRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of four indictments charging employees, inmates, and associates of inmates at the Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF) with bribery and drug-related charges. The unsealed indictments charge the following individuals:
NameChargesMaximum PenaltyJustin Harvey (50)
Inverness, Florida
Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official
Introduction of Contraband to a Prison
15 years in prisonDekarri Nixon (28)
Jasper, Florida
Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official15 years in prisonCourtney Smith (35)
Brooksville, Florida
Conspiracy to Bribe a Public Official
Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official
Introduction of Contraband into a Prison
15 years in prisonJoshua Gallimore (31)
Dade City, Florida
Conspiracy to Bribe a Public OfficialFive Years in PrisonNicole Knecht (43)
Beverly Hills, Florida
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials
Acceptance of a Bribe by a Public Official
20 years in prisonAshley Fraccalvieri (41)
Spring Hill, Florida
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials
Bribery of Public Officials
20 years in prisonApril Vanzant (58)
Lady Lake, Florida
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials
Bribery of Public Officials
20 years in prisonErnest Grimaldi (40)
Lecanto, Florida
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances
Conspiracy to Bribe Public Officials
20 years in prisonThis group of indictments charge employees and inmates of the CCDF. This facility is a private jail where federal inmates are held in custody while awaiting trial or sentencing for matters pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Like all prisons, this facility was intended to be a secure facility, and contraband, like cellphones and controlled substances, are prohibited. Across the four indictments, the above named individuals are charged with violating the law by ignoring the facility’s secure nature and bringing in cellphones and controlled substances in exchange for money.
According to the first indictment, Justin Harvey was a correctional officer at CCDF. While there, an inmate (working at law enforcement’s direction) approached Harvey and requested that Harvey bring in a contraband cellphone. Harvey agreed to do so. And to effectuate that smuggling, Harvey met up with another person to receive that cellphone and $4,000 as payment. Harvey later smuggled the cellphone into CCDF and gave it to the inmate.
Like Harvey, the second indictment that charges Dekarri Nixon alleges that Nixon also worked as correctional officer at CCDF. While Nixon was employed at CCDF, an inmate (working at law enforcement’s direction) approached Nixon and requested a cellphone from Nixon. Nixon met with another person outside the jail and accepted $4,000 to introduce a cellphone to CCDF.
According to the third indictment, Courtney Smith and Joshua Gallimore worked together to introduce contraband into CCDF. Smith worked as a commissary worker at the facility, while Gallimore was a federal inmate. Smith agreed to smuggle contraband into the facility for Gallimore, and in return, Smith received at least $5,700 in bribes from Gallimore and his associates. Through this scheme, Smith smuggled a cellphone into facility in exchange for approximately $300.
The fourth indictment alleges that Nicole Knecht, Ashley Fraccalvieri, Ernest Grimaldi, and April Vanzant worked together to introduce contraband, including controlled substances, into CCDF in exchange for money. Knecht worked as a nurse at the facility and Fraccalvieri previously worked as a correctional officer there. Grimaldi was a state inmate at the facility. This group worked together to introduce controlled substances and other contraband into the facility. Grimaldi directed Knecht and Fraccalvieri, via the facility’s jail call system, to receive contraband from individuals outside the CCDF for smuggling into the facility. Knecht received money from Fraccalvieri and Grimaldi for her smuggling services. Eventually, law enforcement stopped Knecht with controlled substances after she met with Fraccalvieri. Knecht planned to smuggle these controlled substances into CCDF. Law enforcement officers later stopped Fraccalvieri with more than 400 oxycodone pills that were to be introduced into the facility. Fraccalvieri had obtained these pills after meeting with Vanzant.
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.
These cases were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. They will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Indictment 1 Indictment 2 Indictment 3 Indictment 4“The Monkey Whisperer” Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Primates While on Probation for the Same CrimeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jimmy Wayne Hammonds (62, Parrish), a/k/a “The Monkey Whisperer,” has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to violate the Lacey Act and Lacey Act trafficking. Hammonds pleaded guilty on October 23, 2025. The court also ordered Hammonds to pay a $60,000 fine to benefit the Lacey Act Reward Fund and placed a ban on Hammonds from possessing, breeding, selling, transporting, or exhibiting any wildlife. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hammonds, despite being a convicted Lacey Act trafficker and on federal probation, ran a business called, “The Monkey Whisperer, LLC,” that specialized in selling primates and other exotic animals. Through his business’s social media account, Hammonds connected with an individual who was an undercover agent. At Hammonds’s request, the conversations moved to an encrypted texting app to discuss potential wildlife sales. Hammonds agreed to sell the undercover agent two common marmosets for $7,400. Hammonds arranged for the transaction to occur in Georgia to avoid law enforcement oversight. The two common marmosets are pictured below.
