Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Georgia Man Indicted on Aggravated Identity Theft and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Anthony Jermaine Robinson (31, Covington, Georgia) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, five counts of false representation of a Social Security number (SSN), and five counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Robinson faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a consecutive mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for each aggravated identity theft count, up to 5 years in prison on each false SSN representation count and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Kiana Fina Alphonse, defrauded.
According to court documents and public records, Robinson appeared in federal court today pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from Georgia State Prison where he is serving a prison sentence for violating parole on a fraud related crime. The Court ordered Robinson detained pending trial. His trial is set for January 2023. Robinson’s co-defendant, Kiana Fina Alphonse (28, Covington, Georgia) appeared in federal court on September 27, 2022. Her trial is set for February 2023.
According to the indictment, Robinson and Alphonse obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of multiple victims. They then obtained counterfeit driver licenses purportedly from Washington state and Delaware. The counterfeit driver licenses contained the PII of victims, but a picture of Alphonse. Using the PII, to include the SSN of victims, the counterfeit driver licenses, and documents created for fictitious businesses, Alphonse went to multiple banks and opened up business bank accounts in the name of various victims. These bank accounts were then utilized, as part of a scheme to defraud multiple victims with Robinson and Alphonse, among others, receiving the illicit proceeds.
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 Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service, Jacksonville Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Former Owner of Jacksonville Tax Preparation Business Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Ali Akhenaten, formerly known as Darryl Oliver, to three months in federal prison for tax fraud. Akhenaten had been found guilty by a jury on April 14, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Akhenaten owned and operated a tax preparation business in Jacksonville called Florida Financial Solutions, at which he prepared tax returns for others. On the 2014, 2015, and 2016 tax returns Akhenaten prepared for the business, he underreported his business income and overstated the rent paid for his business property. On the tax returns he filed on his own behalf for 2014 and 2015, he underreported the income he earned from the business.
“Mr. Akhenaten chose to disregard the rules he himself taught to his tax and accounting students and instead prepare fraudulent returns to pad his own pockets,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Tax return preparers have a duty to prepare tax returns that comply with the law and we will continue to hold them true to that obligation.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Armed Fentanyl Dealer Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brandon Corey Skeith (40, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl and cocaine base with the intent to distribute it and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Skeith faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement and court documents, Skeith sold drugs out of a motel near Dunn Avenue in Jacksonville. In April 2022, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit observed Skeith selling fentanyl from the motel and obtained a search warrant for his room. During the execution of the search warrant, officers seized fentanyl packaged for sale, cocaine base, scales, beakers, and a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement analyzed the pistol and found Skeith’s DNA on the firearm.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling forfeiture of the firearm and ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former High School Teacher and Theme Park Employee Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempting to Meet A Minor for SexRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Dennis Lee Line (53, Winter Springs) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. A federal jury had found him guilty on August 11, 2022.
According to evidence admitted during trial, Line, who most recently taught at Oviedo High School for 18 years (ending in 2019), met who he believed to be a 15-year-old girl on a dating application on February 9, 2022. Later that day, the 15-year-old girl and Line began sending text messages to each other. In the text messages, Line initiated a discussion about sex and meeting later that night so that he could teach her about sex and perform oral sex on her.
Line agreed to meet the 15-year-old girl in Orange County after he left his job at a theme park. Unbeknownst to Line, the 15-year-old girl was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Line was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location.
This case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Former Home Depot Employee Pleads Guilty in Credit Card Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kimyada Latoya Knight (41, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to credit card fraud. Knight faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to Home Depot.
According to court documents, Knight worked in a specialized area of Home Depot (HD) business operations that primarily handled business and customer credit card accounts. Her area of responsibility included resolving charge disputes and requests for refunds from customers with credit card accounts and other accounts at HD. An initial review by HD, with follow up investigation by the United States Secret Service, determined that Knight had initiated a large number of fraudulent customer and business refunds between approximately January and August 2019 involving credit card accounts and other accounts at HD. After processing the fraudulent transactions, Knight then transferred the payments to accounts that she controlled and subsequently used the proceeds.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Child Sex Trafficker and Producer of Videos of Child Sex Abuse Sentenced to 55 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Mark Manuel Angeles Marino (27, Jacksonville) to 55 years in federal prison for child sex trafficking and the production, receipt, and possession of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Marino serve a life term of supervised release and pay $163,500 to victims of his offenses. Marino had been found guilty after a bench trial on November 16, 2021.
According to court documents, in March 2019, Marino began communicating with a particular email user in response to an advertisement on the dark web offering child sexual abuse material for sale. Marino responded to the ad and specifically inquired about an 11-year-old girl, requesting to see a video of the sexual assault of that child. After asking several times for depictions of specific sexual abuse of the child, the supplier requested Marino “go elsewhere.” Six months later, Marino contacted the individual again, requesting a specific video of the rape of a child wearing a diaper. The next month, Marino sent a message requesting a video of the sexual assault of a 9-year-old and requested the child’s face not be covered as he wanted to see the child’s reaction while the assault took place. On October 23, 2019, Marino sent $172.09 in bitcoin to the supplier, and the following day he received a 2-minute and 34-second video of a young child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The next day, Marino requested a 30-minute video of a child being raped by an adult and sent the supplier $909.07 in bitcoin in payment for the video. Marino continued to request the 30-minute video, but complained, in a later interview with law enforcement, that he only received a 4-minute video in exchange for the payment. Marino admitted to using bitcoin to pay for child sexual abuse material.
During the execution of a search warrant, agents seized Marino’s electronic devices and discovered thousands of files of child sexual abuse material. Further, the investigation revealed that Marino had produced child sex abuse files of a 12-year-old child known to him, using threats and coercion.
“Child predators feel they can target and victimize children and remain hidden behind the anonymity of the Dark Web,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “HSI special agents in Jacksonville, New York, and the Philippines, utilizing cutting-edge techniques, ensured that this predator was identified and held accountable for his crimes.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
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.
Band of Cybercriminals Responsible for Computer Intrusions Nationwide Indicted for RICO Conspiracy That Netted MillionsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the partial unsealing of an indictment charging Andi Jacques (41, Greenacres), Monika Shauntel Jenkins (33, Hollywood), Louis Noel Michel (28, Hollywood), Jeff Jordan Propht-Francisque (28, Pompano Beach), Dickenson Elan (39, Clearwater), Michael Jean Poix (31, West Palm Beach), Vladimyr Cherelus (33, Lauderdale Lakes), and Louisaint Jolteus (37, West Palm Beach) with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy.[1] Jacques, Poix, Jenkins, and Michel have also been charged with wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the RICO conspiracy count. Jacques, Poix, Jenkins, and Michel also face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy count and a consecutive 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count.
According to the indictment and information shared in court, from 2015 through 2019, the defendants and numerous other conspirators—including a now-deceased conspirator who is referenced in the indictment as RICH4EVER4430—banded together to engage in a sophisticated cybercrime and tax fraud scheme.
Jenkins, Michel, Propht-Francisque, Cherelus, and RICH4EVER4430 purchased on the dark web server credentials for the computer servers of Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and tax preparation firms across the country. They used those server credentials to remotely and covertly commit computer intrusions and exfiltrate the tax returns of thousands of taxpayers who were clients of those CPA and tax preparation firms. Those tax returns included the clients’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and financial information.
Jenkins, Michel, Propht-Francisque, Cherelus, RICH4EVER4430, and other conspirators then partnered with Jacques, Elan, Poix, Jolteus, and others to form an enterprise through which they filed thousands of false tax returns in the names of more than 9,000 identity theft victims.
Members of the enterprise created and operated at least six fraudulent tax preparation businesses in south Florida, and used those businesses to file many of these false tax returns. The conspirators directed the resulting tax refunds to debit cards and bank accounts that they controlled. Also, to make the businesses appear more legitimate, members of the enterprise opened bank accounts in the names of these fraudulent tax businesses to receive fake “tax preparer fees.” Members of the enterprise also registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) preparer tax identification numbers using the names and information of identity theft victims, to make it appear that those victims were the individuals who were filing false returns in bulk.
In other iterations of the charged RICO conspiracy, members of the enterprise “hijacked” the IRS-issued identification numbers of CPA and tax preparation firms and used those identification numbers to file scores of additional false tax returns. Members of the enterprise filed false self-prepared tax returns using stolen identities as well.
To obfuscate their cybercriminal conduct, the conspirators routinely used pseudonyms, opened business entities and bank accounts in the names of nominees and identity theft victims, and conducted their illicit business using dozens of different email addresses. Altogether, the enterprise claimed more than $36 million in false tax refunds over the course of approximately four years. The actual loss amount is still being calculated but is at least $4 million.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation in Orlando, with assistance from the FBI in Miami and IRS-CI in Minnesota. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
[1] A ninth conspirator was charged, and the indictment will be fully unsealed when that conspirator is arrested.
Arkansas Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Soliciting and Paying for the Production of A Video Depicting A 9-Year-Old Child Being MolestedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Cody Dillon Hogan (27, Leachville, Arkansas) to 20 years in federal prison for using the internet to solicit and pay an individual to molest a 9-year-old child and to create a video recording depicting this sexual abuse. Hogan was also ordered to serve a life term of supervised release, pay $71,000 in restitution to child victims, and register as a sex offender. Hogan was arrested on November 9, 2020 and has been detained awaiting sentencing. Hogan had pleaded guilty on June 15, 2021.
According to court documents, in December 2019, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing as a parent of a 9-year-old child, made contact with Hogan in an online social media application (app). During an online conversation, Hogan, using the user name “stonetelephone,” sent the undercover agent a photo of his genitalia and asked for “naughty” photos of the purported 9-year-old “child.” Hogan offered to pay the “parent” to create and send him a video of the “child” being sexually abused by the “parent.” Hogan gave instructions as to exactly how he wanted to see the “child” being molested in the requested video, and he sent the undercover agent a $50 gift card in prepayment for the video. For over a month, Hogan continued to solicit the undercover agent to produce and send him a video of the 9-year-old “child” being molested, and he provided instructions on alternate ways to send it to him using group sharing accounts and online cloud storage. During one online conversation, Hogan stated, “After I see this video there could be all kinds of money and requests coming your way lol.”
