Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
California Man Arrested for Stalking Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Christopher Au-Young (35, California) with interstate stalking and cyberstalking. If convicted on all counts, Au-Young faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the complaint, since August 2022, Au-Young has engaged in a campaign of online and telephonic harassment and threats against multiple victims who reside in the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere. Au-Young engaged in a course of conduct with the intent to harass or intimidate the victims. Specifically, Au-Young cyberstalked, harassed, and threatened the victims by posting threatening and harassing videos on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and Reddit. Au-Young also made repeated phone calls to and sent threatening voicemails and text messages to the victims. In addition, Au-Young drove his car from California to Illinois to intimidate and harass one of the victims.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department, the Anaheim (California) Police Department, and Carbondale (Illinois) Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Download Criminal ComplaintTwo Florida Men Sentenced for Racially-Motivated Hate Crime Following Violent Assault on a Black ManRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Two Florida men were sentenced today in federal court in the Middle District of Florida for hate crime charges in connection with their racially-motivated attack against a Black man in Citrus Springs.
Roy Lashley, 56, was sentenced to 60 months in prison, and his brother, Robert Lashley, 52, was sentenced to 36 months in prison.
According to the facts admitted in the defendants’ pleas, on Nov. 17, 2021, Roy and Robert Lashley traveled to the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs, where the victim, a Black man, was shopping inside. After Roy Lashley repeatedly used racial slurs inside the store in reference to the victim, both Roy and Robert Lashley followed the victim into the parking lot. There, Robert Lashley ran to the victim and hit him numerous times, while Roy Lashley retrieved an axe handle from the bed of his truck, ran to the scene and struck the victim multiple times with it. Both Roy and Robert Lashley directed racial slurs towards the victim before, during and after the attack. The victim sustained painful injuries to his face and legs, including a laceration to the inside of his mouth. Both Roy and Robert Lashley admitted that they willfully caused bodily injury to the victim and acted because of the victim’s actual or perceived race or color.
“Driven by bigotry and hate, the defendants brutally assaulted a Black man for no other reason than his race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Racially-motivated violence is abhorrent, unlawful and has no place in America today. Aggressive prosecution of hate crimes is a top priority for the Civil Rights Division, and these sentences should send a message to others who would carry out similar acts of violence that they will be brought to justice.”
“The brutal attack against the victim in this case was motivated by hate and bigotry,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Because of the great determination and cooperation between our federal and local law enforcement partners, we were able to bring these callous criminals to justice.”
“Civil rights investigations are at the heart of what we do at the FBI,” Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim; they are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community. Because of their wide-ranging impact, investigating hate crimes is among the FBI's highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims and their communities.”
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Handberg and Special Agent in Charge Onks made the announcement.
The FBI and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter.
Trial Attorneys Maura White and Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hamilton for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
Two Defendants Indicted for Civil Rights Conspiracy and FACE Act Offenses Targeting Pregnancy Resource CentersRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Two Florida residents were indicted by a federal grand jury for spray-painting threats on reproductive health services facilities in the state.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida, alleges that Caleb Freestone, 27, and Amber Smith-Stewart, 23, engaged in a conspiracy to prevent employees of reproductive health services facilities from providing those services. According to the indictment, as part of the conspiracy, the defendants targeted pregnancy resource facilities and vandalized those facilities with spray-painted threats. According to the indictment, Freestone and Smith-Stewart, and other co-conspirators, are alleged to have spray painted threats, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U,” and “We are everywhere,” on a reproductive health services facility in Winter Haven, Florida. The indictment further alleges that facilities in Hollywood, Florida, and Hialeah, Florida, were also targeted.
The indictment also alleges that Freestone and Smith-Stewart violated the FACE Act by using threats of force to intimidate and interfere with the employees of a reproductive health services facility in Winter Haven because those employees were providing or seeking to provide reproductive health services. The indictment further alleges that Freestone and Smith-Stewart violated the FACE Act by intentionally damaging and destroying the facility’s property because the facility provides reproductive health services.
If convicted of the offenses, Freestone and Smith-Stewart each face up to a maximum of 12 years in prison, three years of supervised release and fines of up to $350,000.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida and Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.
The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Miami Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Thelwell for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Department of Justice’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.
An indictment is merely allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Prolific Human Trafficker, Whose Victims Included Children and Foreign Nationals, Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced David Alan Quarles (51, Odessa) to 35 years in federal prison for conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, threats, fraud, or coercion; importation of an alien for the purpose of prostitution; transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution; and using a facility of interstate commerce in aid of prostitution. As part of his sentence, the court also sentenced Quarles to a term of 10 years of supervised release and required him to register as a sex offender. An order of restitution for the victims of the offense will be determined at a later date. A federal jury had found Quarles guilty on November 7, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, for decades, Quarles recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, and maintained young women and forced them to have sex with men in exchange for money. Quarles used physical violence, threats of violence, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and financial abuse to force and coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex across the United States and throughout the Middle District of Florida. The evidence revealed Quarles frequented strip clubs and bikini bars to target and recruit young vulnerable women who were in difficult financial situations. Many of the victims lacked a stable home and had recently aged out of the foster care system. Quarles promised the victims he would provide everything they had been desiring – financial security, love and affection, and a family. Quarles and his conspirators directed the victims to engage in prostitution, posted advertisements featuring these victims, and arranged for the victims to travel across the United States to work. In addition to recruiting and obtaining women from the United States, Quarles also imported non-United States citizens into the country for the purposes of prostitution.
Quarles required that his victims send him the money that they had earned or seek his permission to spend funds on necessities. The evidence demonstrated that while Quarles lacked any legitimate source of income, he benefited financially from the victims. He used their earnings to rent large homes, buy luxury clothing items, and high-end cars including a Range Rover and Porsche Panamera.
At trial, Quarles testified that he had been working as a “pimp” since at least 1994 but denied needing to force or coerce the victims to engage in commercial sex. At the sentencing hearing, Quarles maintained this defense and stated that he did not intend to force or coerce the victims into engaging in sex acts.
“This violent criminal groomed girls to become his commercial sex workers and subsequently trafficked them across multiple state and international borders. He physically and sexually abused the women to force them to engage in sex work for his financial benefit,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “This 35-year sentence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our special agents, working side-by-side with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and Miami-Dade Police Department, to rescue these victims and terminate the nefarious efforts of this international human trafficking organization.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Coast Guard Investigative Service, with assistance from the Miami-Dade Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case resulted from the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s efforts to collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute coercive human trafficking in the Tampa area. This includes the trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Jury Finds Man Guilty of Carjacking Victim Using A HandsawRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Whayname Ferdilus (21, Coral Springs) guilty of carjacking. Ferdilus faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 19, 2023, before United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell. Ferdilus had been indicted on April 22, 2021.
According to testimony presented at trial, on February 24, 2021, Ferdilus visited a car dealership in Orlando and requested to test-drive a 2021 Cadillac CT4. Because he did not have a driver license, an employee of the dealership agreed to drive the vehicle while Ferdilus sat in the passenger seat. During the test drive, Ferdilus began rummaging through his backpack that he had between his legs, and pulled out a 12-inch, serrated handsaw. Ferdilus threatened the driver with the handsaw and demanded the vehicle. In fear for his own safety, the employee fled from the vehicle with the remote key fob in his pocket. The employee called 911, and deputies from the Orange County Sheriff Office quickly located the vehicle with the help of On-Star. Ferdilus was apprehended inside a gas station convenience store. He had the same backpack on his person, and when searched, the handsaw was located inside.
During the trial, Ferdilus testified and admitted to stealing the car but denied any intention of causing harm to the victim.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.
Tampa Area Man Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Junior Williams (44, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of bank robbery. Williams faces up to 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Williams robbed or attempted to rob three banks in Tampa. On February 18, 2022, Williams robbed a bank by passing a note to a teller and obtaining cash through intimidation. Several weeks later, on March 8, 2022, Williams robbed the same bank a second time. On April 13, 2022, he attempted to rob another bank in the Tampa area, but the teller did not have access to any funds. Later that day, Williams robbed a third bank and obtained cash from a clerk through intimidation.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Attempting to Illegally Buy A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Byron Jones, Jr. (34, Jacksonville) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Jones completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Jones indicated on the required paperwork that he was not a convicted felon. This was a false statement since Jones has three prior felony convictions, from 2015 and 2018, including a conviction for carrying a concealed 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 is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to purchase a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Port Charlotte Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Marquise Thomas (34, Port Charlotte) to six years and six months in federal prison for possessing and accessing with the intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Thomas to a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Thomas had been found guilty after a bench trial on May 20, 2022.
According to court documents, Thomas possessed and accessed with the intent to view images and videos depicted the sexual abuse of minors. On January 24, 2019, the FBI executed a search warrant at Thomas’s home and seized his laptop computers and his cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of the electronics revealed more than 100 images and 35 videos of children being sexually abused. Thomas had saved the images on his cellphone, and the forensic analysis recovered the videos of the sexual abuse of children that Thomas had accessed with the intent to view before deleting them on his laptops.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes participation from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Pinellas County Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Production, Distribution, and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced David Jacob Mitchell (38, Treasure Island) to 50 years to in federal prison for production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material and for sending obscene material to a minor, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release. The court also ordered Mitchell to forfeit electronic devices utilized in the crimes, pay restitution to the victims, and register as a sex offender. Mitchell had pleaded guilty on October 18, 2022.
According to court documents, in October 2017, Mitchell communicated with a minor and coerced and enticed her into producing images of child sexual abuse material. Between October 2021 and April 2022, Mitchell communicated with an undercover detective whom he believed to be a 13–14-year-old-girl and sent images and videos of himself masturbating. He encouraged the fictitious minor to send images and videos of herself performing sexual acts. Mitchell also sent the fictitious minor videos of children being sexually abused. Law enforcement ultimately searched Mitchell’s cellphone and recovered images and videos of prepubescent minors being sexually abused.
“Young children do not always understand or realize the internet is a dangerous place where sexual predators target and exploit their innocence,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “The investigative efforts of our HSI special agents and the Hernando Police Department, Mississippi, stopped this deviant from continuing to victimize our children.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Tampa, and the Hernando Police Department in Mississippi. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
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.
Ocala Convicted Felon Indicted for Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Luis Angel Alicea (29, Ocala) with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Alicea faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, on December 11, 2022, Alicea possessed a Glock firearm and CCI ammunition. At that time, Alicea had a previous felony conviction for conspiracy to import at least 50 kilograms, but less than 100 kilograms of cocaine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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 Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence for occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Middle District of Florida Starts Fiscal Year 2023 with More Than 30 Firearms and Violent Crime Indictments as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today the results of the first quarter of fiscal year 2023 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the first quarter, ending on December 31, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has charged 31 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing 62 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart for case details).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Those efforts in the first quarter involved approximately 405 citizens.
