Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Naval Commander Indicted for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Gregory Edward McLean (38, Jacksonville) with two counts of distributing videos depicting the sexual assault of children and one count of possessing files depicting the sexual abuse of young children. If convicted, McLean faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, and up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies McLean that the United States intends to forfeit two cellphones, a Western Digital hard drive, and a USB drive, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offenses. McLean was arrested on September 19, 2022. He is being detained pending trial.
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 Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Rhode Island State Police, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase and Kirwinn Mike.
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.
Mexican National Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Miguel Vargas-Narez (44, Mexico) to 40 months in federal prison following his convictions for possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States and illegal reentry into the United States. Vargas entered guilty pleas to the charges on June 1, 2022.
According to the court records, Vargas is a citizen and national of Mexico. He has previously been deported from the United States four times and has been convicted of illegally reentering the United States after being deported on two prior occasions. On November 18, 2021, Vargas fled from Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies in a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed. Vargas eventually crashed the vehicle in a pasture but continued to flee on foot. When apprehended by a police K-9 unit, Vargas had a loaded pistol in his waistband. In his pants pockets, deputies discovered another pistol with a scratched-off serial number, 38 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and seven rounds of .25 caliber ammunition. As an person not lawfully present in the United States, Vargas is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Border Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Downloading Videos and Images of Children Being Sexually AbusedRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Michael Ray King (42, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to download and receive videos and images of children being sexually abused. King faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and forfeit certain computer media. King was arrested by FBI agents on November 18, 2021. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, in 2021, the FBI was investigating individuals who were using online networks to receive and share child sexual abuse materials. The investigation revealed that in July, August, and September 2021, King used a computer connected to the internet at his residence to access videos depicting young children being sexually abused.
On November 18, 2021, during the execution of a federal search warrant at King’s home, FBI personnel seized an external computer hard drive that was connected by a cable to a gaming computer. A forensic examination of this external drive revealed that it contained at least 250 images and at least 50 videos depicting child sexual abuse material, including young children being sexually assaulted, bestiality, and bondage. This drive also contained evidence showing dates and times that King had downloaded these child sexual abuse materials from the internet.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.
Fugitive Extradited from Dominican Republic to Face Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the extradition of Jose Ramon Tejeda-Guerrero (38) from the Dominican Republic to the United States. Tejeda-Guerrero was charged in a 2012 indictment with fraudulent possession of counterfeit or unauthorized access devices and four counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Tejeda-Guerrero faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the access device fraud charge, and a mandatory two-year consecutive term of imprisonment for each of the aggravated identity theft charges. He made his initial appearance in Orlando before U.S. Magistrate Embry J. Kidd on September 15, 2022, and has been ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents and information disclosed during his initial appearance, on July 20, 2007, Tejeda-Guerrero was arrested at the Orlando International Airport on state charges for possession or transfer of credit card-making equipment. During a search incident to his arrest, the police confiscated a laptop and two flash drives. The laptop contained approximately 13,000 credit card numbers, including active accounts belonging to individuals all around the world. The laptop also contained instructions on how to make, evaluate, and test magnetic stripes of credit cards and instructions on how to clean a card maker and its components. The actual fraud loss associated with credit card accounts found on that laptop exceeds $1 million.
Tejeda-Guerrero was released on bail in connection with his state charges on August 23, 2007, and fled. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2012.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Kissimmee Police Department, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in the Dominican Republic to secure the arrest and extradition of Tejeda-Guerrero to the United States. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided critical assistance. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
Bradenton Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawfully Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber today sentenced Robert Reese Lyons (24, Bradenton) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Lyons to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Lyons had pleaded guilty on June 8, 2022.
According to court documents, at approximately 2:15 a.m. on January 16, 2021, near the Miromar Outlets in Estero, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle in which Lyons was the front-seat passenger. During a search of the vehicle, the deputies recovered a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun, with an obliterated serial number, directly underneath Lyons’s seat. At the time, Lyons was a convicted felon and a state probationer who had an active warrant for his arrest. As a convicted felon, Lyons is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.