Later, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Hogan’s residence in Arkansas and arrested him. During an interview, Hogan admitted that he had engaged in online conversations with the parent of a 9-year-old child about producing and sending him a pornographic video of the child. He also stated that he had solicited three other children over the internet to produce and send him sexually explicit photos of themselves. Hogan stated that he has viewed pornographic images depicting infants. Forensic examination of Hogan’s iPhone and his custom-built computer revealed that these devices contained more than 1,000 videos and 5,000 images, some of which were arranged and categorized in user-created folders and all of which depicted the sexual abuse of young children, including sadistic conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville, Florida, and Jonesboro, Arkansas, together with the Jonesboro (Arkansas) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
St. Augustine Doctor Indicted for Distributing Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Scott Andrew Hollington, M.D. (57, St. Augustine) with 10 counts of distribution of controlled substances and 1 count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. If convicted, Hollington faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each distribution count and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the conspiracy count. The indictment also notifies Hollington that the United States intends to forfeit his medical license, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. Hollington was arrested on October 28, 2022. He was released on bond pending trial.
According to the indictment, Hollington knowingly distributed and dispensed Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances—that is, amphetamine, buprenorphine, benzodiazepine, and alprazolam. The indictment noted that Hollington issued prescriptions for controlled substances not for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Second St. Petersburg Child Sex Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Leslie Reio (25, St. Petersburg) to 8 years in federal prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, for engaging in the sex trafficking of minor children. Reio was also ordered to register as a sex offender and to pay restitution to the victims. Reio had pleaded guilty on November 16, 2021.
According to court documents, between March 6 and March 14, 2021, Reio and her co-defendant, Julius Arline, obtained, enticed, and housed two child victims in a St. Petersburg hotel room, forcing them to commit commercial sex acts. The child victims—14 and 15 years old—were rescued after being forced to take sexually explicit photographs of themselves that were used as online advertisements for commercial sex with strangers. The two children were kept in the hotel room where they were provided illegal drugs and forced to participate in a number of sex dates over the eight-day period. After being forced to engage in the sex acts and receiving payment, the child victims were required to give money to Arline and Reio.
Arline, the leader of the organization, was sentenced on June 8, 2022, to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
“Predators who hold children captive in hotels and force them to commit commercial sex acts are some of the most vile traffickers,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “HSI, alongside the St. Petersburg Police Department, are committed to rescuing child victims from these truly disturbed individuals. We will not rest until predators like her are put behind bars and held responsible for their heinous crimes.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, with substantial assistance from St. Petersburg Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Charged with Armed Trafficking of Fentanyl and Possession of A Machine GunRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Mario Lenard Elbert (33, Jacksonville) with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a machine gun. If convicted of the drug offense, Elbert faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of the firearms offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to life, in federal prison for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies Elbert that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms and ammunition traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on May 11, 2022, Elbert possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, during which time he had a firearm and ammunition in his possession. On September 7, 2022, Elbert was in possession of a machinegun. At the time of the incident, Elbert was a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Texas Police Officer Indicted for Attempting to Entice an 11-Year-Old to Engage in Sexual Activity in FloridaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Seth Estes Vanover (50, Diana, Texas) with attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Vanover faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, imprisonment, and a potential life term of supervised release. Vanover was arrested on October 12, 2022, at the Longview Police Department in Longview, Texas, where he was at the time employed as a Lieutenant with that department. Vanover’s arraignment in Jacksonville has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, on July 25, 2022, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville began conducting an online undercover operation designed to identify and target adults who were seeking to make contact with and engage in illegal sexual activity with minor children. The undercover agent, who was posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, posted a notice in a public chat room of an online social messaging app. That day, an individual with the user name “jattleson,” subsequently identified as Vanover, contacted the undercover agent using a private messaging feature on the app. User “jattleson” confirmed that he was “into yung” and sent the undercover agent several photos depicting child erotica and a photo of a nude adult male displaying his genitalia. User “jattleson” and the undercover agent discussed the sexual experience of the 11-year-old “child,” and user “jattleson” stated that he would “love to” meet them in Florida, would “love to be naked with” the “child,” and further used explicit language. User “jattleson” and the undercover agent engaged in more online conversations on August 8, August 10, and September 19, 2022, during which the two discussed, among other things, meeting in Florida so that user “jattleson” could engage in sexual activity with the 11-year-old “child.” User “jattleson” confirmed that the “child” was “open to have sex,” discussed details of the sexual acts that he intended to perform on the “child,” and directed the undercover agent to “[t]alk to [the “child”] about [the intended sexual activity].”
Further investigation by the FBI revealed that the user name “jattleson” had used certain internet protocol (IP) addresses on the social media app during relevant time periods that were assigned to a telephone number subscribed to by the “City of Longview,” with the physical address of the Longview Police Department and the contact name “Seth Vanover.” Other IP addresses used by user “jattleson” on the app during the relevant time period resolved to a hotel in Waco, Texas, where Vanover was a registered guest at that time, Vanover’s residence in Diana, Texas, and a telephone number listed as belonging to “Set E. Vanover” at Vanover’s residential address. This telephone number was the same number used by Vanover on a website for his fishing tour guide business.
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 in Jacksonville and Tyler, Texas, with the assistance and cooperation of the Longview (Texas) Police Department. It is being 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 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.
Spring Hill Man Found Guilty of Manufacturing and Aiding in Passing of Counterfeit Bills Throughout North FloridaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Derrick Kamran Collins (31, Spring Hill) has been found guilty of manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes (FRN), aiding and abetting the passing of counterfeit FRN, and possession of counterfeit FRN. Collins faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count and forfeiture of funds that represents the illicit proceeds from the offenses.
According to court documents, from 2017 to March 2019, Collins acted as the source of supply for counterfeit FRN for various individuals throughout the Middle District of Florida. Collins was part of a scheme to pass the counterfeit FRN in order to defraud businesses. After successfully passing counterfeit FRN at businesses, individuals would pay 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 shopping center for suspicion of passing counterfeit FRN. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered multiple counterfeit $100 FRN throughout the vehicle and in the glove box. Subsequently, law enforcement was able to determine Collins as the source of supply for the counterfeit FRN 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 Dodge Charger 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 in order to tow 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 FRN and illicit proceeds from the passing of counterfeit FRN, bundled together.
This prosecution was part of a long-term investigation into counterfeit FRN 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 FRN 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 FRN 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 FRN 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Mai Tran.
Three Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judges Thomas Barber and Virginia Covington have sentenced Marvin “MJ” Mitchell (36, St. Petersburg) to 15 years in federal prison, Christopher Hughes (44, Clearwater) to 8 years in federal prison, and Emma Leifer (26, Clearwater) to 6 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, between April and June 2019, Mitchell rented and operated several rooms at the Express Inn motel in Clearwater. Mitchell then directed his conspirators, Hughes and Leifer, to sell fentanyl, heroin, and crack cocaine out of those rooms around the clock. The sale of these narcotics led to dozens of drug overdoses at the Express Inn and the surrounding area. On June 17, 2019, law enforcement executed search warrants at the Express Inn and discovered fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, used syringes, cash, and a drug ledger.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas Park Police Department, with assistance from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Pasco and Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Three Defendants Sentenced in Multi-State Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Forced Labor of Mexican Agricultural H-2A WorkersRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Three defendants were sentenced today for their roles in a federal racketeering conspiracy that victimized over a dozen Mexican H-2A workers who had worked in the United States harvesting fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products between 2015 and 2017.
U.S. District Court Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell for the Middle District of Florida sentenced Christina Gamez, 43, to 37 months in prison; Efrain Cabrera Rodas, 32, a citizen of Mexico, to 41 months in prison; and Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza, 45, to eight months home detention and a $5,500 fine to be paid over 24 months supervised release. Judge Honeywell also ordered Cabrera to pay nearly $25,000 and Gamez to pay over $9,000 in restitution to the victims.
“These defendants exploited their victims’ vulnerabilities and immigration status, promising them access to the American dream but then turning around and confiscating their passports and threatening arrest and deportation if they did not endlessly toil away for their profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who use deception, isolation, intimidation, coercion and control to exploit their victims for compelled labor, and to ensuring that they are stripped of any profits so that the victims can rightfully use restitution proceeds to rebuild their lives.”
“Using coercive, deceptive, and fraudulent practices to exploit individuals’ immigration status to engage in a pattern of forced labor for financial gain is appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the diligent work by our human trafficking task force partners, this criminal enterprise was stopped in its tracks.”
“For their own personal enrichment, Christina Gamez and her co-defendants illegally conspired to victimize Mexican H-2A workers who came to the United States to participate in the harvest of fruits and vegetables,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Their actions are unconscionable. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those in the agricultural industry who exploit vulnerable workers.”
According to court documents, the defendants each conspired to operate and manage Los Villatoros Harvesting LLC (LVH) – a farm labor contracting company that brought large numbers of temporary, seasonal Mexican workers into the United States on H-2A agricultural visas – as a criminal enterprise engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity. The enterprise’s racketeering activity included subjecting LVH’s H-2A workers to forced labor, harboring many of LVH’s H-2A workers for financial gain, committing fraud in foreign labor contracting and submitting fraudulent visa related documents to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor.
Cabrera worked as a recruiter, manager and part-time supervisor for LVH. Cabrera successfully recruited approximately 40 workers to work for the criminal enterprise. He charged them fees of between $1,000 to $2,000 prior to coming to the United States to work for LVH, lied to them by telling them that LVH would reimburse them after their arrival in the United States, and misrepresented how much money LVH would pay them for their harvesting work. Cabrera understood that the workers had gone into heavy debt to pay the fees he had charged them, and that he and his coconspirators could use those debts to coerce the workers into continuing to work for LVH. Cabrera also understood that coconspirators in the enterprise confiscated workers’ passports for the purpose of discouraging the workers from fleeing so that they would continue laboring for LVH. Cabrera also threatened workers with arrest and deportation if they attempted to escape from the company.