“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
Q1 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Uriah Waggerby, Sylvanis Brice, and Johan Holder (Ft. Myers)
On November 1, 2016, three men wearing hoodies, masks and gloves, and brandishing firearms attempted to commit a robbery at a residence on the Big Cypress Reservation. During the robbery attempt, one of the masked men fired a shot that killed a young man who had been visiting the targeted residence. As the assailants had concealed their identities during the robbery attempt, no one at the scene was able to identify the perpetrators. Waggerby later admitted to his involvement in the robbery, telling investigators that he had met with individuals prior to the robbery and directed them to rob a particular house on the reservation because a resident there was a marijuana dealer. As a result of an exhaustive law enforcement investigation, Brice and Holder were identified as perpetrators who had committed the attempted armed robbery on the reservation. Johan Holder was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, Sylvanis Brice was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, and Uriah Waggerby was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
United States v. Darnell Rice (Jacksonville)
In December 2022, Darnell Rice was sentenced to five years in federal prison for possession and transfer of a device designed for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun and making a false written statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the acquisition of a firearm. Investigators determined that Rice was engaged in the business of dealing firearms without a federal license, specifically, by frequently buying and selling firearms for profit. He used social media accounts to offer firearms and ammunition for sale and to communicate with customers. Records from one gun store in Jacksonville show that Rice had purchased 77 firearms from that single location, paying a total of approximately $29,515.
United States v. Keo Mike (Ocala)
In December 2022, Keo Ibua Mike was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. According to court documents, law enforcement arrested Mike on outstanding warrants at an Ocala house that smelled strongly of marijuana. Investigators obtained a search warrant and recovered methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and MDMA from inside the home. They also recovered three loaded firearms in the attic—a handgun, an AR-15 “ghost” pistol (with no manufacturer markings), and an AK-47 rifle.
United States v. Carlos Albert Roman (Orlando)
Thirteen individuals were identified and charged in two separate indictments. One of the lead defendants, Carlos Alberto Roman, supplied cocaine and fentanyl to others and was arrested at his home with 19 firearms, 6 silencers, 3 flash-bang grenades, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. As a result of the investigation, DEA agents seized more than 110 kilograms of cocaine and 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl. Roman recently pleaded guilty and faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison.
U.S. v. Alvarez et. al (Tampa)
Between May 5 and 6, 2022, Christopher Alvarez, Enrique Marquez, and Dyonnie Alvarez robbed 4 separate convenience stores in the Tampa area. Marquez brandished a firearm during each of the four robberies and C. Alvarez carried a knife during two of the robberies. D. Alvarez acted as the getaway driver. The investigation also revealed that D. Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob two individuals of marijuana. The robbery was unsuccessful, and the two victims were shot by Marquez.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
1st Quarter
Travis Lavon Anderson (35)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Steven Dewayne Barnes, Jr. (28)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Possession of a firearm with obliterated serial number
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Alphonso Lataurean James (29)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Martavious Brown (45)
Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years, plus consecutive 5 years for firearm offense
2
These PSN cases from the Ft. Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
Mario Lenard Elbert (33)
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
Jonathan Donte Rogers, Jr. (21)
Possessing a stolen firearm and failure to register the firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
1
Pernell Dewayne Bodiford, Jr. (24)
Illegally purchasing a firearm by providing a false statement to a federal firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Paul Steven Hulbert (26)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence; unlawful possession of a firearm by a person subject to a domestic violence injunction; two counts of possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and short-barreled shotgun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
1
D’Treious Sharron Epps (26)
Distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Possessing a firearm while unlawfully using a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
7
Geoffrey Scott Carter (43)
Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of fentanyl
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years per count
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
2
Jesse Rance Moore (45)
Interference with commerce by threats or violence robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
Ronald Thomas Jr. (45)
Distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years Maximum Prison Term: Life plus 50 years
1
Sonja Leigh Quinn (50)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Kevin Frein, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, Laura Taylor and Kirwinn Mike.
1
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
Timothy James Roberts (29)
Possession of an unregistered National Firearm Act weapon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years per count
3
Mario Jerard Delancy (33)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
Antonio Eugene Brutton (35)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Christopher Richard Munroe
(55)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
Cody Richard Hawk (51)
Possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
3
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk, and Tyrie Boyer.
1
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (29)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Derrick Evans (44)
Possession with intent to distribute narcotics
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Dartis Cobb (35)
Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
James John Hall (34)
Unlicensed distribution of explosive materials, possession of an unregistered destructive device, unlawful making of a destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per county
1
Demetrius Sanchez Mitchell (38)
Illegal possession of a firearm
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs David P. Sullivan, Samantha Beckman, Samantha Newman.
0
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Tarick Jean Charles (22)
Jesus Rojas (21)
Conspiracy to rob a postal carrier (Rojas and Charles); armed postal robbery (Rojas);
theft of arrow key and receipt of stolen property (Charles)
Maximum Prison Term (Charles) – 10 years
Maximum Prison Term (Rojas) – 25 years
0
Elsie Marie Crespo (27)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (3 counts)
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years per count
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifeRafick Gordon Gilpin (31)
Damion Clark Kingston (31)
Possession with intent to distribute narcotics
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years per count
Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Nathan Joel Arledge (29)
Possession of a short-barreled rifle, two machine guns, and three silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of child pornography
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
9
Rany Parrales (35)
Illegally purchasing a firearm by providing a false statement to a federal firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
7
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, John M. Gardella, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones and Michael P. Felicetta
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Ft. Myers Division
1st Quarter
Terry Kristopher Flournoy (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
This PSN case from the Ft. Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Mark Morgan.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
John Nathan Hemingway (52)
Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base “crack;” and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Brandon Corey Skeith (40)
Possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Sabastian Amrine (20)
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, knowingly committed Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
1
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot and Laura Taylor.
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
Jaedyn Tiryse Presley (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr. and Hannah Nowalk.
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Juan Carlos Garcia (39)
Conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Daniel Stephen King (28)
Possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
Ramondo Zavious Williams (41)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life1
Bobby Houston Bridges Jr. (46)
Possession of firearm and or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Javier Alejandro Lopez Rivera (36)
Conspiracy to distribute narcotics
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 yearsCarrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crimes
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life2
Carlos Alberto Roman (56)
Possession of controlled substances and possessing a firearm equipped with a silencer in furtherance of drug crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 30 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life19 firearms,
6 silencers,
3 grenades.
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Courtney Richardson-Jones, Dana Hill, Megan Testerman, and Terry B. Livanos.
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Edwin Hill (51)
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin; distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine; and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 20 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life3
Cheyenne McIntosh (26)
Making false statement on an ATF form
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
7
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (29)
Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Enrique Marquez (26)
Robbery, conspiracy to commit those robberies
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence while committing robberies
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life0
Marques Howard (31)
Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to commit that robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years per count
Discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: LifePossessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Robert Humberston (39)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Dan Baeza, Charlie Connally, David Chee, and Samantha Newman.
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
1st Quarter
Re’Shod Peter Jontavious Larry (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 7 years, 8 months
1
Shauntavus Berklin (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 15 years
2
Matthew Garrett Mink (38)
Possessing an illegal machinegun, possessing an unregistered firearm silencer, possessing a stolen firearm silencer, and possessing an un-serialized firearm silencer
Sentence imposed: 4 years, 3 months
1 machine gun
2 firearm silencers
Brown Dimas III (27)
Falsifying records relating to firearms purchases
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
4
William Earl Siebert (47)
Unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device
Sentenced imposed: 5 years, 10 months
1 pipe bomb
Gabriel Acosta, Jr. (28)
Falsifying records relating to firearm purchases
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month imprisonment
0
Otis Marchman IV (28)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 5 months
1
Johan Holder (26),
Sylvanis Brice (31),
Uriah Waggerby (25)
Attempted robbery that resulted in the killing of a victim on the Big Cypress Indian Reservation.
Sentences imposed:
Holder: 40 years
Brice: 40 years
Waggerby: 18 years
0
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Michael Sinacore.
Jacksonville Division
1st Quarter
Raymond Reeves (22)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 2 years, 3 months
1
Darnell Donja Rice, Jr. (28)
Possession and transfer of a device designed for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun; making false written statement to federally licensed firearms dealer during acquisition of a firearm
Sentence imposed: 5 years
1
Stephan Marshall (35)
Possessing a firearm as a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 4 years, 9 months
2
James Lewis (54)
Misrepresentation to firearms dealer during purchase of firearm
Sentence imposed: Time served
0
Dontae Edwards (31)
False statement on a Form 4473
Sentence imposed: 18 months
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Michael Coolican, and John Cannizzaro.
Ocala Division
1st Quarter
James Clay Bexley (35)
Possession of unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers; and possession of firearms in violation of domestic violence
Sentence imposed: 3 years
18
Demuntray Cox
(39)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed: Time Served (22 months)
1
Keo Ibua Mike (29)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 8 years
2
Reginald Herman Smith, Jr.
(47)
Possession of a firearm by a felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Brodie Harlow Kies (39)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 27 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and William Hamilton.
Orlando Division
1st Quarter
Charles Edward Palmatier (74)
Dealing in firearms without a license
Sentenced imposed: 1 year, 1 day
2
Mandel Lamont Stewart (23)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 8 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Beatriz Gonzalez and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
1st Quarter
Antwan Brown (22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 1 year, 6 months
1
Kermon Williams (42),
James Higgs, Jr. (40),
Jhaphre Iiggs (35)
Double homicide, murder for hire conspiracy
Sentences imposed: Life followed by 20 years
1
William Shumaker, Jr. (39)
Possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years
1
Karey Tyrone Taylor, II (42)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 5 years, 11 months
1 firearm,
1 magazine
Aunyis Cherry (27)
Felon in possession of a firearm
Sentenced imposed: 22 years, 11 months
1
Christopher Deon Townsel (47)
Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years
1
Rossonno Borders, Jr. (25)
Possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
Davion Rivers (27)
Possessing a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 15 years, 8 months
1
Deron Lamar Foster (35)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 10 years
1
Cleate Wilson (40)
Forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with Deputy U.S. Marshals; and
possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 6 years, 6 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Samantha Beckman, Craig Gestring, Charlie Connally, David Chee, Risha Asokan, Patrick Scruggs, Samantha Beckman, James Preston, Terry B. Livanos, Lisa Thelwell, and Chris Murray.
Melbourne Man Sentenced for Firearm and Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) to six years in federal prison for possessing two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, three unregistered silencers, and child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Arledge to forfeit an AR-10 style .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; three firearm silencers, and his cellphone, which were used to commit the offenses. Arledge had pleaded guilty on October 25, 2022.