Three-Time Convicted Sex Offender and Roommates Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Joshua Tripp (42, Clearwater) with three counts of distributing and one count of possessing child sex abuse material. If convicted, Tripp faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for each distribution count and a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for the possession count. Tripp is a registered sex offender and has prior felony convictions for aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor, aggravated statutory rape, and lewd and lascivious molestation. The grand jury also returned indictments charging Tripp’s roommates, Craigan Joyner (20, Clearwater) and Donald Shadowens (30, Clearwater), with one count of receiving and one count of possessing child sexual abuse materials. If convicted, each faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, for the receipt count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the possession count.
On August 19, 2022, Tripp, Joyner, and Shadowens made their initial appearances before the Honorable Christopher P. Tuite. Tripp and Joyner were detained pending trial. Shadowens was released on a bond with conditions.
According to the court documents, Tripp, Joyner, and Shadowens all lived together at the same residence in Clearwater. On August 18, 2022, investigators executed a search warrant at the home and discovered more than 1,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the defendants’ devices. This material included the sexual abuse of children under the age of 12 and sado-masochistic images of children.
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, with substantial assistance from the Dickson County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33, Ocala) to five years and four months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Farmer had pleaded guilty on June 16, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 17, 2021, a City of Ocala police officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Farmer. Farmer gave the officer a false name to conceal his suspended license. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a powdery substance (fentanyl), which Farmer referred to as “his children’s candy,” on the driver’s door and floorboard. Also on the floorboard, the officer discovered a loaded 9mm handgun with an extended magazine. The FBI conducted a DNA analysis of the recovered firearm and determined, with a likelihood ratio of 190 sextillion, that Farmer’s DNA was on the weapon. As a multi-convicted felon, Farmer is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Convicted Felon with Ghost Gun Sentenced to More Than Two Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Marty Eugene Days, Jr. (33, Williston) to 27 months in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Days had pleaded guilty on June 16, 2022.
According to court documents, on February 23, 2022, a City of Ocala police officer stopped an automobile driven by Days for erratic driving. Days, the sole occupant, did not have a valid driver license. After detaining Days, the officer located a bag on the ground next to the automobile that contained Days’s Florida ID card, two of his credit cards, and a 9mm handgun. Video surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store showed Days tossing the bag out of the passenger-side window. The firearm—a “ghost gun” with no manufacturer serial number—was loaded with 21 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Days had a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Ocala Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Apopka Man Indicted for Receiving and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Charles Vincent Yannaccone (51, Apopka) with three counts of receipt of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of sexual abuse material. Yannaccone faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison on each receipt count. On the possession count, Yannaccone faces a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment. The indictment also notifies Yannaccone that the United States intends to forfeit his cellphone, which is alleged to have been used to commit the charged offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years for Felonious Possession of Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Malachi Deloch (23, Tampa) was sentenced to four years and seven months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Deloch had pleaded guilty on June 14, 2022. He was also ordered to forfeit the semi-automatic pistol used in the offense.
According to court documents, on February 7, 2022, Deloch, a convicted felon, was in possession of multiple firearms, including a black Springfield XD 9mm with an extended magazine. As a convicted felon, Deloch is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. As pictured below, Deloch was seen openly carrying the firearm in a residential area of Tampa. Prior to his arrest, Deloch fled from Tampa Police Department officers that had arrived on the scene.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
Pinellas County Man Charged with Wire and Bank Fraud OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging James John Melis (52, Largo) with four counts of wire fraud, two counts of bank fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Melis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, 30 years for each bank fraud count, and a consecutive mandatory penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft counts. The indictment also notifies Melis that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1.1 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, Melis abused his position as business manager at a private school in Tampa by attaching his personal bank account to the school’s PayPal account without authorization. When parents made tuition payments to the school’s account, Melis initiated fraudulent electronic funds transfers to his personal account. He then spent the stolen funds on travel and luxury items, such as jewelry.
Separately, the indictment charges Melis with carrying out a mortgage origination fraud scheme against a financial institution for two properties he owned. To deceive the mortgage lender into believing he was a qualified borrower, Melis used the personal identification information of another person on loan applications, and prepared and submitted false and fraudulent IRS income tax returns, fictitious satisfactions of mortgages falsely representing that his properties had equity, and lease agreements falsely showing he received substantial rental income. As part of this scheme, Melis used the means of identification of other individuals and forged their signatures on the fictitious satisfactions of mortgage and phony lease agreements submitted to the mortgage lender. Based on Melis’ misrepresentations, the financial institution approved and funded both mortgage loans.