Gamez worked as a bookkeeper, manager and supervisor for LVH. Gamez committed several overt acts in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. She confiscated the workers’ passports and knowingly submitted fraudulent payroll documents to LVH’s payroll company to make it possible for LVH to pay its workers only a very small fraction of the pay they were entitled to under their contracts for the many hours of physically demanding work they had done. She threatened workers with deportation if they did not continue to labor for LVH. Later, in an effort to mislead Department of Labor employees, she falsified payroll records and participated in preparing falsified reimbursement receipts and distributing them to H-2A workers.
Mendes worked as a supervisor and manager for LVH. In order to conceal aspects of the criminal enterprise from investigators, Mendes made false statements to federal investigators.
Earlier this year, the defendants pleaded guilty for their roles in the enterprise. Gamez and Cabrera each pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and Mendes pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation.
The owner of LVH, co-defendant Bladimir Moreno, 55, also pleaded guilty last month to his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 28. Moreno faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The court will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As part of his plea agreement, Moreno has agreed to pay more than $173,000 in restitution to the victims.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
The Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. The Task Force received assistance from the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Colorado Legal Services Migrant Farm Worker Division, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Farmworker Program and Indiana Legal Services Worker Rights and Protection Project.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilyssa Spergel for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Avner Shapiro, Maryam Zhuravitsky and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Three Defendants Sentenced in Multi-State Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Forced Labor of Mexican Agricultural H-2A WorkersRead the Press Release
Three defendants were sentenced today for their roles in a federal racketeering conspiracy that victimized over a dozen Mexican H-2A workers who had worked in the United States harvesting fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products between 2015 and 2017.
U.S. District Court Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell for the Middle District of Florida sentenced Christina Gamez, 43, to 37 months in prison; Efrain Cabrera Rodas, 32, a citizen of Mexico, to 41 months in prison; and Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza, 45, to eight months of home detention and a $5,500 fine to be paid over 24 months of supervised release. Judge Honeywell also ordered Cabrera to pay nearly $25,000 and Gamez to pay over $9,000 in restitution to the victims.
“These defendants exploited their victims’ vulnerabilities and immigration status, promising them access to the American dream but then turning around and confiscating their passports and threatening arrest and deportation if they did not endlessly toil away for their profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice is committed to prosecuting those who use deception, isolation, intimidation, coercion and control to exploit their victims for compelled labor, and to ensuring that they are stripped of any profits so that the victims can rightfully use restitution proceeds to rebuild their lives.”
“Using coercive, deceptive and fraudulent practices to exploit individuals’ immigration status to engage in a pattern of forced labor for financial gain is appalling,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Thanks to the diligent work by our human trafficking task force partners, this criminal enterprise was stopped in its tracks.”
“For their own personal enrichment, Christina Gamez and her co-defendants illegally conspired to victimize Mexican H-2A workers who came to the United States to participate in the harvest of fruits and vegetables,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Their actions are unconscionable. The FBI and our partners will continue to pursue those in the agricultural industry who exploit vulnerable workers.”
According to court documents, the defendants each conspired to operate and manage Los Villatoros Harvesting LLC (LVH) – a farm labor contracting company that brought large numbers of temporary, seasonal Mexican workers into the United States on H-2A agricultural visas – as a criminal enterprise engaged in a pattern of racketeering activity. The enterprise’s racketeering activity included subjecting LVH’s H-2A workers to forced labor, harboring many of LVH’s H-2A workers for financial gain, committing fraud in foreign labor contracting and submitting fraudulent visa related documents to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor.
Cabrera worked as a recruiter, manager and part-time supervisor for LVH. Cabrera successfully recruited approximately 40 workers to work for the criminal enterprise. He charged them fees of between $1,000 to $2,000 prior to coming to the United States to work for LVH, lied to them by telling them that LVH would reimburse them after their arrival in the United States, and misrepresented how much money LVH would pay them for their harvesting work. Cabrera understood that the workers had gone into heavy debt to pay the fees he had charged them, and that he and his co-conspirators could use those debts to coerce the workers into continuing to work for LVH. Cabrera also understood that co-conspirators in the enterprise confiscated workers’ passports for the purpose of discouraging the workers from fleeing so that they would continue laboring for LVH. Cabrera also threatened workers with arrest and deportation if they attempted to escape from the company.
Gamez worked as a bookkeeper, manager and supervisor for LVH. Gamez committed several overt acts in furtherance of the criminal enterprise. She confiscated the workers’ passports and knowingly submitted fraudulent payroll documents to LVH’s payroll company to make it possible for LVH to pay its workers only a very small fraction of the pay they were entitled to under their contracts for the many hours of physically demanding work they had done. She threatened workers with deportation if they did not continue to labor for LVH. Later, in an effort to mislead Department of Labor employees, she falsified payroll records and participated in preparing falsified reimbursement receipts and distributing them to H-2A workers.
Mendes worked as a supervisor and manager for LVH. In order to conceal aspects of the criminal enterprise from investigators, Mendes made false statements to federal investigators.
Earlier this year, the defendants pleaded guilty for their roles in the enterprise. Gamez and Cabrera each pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, and Mendes pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation.
The owner of LVH, co-defendant Bladimir Moreno, 55, also pleaded guilty last month to his role in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 28. Moreno faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The court will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As part of his plea agreement, Moreno has agreed to pay more than $173,000 in restitution to the victims.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
The Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. The Task Force received assistance from the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, Colorado Legal Services Migrant Farm Worker Division, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Farmworker Program and Indiana Legal Services Worker Rights and Protection Project.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilyssa Spergel for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Avner Shapiro, Maryam Zhuravitsky and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Pinellas County Man Indicted for Hiring A Hitman to Kill WitnessesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Alexander Leszczynski (24, North Redington Beach) with one count of murder-for-hire and one count of obstruction of justice. If convicted, Leszczynski faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Leszczynski that the United States intends to forfeit any facilitating property or assets that are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, in approximately August and September 2022, Leszczynski, while using a facility of interstate or foreign commerce, promised to pay an individual to kill two people, identified as Victim 1 and Victim Two. The indictment also alleges that, during that same time period, Leszczynski corruptly endeavored to influence, obstruct, and impede the due administration of justice in a judicial proceeding pending before United States District Court: namely, the trial of the criminal case of United States of America v. Alexander Leszczynski, Case Number 8:22-cr-155-MSS-SPF, in the Tampa Division of the Middle District of Florida.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Thomas Zayas (46, Orlando) to 35 years in federal prison for enticing a minor child to produce sexually explicit videos and for possessing that material. Zayas was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and forfeit his smartphones. Zayas had pleaded guilty on July 26, 2022.
According to court documents and evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, in approximately July 2021, Zayas, posing as a teenage boy, used a messaging application to contact a 12-year-old child. After the child grew tired of Zayas’s romantic advances, she stopped communicating with Zayas. Zayas then contacted the child again, this time posing as the sister of the teenage boy. Zayas threatened to physically hurt the child for ending the “relationship” with the fictional brother, and as a result, the child agreed to continue a friendship with the original persona. In order to scare the child and prove that Zayas knew who the child was, where she lived, and where she went to school, Zayas sent the child a photo of the child’s apartment complex and a yearbook photo of the child from the child’s middle school. Zayas then requested several nude images and videos of the child performing sexual acts, and he instructed the child on what to do in the images and videos. Initially the child refused, afraid that Zayas would post the photos on the internet to harm the child. After promising not to use the images to harm the child, the child eventually sent Zayas sexually explicit videos and photos. The demands from Zayas continued, and when the child did not comply with Zayas’s requests, Zayas became hostile, and threatened to expose the child with the nude videos and images the child had previously sent.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) was made aware of Zayas when a school resource officer was contacted by a parent who received via text message a collage depicting sexually explicit photos of the child. OSCO investigators were able to trace the aliases to Zayas through phone records, and with the help of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, also discovered evidence of an order for flowers, which Zayas had delivered to the child’s middle school, from his work-issued laptop.
“It’s heartbreaking to learn about the repeated abuse and trauma these young victims endure at the hands of sexual predators like Mr. Zayas,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “The FBI Child Exploitation Task Forces are steadfastly committed to protecting the innocent and making sure child sexual abusers are brought to justice.”
“The sentence imposed today serves as a stark warning to all VA employees that you will be held accountable for using government resources to further crimes and that the full force of the VA OIG will be employed to bring to justice anyone who preys on children,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners with whom we will continue to work to safeguard our communities from such predators.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
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.
Three Members of Caribbean Arms Trafficking Ring Charged with Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods from the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Tevin OBrian Oliver (29, Homestead), Jameal Kaia Phillip (30, Trinidad and Tobago), and Edward Soloman King III (31, Tampa) with conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, Oliver, Phillip, and King were part of a ring that unlawfully exported firearms, firearms components (including upper/lower receivers and gun parts kits), and related items from Florida to Trinidad and Tobago between 2019 and 2022. Oliver and Phillip are both nationals of Trinidad. The firearms, which included pistols and rifles, and related equipment were concealed within boxing/fight equipment, speakers, and other household items to avoid detection by law enforcement and customs authorities. Conspirators also acquired firearms in the Tampa area from different sellers through straw purchases, falsely representing the identities of the actual purchasers and recipients of the firearms, as well as their ultimate destination.
On April 7, 2021, Oliver shipped a package concealing and containing various firearms and related equipment, including a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol, a SAR Arms SAR-9 9mm pistol, a Taurus G3 9mm pistol, and a Ruger Security-9 9mm pistol, from Miami to Trinidad and Tobago. On April 22, 2021, authorities at the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad seized those firearms and other related items that had been concealed in the shipment.
King was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Middle District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Phillip was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 25, 2022. Oliver was arrested and made his initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida on October 26, 2022.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, including HSI’s Attaché, Caribbean, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance provided by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (Transnational Organized Crime Unit and Special Investigations Unit), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and United States Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Middle District of Florida Prosecutes over 300 Defendants for Federal Firearms and Violent Crime Offenses as Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the fourth quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the last fiscal year, ending September 30, 2022, the United States Attorney’s Office has prosecuted more than 325 defendants and seized approximately 685 firearms, 9 silencers, and 1,813 autosears. During the last quarter in particular, prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have prosecuted 120 defendants for federal firearms and violent crime offenses, removing more than 192 firearms from our streets in the process. (See chart below 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 fourth quarter involved more than 800 people.
“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.