As a result of this prosecution, Hammonds surrendered his ownership of 67 animals to include numerous primate species, muntjac deer, lemurs, kangaroos, wallabies, and otters.
Hammonds’ violation of probation hearing will take place on April 2, 2026.
This case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service with substantial assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Abigail K. King.
St. Petersburg Man Who Called in Threat to MacDill Air Force Base ChargedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jonathan James Elder (35, St. Petersburg) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with using the telephone to make a threat to kill, injure, intimidate, or damage a building. If convicted, Elder faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, Elder called MacDill Air Force Base on March 18, 2026, in the wake of the discovery of a suspicious package at MacDill Visitor Control Center earlier that week. When an operator at MacDill Air Force Base picked up the phone, Elder stated, “How did you like the surprise at the MacDill Visitor Center?” and then yelled “tick tick boom, it’s gonna be between your eyes.” He then hung up. This threat led to the closure of MacDill’s gates and required on-base personnel to shelter in place for approximately four hours.
Law enforcement later learned that just before this call, Elder called another phone number not affiliated with MacDill and stated:
Did you enjoy your pipe bombs at the front gate of MacDill...oh...is there anything else I can do for you...(unintelligible)...that’s why I said that you entitled little f*cking brat, now I told you if you try to f*ck with my meds again, I told you this last year, if you try to f*ck with my meds I will f*cking torture you, well you tried it again, so here you, you don’t learn, I will beat you in the face 10,000 times harder, you will get a pipe bomb that actually explodes in your f*cking face next time, f*ck you pigs.
Agents later located Elder in St. Petersburg and arrested him. He remains in federal custody.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This investigation is being conducted by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Tampa, which includes the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.
Criminal ComplaintPhone Sex Operator Charged with Child Sexual Abuse Material OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL –Debra Jean Schilling (71, Largo) has been charged by indictment with receipt, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted on all counts, Schilling faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment and court proceedings, in her employment as a phone sex operator, Schilling received and distributed CSAM to her clients in furtherance of their sexual conversations. Additionally, she possessed CSAM on her iCloud account.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
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.
Land O’Lakes Woman Charged with Assisting After the Fact and Evidence Tampering Related to an Attempt to Detonate an Improvised Explosive Device at MacDill Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Ann Mary Zheng (27, Land O’Lakes) has been charged by indictment with assisting after the fact related to her brother, Alen Zheng, placing an improvised explosive device at the MacDill Air Force Base Visitor’s Center in Tampa and evidence tampering. If convicted on all counts, Ann Mary Zheng faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Ann Mary Zheng that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $5,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Ann Mary Zheng, knowing that her brother, Alen Zheng, had attempted to damage government property by fire or explosion, assisted him in order to hinder and prevent his apprehension, trial, and punishment. The indictment also charges Ann Mary Zheng with corruptly altering, destroying, mutilating, and concealing a 2010 black Mercedes-Benz GLK 350 with the intent to impair its integrity and availability for use in the federal prosecution of Alen Zheng.
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 Joint Terrorism Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and David P. Sullivan.
IndictmentLand O’Lakes Man Charged for Attempting to Detonate an Improvised Explosive Device at MacDill Air Force BaseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Alen Zheng (20, Land O’Lakes) has been charged by indictment with attempted damage of government property by fire or explosion, unlawful making of a destructive device, and possession of an unregistered destructive device. If convicted, Zheng faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment and statements made in court, on the evening of March 10, 2026, Zheng unsuccessfully attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device at the MacDill Airforce Base Visitor’s Center in Tampa. Law enforcement later discovered the device, ensured it was safely disassembled, and determined it to be an improvised explosive device.
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 Joint Terrorism Task Force. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and David P. Sullivan.