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 Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Brothers Plead Guilty to Trafficking More Than $100 Million of Cocaine in International WatersRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robin Castro-Gomez (35, Colombia, South America) and his brother, Alvaro Castro-Gomez (41, Colombia, South America), have pleaded guilty to conspiracy with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Robin Castro-Gomez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Alvaro Castro-Gomez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. They were indicted on March 5, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, Robin and Alvaro Castro-Gomez are responsible for attempting to traffic over 3,500 kilograms (7,700 pounds) of cocaine from Colombia to Central America. In 2017 and 2018, the United States Coast Guard interdicted three separate low-profile vessels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, each loaded with cocaine and destined for Central America. Robin Castro-Gomez was directly responsible for leading and organizing each of these drug ventures from Colombia. Alvaro Castro-Gomez, who was previously convicted in federal court for trafficking cocaine on the high seas, assisted his brother at the launch sites. He also recruited, hired, and paid one of the mariners to participate in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.
Repeat Immigration Offender and Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Gerardo Ruiz-Martinez (21, Zitácuaro, Mexico) has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been deported. Ruiz-Martinez faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison.
According to court documents, Ruiz-Martinez was removed from the United States to Mexico on March 25, 2014, through Brownsville, Texas, and again on September 2, 2020, through the Miami International Airport. On May 3, 2022, deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ruiz-Martinez for a theft he committed in Tampa. Ruiz-Martinez stated that he was a citizen of Mexico and that he was in the United States illegally.
This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection – U.S. Border Patrol, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Orlando Man (a/k/a “Satans Child”) Arrested for Producing Child Rape VideoRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Miguel Diaz Gonzalez (40, Orlando) on a criminal complaint charging him with production of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Gonzalez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison. Gonzalez made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Celeste F. Bremer last week and has been ordered detained pending trial.
According to the complaint, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip concerning an online media storage account associated with username “Satans child,” and investigators found child sexual abuse material in that account. Usage of the “Satans child” account was traced to Gonzalez’s home in Orlando. Following the execution of a search warrant at Gonzalez’s home, law enforcement agents confirmed that Gonzalez uses the “Satans child” account and, thereafter, executed a warrant to search the account, which contained a video depicting Gonzalez raping an eight-year-old child who had previously been in Gonzalez’s care.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
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’ Office 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.
Port Charlotte Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Robert William Sanchez (36, Port Charlotte) to 29 years in federal prison for producing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. Sanchez was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Sanchez had pleaded guilty on June 22, 2022.
According to court documents, Sanchez produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of a minor. In November 2020, an investigation was launched after the minor reported that Sanchez had harmed her, and that Sanchez had taken pictures and videos of her sexual abuse. On December 11, 2020, officers executed a search warrant at Sanchez’s residence and located his digital camera. A forensic analysis of the camera revealed images and videos of Sanchez sexually abusing a 10-year-old child in May of 2018.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Brothers Indicted for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jonathan William Brown (25, Duval) with receipt and possession of child sexual abuse files. His brother, Joshua Thomas Brown (27, Duval), has been charged in a separate indictment with possession of child sexual abuse files, including files depicting young children. If convicted on all counts, Jonathan Brown faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. Joshua Brown faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the Browns that the United States intends to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the charged offenses. Both brothers have been ordered detained pending trial.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. They will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
There are cases 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 Southwest Florida Family Members Sentenced to Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution RingRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Michael Lee Faz (44, Labelle), Abel Deleon (45, Labelle), and Genaro Deleon, Jr. (63, Labelle) to federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Faz was sentenced to 10 years and 1 month in federal prison, Abel Deleon was sentenced to 7 years and 8 months’ imprisonment, and Deleon, Jr. was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison. Genaro Deleon, III (45, Lehigh Acres), the leader of the organization, is scheduled to be sentenced in January 2023. Each of the four had previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
According to court documents, Genaro Deleon, III based his drug distribution organization out of his Lehigh Acres home. In an unsuccessful attempt to thwart law enforcement investigations into his organization, Deleon, III buried the organization’s stash of methamphetamine in multiple locations in the woods around his secluded property, which was patrolled by his aggressive dogs and a network of motion sensing cameras.