Q4 PSN case highlights:
United States v. Harris et al (Fort Myers)
Marvin Harris, Jr., and Latrel Jackson have been charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire and murder for hire as a result of murder that was committed in Fort Myers in November 2019. According to court records, Harris, Jr. was the leader of a drug trafficking organization operating in Lee County. As a result of the conspiracy between Harris, Jr., and Jackson, “K.U.” was murdered on November 2, 2019, in Fort Myers. Harris, Jr. caused Jackson to travel from Illinois to commit the murder in exchange for a promise and agreement to pay money. The trial is currently scheduled for December 2022.
United States v. Christopher Dozier (Jacksonville)
In September 2022, Christopher Dozier was sentenced to 18 years and 8 months in federal prison for two violent armed robberies of Jacksonville businesses. In the first robbery, Dozier physically struck an employee before binding the employee’s hands with wire. During the second robbery, Dozier disarmed a security guard, stealing his firearm and almost $2,000 from the business. Dozer fled to Massachusetts where he was arrested and eventually returned to Jacksonville. Dozier’s girlfriend acted as his driver in both robberies. She was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for her role in the robberies.
United States v. Tyree Townsel (Ocala)
On August 29, 2022, Benjamin Tyree Townsel (22, Ocala) was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possessing of firearms as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. According to court records, between August 2020 and February 2021, officers from the Ocala Police Department discovered Townsel near firearms during three separate traffic stops. In each instance, Townsel had been linked to other criminal activity, including a shooting and a high-speed chase with law enforcement. An FBI DNA comparison conclusively showed Townsel’s DNA on all the recovered firearms, one of which also had an obliterated serial number. Townsel, a member of the “Bloods” street gang, had four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
United States v. Raul Reyes Vazquez (Orlando)
In July 2022, Raul Reyes Vazquez was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release related to a bank robbery he had committed in New York in 2008. According to court documents, in July 2008, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Chase Bank in Manhattan and was later convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019. On February 16, 2022, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando. Six days later, Reyes Vazquez robbed a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
United States vs. Ma’at Malik Darius Lee (Tampa)
In August 2022, a federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment charging Ma’at Lee with carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of attempted wire fraud, and possessing a stolen firearm. The indictment alleges that from July 9 to October 27, 2021, Lee robbed three individuals at gunpoint and carjacked a fourth. When a deputy from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located Lee in the stolen vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, Lee responded by firing at least eight rounds and fleeing the scene. If convicted, Lee faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The trial is scheduled for January 2023.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Project Safe Neighborhoods Update
(July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022)
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Marvin Harris, Jr. (24)
Latrel Jackson (25)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
James Blanks (26)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jontavious Griffin (33)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Doumy Joseph (26)
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
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
2
Giovanni Francois (23)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
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
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Mike Leeman, Trent Reichling, and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (45)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Paul Bryan McCorkle (54)
Felon in possession of an explosive
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Cory Lee Kelly (34)
Possession of a machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of a firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Derrick Irving Gordon (47)
Material false statements related to purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Sule Pedro (46)
Distribution of methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, Michael Coolican, Tysen Duva, and David Mesrobian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Michael Latrelle Simpson (21)
Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ralph Fontil, Jr. (24)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal firearms licensee to maintain false information
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Alexander Timothy Rosa (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Justin Heath Griffin (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Timothy James Roberts (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
1
Lewis Tinson, Jr. (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Brandon Jamal Alex Grant (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
2
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs William Hamilton, Sarah Swartzberg, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Daniel Steven King (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
Ramondo Zavious Williams (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Anthony Quantarius Brooks (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Bobby H. Bridges (48)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan J. Pilgrim (28)
Possession with intent to distribute control substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession of firearm by previously convicted Felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of Machine gun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use or Carry firearm during drug trafficking offense
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Betty Gonzalez, John M. Gardella, Shannon R. Laurie, Courtney D. Richardson-Jones, and Terry B. Livanos
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Marques Howard (31)
Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Hobbs Act Robbery
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
Discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
1
Robert Frascella (55)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Ma’at Darius Lee (21)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 15 years
Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Attempted wire fraud
Maximum Prison term: 20 years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison term: 2 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison term: 10 years
1
Johnny Flores (44)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Donald Robert Smith (27)
Interference with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Discharging of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in Possession of a Firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dempsey Gilmore (31)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
Dyonnie Alvarez (24)
Christopher Alvarez (18)
Enrique Marquez (26)
Conspiracy to Interfere with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Interference with Commerce by Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term:10 years
0
James Junior Williams (44)
Bank Robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thaddeus Howard (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Reggie Harris, Jr. (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cedrick Durham (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Adam Saed (31)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Patraic Setzer (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephen Sherlock (58)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Isaac Bautista Gonzalez (20)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Eddie Winman Thomas, III (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jonathan Anton Williams (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute
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
1
Kenneth Lorenzo Jackson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
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
1
Meccos Donta Allen (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 15 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Samantha Beckman, Maria Guzman, Diego Novaes, David P. Sullivan, David Chee, and Michael Kenneth
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Otis Marchman IV (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brown Dimas III (27)
Making a false statement in records required to be kept by a firearms dealer
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
4
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Simon Eth and Mark Morgan
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Raymond Samuel Reeves (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Stephan Leon Marshall (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Bayne (25)
Conspiracy to commit robbery affecting interstate commerce
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Michael Lajaune Smith (44)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Robert Lewis (54)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Darnell Rice, Jr. (28)
Possession and transfer of a combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a weapon into a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Making a materially false statement related to the purchase of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, John Cannizzaro, Laura Taylor, Julie Hackenberry, Chip Corsmeier, and Michael Coolican
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
Aaron Haa (42)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
Demuntray Cox (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Rey Daniel Facio-Garcia (29)
Illegal alien in possession of a firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Keo Ibua Mike (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Tyrone Young (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, and Will S. Hamilton
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Mandel Lamont Stewart (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Rossonno Borders, Jr. (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Isaac Millan Sepulveda (21)
Conspiracy to distribute Fentanyl
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
7
Charles Palmatier (74)
Unlawful distribution and dealing of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
18
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry B. Livanos, and Betty Gonzalez
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Deoin Rashaud Brown (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Uriah Waggerby (24)
Sylvanis Brice (30)
Johan Holder (25)
Conspiracy to interfere with Commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Raequan Nelson (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
William Shumaker (38)
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Troy Dollman (45)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Delon Adams (50)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Mailing a threatening communication
Maximum Prison Term: 2 years
0
Antwan Brown (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Damien Boatwright (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Risha Asokan, Mike Sinacore, Michael Kenneth, David Chee, Samantha Beckman, Diego Novaes, and Chris Murray
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
4th Quarter
Romeo Lenell Battle (25)
Felon in possession of firearm
Sentence imposed: 57 months
1
Eric Maurice Brown (32)
Possession with intent to distribute 40 or more Grams of Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Cocaine Base
Sentence imposed: 164 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 120 months
2
Serdarryel Dave English, Jr. (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 72 months
1
Robert Reese Lyons (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 46 months
1
Herman Fleming (29)
Felon in possession of firearm
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
Sentence imposed: 120 months
1
Nickolas Rock (56)
Possession of an unregistered destructive device
Sentence imposed: 6 months
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Simon Eth, Michael Leeman, and Trent Reichling
Jacksonville Division
4th Quarter
Vershaun Lamar Puzie (34)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 10 years
2
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 70 months
1
Edrick Jackson (28)
Distribution of a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence imposed: 5 years
2
Brett Amante (39)
Bank Robbery
Sentence imposed: 30 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
3
Christopher Dozier (41)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 140 months
Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
2
Johnny Davis (46)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Sentence imposed: 3 months
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Laura Taylor, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, and Cyrus Zomorodian
Ocala Division
4th Quarter
D’Andra Miller (21)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Sentence imposed: 32 months
1
Benjamin Townsel(22)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number
Sentence imposed: 144 months
3
Jonathan Jermaine Thomas (33)
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 84
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Sentenced imposed: 180 months
1
Roddrick Anthony (33)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 460 months
1
Timothy Ivory (44)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 90 months
2
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Forcibly assaulting a federal officer with injury
Sentence imposed: 100 months
1
Samuel Alexander Glover (30)
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 420 months
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentenced imposed: 24 months
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 64 months
1
Marty Eugene Days (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 27 months
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., William S. Hamilton, Hannah Nowalk and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
4th Quarter
Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50)
Bank Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 240 months
Bank Robbery with forced accompaniment
Sentence Imposed: 300 months
0
Yunis Isaac Mejia (28)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed: 21 months
1
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Hobbs Act Robbery
Sentence Imposed: 6 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence Sentence Imposed: 60 months
Aggravated identity theft
Sentence Imposed: 24 months
1
Zachary Nichols (28)
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence Imposed: 60 months
2
Christopher DaSilva (25)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition by a convicted felon
Sentenced imposed: 57 months
1
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by Dana Hill, Shawn Napier, Chauncey Bratt, Jennifer M. Harrington, and Ranganath Manthripragada.
Tampa Division
4th Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 46 months
1
Malachi Deloch (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentenced imposed: 4 years 7 months
4
Elijah Howard (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 96 months
1
Wilbur B. Simpson IV (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: Time served
15
Hector Kirkland (40)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence imposed: 57 months
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence imposed: 84 months
0
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 57 months
1
Xavier Jones (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
1
Chris Boone (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
3
Derek Owens (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 51 months
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Sentence imposed: 60 months
2
Timothy Mills II (38)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence imposed: 151 months
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Cecil Hickox (46)
Conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 120 months
0
Javeon Jacobs (22)
Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 21 years
1
Reginald Wester, Jr. (23)
Felon in possession of ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 15 months
1
Ryland Hicks (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 84 months
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Daniel Marcet, Samantha Beckman, Jim Preston, David Chee, Craig Gestring, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
4th Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School
84
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at
Shields Middle School
66
Tampa
July 7, 2022
Association of Florida Colleges’ Campus Safety Symposium
10
Orlando
July 16, 2022
Orange Sheriff’s Office Back-to-School Resource Fair
600
Orlando
August 2, 2022
Fort Myers Success Academy
31
Fort Myers
September 26, 2022
Westbrooke Elementary Rising Stars Mentoring Group
27
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 4th Quarter: 6
Total Number of Attendees for 4th Quarter: 818
Melbourne Gun Enthusiast Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Child Sexual Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to a two-count Information. Count One charged Arledge with possession of two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and three unregistered silencers. Count Two charged Arledge with possession of child sexual abuse material. Arledge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the firearms offenses, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child sexual abuse material offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cypertip 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 both were illegal.