IndictmentJustice Department Sues SeaWorld and Other Theme Parks over Wheeled Walker BanRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (collectively, the “Department”) filed a lawsuit against United Parks & Resorts Inc. and its subsidiaries (UPR), alleging UPR’s policy banning guests with disabilities from using wheeled walkers with seats, including rollators, violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). UPR is a global theme park and entertainment company that owns, leases, or operates twelve parks and experiences in the United States, including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando.
“The ADA requires theme park companies like UPR to provide guests with equal access, regardless of ability,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “This complaint reinforces our commitment to holding public accommodations in the Middle District of Florida accountable when they engage in disability discrimination.”
“The ADA requires equal access for people with disabilities, and theme parks such as SeaWorld are no exception,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under my leadership, the Division is committed to defending the rights of all Americans with disabilities, as the law requires.”
The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including UPR and its theme parks. The ADA requires UPR to permit individuals with disabilities to use manually powered mobility aids, including walkers, in areas open for pedestrian use.
The Department sued UPR based on complaints from many people with disabilities alleging UPR would not allow them to enter its parks with their wheeled walkers with seats. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleges that UPR’s policy banning wheeled walkers with seats prevented children, veterans, and other individuals with disabilities from accessing the parks, facially violating the ADA. The civil complaint also alleges that UPR imposes impermissible surcharges on guests with disabilities in the form of rental fees and refuses to reasonably modify UPR’s policies, practices, or procedures, where necessary, to avoid discriminating against guests with disabilities.
The lawsuit seeks a court order to force UPR to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities, to modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and to train its staff on the ADA. The lawsuit also seeks monetary damages to compensate aggrieved individuals subjected to UPR’s discrimination and demands UPR pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public’s interest in eliminating disability discrimination.
If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Discovery Cove Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.civilrights.justice.gov, or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt.
Jury Convicts Tampa Resident for Sending Instagram Death ThreatRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Elizabeth Danielle Rowe (25, Tampa), a/k/a Simon Roe, guilty of transmitting interstate a threat to injure. Rowe faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 24, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to evidence presented at trial, on January 24, 2025, Rowe sent the following message on Instagram to New York victim A.A.: “I am coming to kill you. I will kill your pets first while you watch. Die c*nt.” The victim, who did not recognize the Rowe’s account, immediately notified her family of the threatening message and sought protective services from security personnel. Around the same time as sending the threatening message to A.A., Rowe sent several threatening messages to other Instagram users. Rowe later admitted in a separate set of messages that Rowe got “banned for dming [Zionists] telling them to kill themselves.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Hotel with a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Denzel Demoree’a Prince (28, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in connection with a Jacksonville hotel robbery. Prince faces a minimum penalty of 7 years, up to life plus 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on September 8, 2025, Prince approached a vending machine near the pool at a hotel in Jacksonville. He then walked to the front window that led to the front desk area to speak with an employee at the hotel to request money back from the vending machine. The employee told Prince that he would need to come back in the morning. A few minutes later, Prince knocked on the back window of the front desk area. The employee saw that Prince was wearing the same clothing that he had on moments before, but this time he had a green/camouflage style mask pulled up to his nose in an attempt to conceal his identity. He was also in possession of a firearm.
Surveillance video from inside the hotel showed Prince pointing the firearm at the employee before throwing a brick through the window. Prince then climbed through the window, walked behind the front desk counter and opened several drawers before locating the cash register. Prince pulled cash from the register before running out of the rear door.
During the investigation, officers identified Prince and obtained a search warrant for his residence. Inside Prince’s home, officers located clothing that matched the description of the robber, including white pants, white shoes, green shorts, and a camouflage bandana.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
Winter Park Man Sentenced to over 14 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Henry Baker (30, Winter Park) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie Sneed to 14 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Baker pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Baker and his grandfather, Arthur Bradshaw, were members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and bromazolam (a synthetic drug used to make counterfeit Xanax tablets) in Central Florida. During the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) investigation of Baker and Bradshaw, an undercover agent purchased 9,000 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills from Baker and Bradshaw over the course of four controlled purchases during the summer of 2024. The transactions took place in Winter Park, Sanford, and Casselberry.
On September 24, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at the Winter Park apartment that Baker and Bradshaw shared, resulting in the seizure of 1,069 grams of methamphetamine, 17 grams of fentanyl, 85 grams of cocaine, and 803 grams of bromazolam. Just before executing the search warrant, Baker and Bradshaw were arrested by DEA agents as they were leaving the apartment.