Deleon, III employed his father, Deleon, Jr., and his two uncles, Abel Deleon and Faz, as dealers for the organization, responsible for making sales to customers and collecting the drug proceeds. Over the course of a year, law enforcement made at least nine undercover purchases from the organization yielding hundreds of grams of nearly pure methamphetamine. In October 2021, law enforcement arrested the defendants and executed a search warrant at Deleon, III’s house, resulting in the additional seizure of multiple firearms.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Manatee County Bank Robber IndictedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Frascella (55, Bradenton) with bank robbery. If convicted, Frascella faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Frascella that the United States intends to forfeit any property (real or personal), which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, on August 8, 2022, Frascella robbed a Fifth Third Bank located in Parrish, 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 Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
Fort Myers Felon Pleads Guilty to Selling Gun and Drugs to Undercover ATF AgentRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ronald Dale Perkins (44, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and distribution of methamphetamine. Perkins faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense and up to 20 years in federal prison for the drug offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on April 5, 2022, Perkins, a nine-time convicted felon, sold a sawed-off .410 caliber shotgun gun and methamphetamine to an undercover ATF special agent.
This case is being investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Charlotte County Correctional Officer Sentenced for Attempting to Smuggle Drugs into PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Troy Alexander Cole (28, Fort Myers) to three years and five months in federal prison for attempted possession with the intent to distribute MDMA (commonly referred to as “Molly”) and methamphetamine. Cole had entered a guilty plea on April 20, 2022.
According to court documents, Cole worked as a correctional officer at the Charlotte Correctional Institution (CCI) in Punta Gorda. In June 2021, on three separate occasions, Cole agreed to smuggle methamphetamine or MDMA into the prison where he worked and provide the contraband to an inmate. He agreed to do so in exchange for payments of $400, $1,000, and $4,000, respectively.
On each occasion, Cole picked up a package containing what he believed were the controlled substances and then entered CCI. Cole would then conceal the packages containing the purported controlled substances and notify the inmate that they were available for retrieval.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Aggravated Felon Sentenced After Third Conviction for Illegal Reentry After DeportationRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Juan Diego Arteaga-Hernandez (Mexico, 34) to 4 years and 4 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation and being convicted of an aggravated felony. Arteaga-Hernandez had pleaded guilty on May 11, 2022.
According to court documents, on January 22, 2022, Arteaga-Hernandez was arrested on unrelated charges in Desoto County. Thereafter, he was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and determined to be in the United States illegally. A criminal history check showed that Arteaga-Hernandez had been convicted in 2009 for possession with the intent to deliver heroin, which is an aggravated felony under federal law. Arteaga-Hernandez was also previously convicted of illegal reentry after deportation in 2015 and in 2019. He was on federal supervised release for his 2019 conviction when he was arrested on this charge.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
Former Defense Attorney Sentenced to Six Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Bribe the Elected State AttorneyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Ernest Maloney Page, IV (46, Madison) to six months in federal prison for conspiring to bribe the elected State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit. The court also ordered Page to serve an 18-month term of supervised release. Page had pleaded guilty on September 3, 2020.
According to court documents, Page represented a client facing two separate driving under the influence (DUI) cases in the Third Judicial Circuit. The client managed a tractor dealership in Live Oak. Page arranged a meeting with then-State Attorney Jeffrey Siegmeister to discuss the client’s pending DUI cases. Page informed Siegmeister that the client had a tractor dealership, and Siegmeister told Page he wanted to purchase a tractor. Page encouraged Siegmeister to visit the client at his dealership.
In August 2017, Siegmeister told Page that he would give favorable treatment to the client for one of his pending DUI cases for a bribe in the form of a $10,000 discount on the tractor, and that he would give favorable treatment to the client on both pending DUI cases for a bribe in the form of a $20,000 discount on the tractor. Page relayed this information to his client, who indicated he wished to accept the offer and agreed to provide the $20,000 discount to Siegmeister. Page then told Siegmeister his client had accepted the offer.
Siegmeister arranged for the client to resolve the DUI charges by pleading to reckless driving charges, which were traffic misdemeanors.
On September 20, 2017, Siegmeister’s wife went to the tractor dealership and met with the client, who discounted the retail price of the tractor and accessories by $10,000, consistent with his agreement to pay Siegmeister a bribe facilitated by Page. The client also notated the sales paperwork to falsely state that the Siegmeister’s provided a cash down payment of $10,150, when no such down payment was made.