According to court documents, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that matched Arledge’s internet protocol (IP) address. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Arledge’s residence where they found electronics, multiple firearms, ammunition, silencers, flash bangs, potassium nitrate, magnesium flakes, gun powder, tactical clothing, body armor, law enforcement insignia, and counterfeit credentials for Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A forensic examination of Arledge’s cellphone uncovered numerous visual depictions of child sexual abuse material depicting young children. During an interview with law enforcement, Arledge admitted that he had made the machine guns, multiple silencers, and downloaded the child sexual abuse material despite knowing all of these things were illegal.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This 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.
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for COVID Relief Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Levelle Joseph Harris (36, Kissimmee) to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $1,283,029.81, which represents the proceeds Harris obtained from his wire fraud offenses. Harris had pleaded guilty on September 21, 2022.
According to court records, between May 27, 2020, and June 2, 2021, Harris applied for 14 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act using false information. As part of Harris’s scheme, he electronically submitted applications for the PPP loans over the internet, made false representations on his PPP applications, and received proceeds from the loans through wire transfers. Harris also provided fake supporting documentation for his loan applications. Harris received $1,283,029.81 that was supposed to be used to cover payroll, fixed debts, utilities, rent/mortgage, accounts payable and other bills. Instead, Harris used the money to buy a new car and investment properties.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case was prosecuted as part the Department of Justice’s prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the CARES Act relief programs. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the two programs that were developed through CARES Act is the PPP. It provides funding to businesses through PPP loans for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. PPP allows the interest and principal on loans to be forgiven if the business spends proceeds on certain expense items within a designated time and uses a certain percentage of the loan on payroll expenses. The Department of Justice remains vigilant in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting wrongdoing related to the crisis.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Tadd Andrew Melton (33, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted production of child sex abuse materials. The court also ordered Melton to pay $189,000 in restitution to the victims of his offenses. Melton had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022, and has been in custody since his arrest on July 23, 2021.
According to court documents, Melton, under the username “flshine69,” began chatting on a particular social media application with a woman he believed to be the mother of a nine-year-old girl. In reality, that individual was an undercover FBI agent. During their conversation, Melton distributed child sex abuse materials multiple times to the undercover agent. He also said that he wished he had children but did not have any yet. Melton requested to purchase used underwear from the “child.” He also requested the agent create child sex abuse materials for him of the “child,” describing in detail what he wanted depicted in the images. Melton also stated he “would love to be” actively abusing children, that he had “no limit” as to a child’s age, and that he had always been interested in young children.
Law enforcement identified Melton as the individual using “flshine69” based on his IP address, vehicle, and online account records. On July 23, 2021, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Melton’s residence. During the execution of the warrant, Melton spoke with FBI agents and admitted to using the “flshine69” account.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
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 and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Inmate in Coleman Federal Prison Found Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Death of CellmateRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Romeo Lopez-Hernandez (37, Coleman) guilty of first degree, premeditated murder. Lopez-Hernandez faces a mandatory penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2023.
According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, on February 1, 2021, Lopez-Hernandez strangled his cellmate to death by using a torn bed sheet he had made with an improvised knife. After the victim lost consciousness, Lopez-Hernandez watched for guards and continued to strangle the victim until he was sure that the victim had died. Lopez-Hernandez later confessed to the murder and bragged about it to prison personnel. At trial, however, Lopez-Hernandez changed his story and claimed the victim had committed suicide.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Belkis H. Crockett.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jeffrey Bruce Carboneau (67, Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Carboneau to a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Carboneau had pleaded guilty on September 26, 2022.
According to court documents, Carboneau possessed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. On July 21, 2022, the FBI executed a search warrant at Carboneau’s workplace in Fort Myers. Agents observed Carboneau downloading child sexual abuse material and seized his computer and external hard drive.
During an interview with agents, Carboneau admitted that the computers in his office were his and that he did not allow others to use his computers. Carboneau also admitted to downloading child sex abuse material for years, and that he downloaded and viewed the child sex abuse material at work.
A subsequent forensic analysis of Carboneau’s computer and external hard drive revealed that Carboneau possessed more than 100,000 images and 150 videos of children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes participation from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Florida Man Who Destroyed Computer Equipment During Execution of Federal Search Warrant Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Destruction of EvidenceRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced James Wesley Buchanan (47, Lake Wales) to 8 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised released for possession of child sexual abuse material and destruction of evidence in a federal investigation. The court also ordered Buchanan to register as a sex offender for life and pay restitution to the victims of his offense. Buchanan had pleaded guilty on October 25, 2022.
According to court documents, on December 8, 2021, federal agents executed a search warrant for evidence of child sexual abuse material at Buchanan’s home. At approximately 6:15 a.m., agents announced their presence and requested Buchanan to exit the home. Buchanan failed to exit the home for more than 20 minutes, despite numerous announcements and phone calls by agents. During this time, Buchanan destroyed multiple computer hard drives. When he finally exited the home, Buchanan was sweating profusely and bleeding from his hands. As agents finally entered the home, they discovered the broken and destroyed computer equipment. Agents seized devices that were not damaged beyond repair and forensic analysis subsequently revealed over 800 images and 30 videos of child sexual abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Tampa Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Bulgarian National Convicted for Child Pornography Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted a Bulgarian national today for conspiracy to advertise and distribute images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of young children.
According to evidence presented at trial, Plamen Georgiev Velinov, 49, of Sofia, helped manage and administer the Newstar Enterprise, an internet-based business that profited from the sexual exploitation of vulnerable children under the guise of “child modeling,” through a collection of websites called the Newstar Websites. Beginning in around 2006 and continuing until 2019, Velinov assisted the enterprise by selecting children to be featured on the Newstar Websites, editing images and videos on those websites, communicating with customers, setting prices for videos, activating new websites, and creating advertising banners. While chatting with a co-conspirator, Velinov described one child as “nuclear sexy,” underscoring his knowledge of the purpose of the websites. Financial records show that U.S.-based co-conspirators transferred more than $400,000 to Velinov’s Bulgarian bank account in connection with the conspiracy.
According to court documents in this case and related cases, the Newstar Enterprise, which was founded around 2005, built, maintained, hosted, and operated the Newstar Websites on servers in the United States and abroad. To populate the Newstar Websites with content, Newstar Enterprise members sourced, enticed, solicited, and recruited males and females under the age of 18, many of whom were prepubescent, to use as “child models” for the Newstar Websites. The Newstar Enterprise used the child victims to produce more than 4.6 million sexualized images and videos – including images and videos depicting children as young as six-years-old in sexual and provocative poses, wearing thong underwear, transparent underwear, revealing swimsuits, pantyhose, miniskirts, and costumes – that were distributed and sold through the Newstar Websites. Most of the child victims were recruited from Ukraine, Moldova, and other nations in Eastern Europe and were particularly vulnerable due to their age and socio-economic status.
Newstar subscribers and customers of the Newstar Websites were from more than 100 different countries. Images were freely available to the public to preview, but Newstar offered a paid subscription for greater access and more content. The sale of Newstar content generated more than $9.4 million during the conspiracy. To process, receive, and distribute this money, Newstar Enterprise leaders fraudulently opened merchant and bank accounts in the United States and laundered proceeds using a bogus jewelry company.
Velinov was convicted of one count of conspiracy to advertise visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and one count of conspiracy to distribute such images. He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18 and faces a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
To date, six members of the Newstar Enterprise have been charged in connection with the Newstar Websites. The chart below shows the status of each case.
Name
Charge(s)
Status
Tatiana Power
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Pleaded guilty and sentenced to 12.5 years in prison
Kenneth Power
Conspiracy to advertise child pornography; conspiracy to distribute child pornography
Defendant deceased; case dismissed
Plamen Georgiev Velinov
Conspiracy to advertise child pornography; conspiracy to distribute child pornography
Convicted after trial
Patrice Wilowski-Mevorah
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Pleaded guilty and sentenced to 63 months in prison
Anthony Lee Kendall
Conspiracy to commit money laundering; promotion money laundering; concealment money laundering
Defendant deceased; case dismissed
Mary Lou Bjorkman
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Pleaded guilty and sentenced to 18 months in prison
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge John Condon of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa made the announcement.
HSI Tampa and the High Technology Investigative Unit of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) investigated these cases with substantial assistance from the HSI offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Athens, Greece, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Sofia, Bulgaria. This investigation also benefited from substantial assistance and cooperation from foreign law enforcement, including from the Republic of Bulgaria, Supreme Cassation Prosecution Office; the National Investigative Service of Bulgaria; and the Dutch National Police, International Legal Assistance Center, North-Holland Unit. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs assisted with securing foreign evidence, including through mutual legal assistance requests to Bulgaria and the Netherlands, and with Velinov’s extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) provided capacity building assistance and mentoring.
Trial Attorney Kyle P. Reynolds of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karyna Valdes of the Middle District for Florida are prosecuting these cases.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Michael James Staton (30, Wachula) to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Staton to forfeit a North American Arms Guardian, .380 caliber handgun, Springfield Armory XDS, .45 caliber handgun, Glock 19 handgun, and $12,408 in U.S. currency that was traceable to the offense. Staton had pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 18, 2020, Staton was serving the supervision portion of a sentence stemming from a Florida felony conviction. The supervision conditions included a curfew of 10:00 PM. On that same day, a law enforcement officer who was aware that Staton was under state supervision and subject to curfew observed Staton drive into a gas station. The officer approached and detained Staton to investigate the curfew violation, conducted a pat-down search of Staton and discovered $2,248 and marijuana on Staton’s person. As other officers arrived on the scene, one officer observed a firearm in plain view on the floorboard of Staton’s car. The officers searched Staton’s car and found 131 grams of methamphetamine, two firearms, $10,160 in a safe, two cellphones, and 889 grams of marijuana.
A few months later, on October 27, 2020, Staton and a co-conspirator sold 28 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On October 8, 2020, Staton and his co-conspirator sold an additional 56 grams of methamphetamine
This case was investigated by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Agencies involved in this OCDETF operation include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
Kissimmee Man Indicted for Lying to the FBI in Connection with an International Terrorism InvestigationRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, announces that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Moad Mohamed Benkabbou (22, Kissimmee) with three counts of false statements to a federal agency. Because the false statements made to the FBI related to an international terrorism investigation, Benkabbou faces a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison. Following a detention hearing the Court detained Benkabbou in a local jail pending trial.
According to the indictment, Benkabbou was asked if he had ever talked about ISIS with a person known to FBI. He falsely answered, “No, I didn’t.” Benkabbou was also asked if he had ever made plans to travel overseas to join ISIS. Again, he answered falsely, “No, I didn’t.” Finally, Benkabbou was asked if he had ever pledged to ISIS. He falsely stated, “No, no I did not.”