The case against Arthur Bradshaw remains pending.
This case was investigated by the DEA, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office - Special Investigations Unit, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office- City County Investigative Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Jeffrey Hennig (60, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms with altered or removed serial numbers. Hennig faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, in March 2024, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department coordinated the purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Hennig. An undercover officer purchased a .22 H&R Model 929 revolver from Hennig. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. Hennig also sold the officer 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Hennig also sold 28 grams of methamphetamine to the undercover officer for $200.
Agents searched Hennig’s apartment on March 20, 2024, and seized two additional firearms, a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver and a Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W with a loaded extended magazine. Both firearms were loaded and the Hi Point had an obliterated serial number. Small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl were also found in the apartment.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Parrish Man Pleads Guilty to Setting Rental Van on Fire at Bradenton MotelRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kendarius Devonta Stitten (26, Parrish) pleaded guilty today to a violation of the federal Anti-Arson Act. Stitten faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on March 20, 2025, Stitten used a lighter and a t-shirt to set a van on fire in a motel parking lot in Bradenton. A couple from Oregon had rented the van from Tampa International Airport. The fire damaged the van, as shown in the picture below:
Stitten admitted to federal and state investigators that he had set the van on fire because he thought it belonged to a female acquaintance who failed to show up to a planned meeting at a room at the motel.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.
Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Disaster Benefits After Hurricane IanRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Shardae Jackson (40, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, Jackson submitted a false and fraudulent application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In her application, Jackson falsely claimed that her residence had been damaged by Hurricane Ian and included a falsified utilities bill and lease agreement. In reality, Jackson had not lived at that residence since 2021, and a fire in 2021—not Hurricane Ian—had damaged the residence and rendered it uninhabitable. Based on Jackson’s misrepresentations, FEMA granted Jackson’s application and provided her with assistance funds and paid for her stay at two hotels in Orlando for 250 nights.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.
New Port Richey Man Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Threats to Kill Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Benjamin Rubin (79, New Port Richey) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell to one year in federal prison for interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials. Rubin pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, during the month of February 2025, Rubin began posting about his frustrations on social media. As his frustrations grew, the tenor of his postings became more violent, and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures.
On February 20, 2025, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.” Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. Cabinet Member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Jury Convicts Melbourne Man of Transporting Four Kilograms of Cocaine to BrevardRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (53, Melbourne) guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Nile faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony presented at trial, Nile drove a co-conspirator from Melbourne to south Florida to assist that individual (a known drug distributor) with picking up almost 30 pounds of marijuana and 4 kilograms (nearly $60,000 worth) of cocaine which were destined to be distributed in and around Brevard County. DEA surveilled the men as they picked up the drugs. After attempting a traffic stop, Nile led troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The chase ended when troopers successfully executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver).
After the vehicle was disabled, Nile fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and several law enforcement officers. Agents recovered the marijuana and the 4 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle Niles was driving.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the West Melbourne Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry M. Harre and Matthew Del Mastro.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice an 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Noel Daniel Simonca (48, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Jordan Emery Pratt to 14 years in federal prison for using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Simonca pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. He was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and information presented in open court, on December 10, 2024, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adults who were seeking to contact and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as a person with access to an 11-year-old child, UC posted a short message in a public chat room of a particular online social messaging app. A short time later, a person using the app name “mdesase” contacted UC using a text messaging feature of the app. App user “mdesase,” subsequently identified as Simonca, confirmed that he would “love to see [the 11-year-old child],” and indicated that he had a sexual preference for children aged “8-13.” On December 11, 2024, UC and app user “mdesase” discussed meeting to have a “play date” and to “trade [children].” Simonca sent UC two non-explicit photos of an actual minor child who has since been identified by the FBI.
During more text conversations, UC and Simonca discussed meeting in person. Simonca and UC discussed in detail the sexual abuse that Simonca planned to perpetrate against the 11-year-old “child.” On January 10, 2025, Simonca texted that he was “available to help” teach the “child” about sex. The following week, Simonca texted that UC was “supposed to tell [the 11-year-old ‘child’], so she can prepare, it’s a photo shoot.” On January 19, 2025, Simonca drove to a prearranged location in the Jacksonville area where he planned to meet UC and the “child.” When he arrived, Simonca was arrested by FBI agents.