On September 28, 2017, Siegmeister signed an Offer of Plea, authorizing the client to plead no contest to the misdemeanor charges of reckless driving with alcohol. On the same day, the client’s plea was entered and the client was sentenced to 12 months’ probation.
In March 2020, Page admitted to the FBI that he had facilitated a bribe to Siegmeister in the amount of a $20,000 discount on a tractor in exchange for a lenient resolution of two DUI cases.
Siegmeister previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, that is bribery and extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return. His sentencing hearing is set for October 12, 2022.
“The actions taken by Ernest Page put lives at risk,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Sherri Onks. “As an officer of the court, he facilitated corruption within the judicial system by offering items of value in exchange for reduced or dropped charges for one of his clients, who was accused of serious crimes that endangered the community. These crimes will not be tolerated by the FBI, and we will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to hold individuals in positions of authority within the justice system accountable. We specifically thank the IRS – Criminal Investigation team for their invaluable partnership in the case.”
“This action demonstrates our collective efforts to enforce the law and ensure public trust. In today’s economic environment, it’s more important than ever that the American people feel confident that everyone is playing by the rules,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne. “The IRS is proud to have shared its hallmark expertise with FBI in following the money trail in this and other criminal schemes. IRS Criminal Investigation agents will continue to be on the front lines to fight corruption and tax fraud.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian.
Tampa Area Man Indicted for String of Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging James Junior Williams (44, Tampa) with four counts of bank robbery. If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Williams that the United States intends to forfeit the proceeds that Williams obtained as results of his offenses.
According to the indictment, on February 18, 2022, Williams robbed a bank in the Tampa area. Several weeks later, on March 8, 2022, he returned to the same bank and robbed it for a second time. The indictment further alleges that Williams attempted to take money from a third bank in the Tampa area on April 13, 2022. When he was unsuccessful at this bank, Williams drove to another bank, where he was successful in obtaining money.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.
Tampa Gang Leader Sentenced to Nearly Four Years for Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Devin Kelly (27, Tampa) to three years and ten months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Kelly to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Kelly had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 2, 2021, Kelly, a convicted felon, and Keyshawn Watts, also a convicted felon, held and displayed a rifle during an Instagram live video. One week later, investigators searched Kelly’s residence and seized a Ruger AR .556 caliber rifle and an extended magazine loaded with 40 rounds of ammunition. The rifle had features that matched those of the rifle observed by investigators on the Instagram live video. Kelly admitted that the rifle was the same firearm he had displayed on the video.
Kelly was a member of the Bloods street gang and held a leadership position within the gang. At the time he possessed the firearm, Kelly had been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a firearm, and therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Watts previously pleaded guilty to the same offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 4, 2022.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.
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.
Retired Jacksonville School Teacher Sentenced to Nearly 6 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Videos and Images Depicting the Sexual Abuse of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Michael Paul Gillis (65, Jacksonville) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children. The court also ordered Gillis to serve a 10-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and forfeit his computer media. Gillis had pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022.
According to court documents and information provided in court, FBI agents were investigating individuals who were using a particular online network to share child sexual abuse materials. The investigation revealed that Gillis, a retired Jacksonville public school teacher, had accessed this network from his home.
On February 2, 2022, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Gillis’s home. Gillis, who was home at the time, admitted that he had been accessing child sexual abuse materials using the internet for the past 15 years, and that he had viewed materials depicting children as young as 3 years old. Gillis also stated that he viewed these images and videos while employed as a schoolteacher and would fantasize about touching children inappropriately but claimed that he had never acted on it. He acknowledged that he would continue to seek out these materials online because he would have “a hard time” stopping this behavior because it is an “urge.” During the execution of the search warrant, FBI personnel seized several computers belonging to Gillis that contained at least 2,000 images and 150 videos depicting infants, toddlers, and other young children being sexually abused.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ocala Convicted Felon Indicted for Illegally Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Ricky Darnell Franklin, Jr. (30, Ocala) on an indictment charging him with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Franklin had been indicted on May 24, 2022.