According to evidence admitted during the detention hearing on January 19, 2023, Benkabbou swore an oath to support ISIS in January 2020, made plans to travel to Turkey and Syria to fight for ISIS, sent money to support ISIS, purchased airplane tickets in August 2020 and January 2021 (and later cancelled both tickets), and sent ISIS propaganda videos to others, including ISIS-sponsored videos showing executions of American allies fighting against ISIS. Benkabbou also sent a picture of himself dressed as an ISIS fighter with the statement, “Hey Crusaders hey Jews die within your rage.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Download IndictmentCanadian Leader of Complex Nigerian Fraud and Money Laundering Ring SentencedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Akohomen Ighedoise (48, Thornhill, Ontario) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture of $10,632,546.36, representing the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, and ordered Ighedoise to pay $4,389,340.97 in restitution to the victims. Ighedoise had pleaded guilty on September 13, 2022, following his extradition to the United States from Canada.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the trials of his convicted coconspirators, as well as at his sentencing hearing, Ighedoise, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Canada, worked for an international criminal organization based in Nigeria that defrauded dozens of victims across the United States and then laundered the funds through a complex network of bank accounts. The organization, known as the Black Axe Group or Neo Black Movement of Africa, coordinated fraud and money laundering activity throughout the globe via cells or “zones” in Nigeria, Canada, the United States, and elsewhere. During the conspiracy, Ighedoise was the “ihaza,” or treasurer, of the Black Axe Group’s North America zone based in Ontario, Canada.
The fraud schemes took several forms. Many of the victims were widowed, single, or divorced elderly women who developed relationships with fake suitors on dating websites as part of so-called “romance scams.” The women were then convinced to wire money, which often consisted of their entire retirement savings and cash taken out from home equity to bank accounts in the United States as part of a supposed investment opportunity. The conspirators also defrauded title companies with fake cashier’s checks in phony real estate transactions, leaving the companies on the hook for the losses once the checks bounced. Other victims included businesses targeted by email spoofing and hacking schemes, as well as law firms that were solicited online to perform legal work and then provided fake cashier’s checks for deposit into the firms’ trust accounts.
Victims were instructed to wire their money into numerous funnel accounts held by conspirators in the United States, known as “money mules,” and the funds were then quickly moved to other accounts in the United States and around the world before the victims could discover the fraud. From at least 2012 to October 2015, Ighedoise worked with co-conspirator Ikechukwu Derek Amadi and others to recruit more than a dozen individuals in the United States to act as money mules. Ighedoise and Amadi then had those individuals wire most of the victims’ funds overseas, including to Hong Kong, China, Canada and Nigeria, to promote the conspiracy and conceal the source of the funds. The group moved at least $10 million in frauds proceeds during this time.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from various federal and local law enforcement partners throughout the country, as well as Canadian authorities, including the Toronto Police Service in Ontario, and the Toronto Strategic Partnership. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Satsuma Postal Carrier Indicted on Theft of Mail ChargeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Sara Brady (47, Satsuma), formerly a postal carrier in St. Johns County, with theft of mail by a postal employee. If convicted, Brady faces up to 5 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. Brady was arrested on January 18, 2023, by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General.
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 United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
IndictmentConvicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Patraic Setzer (28, New Port Richey) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Setzer faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and forfeiture of the firearm involved in the case.
According to court documents, on March 31, 2022, Setzer, a convicted felon, possessed a firearm in his vehicle. Law enforcement had conducted a traffic stop on Setzer’s vehicle where he was the only occupant. During the stop, a K9 alerted on the vehicle and officers searched Setzer’s car. The officers located a loaded Sig Sauer Inc, Model 9365 in the center console. During an interview with the New Port Richey Police Department, Setzer admitted to possessing the firearm, but denied ownership. At the time, Setzer had previous felony convictions for possession of alprazolam, possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine, and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the New Port Richey Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
Clay County Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice A 9-Year-Old Child to Produce Sexually Explicit VideosRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Garrett Eric Weber (32, Green Cove Springs) to 20 years and 5 months in federal prison for attempting to entice a 9-year-old child to produce videos of the child being sexually abused. Weber was also ordered to serve a 12-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay $45,500 in restitution to several child victims. Weber was arrested on a federal warrant by the Green Cove Springs Police Department during a traffic stop on July 2, 2021, and he has been detained since that time. Weber had pleaded guilty on July 27, 2022.
According to court documents, in 2020, Weber, using the name “BUBBLESXD_90,” uploaded a video depicting the sexual abuse of a child to a public chat room on a popular social media application (app). This upload was subsequently detected by law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Further investigation by the FBI ultimately resulted in the identification of Weber. In March 2021, an undercover FBI agent, posing as the parent of a young child, engaged in online conversation with Weber using the same app. After some discussion and being told that the “child” was only 9 years old, Weber offered to serve as the “child’s” trainer by engaging in sexual activity with the “child.” Weber requested that the “parent” take a pornographic photo of the “child” for him, and provided specific instructions on how to accomplish this. Weber advised that he wanted the “parent” to film him as he sexually abused the “child,” and commented that the resulting video recording “would be the best [child pornography] vid ever.” Weber sent the “parent” several videos over the internet that depicted the sexual abuse of young children in order to demonstrate exactly how he planned to molest the “child” in person.
After his arrest on July 2, 2021, Weber admitted that he was in fact “BUBBLESXD_90,” that he had engaged in “horrible” online conversations with the “child’s” parent, and that he had distributed videos of very young children being sexually abused using the internet. Weber acknowledged that the “[e]vidence is staggeringly harsh against [him]” and that what he did was “criminal.”
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Winnebago County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee and Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A Firearm as A FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced Damien Boatwright (23, Tampa) to six years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Boatwright was also ordered to forfeit the Glock 26 handgun, large-capacity magazine, and ammunition used in the offense.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2022, Boatwright, a convicted felon, possessed a Glock 26 handgun with a large capacity magazine that held 24 rounds of ammunition during a recorded Instagram live video. As picture below, Boatwright was brandishing the firearm online while traveling in a vehicle in Hillsborough County.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
Tampa Area Man and Woman Plead Guilty to Series of Convenience Store RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Christopher Alvarez (19, Tampa) and Dyonnie Alvarez (22, Tampa) have pleaded guilty to four robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each robbery count and the conspiracy count. For each of the firearm counts, the minimum mandatory penalty is 7 years, up to life, in federal prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence. Dyonnie Alvarez also pleaded guilty to an additional attempted robbery for which she faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. A co-defendant, Enrique Marquez, previously pleaded guilty and his sentencing hearing is set for March 2023.
According to court documents, on May 1, 2022, Dyonnie Alvarez and Marquez attempted to rob an individual in an attempt to obtain narcotics. On May 5, 2022, Christopher Alvarez, Dyonnie Alvarez, and Marquez robbed two convenience stores in the Tampa area. During the robberies, Marquez brandished a firearm. The next morning, the three individuals robbed two more Tampa area convenience stores in the same manner.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced for Selling Firearm and Drugs to Undercover ATF AgentRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Ronald Dale Perkins (45, Fort Myers) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for distributing methamphetamine. The court also ordered Perkins to forfeit a shotgun, which was involved in the offenses. Perkins had pleaded guilty on September 7, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 5, 2022, Perkins, a nine-time convicted felon, sold a sawed-off .410 caliber shotgun gun and methamphetamine to an undercover ATF special agent.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
Middle District of Florida Task Force Continues to Combat COVID-19 FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “These cases should serve as a warning to those who might have engaged in similar fraudulent activity that holding those accountable for these crimes remains a high priority for federal authorities.”
On the criminal enforcement front, the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined together in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the task force has prosecuted 52 individuals for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs created or expanded to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). These individuals collectively sought to defraud the United States of more than $57 million. Thirty-seven of those defendants have been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against fifteen others. (See chart for criminal case details.)
In one example, U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger sentenced Don V. Cisternino (47, Chuluota) to eight years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transaction related to Cisternino’s obtaining more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a PPP loan to which he was not entitled. Cisternino pleaded guilty on September 20, 2022, after being extradited from Croatia.
In December 2022, U.S. Attorney Handberg announced the unsealing of a six-count indictment charging Canadian citizens Evan Edwards (64, New Smyrna Beach) and Joshua Edwards (30, New Smyrna Beach) with federal offenses related to the CARES Act and visa fraud. According to the indictment, Evan and Joshua Edwards conspired to commit bank fraud and committed bank fraud by submitting a fraudulent PPP loan on behalf of Aslan International Ministry, Inc. (“Aslan”)—a not-for-profit corporation that purportedly provided religious services. In the loan application, the pair significantly overstated the number of employees and average monthly payroll for Aslan, claiming that it had almost 500 employees and over $2 million in average monthly payroll expenses. They also falsely certified in the loan application that the PPP funds would be used to maintain payroll and for other authorized purposes. Based on the false representations made in the loan application, Evan and Joshua Edwards received into their bank account approximately $8,417,200 in PPP loan funds, a portion of which they used to make a down payment for the attempted purchase of a multi-million-dollar residence for themselves.
Further, the Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $16.8 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $9.8 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.
The Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.
The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, the Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.
The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.
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.