Further investigation also revealed that in December 2024, Simonca engaged in online conversation with another adult who was located outside of Florida and who had sent Simonca photos depicting the sexual abuse of an actual minor child. The FBI was able to identify and arrest this individual in February 2025.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local investigative resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing, Accessing, and Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – John James Adducci (41, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 12 years in federal prison for possessing, accessing with intent to view, and receiving images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Adducci pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025. Adducci was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between February 2023 and June 2025, Adducci possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he had searched for and downloaded from the internet. Adducci also accessed and searched the dark web for sites offering CSAM. On December 13, 2023, Adducci knowingly received CSAM from a website he had accessed on the dark web.
In June 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at Adducci’s residence, FBI agents seized Adducci’s cellphones, laptops, USB drives, and numerous external hard drives. Adducci admitted to agents that he resided alone, no one else had access to his electronic devices, and that he had accessed the dark web. FBI conducted a forensic analysis on the seized electronic devices, which revealed thousands of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Canadian National Sentenced to over 17 Years for Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Distributing, Transporting, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – James Hjelmeland (30, Canada) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, distributing, transporting, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Hjelmeland pleaded guilty on November 25, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on December 29, 2024, an undercover detective with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office posed as the guardian of a fictional 12-year-old child. Hjelmeland engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the undercover detective and made plans to travel from Canada to Orlando to have sex with the child. During the conversation, Hjelmeland distributed CSAM to the undercover detective. When Hjelmeland was arrested in Orlando, he possessed CSAM material on his cellphone that he had transported to the United States involving children under the age of 12.
“The cooperation demonstrated by local, federal, and international agencies in this case affirms a commitment by our law enforcement partners to protect children from exploitation and harm,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Because of their diligence and shared expertise, another child predator has been brought to justice.”
“Protecting our children is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement. By taking these sexual predators off the streets, we are safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Homeland Security investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI is fully committed to working with our law enforcement partners to seek out those who would exploit children, bring them to justice, and ensure the continued safety of our children.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, be United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.
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.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Years-Long Off-the-Books Payroll SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL — A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others as part of a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme that caused more than $38 million in losses to the U.S. government.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mario Lisandro Flores Moradel operated an illegal, off-the-books cash payroll system for construction workers to avoid paying employment taxes to the IRS and to defraud workers’ compensation insurance companies. Through the scheme, Flores and his co-conspirators also facilitated the employment of illegal aliens impermissibly working in the United States.
From 2015 to 2022, Flores and his co-conspirators used a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business. These businesses cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry, charging them a percentage of the dollar amount of the checks they cashed as a fee for this service. The scheme allowed construction contractors and subcontractors to pay their workers in cash without making required payroll taxes and without regard to whether the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States. Flores and others also caused the filing of false tax documents with the IRS to conceal the scheme. Of the total loss amount, Flores admitted to causing a tax loss to the United States of more than $9.4 million.
Flores pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting businesses. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Several of Flores’ co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme. Michael Mayorga and Francisco Alvarez pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025. Iris Villafranca and Osman Zapata pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, 2025.
U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. ICE ERO Miami (Orlando sub-office), Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, State Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have assisted in arrest operations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu of the Middle District of Florida, Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty, and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to His Role in Years-Long Off-the-Books Payroll SchemeRead the Press Release
A Honduran national pleaded guilty today to conspiring with others as part of a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme that caused more than $38 million in losses to the U.S. government.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Mario Lisandro Flores Moradel operated an illegal, off-the-books cash payroll system for construction workers to avoid paying employment taxes to the IRS and to defraud workers’ compensation insurance companies. Through the scheme, Flores and his co-conspirators also facilitated the employment of illegal aliens impermissibly working in the United States.
From 2015 to 2022, Flores and his co-conspirators used a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business. These businesses cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry, charging them a percentage of the dollar amount of the checks they cashed as a fee for this service. The scheme allowed construction contractors and subcontractors to pay their workers in cash without making required payroll taxes and without regard to whether the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States. Flores and others also caused the filing of false tax documents with the IRS to conceal the scheme. Of the total loss amount, Flores admitted to causing a tax loss to the United States of more than $9.4 million.