According to the indictment, Franklin has four prior state felony convictions, including two convictions for attempted second degree murder with a firearm (2010), shooting at or into an occupied vehicle (2010), and possession of a firearm by a delinquent (2010). On September 30, 2021, Franklin possessed a handgun. As a convicted felon, Franklin is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years for Trafficking Dozens of Kilograms of Methamphetamine and Possessing A Shotgun and Three HandgunsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Evaristo Marin-Dominguez (34, Michoacan, Mexico) to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Marin-Dominguez had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022.
According to court documents, Marin-Dominguez sold a kilogram of methamphetamine to a law enforcement source in November 2020, after a broker in Mexico provided the source with Marin-Dominguez’s phone number. During a later meeting to pick up money from the source, Marin-Dominguez admitted to having just delivered 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and having another 16 kilograms available.
Marin-Dominguez was arrested in Highlands County, in the Southern District of Florida, the following year. During an execution of a search warrant at Marin-Dominguez’s residence, authorities seized almost four kilograms of methamphetamine, almost a quarter kilogram of heroin, a shotgun, a rifle, three pistols, and various drug paraphernalia.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Largo Police Department, the Plant City Police Department, the Winter Haven Police Department, and the University of South Florida Police Department. 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. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Inmate Sentenced to Additional Prison Time for Escaping from A Residential Reentry CenterRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Winsdell Nowelin Lamb (35) to 18 months in federal prison for escape. The court also ordered Lamb to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. Lamb’s sentence is to run concurrently to the sentence that he was serving when he escaped. Lamb had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022.
According to court documents, in 2013, Lamb was sentenced to an eight-year prison term for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lamb was completing that term at a Residential Reentry Center in the Middle District of Florida. In November 2020, Lamb escaped from the center and a criminal complaint and arrest warrant was issued immediately. Lamb was a fugitive until January 2022 when he was arrested by the Chicago Police Department on unrelated charges. Despite Lamb giving law enforcement a false name, his true identity was determined, and the U.S. Marshals Service returned Lamb to Orlando.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Gardella.
Federal Jury Finds Palmetto Man Guilty of Armed Robbery, Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted Felon, Contempt, and ExtortionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury today found Delon Adams (50, Palmetto) guilty of four counts of robbery, four counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, extortion, and criminal contempt of court. Each robbery charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Because Adams has a prior federal conviction for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, each brandishing charge carries a minimum mandatory term of 25 years, and up to life, in federal prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. The felon-in-possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The extortion charge carries up to 2 years’ imprisonment. On the criminal contempt charge, Adams may be imprisoned for as long as the Honorable Virginia M. Hernandez Covington, United States District Judge, determines. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 17, 2022. Adams had been indicted on October 27, 2020.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between August 26 and September 15, 2020, Adams robbed four wireless phone stores – three in Manatee County and one in Hillsborough County. During each robbery, he pointed a gun at store employees and stole iPhones and cash. Adams subsequently sold the stolen iPhones. Law enforcement officers arrested Adams on October 1, 2020, and found him in possession of a loaded handgun. Adams subsequently mailed a threatening communication to a witness in an attempt to obtain money and violated two court orders by refusing to be fingerprinted.
This case was investigated by the Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) unit of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Palmetto Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Christopher F. Murray.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Three Texas Men Plead Guilty to Bank Robbery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Roderick Tyree Irvin (28), Christopher Merchant (22), and Hakeem Thomas (26), all of Houston, Texas have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank robbery and bank robbery. They each face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense, and up to, 20 years’ imprisonment for the bank robbery offense.
According to court documents, around 3:00 a.m. on July 29, 2021, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at the SunTrust Bank located on Memorial Highway in Tampa. Investigators determined that suspects had attached chains to the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) which was part of the SunTrust Bank building, and then attached those chains to a stolen pickup truck. The suspects then used the truck to attempt to pull the protective outer covering off the ATM machine to expose the cash held inside. The defendants were captured on surveillance video by the ATM.
Responding deputies found a stolen Ford pickup truck, with chains still attached to it, abandoned near the damaged ATM. They followed the trail and using a police helicopter, eventually located three suspects – Irvin, Merchant, and Thomas – hiding nearby in a getaway car. The car attempted to flee from deputies but became disabled when it hit a large rock. The three occupants bailed out of the car and ran away but were all arrested following a brief foot pursuit. Clothing items and other materials used in the ATM burglary were recovered from the car and the three suspects.