Arledge agreed to forfeit his cellphone, an AR-10 style firearm, a .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; and three firearm silencers, which were used to commit the charged offenses.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with 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 also 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.
Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Heriberto Batista Montijo (43, Lehigh Acres) to 50 years in federal prison for producing and possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also sentenced Batista Montijo to serve a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Batista Montijo had pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022.
According to court documents, Batista Montijo produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of two minors, and he possessed other videos depicting the sexual abuse of unidentified minors. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip concerning an individual who had uploaded child sexual abuse material using his social media account, and NCMEC provided the cybertip to law enforcement.
On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Batista Montijo’s residence and located the security camera from his bedroom. The following day, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Batista Montijo’s vehicle and located his cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of Batista Montijo’s cellphone and security camera revealed images and videos of Batista Montijo sexually abusing a 12-year-old child and a10-year-old child between February and March 2021. Additionally, other videos were located on his cellphone which depicted the sexual abuse of unidentified minors.
“The 50-year prison sentence handed down in this case is proof of the FBI’s vigilance and dedication to protecting children. Our Child Exploitation Task Forces work tirelessly to ensure sexual predators like Mr. Montijo, are removed from society; never to prey on the innocent again,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.
Former Putnam County Librarian Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sex Abuse ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Kurt Batucan Sheldon (31, Interlachen) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for production and distribution of child sex abuse images. Sheldon was also ordered to serve a life-term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. In addition, the court ordered $13,000 in restitution for the victims of Sheldon’s offenses. Sheldon was arrested on September 4, 2020, and ordered detained during the proceedings in the case. He had pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022.
According to court documents, this case was initiated when parents of a minor female child made a report to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office about sexually explicit messages being sent by an adult to their child on two different social media applications. The adult referred to himself as “K t,” and used the username “tacticfallout.” “K t” originally began communicating with the minor child on a social media application and represented himself as a male, between 25-29 years of age. The minor child told him that she was 15 years old. “K t” told the minor child that his name was “Kurt” and that he lived in Putnam. The child told “Kurt” she lived with her parents and was in school. Their conversation later moved to another social media platform, over which “K t” requested child sex abuse material—images and videos—from the minor child and directed the child on how to take the images and how to pose. Approximately 50 images and/or videos were sent to “K t” at his direction.
Further investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations identified Sheldon’s residence as the source of the IP address used by the account, “tacticfallout,” and for other associated accounts.
On September 4, 2020, HSI agents and deputies and detectives from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Sheldon’s residence. Sheldon admitted there would be child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices and that he was attracted to children. He also admitted to asking girls he met via online applications, who he knew to be underage, to send him nude photographs, including a 15-year-old female. Forensic examination of his devices identified more than a thousand images and several hundred videos depicting child sex abuse.
During the same investigation, HSI also learned of a 2016 St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office investigation involving Sheldon’s IP address and residential address engaging in peer-to-peer file sharing of child sex abuse materials. Law enforcement accessed and downloaded files that contained child sex abuse materials that were later connected to Sheldon. Sheldon also admitted his involvement in this conduct.
“Men who use the anonymity of the internet to prey on the vulnerability and innocence of children are a special kind of evil,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through our partnerships with the Clay County, Putnam County and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Offices, we will remain vigilant in targeting these dark web predators, bringing them to justice to face their crimes.”
This case was investigated by Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. 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.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Shauntavus Berklin (34, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon and distributing fentanyl. The court also ordered Berklin to forfeit the firearms he illegally had possessed. Berklin had pleaded guilty to the charges, which were contained in two indictments, on July 14, 2022.
According to court documents, on October 16, 2020, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a hotel in Fort Myers where a car linked to a home invasion robbery was parked. The deputies linked the car to a hotel room occupied by Berklin and another suspect in the robbery and obtained a search warrant. During a search of the room, deputies discovered two loaded firearms hidden in a mattress box spring. Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearms linked one of the firearms to Berklin, who had recently been released from a 10-year prison sentence. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Approximately three and a half months later, on January 30, 2021, detectives from the Fort Myers Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a rental vehicle they suspected was being driven by Berklin. Berklin fled from officers at a high rate of speed before crashing the vehicle in a residential neighborhood near downtown Fort Myers and escaping on foot. Inside the vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm and multiple baggies of fentanyl packaged for sale. DNA testing of the firearm later linked the firearm to Berklin, as did other personal items found in the car, including a receipt from his bail bondsman addressed to “Tweet” Berklin, his well-known nickname.
Berklin’s criminal activities continued in April 2021, during which time he twice sold fentanyl to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration for $1,800. On each occasion, Berklin met with the individual in a parking lot of a local Fort Myers businesses and provided the informant with drugs while under constant surveillance by law enforcement.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Myers Police Department. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trenton Reichling and Michael V. Leeman.
These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fentanyl Trafficker Found GuiltyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Juan Carlos Garcia (39, Apopka) guilty of conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute it. Garcia faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2023. Garcia had been indicted on February 16, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Garcia conspired with a co-defendant 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, while his co-defendant brought the drugs and set up the deal. In coordination with DEA, the Apopka Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the loaded handgun was recovered from the center console and the package of drugs was found in the backseat. Both defendants were arrested without incident. The drugs were tested by the DEA laboratory and determined to be p-Fluorofentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl and is on Schedule I of the Drug Enforcement Administrations’ schedules of controlled substances.
Garcia will also have to forfeit the handgun and ammunition which facilitated the drug trafficking offense.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Gardella and Courtney Richardson-Jones.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Illegally Trying to Buy A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Dontae Edwards (31, Jacksonville) to 18 months in federal prison for making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Edwards had pleaded guilty on July 20, 2022.
According to court documents, Edwards attempted to purchase a .40 caliber pistol from a pawn shop in the Mayport area. He completed the required paperwork and claimed that he was not a convicted felon. At the time, Edwards had five prior felony convictions, including a 2017 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The pawn shop, also a federally licensed gun dealer, performed a background check on Edwards through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the purchase was denied. All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot and was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Zomorodian.
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 Announces Results of Efforts to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved to date by the Middle District of Florida to combat human trafficking. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. During fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted 11 defendants for human trafficking offenses and has obtained $120,861.98 in restitution for survivors. The defendants include perpetrators directly involved in trafficking, to include recruiters, enforcers, facilitators, buyers/customers, advertisers, and individuals who financially benefit from the exploitation. (See chart below for criminal case details.)
“The fight against human trafficking, a crime that harms some of the most vulnerable members of our society, is one of the highest priorities of the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “We are committed to vindicating the rights of human trafficking crime victims by bringing their traffickers to justice and working to ensure that survivors have access to restitution, services, and assistance that are needed to rebuild their lives.”
Combatting human trafficking is also key priority for the Department of Justice. Earlier this year, the Attorney General released the Department of Justice’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. The Strategy lays out the Department’s multi-year plan to combat all forms of human trafficking; focusing on efforts to protect victims of trafficking, prosecute human trafficking cases, and prevent further acts of human trafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Representative cases prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida this year include:
United States v. Henry Lee White, III – Henry Lee White, III (27) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution; coercion and enticement; and being a felon in possession of ammunition. White was also ordered to pay $87,121.98 in restitution for his crimes. According to court documents, between June 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, White used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause the victim to engage in commercial sex. During that time, White trafficked the victim within the Middle District of Florida, and transported the victim from Florida to Georgia so that the victim could engage in prostitution. The victim was recovered during a Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force operation in January 2021.
United States v. Jamel Muldrew – Jamel Muldrew (33) pleaded guilty and was sentenced over 21 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor, coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, using a facility of interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, and transporting a person interstate for prostitution. Muldrew was also ordered to pay $27,740.00 in restitution for his crimes. According to court documents, an undercover officer arranged to engage in a commercial sex act with a minor victim at a local hotel. Muldrew drove the minor victim to the hotel, dropped her off, and drove to a nearby mall parking lot to wait. Law enforcement officers arrested Muldrew in the mall parking lot and searched him, recovering multiple fictious identity documents for both himself and the minor victim. Subsequent investigation revealed that, between February and April 2021, Muldrew had trafficked the minor victim across the country to engage in prostitution, including in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and ultimately Florida, where he was arrested. The minor victim was recovered during a Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force operation in April 2021.
United States v. Bladimir Moreno et al. – Bladimir Moreno (55) pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and conspiracy to commit forced labor, and he is awaiting sentencing. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Moreno has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $173,125.44 to his victims. A federal grand jury had previously returned a six-count indictment against Moreno and others for their roles in a federal racketeering conspiracy that victimized Mexican H-2A workers who harvested fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products in the United States. According to court documents, Moreno owned, operated, and managed Los Villatoros Harvesting (LVH), a farm labor contracting company, that functioned as a criminal enterprise that forced victims to work in Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia and North Carolina. After charging Mexican farm workers exorbitant sums to come into the United States on short-term H-2A agricultural visas to work for LVH, Moreno and his co-conspirators coerced over a dozen workers into providing long hours of physically demanding agricultural labor, six to seven days a week, for very little pay. Moreno and his co-conspirators used various coercive means, including imposing debts on workers; confiscating the workers’ passports; subjecting workers to crowded, unsanitary and degrading living conditions; verbally abusing and humiliating the workers; threatening workers with arrest, jail, and deportation; isolating workers by preventing them from interacting with anyone other than LVH employees; and threatening to physically harm the workers’ family members back in Mexico if the workers failed to comply with their demands. Moreno and his coconspirators also harbored H-2A workers in the United States after their visas had expired, committed visa fraud and fraud in foreign labor contracting. Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty to related offenses. Christina Gamez (43) a U.S. citizen, who worked for LVH as a bookkeeper, manager, and supervisor, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and agreed to pay $9,353.91 in restitution. Efrain Cabrera Rodas (32) a citizen of Mexico, who worked for LVH as a recruiter, manager, and supervisor, also pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and agreed to pay $24,732.20 in restitution. Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza (45) a citizen of Mexico, who worked for LVH as a manager and supervisor, pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation.