Flores pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting businesses. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Several of Flores’ co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme. Michael Mayorga and Francisco Alvarez pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025. Iris Villafranca and Osman Zapata pleaded guilty on Oct. 9, 2025.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. ICE ERO Miami (Orlando sub-office), Florida Highway Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Marshals Service, State Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have assisted in arrest operations.
Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorney Kavitha Bondada of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu of the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
St. Cloud Man Indicted for Trafficking a Minor while Stationed at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in AntarcticaRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Justin Vancott-Harnish (29, St. Cloud) has been charged by federal indictment for trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Vancott-Harnish faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between February 28 and March 28, 2025, at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station – a location within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States, while a U.S. Antarctic Program subcontract employee, Vancott-Harnish solicited a minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act.
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 U.S. National Science Foundation – Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the St. Cloud Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida and Department of Justice Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
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.
Mexican National Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Marcos Jimeniz-Gonzalez (45) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 30 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. Jimeniz-Gonzalez pleaded guilty on December 11, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Jimeniz-Gonzalez was found in the United States on April 13, 2025, after being arrested by local authorities for driving under the influence and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver license. Prior to being found, Jimeniz-Gonzalez had been previously deported on multiple occasions between 2008 and 2020 and had not received permission from immigration authorities to reenter the United States. Additionally, Jimeniz-Gonzalez has a prior conviction for illegal entry into the United States and two prior convictions for illegal reentry into the United States. Following his arrest, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who checked ICE records and learned that Jimeniz-Gonzalez was a citizen of Mexico who had no legal authority to be in the United States. An additional check into the system established that Jimeniz-Gonzalez had entered the United States illegally on at least four prior occasions and had been deported.
This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chuck Griffith.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Illegal Alien Convicted for Prior Sex Offense Sentenced to Three Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Arturo Sanchez-Morales (54, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to three years in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a prior deportation. Sanchez-Morales pleaded guilty on January 9, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, Sanchez-Morales was illegally present in the United States for the third time, having previously been deported on one occasion and granted a voluntary return on another. On May 13, 2025, Sanchez-Morales was arrested by officers from the Cape Coral Police Department following a traffic stop. At the time of his arrest, Sanchez-Morales was in possession of a Mexican birth certificate bearing his name. That same day, after being transferred to the Lee County Jail, Sanchez-Morales was encountered by immigration officials who realized that his identifying information was associated with the alien file of a previously deported alien.
In July 2014, Sanchez-Morales was convicted in California Superior Court for committing incest and a lewd or lascivious act involving a child.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Gainesville Man Pleads Guilty to Robbery and Brandishing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Michael Deon Woulard (49, Gainesville) has pleaded guilty to robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Woulard faces a minimum penalty of 14 years, up to two life terms plus 20 years, in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, on October 10, 2023, Woulard robbed a pawn shop in Jacksonville, stealing goods valued at approximately $45,945. On November 25, 2023, Woulard robbed a jewelry store in Jacksonville, during which he brandished a semi-automatic pistol at employees and stole jewelry valued at approximately $352,000.
On February 20, 2024, Woulard robbed a jewelry store in Ocala, during which he again brandished a semi-automatic pistol at employees and stole jewelry valued at approximately $364,000. Woulard was arrested on February 21, 2024, while in possession of numerous stolen items from the third robbery. During an interview with investigators from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Ocala Police Department, Woulard admitted to committing the jewelry store robberies.
Woulard’s co-defendant, Erica Jordan Patrick, previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the November 25, 2023, robbery by casing the store and identifying particular items and jewelry cases for Woulard to target.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Cristian Daniel Diaz-Garcia (age 27), an illegal alien from Honduras, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to three years and two months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Diaz-Garcia was an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On August 17, 2021, Diaz-Garcia applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Diaz-Garcia falsely identified himself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
After getting fired in 2022, Diaz-Garcia purchased additional means of identification of a different U.S. citizen, without that citizen’s knowledge. On February 1, 2023, Diaz-Garcia again applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Diaz-Garcia falsely identified himself as this other United States citizen and used that person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III, and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
California Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Enticing Minors to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Eddie Ademir Villalta Hernandez (37, Los Angeles, California) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday to 10 years in federal prison for enticing or coercing a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Villalta Hernandez to forfeit an iPhone, which was used in the commission of the offense, and to register as a sex offender. Villalta Hernandez pleaded guilty in October 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between November 2022 and April 2024, Villalta Hernandez used a social media application to persuade, induce, and entice minors to send him images and videos of child exploitation material in exchange for monetary payments.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
International Trafficker Extradited to the United States and Charged with Importing Opioids and Money Laundering in Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Sebastien Rollin (49, Quebec, Canada), a/k/a “Sticks” or “Stix,” has been charged by federal indictment with conspiracy to import protonitazene, distribution of protonitazene for importation into the United States, and international promotional money laundering. If convicted on all counts, Rollin faces a maximum penalty of 120 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Rollin that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Rollin, a Canadian national residing in a suburb of Montreal, Canada, began arranging the sale of synthetic opioid pills disguised as oxycodone knowing that the pills would go to Tampa. Rollin sold more than 10,000 such pills on May 13, 2024, to an undercover officer. He later sold 25,000 pills to an undercover officer on July 9, 2024. Rollin accepted payment for these sales via cryptocurrency that was sent from an undercover cryptocurrency wallet in the Middle District of Florida to Canada.