Around the same time, law enforcement learned of a similar burglary, an hour earlier, of an ATM which was part of the USF Federal Credit Union building located on E. Fletcher Avenue, in Temple Terrace. Like the SunTrust Bank ATM, the USF Credit Union ATM was first attacked by hand using crowbars, and then heavy chains attached to a pickup truck in an attempt to try and break open the cash vault inside the machine. Deputies also learned that the pickup recovered near the SunTrust Bank had been stolen from a Residence Inn hotel located around the corner from the USF Credit Union. The defendants were captured on surveillance video by that ATM as well.
During the arrest of Irvin, Mitchell, and Merchant, deputies located and seized several cellphones. A federal search warrant was executed on these phones and data was extracted and analyzed by the FBI. In addition to placing the three defendants in proximity to these burglaries, cellular records also placed them and other coconspirators at the scene of, or in the area of, multiple other similar ATM burglaries within the Middle District of Florida and elsewhere. The investigation determined that Irvin, Mitchell, and Merchant and his coconspirators would travel around the district and elsewhere, identify, and then target ATMs attached to Bank and Credit Union buildings. Coconspirators would steal a pickup truck near the Bank or Credit Union and attach heavy chains, which would be used to pull the protective outer covering off the ATM to expose the cash inside.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Safe Streets Task Force, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Temple Terrace Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.
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.
Plant City Man Pleads Guilty to Mexican Methamphetamine Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ubertino Zavala-Perez (58, Plant City) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Zavala-Perez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, Zavala-Perez conspired with individuals in Mexico and others to distribute and import methamphetamine from Mexico. On March 30, 2022, Zavala-Perez sold half a kilogram of methamphetamine imported from Mexico to a confidential informant for $3,750. Two days later, Zavala-Perez agreed to sell one kilogram of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. After his arrest, Zavala-Perez admitted to receiving methamphetamine from coconspirators in Mexico and elsewhere in the United States, and further admitted to storing the drugs in a storage unit and at his residence in Plant City.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Plant City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing A Short-Barreled ShotgunRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Timothy James Roberts (29, Hernando) with possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon (short-barreled shotgun) and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the possession of an unregistered NFA weapon count and up to 15 years in federal prison possessing a firearm as a convicted felon count.
According to the indictment, on August 7, 2022, Roberts possessed a short-barreled shotgun. This firearm was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Roberts also has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms 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 is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Clearwater Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Xavier Jones (27, Clearwater) to 10 years in federal prison for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release. The court ordered Jones to forfeit a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition used in the offense. Jones had pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022.
According to court documents, Jones was convicted of two cocaine related felony drug crimes in 2017, making him unable to legally possess a firearm or ammunition. However, on December 20, 2020, Jones was captured on surveillance video outside a Clearwater convenience store drawing a pistol and shooting at someone in a car across the street. Jones fled the shooting scene before police arrived but left multiple .40 caliber shell casings behind, which were traced back to him. Ten days later, Jones was arrested in an unrelated case after fleeing from police. During that incident, Jones was found to be in possession of a different loaded pistol, this time, in a backpack next to some marijuana.
Jones was again found in possession of yet another loaded pistol when he was in a car that was stopped by police in March of 2021 for traffic offenses. Jones was a passenger in that car, along with several children. A search of the car found the pistol, which was fully loaded and equipped with a laser sight, under the seat in front of Jones. While Jones denied knowing about that pistol, his DNA was found on the gun.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Craig Gestring and Michael Gordon.
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 Fentanyl and Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Demetrius Haynes (36, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and six counts of distribution of a controlled substance. Haynes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in 2021, Haynes conspired with others to distribute cocaine and fentanyl around the Tampa Bay area. During the investigation by state and federal agents, Haynes also engaged in six undercover sales of cocaine and fentanyl to law enforcement.
On February 12, 2021, Haynes was arrested by ATF agents following an undercover purchase of fentanyl and cocaine. Haynes arrived at all six narcotics transactions in the same vehicle, a Nissan Maxima. The car was searched after his arrest and was found to contain drug paraphernalia. The Nissan, which was used to facilitate the drug deals, was seized by law enforcement.