Some of the prosecutions described above were investigated by the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. Through this multi-agency partnership, members of the task force work together to identify victims, investigate and prosecute these crimes, and support survivors by directing them to victim-centered, trauma-informed services. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking.
In addition to vigorously prosecuting traffickers and customers of human trafficking, the USAO-MDFL is also committed to providing education, prevention, and technical and training assistance. Most recently, in June 2022, the USAO-MDFL led a presentation during the Circuit 5 Human Trafficking Symposium. Attendees were trained on how to identify signs of human trafficking as well as on tactics used by traffickers. Attendees included approximately 278 law-enforcement officers, prosecutors, juvenile-justice and health-care professionals, and faith-based groups, located in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties.
The cases identified in the chart below have been investigated by the following agencies: Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the Colorado Legal Services Migrant Farm Worker Division, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Farmworker Program, the Indiana Legal Services Worker Rights and Protection Project, and Selah Freedom.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
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.
Human Trafficking Prosecutions in FY 2022
Charged Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Penalties
Type of Human Trafficking
Tampa Division
Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva (22) *
Attempted Child Sex Trafficking; and
Possession of Child Pornography
Mandatory Minimum: 10 years
Maximum: Life
Child Sex Trafficking
George Thayer (51)
Child Sex Trafficking;
Production of Child Pornography; and
Possession of Child Pornography
Mandatory Minimum: 15 years
Maximum: Life
Child Sex Trafficking
These human trafficking cases in the Tampa Division are being prosecuted by AUSAs Lisa M. Thelwell and Ilyssa Spergel.
Jacksonville Division
Nicholas Christopher Carwise (31)
Attempted Child Sex Trafficking; and
Enticement of a Minor
Mandatory Minimum: 10 years
Maximum: Life
Child Sex Trafficking
This human trafficking case from the Jacksonville Division is being prosecuted by AUSA Ashley Washington.
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Penalties
Type of Human Trafficking
Tampa Division
Leslie Reio (25) *
Conspiracy to Commit Child Sex Trafficking
Mandatory Minimum: 10 years
Maximum: Life
Child Sex Trafficking
Bladimir Moreno (55)
Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor;
RICO Conspiracy
Maximum: 20 years
Labor Trafficking
Christina Gamez (43)
RICO Conspiracy
Maximum: 20 years
Labor Trafficking
Efrain Cabrerra Rodas (32)
RICO Conspiracy
Maximum: 20 years
Labor Trafficking
Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza (45)
Conspiracy to Obstruct Federal Investigation
Maximum: 20 years
Labor Trafficking
These human trafficking cases in the Tampa Division are being prosecuted by AUSAs Erin C. Favorit and Ilyssa Spergel, and Trial Attorneys Avner Shapiro, Maryam Zhuravitsky, and Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
Jacksonville Division
Mark Manuel Marino (27)
Attempted Child Sex Trafficking;
Production, Receipt, and Possession of Child Pornography
Mandatory Minimum: 15 years
Maximum: Life
Child Sex Trafficking
This human trafficking case in the Jacksonville Division is being prosecuted by AUSA Kelly S. Karase.
Sentenced Cases
Tampa Division
Defendant(s) (Age)
Charge(s)
Sentence Imposed
Type of Human Trafficking
Restitution
Henry Lee White, III (27) *
Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion;
Felon in Possession of Ammunition
24 years, 4 months in federal prison
Adult Sex Trafficking
$87,121.98
Julius Arline (31) *
Child Sex Trafficking
40 years in federal prison
Child Sex Trafficking
$6,000.00
Jamel Muldrew (33) *
Child Sex Trafficking
21 years, 10 months in federal prison
Child Sex Trafficking
$27,740.00
These human trafficking cases from the Tampa Division were prosecuted by AUSAs Lisa M. Thelwell, Erin C. Favorit, Ilyssa Spergel, and Carlton C. Gammons.
* This case was investigated and prosecuted in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with public and private organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Two Orlando Women Convicted of Preparing Fraudulent Tax Returns for Three YearsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Erotida Natasha Harden Ortiz guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and six counts of aiding in fraudulent and false statements related to IRS returns. The jury also found Aida Cortes guilty of one count conspiracy to defraud the United States. Ortiz and Cortes were originally indicted on April 13, 2022. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for January 2023.
According to evidence admitted during trial, Ortiz owned Certified Taxes, LLC, and Cortes was her office manager. From 2016 through 2018, Ortiz and Cortes orchestrated a scheme to file taxes for unsuspecting taxpayers by filling out fraudulent Schedule C forms, which showed a business loss and enabled the taxpayers to obtain the Earned Income Tax credit. By obtaining the Earned Income Tax credit the taxpayers were able to receive refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled. As a result, the taxpayers continued to come back to Certified Taxes every year. The evidence revealed that Certified Taxes did not provide the tax returns to the taxpayers to review or go over the tax return with the taxpayers prior to filing them with the IRS.
During the conspiracy, Certified Taxes filed more than 3,600 tax returns with the IRS, with only 1 tax return resulting in a taxpayer owing money to the IRS. For each tax return Certified Taxes charged the taxpayer approximately $400, which resulted in Certified Taxes receiving more than $1 million in tax preparation fees.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
Tampa Couple Sentenced in Multimillion Dollar Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Virginia Garcia Moreta (35, Tampa) and Hector Rodriguez Mendez (47, Tampa) to 70 and 63 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiring to commit money laundering. As part of their sentences, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $21,567,939, which represented the proceeds of the conspiracy. The couple had pleaded guilty on June 10, 2022.
According to court documents, Garcia Moreta and Rodriguez Mendez led a Tampa-based money laundering organization responsible for laundering more than $20 million in drug proceeds in over 400 transactions. During the conspiracy, the couple received substantial amounts of drug proceeds, then gave bundles of cash with purchase instructions to people whom Rodriguez Mendez had recruited in order to purchase cashier’s checks. These checks often listed as the remitter either a co-conspirator or a business registered in the co-conspirator’s name. The co-conspirators then often traveled to several banks in the same day in order to avoid suspicion. These cashier’s checks were then given to other businesses and individuals involved in the conspiracy.
On June 18, 2019, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Garcia Moreta while she was in possession of a bag containing cashier’s checks and receipts for cashier’s checks totaling more than $1 million.
In total, investigators identified $21,567,939 that was laundered in furtherance of the conspiracy. The defendants’ share of the proceeds for their role in the scheme was approximately three percent.
“The main motivation of these drug trafficking organizations is profit at the expense of the safety and health of our citizens. The actions of these individuals assisted the drug traffickers bringing this poison into our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This successful collaboration between the DEA Miami Field Division and our federal partners highlights the importance of financial investigations in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Florida.”
“The dirty cash from drug trafficking cannot legally be introduced into the commerce stream, so traffickers rely on money launderers to “clean it”,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Those who launder drug proceeds are just as vile and culpable as the traffickers themselves, which is why today’s sentences properly hold the defendants responsible for their actions.”
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Baez. The forfeiture was handled by U.S. Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.
Tampa Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raequan M. Nelson (23, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nelson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2022. Nelson had been indicted on May 25, 2022.
According to court documents, on February 13, 2022, Nelson was arrested on two active Hillsborough County warrants. At the time of the arrest, Nelson had previous felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. During the arrest, officers recovered a Glock 9mm pistol and various ammunition from Nelson. As a previously convicted felon, Nelson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. 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 out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Miami-Area Man Pleads Guilty to Multi-District Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hector Enrique Veliz Villeda (30, Hialeah) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Veliz Villeda faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in June and July 2022, Veliz Villeda and unknown co-conspirators were part of a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that were moving kilogram quantities of the drug between several major cities located in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and the Northern District of Alabama. Veliz Villeda received shipments of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in Birmingham, Alabama and subsequently transported the methamphetamine into the Miami and Tampa metropolitan areas for resale.
On June 14, 2022, Veliz Villeda obtained crystal methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in Alabama at his residence in Hialeah, and later sold it to a confidential source in Bradenton. The following month, Veliz Villeda again travelled from Hialeah to Bradenton and sold more crystal methamphetamine which he had received from co-conspirators.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bradenton Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Lakeland Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Eddie Winman Thomas (32, Lakeland) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Thomas that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on April 28, 2022, Thomas was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the incident, Thomas had previous felony convictions for Hobbs Act Robbery and conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery. As a previously convicted felon, Thomas is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. 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 out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Tampa Postal Employee Sentenced to over Four Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Nearly $400,000 in Federal Tax Refund Checks from the MailRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Kevin Mark Streeter, Jr. (38, Tampa) to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy, receipt of stolen government property, and aggravated identity theft. Streeter had pleaded guilty on June 14, 2022.
According to court documents, Streeter was employed by the U.S. Postal Service at a mail processing center in Sarasota. He exploited his position by stealing approximately 40 federal tax refund checks from the U.S. mail that were enroute to the intended taxpayers living in the Middle District of Florida. Streeter and others then sold or attempted to sell the checks to third parties. The tax refund checks, issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, ranged in amounts from $4,000 to over $100,000, with an aggregate value of over $398,000.
“As a postal employee, Mr. Streeter should have been delivering the mail, not stealing it,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the consequences for individuals, especially those in a position of trust, who steal government funds and commit identity theft.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Johnathan Anton Williams (38, Ruskin) with distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the drug offense, Williams faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of the firearms offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison for carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies Williams that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.
According to the indictment, on May 4, 2022, Williams was selling methamphetamine, during which time he had a firearm and ammunition in his possession. At the time of the incident, Williams had previous felony convictions for robbery and possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg Appoints Election Officer for the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Roger B. Handberg announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Frank Talbot will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Talbot has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Florida, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
U.S. Attorney Handberg said, “Every citizen should be free to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote counted in a fair and free democratic process. Similarly, those officials and staff charged with the responsibility of facilitating that process should be free to exercise their duties without fear of intimidation, threats, or violence. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the electoral process. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Frank Talbot will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (904) 301- 6284.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. Local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (813) 253-1000 (Tampa/Orlando Division) or (904) 248-7000 (Jacksonville Division).