MDFL COVID Fraud Criminal Cases
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Max. Imprisonment
Type of Fraud*
Intended Loss
Amount
Tampa Division
Joseph Abdo (39)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$500k
Alexander Leszczynski (22)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$200k
Charles Cunningham (72)
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$800k
Ellyn Pinkney (60)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$14M
Kieanna Garrett
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$40k
Nicole Bramble-King
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, and Jennifer Peresie
Orlando Division
Evan Edwards (64)
Joshua Edwards (30)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
Visa fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
False statements
Maximum Prison Term: 30 years
PPP
$8M
Emmet Bowens (53)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
Keith Ingersoll
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
EIDL
$66k
Jaheim Davis
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$219k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Chauncy Bratt, Shannon Laurie, and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20k
Desmond Williams
Wire fraud conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$40k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein
Fort Myers Division
Venera Price (45)
Mail fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
ERAP
$82k
This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava
Ocala Division
Lavelle Harris (36)
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$1.2M
Henry Wade
Wire Fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$500k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria (33)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$150k
Keaujay Hornsby (26)
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Kareem Spann (27)
Racketeering conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
UI
$3M
Richard Simpkins (47)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Steve Moodie (33)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
UI
$1.5M
Marqus Willard Johnson
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$500k
Omar Esquivel Bello
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$242k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, and Greg Pizzo, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon
Orlando Division
Brian Blake (30)
Possession of device-making equipment
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
Access device fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP/UI
$832k
Daniel Johnson (34)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Aggravated identity theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
Unlawful transfer of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
UI
$2.3M
Teresa McIntyre (55)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
EIDL
$730k
This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, and Dana Hill, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Fort Myers Division
Daniel Joseph Tisone (34)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Bank fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years
Money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison Term: 2 Years Consecutive
Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP/EIDL/MSLP
$2.6M
Liliana Gonzalez (31)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$169k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling and Jesus M. Casas
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Louis Thornton, III (63)
Wire Fraud
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$815k
Kary Stevenson (48)
Corey Quinn (35)
Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)
Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)
UI
$1M
Bridgitte Keim (52)
Bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison
PPP
$588k
Wayne Ganaway (47)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
EIDL
$300k
Eriaius Bentley (29)
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison
UI
$3M
Rolanda Wingfield (39)
Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft
Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison
UI
$135k
Tywon Spann (25)
Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud
Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison
UI
$3M
Randy Jones (34)
Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison
EIDL/UI
$250k
Julio Lugo (45)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$4.4M
Keith Nicoletta (49)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant (37)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$413k
Melinda Hernandez (33)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Wire fraud and aggravated identity theft
Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison
UI
$1.5M
Briantina Mills
Wire fraud and theft of government funds
Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, and SAUSA Chris Poor
Orlando Division
Jacquavius Smith (21)
Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$10k
Johnson Eustache (40)
Wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
EIDL/PPP
$2.2M
Joseph Harrison (43)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison
UI
$2.1M
Tomas Ziupsnys (39)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
PPP
$2M
Holly Urban (36)
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison
PPP
$1.5M
Joel Greenberg (37)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison
EIDL
$430k
Don Cisternino (46)
Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 8 and one half years in federal prison
PPP
$7.2M
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg
Fort Myers Division
Casey Crowther (36)
Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison
PPP
$2.7M
Anthony Bruey (36)
Amber Bruey (35)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, Conspiracy to commit money laundering, Illegal monetary transactions
Sentence Imposed:
Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison
PPP/EIDL
$881k
Edrica Leann Watson (30)
False statement to a lending institution
Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison
PPP
$392k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas
Types of Fraud*
Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
Unemployment Insurance (UI)
Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)
Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Kissimmee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Ricin in Plot to Kill Former PartnerRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Kevin Deane Jones (50, Kissimmee) to 10 years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing ricin, a biological toxin, and for possessing two firearms as a convicted felon. Jones was also ordered to forfeit the two firearms. Jones had pleaded guilty on May 10, 2022.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, on December 6, 2021, the FBI received a complaint that Jones had manufactured ricin intending to use it to kill his former partner. Law enforcement officers then learned that Jones had ordered numerous items from the internet to produce ricin, had reportedly tested water guns to see which ones leaked, and had said that he would go on vacation immediately after spraying his former partner in the face with the ricin, so that he would have an alibi when she died.
On December 17, 2021, law enforcement officers learned that Jones intended to travel to another state, where his former partner lived. Officers stopped Jones, and he admitted to manufacturing ricin. Officers found a plastic water gun in Jones’s truck, as well as five tubes filled with liquids that later tested positive for ricin. A search of Jones’s residence revealed additional tubes containing ricin, along with castor beans, documents pertaining to ricin, and approximately 200 rounds of various types of ammunition.
Additional investigation revealed that on December 6, 2021, Jones, a convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was questioned by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) regarding his possession of weapons. Following the ATF visit, Jones removed multiple firearms and ammunition and took them to a storage unit rented in his name. Law enforcement later searched the storage unit and found a rifle, handgun, silencer, and approximately 3,000 rounds of various types of ammunition.
“This investigation demonstrates the strength of our law enforcement partnerships and the determination of the special agents and officers who risk their lives every day to rid our communities of dangerous individuals like Mr. Jones,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
“We appreciate the efforts of our partners in federal law enforcement for helping to bring Mr. Jones to justice,” said Sheriff Marcos Lopez. “He is a dangerous individual who put not only the victim, but the community at risk. He deserves to be in prison for a long time.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Federal Jury Convicts Jacksonville Man for Distributing Child Sex Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found James Wayne Houck (65, Jacksonville) guilty of seven counts of distributing child sex abuse materials. Houck faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison on each count and a potential life term of supervised release. He was remanded into custody pending his sentencing hearing on May 1, 2023.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on June 13, 2020, a user named “jimboleg” distributed multiple images of child sex abuse materials in the group “Everything goes #yggirls” on a particular social media application. An FBI investigation into the social media app account identified Houck as the person using the “jimboleg” account. FBI agents interviewed Houck multiple times about his activity on the app and he initially admitted to having the “jimboleg” account but did not recall sharing the child sex abuse materials. However, he later admitted to sharing the child sex abuse material on the app. FBI agents attempted to review Houck’s cellphone as part of their investigation, but he turned his phone into the phone carrier service provider to obtain a new phone and provided that new phone to the FBI for review. The service provider’s records confirmed that the phone that Houck turned in was the phone he had at the time he distributed the child sex abuse materials, despite Houck telling the FBI it was a different phone.
Later in their investigation, the FBI learned from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that there was an investigation by another federal law enforcement agency about an upload of child sex abuse material to the social media app by user “jimleg6969” in 2019. The IP address from that investigation was the same as the one for “jimboleg.” Both social media app accounts had email addresses used by Houck.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to More Than 27 Years for Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Christian Kline (32, Moore Haven) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for distribution of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Kline to forfeit the electronic devices used in the commission of the offense and entered an order of restitution to the victims in the amount of $24,000. Kline had pleaded guilty on August 3, 2022.
According to court documents, in 2016, Kline was convicted in the Middle District of Florida for transportation of child sex abuse material. He was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment, followed by 20 years of supervised release. While on supervised release, Kline was subject to routine polygraph examinations. During one such examination with U.S. Probation, Kline revealed that he had been downloading images and videos of child sexual abuse from the dark web. Further investigation revealed that Kline possessed numerous electronic devices which contained images and videos of child sexual abuse, including images and videos that Kline had distributed to another individual.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Virginia Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Transportation of Child Sex Abuse Images Aboard International Cruise ShipRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Christopher Michael Ratten (32, Stafford, VA) to seven years in federal prison for transportation of child sex abuse images. Ratten had pleaded guilty on October 17, 2022.
According to court documents, on September 4, 2021, Ratten flew from Washington, D.C. to Florida. He then traveled to Port Canaveral where he boarded a commercial cruise ship. The cruise made stops in the Bahamas before returning to Port Canaveral on September 9, 2021. Upon Ratten’s reentry to the United States, an agent from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted a border search of Ratten’s cellphone and located child sex abuse images on the phone. Further forensic investigation revealed that Ratten had more than 4,500 images and videos of child sex abuse on his phone, a number of which depicted the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers and bestiality.
“This deviant fed his perversion through a vast and rapidly growing collection of explicit images and videos of children and animals being sexually abused,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “Thanks to the dedication of our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection who initially discovered the imagery, we were able to fully investigate and prosecute this predator’s abhorrent behavior.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Daniels.
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.
Pasco Man Sentenced to over 21 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and Possessing Firearms; Forfeits House and More Than $400,000Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Edwin Hill, a/k/a “Z” (51, Holiday), to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. The court also ordered Hill to forfeit his interest in a house in Pasco County that was used in committing the offenses, as well as a handgun. Hill previously agreed to forfeit $400,536 in drug proceeds, three handguns, and assorted ammunition. Hill was arrested on September 27, 2018, and subsequently detained. He pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022.
According to court documents, Hill trafficked fentanyl in Pasco County. He used a residence in New Port Richey for distributing the drugs and his personal residence in Holiday for storing the controlled substances, cash, and firearms. After four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hill were made, federal authorities obtained search warrants for both residences and executed them on September 27, 2018. More than a half-kilogram of fentanyl, almost a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms (including two that were reported stolen), and more than $370,000 in cash was recovered from the two houses. During an interview with law enforcement, Hill admitted to drug trafficking, ownership of the seized guns, and that the seized money was the proceeds of drug sales. On September 27, 2018, after agreeing to cooperate with the investigation, Hill secretly, and without informing law enforcement, placed three texts to coconspirator Nelson White, that he had been arrested:
Text 1: D e a
Text 2: Dont come
Text 3: Stop answering the feds got me
Law enforcement observed White leave his residence after a bag was loaded into his car. A deputy from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office pulled over White’s car for a traffic violation and found approximately an additional pound of fentanyl, almost a half-kilogram of cocaine, more than $29,000 in cash, four additional firearms, and assorted ammunition. White was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced on December 1, 2020, to more than 21 years in federal prison. A separate coconspirator, William Gaston, was sentenced on July 28, 2020, to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Winter Haven Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Extradited Seminole County Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Don V. Cisternino (47, Chuluota) to eight years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transaction. The court also ordered Cisternino to forfeit a total of $1,071,923.98 seized from five different bank accounts, which are funds traceable to proceeds of the offense. In addition, the court entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $7.21 million, which represents the total proceeds obtained by Cisternino from the wire fraud scheme. The court also ordered Cisternino to pay restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration in the amount of $7,445,855.89. Cisternino had pleaded guilty on September 20, 2022, after being extradited from Croatia.
According to court documents, in May 2020, Cisternino fraudulently secured more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding. The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.
Cisternino’s PPP loan application falsely claimed that his business, MagnifiCo, had 441 employees and monthly payroll expenses in 2019 of more than $2.8 million. In truth, MagnifiCo had no employees other than Cisternino. In support of his PPP loan application, Cisternino submitted false W-2s for MagnifiCo’s purported employees, many of which listed the names and Social Security numbers of actual persons who were not MagnifiCo employees and who had not authorized Cisternino to use their identities.
Once he obtained the emergency loan of $7.2 million, Cisternino did not use these funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he spent the funds for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of Maserati and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as well as the purchase of a 12-acre estate with a 12,579 sq. ft. residence in Seminole County, pictured below.
On January 22, 2021, after learning that he was under investigation for PPP loan fraud, Cisternino fled to Switzerland. He was arrested on April 11, 2021, pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice, as he attempted to enter Croatia from Slovenia by way of Italy.
“I would like to congratulate the dedicated prosecutors and agents, as well as our international partners, who brought this defendant to justice,” said Department of Justice Acting Director of COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Michael Galdo. “This case demonstrates the Department of Justice’s ongoing commitment to prosecute those who defrauded our pandemic relief programs and bring them to justice no matter where in the world they try to hide.”
“The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was enacted to help businesses keep their workforce paid at the height of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Mr. Cisternino chose instead to use the funds he obtained as his personal pandemic piggyback,” said Ronald A. Loecker, IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “This sentencing should serve as a warning to those who might have engaged in similar fraudulent activity that holding those accountable for these crimes remains a high priority for federal authorities.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Croatian authorities provided valuable assistance in securing Cisternino’s arrest and extradition. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Andrejko and Jeremy Bloor.
Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Leon Erick Williams (41, St. Petersburg) to 6 years and 9 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. Williams had pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022.