In mid-July 2024, Rollin negotiated the sale of 300,000 synthetic opioid pills to the United States; however, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stopped the vehicle of an organization courier and seized the pills. That same day, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police executed search warrants at two clandestine laboratories in Quebec, Canada used for the manufacturing of synthetic opioids, resulting in the seizure of millions of synthetic opioid pills, recipes for synthetic drugs, and a firearm.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The Spanish National Police provided critical assistance in locating and apprehending Rollin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of Spain to secure the arrest and Feb. 20 extradition from Spain of Rollin. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 20 (Tampa) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Results in Guatemalan Drug Trafficker Sentenced to over 24 Years for Multimillion Dollar Drug Conspiracy That Used Corrupt Officials and Murdered a RivalRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Marlon Alexis Aguilar Reyes (age 44), a criminal alien from Guatemala who was living in Miami under an alias before his 2024 arrest, has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for conspiring to import more than 5 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. He pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Aguilar Reyes had an oversight role within an organization that received vessels of cocaine from South America off the coast of Guatemala, transported the cocaine to the northern border of Guatemala, then smuggled the cocaine into Mexico for ultimate importation into the United States. Members of the organization included a cartel member in Mexico, a corrupt law enforcement officer, and the former mayor of Tecun Uman, Guatemala. Throughout 2018, the investigation revealed that Aguilar Reyes was negotiating multimillion dollar cocaine deals in Mexico; receiving updates on the murder of a rival; and getting notified through a corrupt law enforcement officer about the presence of Guatemalan police vehicles in the vicinity of a drug smuggling operation.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Guatemalan Seccion de Investigaciones Sensitives – Subdireccion General de Analisis de Informacion Antinarcotica. The U.S. Marshals Service provided critical assistance in locating and apprehending Aguilar Reyes. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 20 (Tampa) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Former Fort Myers Resident Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Role in Firearm Trafficking SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – Osnyson Desrosiers (Atlanta, Georgia), formerly of Fort Myers, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to two years in federal prison for his role in a firearm trafficking scheme. Desrosiers pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, to conspiring to make a false statement to a firearms dealer and making false statements to a firearms dealer. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, in early-to-mid 2022, Desrosiers and his co-defendant, Derick Desir, collaborated to “straw purchase” several dozen Glock handguns from licensed firearms dealers in Florida. While making these firearm purchases, they falsely represented to each firearm dealer that they were the “actual buyer or transferee” of the firearms, even though they knew that the firearms they were purchasing were being unlawfully trafficked to a third party. Evidence uncovered by investigators revealed that these firearms were later smuggled into Canada, where several have since been recovered during various Canadian law enforcement investigations.
In November 2025, Desir was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Bradenton Woman Sentenced for Passport Fraud and Theft Related to Government FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Daniel Hovland has sentenced Jane Doe (69, Bradenton), a/k/a Rosario Alaniz, to 15 months in federal prison for passport fraud, Social Security fraud, wire fraud, and theft of government funds. The court also ordered restitution in the amount of $184,904.75. Doe pleaded guilty in December 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Doe fraudulently obtained a United States passport. Using this fraudulent identity, Doe received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the Department of Agriculture, as well as benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) through disability insurance benefits. Doe failed to disclose employment and fraudulently secured payments when either no payment was due or in a greater amount than authorized. Doe has received government benefits of approximately $184,904.75.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.