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Tampa Man Sentenced for Firearms Charges After Brandishing Gun at DriverRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Karey Tyrone Taylor II (42, Tampa) to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Taylor to forfeit a firearm and magazine that were used in the offense. Taylor had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.
According to court documents, on January 2, 2021, Taylor brandished a firearm at a victim while she was driving on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa. The victim pulled into a nearby carwash, and Taylor confronted her. Standing face-to-face, Taylor told the victim that if he had known or seen that she was “all that,” then he would not have pulled a gun on her. The victim then told employees at the car wash what had happened, and an employee called the police.
Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded and interviewed the victim. The officers also located an SUV matching the description of Taylor’s vehicle. They found Taylor in the driver’s seat and detained him. While searching the vehicle, the officers found a black Taurus .45 caliber handgun with one round of ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. A DNA sample later obtained from Taylor for comparison indicated that Taylor’s DNA matched DNA found on the handgun.
Taylor had previously been convicted of a felony offense, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and distribution of controlled substances in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Tampa Police Department. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement assisted with the DNA analyses. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan and Patrick Scruggs.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Aiding in Filing of False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the filing of false tax returns. Johnson faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 Johnson worked as a tax preparer for a tax preparation business at its office location in Seffner. In order to maximize the refunds that the IRS would have to pay his clients, Johnson prepared fraudulent Forms 1040 which falsely reported fictitious amounts for educational expenses on behalf of his clients. Many other tax returns that he prepared for clients contained fictitious information as to the Schedule C portion of the returns reflecting profit/loss from the operation of businesses. The inclusion of those types of false items helped to fraudulently inflate the refunds that the taxpayers would receive.
The indictment charged Johnson with aiding in the filing of numerous such false tax returns. The tax loss attributable to the single false tax return to which he pleaded guilty is nearly $14,000. The tax loss for other tax returns that Johnson had a role in preparing, and which contained similar false statements, is approximately $188,940. Johnson also caused large tax losses from many other tax returns which contained false education credit entries.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Tampa Man Indicted for Illegally Possessing A Firearm While Confronting Citizens on Downtown RiverwalkRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Meccos Donta Allen (38, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
Prosecutors alleged in open court that on July 29, 2022, Allen confronted multiple citizens along Tampa’s Riverwalk. In one instance, Allen approached a couple sitting on a swing. The couple departed, returning to their nearby residence, and Allen followed them and pointed a gun at them as they entered their complex. In a second incident, Allen confronted another couple that were sitting on a bench on the south end of Tampa’s Riverwalk. During this confrontation, Allen allegedly pointed his gun at one victim and groped another. Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to the area and made contact with Allen, who fled on foot as the officers approached. While fleeing, Allen dropped a Glock pistol.
The indictment alleges that at the time of the incident, Allen had prior felony convictions for battery, delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and delivery of cocaine. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. 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.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison for Running $80 Million “Oasis” FOREX Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Michael J. DaCorta (57, Sarasota) to 23 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $2,817,876.16, a portion of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury had found DaCorta guilty on May 4, 2020.
According to testimony and evidence presented during the 13-day trial, from November 2011 through April 18, 2019, DaCorta ran an investment company named Oasis International Group, Ltd. (“OIG”). DaCorta and his co-conspirators persuaded at least 700 victims to invest in OIG through promissory notes and other means, causing victims’ losses exceeding $80 million. DaCorta, who had effectively been banned from conducting foreign exchange trading (“FOREX”) by agreement with the National Futures Association, induced victims to invest in OASIS by falsely representing to victim-investors that OASIS was reaping enormous profits by being a “market maker” and collecting “spread” on voluminous FOREX trades. DaCorta also pitched the opportunity as essentially risk free and OASIS as well-collateralized. In reality, OASIS was not making markets and had no true revenue. The “spread” earnings were being paid on each trade by OASIS back to OASIS in order to create the illusion of revenue, which was published to investors on fictious account statements and an online portal. The OIG investor portal showed the “spread” credits but concealed catastrophic underlying trading losses.
DaCorta and his conspirators used the balance of the victim-investors’ funds to make Ponzi-style payments to perpetuate the scheme and to fund lavish lifestyles. For example, the evidence showed that DaCorta used victim-investors’ funds to purchase a Maserati and Range Rovers for his family members, a country club membership, multiple million-dollar homes in Florida, college tuition for family members, flights on private jets, and lavish trips to Europe and the Cayman Islands. DaCorta also under-reported his income on his 2017 federal income tax return, claiming a negative income and receiving a tax refund.
“Mr. DaCorta guaranteed his more than 700 clients an “oasis” of an investment, when in reality all they got was a dust bowl of empty promises,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s significant prison sentence ordered by the court should offer some measure of justice to all of those impacted by the destructive wake of Mr. DaCorta’s greed and indifference.”
“Mr. DaCorta surrendered to greed and swindled millions of dollars from honest, hard-working Americans,” said FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “Today’s sentencing confirms the FBI’s commitment to hold heartless fraudsters accountable for their actions and ensure justice is served.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and David W.A. Chee, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Murray.
Orlando Man Sentenced to over Six Years in Federal Prison for Money Laundering Conspiracy After Being Stopped While Transporting over $1 Million in CashRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Jason Pagan-Reyes (40, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Pagan-Reyes had pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022, and is currently serving a drug-related state prison sentence.
According to court documents, Pagan-Reyes was part of a conspiracy to deliver $1 million in drug proceeds to a money laundering organization that would launder the money back to the Dominican Republic. Pagan-Reyes was in contact with a courier for that organization who was, in reality, an undercover officer. On July 11, 2020, while driving to meet with the undercover officer, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Pagan-Reyes’s minivan in Polk County for a variety of traffic offenses. After a police dog alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle, law enforcement recovered $1,000,495 in two large bags. A search of Pagan-Reyes’s cellphone revealed communications consistent with both drug trafficking and money laundering.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Lecanto Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Jason Ronald Santore (26, Lecanto) to 16 years and 8 months years in federal prison for possession and distribution of child sex abuse material. Santore had pleaded guilty on June 3, 2022.
According to testimony and court documents, Santore used the internet to transmit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children to a cooperating defendant. Based on these transmission, federal agents obtained search warrants for Santore’s residence, electronic devices, and online storage accounts. Agents located thousands of images and videos of child sex abuse material on Santore’s online accounts, many of which depicted the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.
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.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Re’Shod Peter Jontavious Larry (28, Fort Myers) to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Larry to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Larry had pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022.
According to court records, on November 16, 2021, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic infraction. Larry was the front-seat passenger in the vehicle. After a certified police narcotics-detection dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the vehicle, officers searched the vehicle and found a small baggie containing cocaine residue on the seat where Larry had been sitting. They also recovered a Smith and Wesson handgun from under the front-passenger seat, and a loaded high-capacity magazine from the glovebox directly in front of the front-passenger seat. FMPD personnel were later able to positively identify a latent palmprint lifted from the loaded magazine as belonging to Larry. At the time, Larry was a convicted felon who had only recently been released from prison for selling fentanyl. As a convicted felon, Larry is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fentanyl Dealer Receives Enhanced Prison Sentence for Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Anne Conway has sentenced Deonte Lee Barber (40, Rockledge) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Barber had pleaded guilty on February 3, 2022.
According to court documents and evidence produced at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) utilized a confidential source to make controlled purchases of fentanyl from Barber. In total, Barber distributed 167 grams of fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, agents discovered that Barber had supplied C.M. with fentanyl on November 4, 2021, which resulted in C.M.’s death. Police were summoned to C.M.’s home in Rockledge after his mother called 911 crying that she had found her son deceased. Located in close proximity to C.M.’s body were a plastic pen with burnt residue on it and a pink plastic baggie with a brown powdery substance, later determined to be fentanyl. At the sentencing hearing, the Brevard County Associate Medical Examiner testified that C.M. died of an overdose in connection with his ingestion of fentanyl. C.M.’s blood analysis revealed that he had more than double the lethal amount in his system necessary to cause death.
Law enforcement established that Barber was the person who had sold the fentanyl to C.M. Testimony and exhibits showed that Barber communicated with C.M. by text message just prior to his death to arrange the fentanyl sale. Agents also uncovered additional evidence to corroborate that Barber had delivered the fentanyl to C.M. at his home just a few hours before C.M. was found dead. After C.M.’s death became known, Barber notified and warned other customers of the drug’s potency.
On December 2, 2021, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Barber’s storage unit, where he stored his drugs. Agents located drugs, scales, and a large number of pink baggies, identical to the one found next to C.M.’s body.
At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, the judge agreed with the government that Barber’s distribution of fentanyl had caused C.M.’s death and granted the United States’ motion for an enhanced sentence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockledge Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Cocoa Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Beatriz Gonzalez and Michael P. Felicetta.
Hamilton County Man Indicted for COVID Relief Fraud Involving Fraudulently Obtained Paycheck Protection Program LoansRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Desmond Dondre Williams (34, Jasper) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count and payment of restitution to the United States government.
According to the indictment, Williams submitted two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Both PPP loan applications falsely claimed that Williams operated as the “Personal Chef” for his business, “Tastebudz.” Throughout the loan applications, Williams made multiple false statements regarding his purported gross income and expenses associated with operating Tastebudz. In support of his two PPP loan applications, Williams submitted a false IRS Form 1040 “Profit or Loss From Business” for Tastebudz. It contained false statements about operating expenses for his purported business. In truth, Tastebudz did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in his two PPP loan applications, the Small Business Administration funded two PPP loans for Tastebudz, totaling $39,327.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
U.S. Attorney Announces Results of Multi-Faceted Strategy to Combat Fraud Related to COVID-19Read 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 during fiscal year 2022, ending September 30, 2022. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “Those who seek to exploit these programs and further harm victims should beware. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
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 more than 40 defendants 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 cases and matters involve diverse schemes, from traditional healthcare fraud involving COVID-19 programs, to violent gangs using unemployment insurance fraud proceeds to operate their narcotics businesses. These defendants collectively sought to defraud the United States of over $43 million. Over thirty of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against nine defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.)