According to court documents, Williams previously served a 12-year federal prison sentence for his involvement in a multi-kilogram cocaine distribution conspiracy in Hillsborough County. In February 2022, while on federal supervised release for that offense, Williams sold cocaine to undercover police officers at an adult entertainment club in Pinellas Park. Williams then coordinated another cocaine deal with the undercover officers via text message. A few days later, Williams sold the undercover officers more cocaine in the club’s restroom. Unbeknownst to the undercover officers, Williams had been arrested on unrelated drug charges on the night of February 9, 2022. He was released on bond from the Pinellas County Jail on February 10, 2022, and returned to the club later that day to sell more cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Clearwater Drug Dealer Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Justin Roberson (34, Clearwater) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Roberson had pleaded guilty on September 20, 2022.
According to court documents, the Clearwater Police Department (CPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were involved in an investigation involving the distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in Clearwater. Law enforcement received information that Roberson was distributing cocaine and methamphetamine. Undercover operations conducted by CPD and DEA resulted in the arrest of Roberson for the distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additionally, law enforcement recovered several firearms used by Roberson during his distribution of the narcotics. The firearms included rifles and semi-automatic weapons.
This case was investigated by the Clearwater Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Craig Gestring and Maria Guzman.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve, to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
New Port Richey Man Sentenced to More Than 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Eric Paul Jones (44, New Port Richey) to 30 years and 5 months in federal prison for production and possession of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Jones to forfeit the electronic devices used in the commission of the offense and entered an order of restitution to the victims in the amount of $18,528, and an assessment in the amount of $18,000 to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Fund. Jones had pleaded guilty on October 13, 2022.
According to court documents, Jones belonged to an online group dedicated to discussing and trading child sex abuse material. On April 19, 2021, Jones began communicating with an undercover FBI agent. Jones told the undercover agent that he had engaged in sexual activity with a 10-year-old child, to whom he had access. Jones then sent the undercover agent sexually explicit videos and images he had produced of the child victim, as well as child sex abuse material he possessed of other victims.
A few days later, on April 22, 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant for Jones’s residence, as well as for the cellphone Jones had used to communicate with the undercover agent. A search of Jones’s cellphone revealed that he was in possession of more than 100 child sex abuse images and videos of young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which included infants and toddlers subjected to bondage and sadomasochistic conduct. The FBI also found the same images and videos that Jones had sent to the undercover agent on Jones’s cellphone. Jones later admitted to agents that he had been producing child sex abuse images of the child victim for several years.
“While it’s heartbreaking to learn of yet another child victim of a sexual predator, it’s reassuring to learn of the dedicated work by special agents to make sure that predator spends a long time in prison for his despicable crime,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, the Pasco Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
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.
Massive drug trafficking investigation leads to largest-ever indictment in Southern District of GeorgiaRead the Press Release
BRUNSWICK, GA: A total of 76 defendants are named in a newly unsealed federal indictment describing a massive drug trafficking investigation tied to the Ghost Face Gangsters criminal street gang that includes allegations of multiple deaths from illegal drug overdoses.
As announced in a Jan. 11, 2023, multi-agency news conference held at Glynn County Police Department Headquarters in Brunswick, Ga., the indictment in USA v. Alvarez et. al, dubbed Operation Ghost Busted, charges 76 defendants with involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and alprazolam in the greater Glynn County area, said David H. Estes, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The primary Conspiracy charge in the indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, up to life, along with substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release following any prison term.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Operation Ghost Busted demonstrates the focused commitment of law enforcement agencies at all levels in identifying, infiltrating and disrupting drug trafficking networks in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Estes. “We are proud to serve with these professionals in the continuing work to make our neighborhoods safe from illegal gang activity and the violent crime it spawns.”
Operation Ghost Busted is an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces investigation, led by the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force, the Glynn County Police Department, the Brunswick Police Department, the Glynn County Sheriff's Office, and the Camden County Sheriff's Office. For more than two years, investigators from multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies collaborated to identify a sprawling drug trafficking network operating in south Georgia counties including Glynn, Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware. The conspiracy operated inside and outside state prison facilities with assistance from at least one compromised corrections officer, who worked with a leader of the conspiracy who is serving a life sentence for murder. The conspiracy includes members of the Ghost Face Gangsters white supremacist criminal street gang, along with affiliates of the Aryan Brotherhood, Bloods, and Gangster Disciples.
In addition to the primary conspiracy charge naming all 76 defendants, the indictment charges two of the defendants with distribution of illegal drugs – fentanyl and methamphetamine – that resulted in the deaths of three individuals from drug overdoses.
The 118-count, 133-page indictment – believed to be the largest ever in the Southern District of Georgia – includes the forfeiture of 43 seized firearms, one vehicle, and more than $53,000 in cash. More than three dozen additional defendants face prosecution for state charges as a result of the investigation.
In addition to other charges filed against individual defendants, each of the defendants named in USA v. Alvarez et. al is charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and a Quantity of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Alprazolam. They include:
- David E. Alvarez, 24, of Townsend, Ga.;
- Garrison A. Bell, 35, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Desiree M. Briley, 26, of McRae-Helena, Ga.;
- Rachael P. Byrd, a/k/a “Byrd is the Word,” a/k/a “Rachael NeSmith,” 25, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Terry L. Cason II, 36, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Tonya C. Cox, a/k/a “Shuge White,” 43, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Abraham Crews, a/k/a “Abe,” 41, of Waverly, Ga.;
- Hannah G. Croft, 23, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Michael S. Daniels, 39, of Waynesville, Ga;
- Marissa D. Davis, 31, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Willie H. Day, 52, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Ashley Deen, 29, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Cody M. Demers, a/k/a “Bravo Seven,” 24, of Blackshear, Ga.;
- Skyler T. Drawdy, 24, of Darien, Ga.;
- Taylor D. Drew, 32, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Joshua A. Drury, 41, of Darien, Ga;
- Jonathan R. Elrod, a/k/a “Brazy Jay,” a/k/a “Jay,” a/k/a “John Boy,” 33, of Blairsville, Ga.;
- Joshua E. Enke, 33, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Juan C. Everette, a/k/a “Don Juan,” 36, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Andrew R. Flanagan, a/k/a “Drew,” 35, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Verdalee D. Flanagan, a/k/a “ Verlee,” 37, of Nahunta, Ga.;
- Alexa B. Foster, a/k/a “Lexa,” 29, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Theodore Gee, a/k/a “Keno,” 44, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Chad L. Googe, 40, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Shawn S. Green, a/k/a “Polo Green,” 42, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Laura R. Harden, 49, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- John E. Harrison, a/k/a “Johnny,” 25, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Priscilla Hemingway, a/k/a “Priscilla Carr,” 43, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Wyndel L. Herndon, 40, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Britnee V. Houston, 28, of Waynesville, Ga.;
- Timothy W. Hutchinson, a/k/a “Tim,” 58, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Kenneth W. Lane, a/k/a “Skinny,” 43, of Hortense, Ga.;
- Timothy W. Loper, 35, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Kenneth Mainor, a/k/a “Busta Bill,” 66, of White Oak, Ga.;
- Kenyetta D. Mainor, a/k/a “Yatta,” 46, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Wendell McClain, 34, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Cameren A. McDonald, 26, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Justin W. McGhee, 36, of Darien, Ga.;
- Charlie A. Moody, 42, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Antonio Morales, a/k/a “Silence,” a/k/a “Silent Ololade,” 29, of Vidalia, Ga.;
- Aubrey NeSmith, 21, of Metter, Ga.;
- James D. NeSmith, a/k/a “DG,” 25, an inmate at Telfair State Prison;
- Mary NeSmith, 58, of Metter, Ga.;
- Eric S. Ogden, a/k/a “Scotty,” 35, of Woodbine, Ga.;
- Auston J. Proctor, 32, of Woodbine, Ga.;
- Michael A. Provenzano, 34, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Jimmy A. Reynolds, a/k/a “Jim,” 54, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- James C. Richardson, 35, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- William W. Ringle, a/k/a “Will,” 42, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Anthony D. Ruffner, 32, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Samantha S. Russell, 34, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Jamey E. Sapp, 50, of St. Simons Island, Ga.;
- Blake K. Screen, 34, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- John D. Screen, 31, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Adam H. Smith, 43, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Brian T. Spell, 32, of Waynesville, Ga.;
- Gregory W. Stabile, a/k/a “G,” a/k/a “Lts Be DAreason,” 37, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- James L. Stephens, a/k/a “Rabbit,” 39, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Debra L. Stokes, a/k/a “Debbie,” 59, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Stephanie L. Stover, 44, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Jason A. Sweat, 35, of St. Marys, Ga.;
- Clinton Taylor, 34, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Cori L. Taylor, 26, of Eastman, Ga.;
- Larry B. Taylor, a/k/a “Lee Lee,” 57, of Jacksonville, Fla.;
- Christopher J. Thompson, 35, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Ronald E. Thompson, a/k/a “E,” a/k/a “3D,” 39, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Jesse J. Trujillo, 30, of Swainsboro, Ga.;
- Charles W. Walrath, a/k/a “Boomer,” 51, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Dayton P. Whatley, 35, of St. Simons Island, Ga.;
- David Nicholas Wheeler, 52, of Waverly, Ga.;
- Dakota L. White, 21, of Vidalia, Ga.;
- James D. Wiggins, a/k/a “Brad Jones,” 30, of Brunswick, Ga.;
- Jeremy D. Wix, 42, of Townsend, Ga.;
- Heaven L. Wolfe, 32, of Blackshear, Ga.;
- Joshua T. Wolfe, a/k/a “White Boy,” a/k/a “Tom Walier,” 29, of Blackshear, Ga.; and,
- David D. Young, a/k/a “Khaos,” 42, of Hortense, Ga.
The defendants in the investigation are scheduled this week for initial appearance hearings in U.S. District Court in Brunswick. Indictments include only charges; each of the defendants is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
Agencies involved in the investigation include the FBI Coastal Georgia Violent Gang Task Force; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; the Georgia Department of Corrections; the Georgia Department of Community Supervision; the Glynn County Police Department; the Brunswick Police Department; and sheriff’s offices from Glynn, Pierce, Camden, Wayne, Treutlen, McIntosh, Toombs, Telfair, Dodge, and Ware counties. The case is being prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer J. Kirkland and Criminal Division Deputy Chief E. Greg Gilluly Jr.
Indictment: USA v. Alvarez et. alLand O’Lakes Man Sentenced to 52 Years for Producing Child Sex Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle has sentenced Michael Lumpkin (27, Land O’Lakes) to 52 years in federal prison for producing child sex abuse materials, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Lumpkin had pleaded guilty on October 3, 2022.
According to court documents, beginning around July 2019 through February 2020, Lumpkin coerced a minor to engage in sexual activity and create sexually explicit videos. Lumpkin threatened to expose the minor on “Pornhub” if the minor did not send the sexually explicit videos he had requested. Additionally, Lumpkin possessed images and videos on his cellphone of minors being sexually abused, including children under the age of 12.
“The defendant’s victim lived in constant fear, enduring a barrage of brutal threats. I commend the tireless work of our special agents and task force officers who have made sure this dangerous individual goes to prison so he can no longer harm anyone else,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
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.
Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Forcibly Assaulting A Federal Correctional OfficerRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced John Jones (56, District of Columbia) to 20 years in federal prison for assaulting a federal correctional officer with a deadly weapon and possessing contraband in a federal penitentiary. This sentence was imposed consecutively to the life sentence Jones is currently serving for two first-degree murder convictions from the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Jones had pleaded guilty on September 6, 2022.
According to the court documents, Jones was an inmate in the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex serving a life sentence for two first-degree murder convictions. On September 5, 2021, Jones stabbed his cellmate in the shoulder and left arm using a six-and-a-half-inch bladed weapon. When a correctional officer responded to the attack, Jones lunged at the officer multiple times with his right arm extended and clutching his weapon. Jones later admitted that he intended to kill his cellmate, stating that he was aiming for his cellmate’s jugular vein.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Three Fentanyl Traffickers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Luis Omar Rosa Cotto (32, Orlando), Alejandro Acevedo Luna (34, Apopka), and Juan Carlos Garcia (38, Apopka) to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.
Luis Omar Rosa Cotto
Pleaded guilty on July 12, 2022
Responsible for over 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl
Sentenced on November 7, 2022, to 10 years in federal prison
Alejandro Acevedo Luna
Pleaded guilty on July 6, 2022
Responsible for over 1 kilogram of fentanyl
Sentenced on January 6, 2023, to 15 years in federal prison
Juan Carlos Garcia
Found guilty at trial on October 17 to 19, 2022
Responsible for over 1 kilogram of fentanyl
Sentenced on January 6, 2023, to 10 years in federal prison
According to court documents, Acevedo Luna and Garcia conspired to drive to a gas station in Apopka and sell more than a kilogram of fentanyl for $33,000. Garcia drove the vehicle and brought a loaded handgun with him, and Acevedo Luna brought the drugs and set up the deal. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information about the drug transaction and worked with the Apopka Police Department to conduct a traffic stop. After a search, the loaded handgun was recovered from the center console of the vehicle and the package of drugs was located in the backseat. Both men were arrested without incident.
On the same day, Rosa Cotto was determined to be the source of the fentanyl and a controlled purchase was set up by the DEA to buy an additional half kilogram of fentanyl. Rosa Cotto arrived at the buy location with the drugs, and he was arrested. A bag containing more than half a kilogram of fentanyl was found inside his vehicle. All of the drugs were tested by the DEA laboratory and determined to be p-Fluorofentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl and is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Apopka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Gardella and Courtney Richardson-Jones.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Facing up to Life in Prison Following Jury VerdictRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Uriel Fajardo-Albarran (27, Coleman) guilty of one count of conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Fajardo-Albarran faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to evidence presented during the three-day trial, Fajardo-Albarran received large amounts of methamphetamine from sources in Mexico, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia. He then transported the methamphetamine to the Middle District of Florida where he used lower-level dealers to distribute multiple kilograms of the substance each week for approximately two years. Fajardo-Albarran organized the network of distribution after taking over for a supplier who had previously been convicted and sentenced to federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Sarah J. Swartzberg.
Former University Official Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brian Carroll (46, Tennessee) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Carroll was the Executive Vice President of Southeastern University, a university based in Lakeland, Florida. His responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Southeastern University included being the chief operating officer of the university, with responsibility for strategy, financial operations, and legal affairs.
Carroll was involved in a scheme to enrich himself and to defraud the university of funds in 2016. The scheme involved Carroll’s creation of a New Mexico corporation, which he secretly controlled, and the establishment of a bank account in the name of that corporation. He also created an email address for the company, which he used to further the scheme.
Around mid-2016, the leadership of Southeastern University was interested in rebranding the university and its web image. Carroll worked on the project and secretly “engaged” his New Mexico corporation to perform that project work. Over a six-month period, Carroll’s corporation generated a contract to do the work and a number of invoices for payment by Southeastern University for work purportedly performed. The total payment to the New Mexico corporation, for which Carroll sought and received payment from the university, was in excess of $180,000. Carroll kept his involvement with the New Mexico corporation a secret from any members of Southeastern University. In reality, Carroll’s New Mexico corporation did none of the work on this project. Instead, it had engaged a New York-based corporation to do the work on the project at the reduced cost of approximately $30,000.
During the course of the fraud scheme, Carroll, in his position at Southeastern University, approved a number of payments from university funds to his New Mexico corporation for its purported work on the project. Only after Southeastern University had spent over $180,000 on the project did it discover the involvement of Carroll in the New Mexico corporation and the real cost of the project. The Board of Directors suspended Carroll immediately and ultimately terminated his employment at the university soon thereafter in early 2017.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Father and Son Owners of Jacksonville Construction Firms Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Jacksonville residents Raul Solis (52) and Raul Solis-Martinez (33) to 33 months and 21 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to unlawfully employ workers who were neither lawfully admitted to, nor authorized to be employed in the United States. The court also ordered Solis and Solis-Martinez to pay $5,613,082.38 in restitution to the IRS. Solis-Martinez had pleaded guilty on July 27, 2022, and Solis had pleaded guilty on August 4, 2022.
According to court documents, Solis and Solis-Martinez owned and operated Solis Brothers Company, LLC and Duval Framing, LLC, which are construction subcontracting companies in Jacksonville. To illicitly lower labor costs, they conspired with each other, and Hugo Cruz-Medina, the owner of another subcontractor (H&S Framing, LLC) to pay their employees partially “off the books.” By paying employees with a mix of checks and cash, the conspirators avoided withholding the full amount of payroll taxes owed to the IRS. Between 2014 and 2019, their workers received approximately $22,186,096.35 in wages that were never reported to the IRS and from which no taxes were withheld. This practice led to a loss to the U.S. Treasury of approximately $5,613,082.38.
Further, by misrepresenting how much their employees were working, Solis and Solis-Martinez also defrauded the company that managed their payroll functions, as well as their workers’ compensation insurer, both of which relied on the conspirators’ false payroll reporting to calculate the cost of their services. In addition, Solis and Solis-Martinez knew that many of their employees had emigrated to the United States illegally or were otherwise not unauthorized to work here. Some workers had been previously deported from the United States, including Cruz-Medina, only to return and work for Solis and Solis-Martinez.
In a related case, on February 25, 2021, Hugo Cruz-Medina (35, Jacksonville), was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to defraud the IRS, conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, and illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
“Employers have a responsibility to their employees to withhold the proper amount of taxes and pay those taxes over to the IRS,” said Ronald A. Loecker IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge. “In this instance, greed drove the defendants to cheat their competitors and steal from both their employees and the American public. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that you can’t expect integrity and loyalty from an employer who would do anything for money.”
“This father and son criminal team profited financially by perpetrating fraud against the United States and private industry, while taking advantage of the country’s workforce,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “In partnership with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services, we will continue to hold these criminals accountable for defrauding both the government and private industry.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Former Claims Adjuster Pleads Guilty to Assisting Individuals Who Committed Armed Robberies, Shootings, While Dressed as Police OfficersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jasmine Weber (28, Tampa) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act Robbery. Weber faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between December 2020 and April 2021,
a group of individuals engaged in a conspiracy to rob individuals they suspected of distributing narcotics. During that time, the conspirators engaged in numerous armed robberies in Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, and Lee counties, three of which resulted in shootings. While committing these offenses, the conspirators impersonated law enforcement officers by wearing black clothing, gloves, and masks—often with law enforcement insignia or vests with a “Sheriff” patch affixed. During certain robberies, the conspirators drove a black Dodge Durango and a white Chevrolet Malibu equipped with blue lights.
Weber was aware of this conspiracy and voluntarily participated in helping to accomplish its goal. Specifically, Weber purchased equipment, including Sheriff’s vests, patches, lights, and other items that she knew would be used by the conspirators to commit the armed robberies.
Members of this conspiracy also provided Weber with identifying information on their potential victims. Weber worked as a claims adjuster for an insurance company and had access to a Lexis Nexis account. Utilizing that database, and knowing the co-conspirators’ intentions, Weber researched the intended victims, and located their home addresses. Members of this conspiracy then committed robberies at those locations.
The individuals who allegedly carried out these robberies, Reginald Roberts, a/k/a/ “Rudy” (22, Lakeland), Nathaniel Keith Carr, a/k/a “Nate” (28, Riverdale), Daniel Jackson, a/k/a “D-Jack” (29, Winter Haven), Chrishawn De’Earl Butler, a/k/a “Baby” (22, Brooksville), and Darius Hudson, a/k/a “Toot” (43, Arcadia) were indicted on April 26, 2022, and are currently pending trial.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Bartow Police Department, the Lakeland Police Department, the Dade City Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, the Arcadia Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Film Producer Pleads Guilty to Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nacoe Ray Brown (54, Baltimore, MD) has pleaded guilty to bank robbery and to violating the terms of his supervised release. Brown faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the bank robbery offense and up to 3 years’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Brown was previously convicted of robbing three banks in the Baltimore area in 2001. After a federal jury convicted him of the robberies, he was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison. In 2020, Brown was granted an early release from prison. Brown then began serving his term of supervised release under the U.S. Probation Office in Baltimore.
On June 28, 2022, while visiting Florida, Brown robbed the McCoy Federal Credit Union in Belle Isle. Wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, a surgical style facemask, and plastic gloves, Brown passed a note to the teller threatening that he had a gun and demanding money. He fled the bank with $4,296 in stolen cash. Surveillance cameras captured Brown as he appeared to the teller during the robbery:
A witness watched Brown flee the bank and enter a nearby gas station where he had a change of clothes staged. The witness reported this to the Belle Isle Police Department, who quickly responded and located Brown at a hotel where he was staying. Police recovered the demand note and the stolen cash from Brown’s bag. They also recovered the disguise he had discarded in the restroom of the gas station.
After Brown was arrested, he told authorities that he committed the bank robbery because he was filming a movie in Florida and had run out of money to pay for the production.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Belle Isle Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
United States Attorney Recognizes the Tampa Police Department’s Efforts in Fighting Violent CrimeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the United States Attorney’s Office’s ongoing efforts to fight violent crime through its partnership with the Tampa Police Department (TPD). During 2022, federal prosecutors and TPD worked together to charge and prosecute 91 defendants for federal crimes, including firearms and drug offenses. In total, these prosecutions removed 74 firearms from our streets. The prosecutions supported by TPD include:
- Robles Park Criminal Enterprise - The prosecution of the “Robles Park” criminal enterprise involved members and associates who engaged in murder, assault, intimidation, narcotics trafficking, unemployment insurance fraud, identity theft, obstruction of justice, and other crimes. Among other acts of violence, on July 19, 2020, Robles Park members committed a shooting outside the Truth Lounge in Tampa, starting a shootout that left eight people injured, including minors. In retaliation for the Truth Lounge shooting, rival gang members initiated an armed confrontation with members of the Robles Park organization in the parking lot of the International Plaza retail establishment in Tampa near several witnesses. The ensuing gun fight left behind 25 spent shell casings and several damaged vehicles. As a result, four individuals associated with the Robles Park enterprise have been charged with federal firearms and violent offenses; three of those individuals have pleaded guilty.
- United States vs. Jeffrey Davis and Tyee Spike – Davis and Spike received prison sentences of 24 years and 26 years and 3 months, respectively, following their convictions. According to court documents, Davis and Spike committed a series of commercial armed robberies in Tampa, Fishhawk, and Riverview. They brandished firearms during each of the robberies. During one of the robberies, Spike shot a victim in the stomach.
- United States vs. Antonio Phillips – Phillips received a sentence of 8 years in prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. On December 1, 2020, in Tampa, Phillips and others conducted a drive-by shooting on an occupied vehicle. After the shooting, law enforcement air support tracked Phillips’ vehicle, which had fled the scene. Video surveillance captured muzzle flashes coming from the passenger side of the car where Phillips was sitting. Numerous bullet holes were observed on the other vehicle. Phillips and others fled from their car, discarded weapons, and jumped over fences and across yards before they were ultimately apprehended. Law enforcement recovered 3 guns, a 50-round drum-style magazine, and trigger-mounted laser.
- United States vs. Javeon Jacobs – A court sentenced Javeon Jacobs to 21 years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to three counts of brandishing a firearm while committing carjackings. According to court documents, Jacobs committed three separate carjackings. In one of the carjackings, Jacobs kidnapped two victims, one of whom he also pistol-whipped.
- United States vs. Natwan Callaway – On January 30,2021, officers responded to reports of shots being fired and observed two men running away from the scene. Natwan Callaway, who was standing next to another male, was observed with the imprint of a firearm and extended magazine on his front right hip and apprehended with an empty holster. Nearby, officers found two loaded semi-automatic 9 mm pistols. Ammunition from one of the pistols (Glock 17 9mm) matched that used in a homicide in October 2020, an aggravated battery in December 2020, and an aggravated assault in January 2021, all in Tampa. Callaway’s DNA was found on that pistol. In May 2021, officers found several Instagram videos of Callaway possessing and utilizing several firearms, many of which were loaded. Callaway pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon on December 13, 2022. He faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to reduce violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “That goal cannot be accomplished without the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners. In 2022, the Tampa Police Department (TPD) has played a critical role in investigating and prosecuting violent crimes. We look forward to continuing to work with TPD and our other local and federal law enforcement partners to further our goal of making the Tampa Bay area a safer place for its citizens.”
“Violent crime, in any form, negatively affects the quality of life of every person impacted, whether directly or indirectly,” said Interim Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “Every community member has the absolute right to feel safe in their homes and in their neighborhoods. The Tampa Police Department will continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners in our tireless efforts to hold those who would harm or threaten the public accountable, prosecute them to the full extent of the law, and make every community member feel safe in our city.”
These cases were investigated by the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. They are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan, Samantha Beckman, David Chee, Charlie Connally, Tiffany Fields, Craig Gestring, Michael Gordon, Michael Kenneth, Maria Guzman, Daniel Marcet, Christopher Murray, Samantha Newman, Diego Novaes, James Preston, Candace Rich, Michael Sinacore, Ilyssa Spergel, David Sullivan, Callan Albritton, and Jay Trezevant.
The majority of these cases are a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $168 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2022Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL ― U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $168,330,189 related to criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2022 (FY 2022). Of that amount, $103,089,821 represents total collections in criminal and civil actions. Included in this amount is $43,048,067 recovered in its locally handled cases; $17,769,638 in criminal cases and $25,278,429.11 in civil cases.
The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $85,181,948 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to its efforts in local civil cases noted above, the district’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $59,903,519.32 in these jointly handled cases.
Additionally, the district’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Anita Cream, working with partner agencies, forfeited $65,240,368 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions completed in fiscal year 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. For instance, in FY 2022, more than $14 million forfeited in the MDFL in this and prior years was returned to victims of the criminal offenses upon which the forfeitures were based, and approximately $3 million was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The district anticipates that the vast majority of the more than $65 million forfeited in FY 2022 will be returned to crime victims.
“Every day, we work alongside our law enforcement partners, federal, state, and local agencies to enforce our nation’s laws and recover illicit money from convicted criminals who have exploited government programs through fraud and abuse,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue to coordinate our efforts to protect taxpayer resources, help victims recover from their losses, and restore public trust.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The largest civil collections were from affirmative civil enforcement cases, in which the United States recovered government money lost to fraud or other misconduct or collected fines imposed on individuals and/or corporations for violations of federal health, safety, civil rights, or environmental laws. In addition, civil debts were collected on behalf of several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Defense Health Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Education. See below for MDFL significant civil case highlights.
Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases
United States ex rel. Haight v. Physician Partners of America, et al., Case No. 8:18-civ-267 (M.D. Fla.)
Four overlapping qui tam complaints were filed against a Tampa pain management practice and alleged that the practice paid physicians based on the volume or value of the physicians’ orders for urine drug testing in violation of the Stark Law and Anti-kickback Statute. The relators also alleged that practice group performed medically unnecessary urine drug testing because the orders were not based on the individual needs of each patient. In investigating these claims over the ensuing three years, we discovered that the practice group additionally had billed Medicare for fraudulent anesthesia claims at its surgery centers and had applied for a Paycheck Protection Program loan that it was not eligible to receive. Following extensive negotiations, we resolved all allegations in the qui tam complaints for $24.5 million. This settlement amount included a civil penalty in excess of $1 million imposed under FIRREA to address the PPP loan fraud allegations.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/physician-partners-america-pay-245-million-settle-allegations-unnecessary-testing-improper
United States ex rel. Bomar v. Bayfront Medical Center, et al., Case no. 8:16-cv-3310-MSS-JSS (M.D. Fla.)
This qui tam case alleges that four area hospitals have defrauded Medicare through a complex scheme through bogus “paper” charitable contributions by the hospitals to local government organizations. These contributions are passed through the Florida Medicaid program which used them to seek matching funds from Medicare. The Medicare money was eventually paid to the hospitals and would have never been paid out, had the federal program realized the true nature of the contributions. In investigating this alleged scheme, we have discovered that many area hospitals could be engaged in the same conduct. We have settled our claims with two hospitals, finalizing a $5.5 million settlement with Naples Community Hospital in February 2022 and a $20 million settlement with the BayCare Hospital system in April 2022.
Press releases: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/florida-s-nch-healthcare-system-agrees-pay-55-million-settle-common-law-allegations
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/florida-s-baycare-health-system-and-hospital-affiliates-agree-pay-20-million-settle-false
United States ex rel. Cancel v. Central Medical Systems, LLC, Case No. 6:14-civ-512-Orl-28TBS (M.D. Fla.)
We intervened in this qui tam case in 2018 in order to pursue civil fraud claims against this central Florida supplier of durable medical equipment (DME) and its principals for, among other things, billing federal health programs for DME that was not provided. Early in the case, we secured a freeze of the defendants’ assets under the Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act in light of a concern over the defendants’ circumvention of an administrative claims review process. The individual owner of the provider then filed a bankruptcy petition, which prompted litigation under a variety of provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. Eventually, the principal owner of the defendant provider, Trent Harley, was indicted and pled guilty to health care fraud offenses that overlap with the civil claims alleged in the qui tam complaint. The civil claims in the qui tam complaint were ultimately settled in January 2022 for $600,000. In 2021, Mr. Harley was sentenced to serve fifteen months in federal prison for wire fraud offenses connected to the scheme.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/central-medical-systems-llc-alan-trent-harley-and-joan-harley-agree-pay-600k-settle
Jacksonville Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Parcels of MailRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonisha M. Williams (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to stealing deposits from the mail. Williams faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, from February 5 to March 4, 2021, Williams worked as a Mail Handler Assistant at the National Distribution Center in Jacksonville. During this time, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General received a complaint that Williams was stealing narcotics from the mail and taking them out of the facility. After investigating the complaint, agents captured Williams on video surveillance placing vacuumed sealed bags—similar to how narcotics are packaged—and other mail parcels into her backpack. During an interview with agents, Williams admitted her involvement and that she used her backpack to remove marijuana from the mailing facility.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Spring Hill Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Aiding in the Passing of Counterfeit Currency Throughout North FloridaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Derrick Kamran Collins (32, Spring Hill) to 30 months in federal prison for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, aiding and abetting the passing of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, and possession of counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. The court also ordered Collins to forfeit computer equipment utilized for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes and $2,846.18 in illicit proceeds from his counterfeiting activities. Collins had been found guilty on October 25, 2022, following a bench trial.
According to court documents, from 2017 to March 2019, Collins acted as the source of supply for counterfeit Federal Reserve notes for various individuals throughout the Middle District of Florida. Collins was part of a scheme to pass the counterfeit bills in order to defraud businesses. After successfully passing the counterfeit currency at businesses, individuals paid Collins a portion of the proceeds. On March 26, 2019, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that contained multiple people, including Collins, at the River City Marketplace for suspicion of passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. During a search of the vehicle, the officers recovered multiple counterfeit $100 bills throughout the vehicle and in the glove box. Subsequently, law enforcement was able to determine Collins was the source of supply for the counterfeit Federal Reserve note that were passed by various individuals in the North Florida area, including at the River City Marketplace.
On November 21, 2019, the New Port Richey Police Department (NPRPD) conducted a traffic stop at approximately 1:00 a.m. on a vehicle driven by the registered owner, Collins. Upon making contact with Collins, law enforcement observed signs of impairment. During a subsequent DUI investigation, Collins refused to participate in field sobriety exercises and was arrested for DUI. During an inventory search pursuant to towing the vehicle from the area, the NPRPD located several sheets of counterfeit $100 bills in various stages of manufacturing in the trunk of the vehicle, and computer media. In the vehicle’s glove box, officers located completed counterfeit cash and illicit proceeds from the passing of counterfeit cash, bundled together.
This prosecution was part of a long-term investigation into counterfeit Federal Reserve notes being passed in the areas of New Port Richey and North Florida. To date, Collins is the fourth individual prosecuted in connection with this activity. In February 2020, Charles Alexander Coriaty, III (Tampa) was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes supplied by Collins and was ordered to pay restitution to the businesses that he defrauded. In June 2020, Brett Lawrence Rozenburgh (Tampa) was sentenced to 13 months’ imprisonment for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes supplied by Collins and was ordered to pay restitution to the businesses that he defrauded. In September 2020, Samantha Jade Falcone (Tampa) was sentenced to 2 years’ federal supervision for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes supplied by Collins and was ordered to pay restitution to the businesses that she defrauded.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the New Port Richey Police Department and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Mai Tran.