For example, on September 15, 2022, Marqus Johnson (40, Tampa) pleaded guilty to a 9-count Information charging him with bank fraud and illegal monetary transactions. Johnson formed and operated two corporate entities—All American Health, LLC and Next Level Health & Transportation, LLC—that purportedly were engaged in health care-related transportation services. In April and June 2020 and January 2021, Johnson use false and fraudulent representations to apply for a total of seven SBA-backed loans (one PPP loan and six EIDL) and received loan funding in connection with three of the loan applications. Based on his false representations, Johnson fraudulently obtained $544,900, including a $375,000 PPP loan.
In another matter, Julio Lugo (45, Davenport), a convicted felon on federal supervised release, conspired with others to steal nearly $6 million from the SBA’s PPP and EIDL programs and launder the proceeds of those stolen funds. Lugo pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison on July 28, 2022. The court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $4.4 million and entered an order of restitution in the amount of $4.8 million.
The Middle District of Florida has been at the forefront of addressing the complex issues that arise out of investigating and charging frauds relating to new government programs. The Fort Myers Division, for example, was the first office in the country to take a COVID-19 fraud case to trial in United States v. Casey Crowther. Crowther was found guilty and sentenced to more than three years in federal prison. The Orlando Division meanwhile handled the country’s first COVID-19 fraud-related extradition in United States v. Don V. Cisternino. Cisternino recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transactions related to his scheme to secure more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a PPP loan.
Further, the Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $14.3 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 $8.5 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, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Small Business Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, 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.
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
Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria (33)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL
$150k
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Diego Novaes, and Jennifer Peresie
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
Emmet Bowens (53)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal monetary transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
PPP
$740k
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Amanda Daniels
Jacksonville Division
Jacob Byrd
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$20K
This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is 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 (14 counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years per count
PPP
$1.2M
This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk
Adjudicated Cases
Tampa Division
Keith Nicoletta (49)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
PPP
$1.9M
Rosenide Venant (37)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
EIDL/PPP
$413k
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
Melinda Hernandez (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
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, John Michelich, and Greg Pizzo
Orlando Division
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
Joel Greenberg (37)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release
Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years
EIDL
$430k
Teresa McIntyre (55)
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
EIDL
$730k
Don Cisternino (46)
Wire fraud
Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years
Illegal Monetary Transactions
Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years
Aggravated Identity Theft
Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive
PPP
$7.2M
This COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg and AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, and Dana Hill
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
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
These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington
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)
Pasco Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Possessing Five Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking; Agrees to Forfeit House and over $400,000Read the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edwin Hill (51, Holiday), a/k/a “Z,” has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with 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. Hill faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and is subject to enhanced minimum penalties due to a prior conviction for attempted first-degree murder. He has agreed to forfeit his interest in a house in Pasco County that was used in the offense, approximately $400,536 in drug proceeds, three handguns, and assorted ammunition. Hill was arrested on September 27, 2018, where he has remained in custody. The charges and penalties for each offense are as follows:
Count
Offense
Penalty
One
Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or More of Heroin and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment
Two
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Three
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Four
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Five
Distribution of Fentanyl
Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment
Seven
Possession of 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute
Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment
Eight
Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking
Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment to be served consecutively to the drug counts
According to court documents, Hill trafficked fentanyl in 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, federal authorities obtained search warrants for both residences and executed them on September 27, 2018. During the execution of the search warrants of the two houses, agents recovered more than a half-kilogram of fentanyl, almost a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms – including two that had been reported stolen – and more than $370,000 in cash. During an interview with law enforcement, Hill admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking, ownership of the seized guns, and that the money was the result of drug proceeds.
After agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement, Hill secretly, and without informing law enforcement, sent three text messages to coconspirator Nelson White letting him know that Hill had been arrested:
Text 1: D e a
Text 2: Dont come
Text 3: Stop answering the feds got me
Law enforcement officers 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 over 21 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.
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.
Former New York Mob Hitman Sentenced to 3 Years’ Imprisonment for Escape from Orlando Half-Way HouseRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Dominic Taddeo, Jr. (65) to 3 years in federal prison for his escape from an Orlando half-way house, to be served consecutively to his remaining term of imprisonment on other federal convictions. Taddeo had pleaded guilty to the escape on May 17, 2022.
According to court documents, on February 15, 2022, Taddeo was transferred from the Coleman Correctional Institution to a half-way house in Orlando to complete his term of incarceration for federal convictions out of the Western District of New York. Taddeo’s projected release date from the half-way house was February 2023. On March 28, 2022, Taddeo was granted a community pass to leave the half-way house for a medical appointment, but he failed to return to the half-way house as required. At the time of his arrest on April 4, 2022, Taddeo was in possession of over $5,000 cash and a driver license of a deceased individual.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Regional Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.
Former 3rd Circuit State Attorney and Former Dixie County Attorney Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Extortion and Other CrimesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister (54, Live Oak) to 40 months in federal prison for conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, wire fraud, and tax fraud. His co-defendant and former Dixie County Attorney Marion Michael O’Steen (43, Old Town) has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for extorting a client and for failing to file a form with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. As part of Siegmeister’s sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $518,803.30, which are proceeds of the wire fraud offense. As part of O’Steen’s sentence, the court entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $60,000, which are proceeds of the extortion offense, and ordered O’Steen to pay a $45,000 fine.
A federal jury had found O’Steen guilty on June 15, 2022. Siegmeister had pleaded guilty on February 22, 2022.
According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, O’Steen was a criminal defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister’s office in the Third Judicial Circuit. O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his client, and the delay of official actions–in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen extorted one of his clients, telling him that if the client paid him an additional $60,000, O’Steen would use up a “favor” with the state attorney to make “everything go away,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him. O’Steen told his client he could “go to trial and fight em’ out, which I don’t think you can win.” O’Steen further advised his client that he would not get the same results from another attorney.
O’Steen received two payments of $30,000 each from his client. Evidence at trial established that O’Steen knew the reporting requirements but failed to timely file a Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
Siegmeister acknowledged having conspired with O’Steen to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, between approximately November 2017 and May 16, 2019, during which time O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his clients, and the delay of official actions in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients—for which Siegmeister solicited bribes from O’Steen. The plea agreement provides that, on April 16, 2018, Siegmeister sent O’Steen four photographs of bulls he was selling, after the sentencing of one of O’Steen’s clients, indicating that Siegmeister expected O’Steen to purchase a bull from him in exchange for the favorable treatment Siegmeister had provided O’Steen’s client. With respect to the extortion count, O’Steen solicited Siegmeister to resolve a case against his client through pre-trial intervention (“PTI”). Siegmeister acknowledged that he made it clear to O’Steen that if O’Steen wanted his client to get a PTI agreement, O’Steen would have to buy one of Siegmeister’s bulls. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen told his client, “I can make everything go away all, your brothers, the other two nolle pros with you sign an agreement to pay their cost of investigation, you leave, you will not have to report but one time, uh, ah, I need $75,000 and everything goes away and you pay the money,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him.
Siegmeister also admitted to committing wire fraud by defrauding the probate court and the estate of a man identified by the initials “L.T.” While serving as the voluntary guardian of L.T., Siegmeister admitted to inflating the expenditures incurred by L.T. in a filing to the probate court and to diverting more than $500,000 in assets from L.T.’s estate to pay Siegmeister’s own personal expenditures in 2015 and 2016. Siegmeister also admitted that he had failed to report the diverted funds on his tax returns.
Attorney Ernest Maloney Page IV was previously sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on September 6, 2022, for conspiracy to bribe Siegmeister in connection with the resolution of his client’s pending criminal cases.
“As former officers of the court, who were sworn to serve the interests of the public, the defendants were rightly held to a higher standard,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI special agent in charge. “These sentencings affirm that they egregiously betrayed the public trust placed in them in pursuit of their own selfish greed. The prison terms handed down today now hold them accountable for their criminal actions.”
“As a member of law enforcement, Jeffrey Siegmeister was given incredible power to enforce the law and ensure justice,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks. “Likewise, as an officer of the court, Michael O’Steen had a duty to uphold the highest standards. However, instead of protecting the rights of citizens, both chose to abuse their positions of authority in an effort to line their own pocketbooks, and this type of activity will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue our work to root out any and all forms of corruption within the judicial system to ensure those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable."
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
Final Defendant Sentenced for Role in Conspiracy to Defraud U.S. Department of AgricultureRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Ghasan Awad (60, Safety Harbor) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The court also ordered Awad to make restitution to the USDA in the amount of $654,502.28.
According to court documents, Awad helped to orchestrate a conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements the USDA. Awad recruited others to assist in submitting false and fraudulent representations to the USDA that a third party was buying a St. Petersburg convenience store that Awad then owned which was enrolled to accept USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) program benefits.
Specifically, in 2015, after the USDA had prohibited Awad from accepting any SNAP benefit purchases and prohibited him from owning the store or even working at the store, co-defendant Bassam Al Saleh joined with his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, and Awad to create false records and representations that Ahmad Al Saleh had bought the store and that Ahmad Al Saleh was operating it himself. In reality, Awad continued to operate and manage the store and continued to make profits from it, paying Ahmad Al Saleh a fee for the use of Al Saleh’s name as the owner of the store on USDA documents. In 2019, during the time that Awad was still operating the store under the supposed ownership of Ahmad Al Saleh, Awad committed numerous acts of SNAP benefits trafficking at the store. In those instances, Awad bought SNAP benefits from customers and paid for them in cash, in direct violation of USDA SNAP regulations. The court determined that the losses to the USDA and the SNAP program from the engagement of Awad and his co-defendants in this scheme to defraud the USDA was at least $654,502.84.
“The integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is critical to ensure that assistance is available to those truly in need,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “The combined efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), National Security Group, St. Petersburg Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations stopped this fraud from perpetuating.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over Two Years in Prison for Possessing A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Raymond Reeves (22, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Reeves to forfeit a Taurus 9mm pistol that was used in the offense. Reeves had pleaded guilty on July 22, 2022.
According to court documents, Reeves was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) after he was observed driving recklessly. After the traffic stop, JSO officers arrested Reeves and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from the floorboard of his car. Reeves had a prior conviction for armed carjacking and had been released from prison in 2020. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot and was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Zomorodian. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.
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.