After his arrest, ATF agents, along with officers from the Tampa Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence where Haynes had been staying. During the search, agents located a container with a chunky white substance that field tested positive for cocaine, a safe that contained approximately $34,000, a Jimenez Arms .380 caliber pistol, currency totaling approximately $6,850, approximately 30 rounds of ammunition, and an extended magazine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Ocala Felon with Loaded Handgun Convicted at TrialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has found Michael Tyrone Young (32, Ocala) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Young faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 15, 2022. Young had been indicted on December 7, 2021.
According to the evidence presented during the bench trial, on the night of August 31, 2021, officers from the Ocala Police Department encountered Young in the hallway of a building at a local public housing complex. The officers were patrolling the area because of recent shootings at the complex. The officers confronted Young after seeing him drop and retrieve what appeared to be a weapon. As they spoke with him, the loaded firearm fell out of Young’s pants and onto the floor. Young admitted that he had the firearm because he had been “looking for a certain person” who was “fixin’ to get him.” A records check showed that Young had three state felony convictions for drug distribution. As a convicted felon, Young is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
Lake City Man Sentenced to Five Years for Illegally Possessing Firearms and Distributing Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Edrick D. Jackson (28, Lake City) to five years in federal prison for distributing cocaine base (“crack” cocaine) and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Jackson to forfeit the ammunition and firearms involved in the offenses. Jackson had pleaded guilty on May 25, 2022.
According to court documents, on three separate occasions, Jackson sold crack cocaine to a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement. The sales took place at Jackson’s home in Lake City. After obtaining a federal search warrant, investigators searched Jackson’s home and located crack cocaine, two digital scales, a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol that had previously been reported stolen, and a Glock 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, loaded with 20 rounds of ammunition. Jackson had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and therefore is prohibited by law from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Michael J. Coolican.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Sentenced to Nearly Six Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Jeromy Washington (25, Jacksonville) to five years and ten months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Washington to forfeit the ammunition and firearm involved in the offense. Washington had pleaded guilty on May 25, 2022.
According to court documents, Washington was arrested at the scene of a drug transaction where he was getting paid to provide armed security during the sale of narcotics. Prior to the arrest, Washington had sold cocaine and fentanyl to undercover agents numerous times. Washington had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses and therefore is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture was 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.
Titusville Man on Federal Supervision 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 Carmel Linot (32, Titusville) with bank fraud, mail fraud, two counts of aggravated identity theft, and two counts of false representation of a Social Security number (SSN). If convicted, Linot faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 4 years in federal prison on the two aggravated identity theft counts, up to 30 years’ imprisonment for the bank fraud, up to 20 years for the mail fraud, and up to 10 years in federal prison on the two counts of false representation of a SSN.
According to the indictment and public records, Linot fraudulently obtained the SSN of another individual. Using this SSN, a counterfeit State of Georgia driver license, and false employment documents, Linot opened a bank account under a false identity and obtained a credit card from Community First Credit Union. Linot is currently on federal supervised release in the Middle District of Florida for aggravated identity theft. He had previously been prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Jacksonville Division.
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 Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Secret Service – Jacksonville Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced to 32 Months in Federal Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced D’Andra Miller (22, Ocala) to 32 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Miller had pleaded guilty on May 24, 2022.
According to court records, Miller was found with a firearm on two different occasions. DNA comparison analysis confirmed the presence of Miller’s DNA on both of the firearms.
Miller has one prior felony conviction for burglary of a conveyance. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Benjamin Townsel (23, Ocala) to 12 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Townsel had pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022.
According to court documents, on three different occasions, Townsel was found with a firearm after officers from the Ocala Police Department conducted traffic stops on vehicles in which Townsel was a passenger. DNA comparison analysis confirmed the presence of Townsel’s DNA on each of the firearms. The traffic stops occurred on August 7, 2020, December 3, 2020, and February 15, 2021, the latter two occurring after Townsel had been released on bond from jail on state charges. The firearm found during the first incident also had an obliterated serial number, in violation of federal law.
Townsel has four prior state felony convictions, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
New York State Parole Absconder Sentenced to More Than 8 Years in Prison for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Tevaughn Johnson (29, Jacksonville) to eight years and four months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Johnson had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022.
According to court records, in January 2019, Johnson was convicted of attempted robbery in New York. He was released from prison and placed on parole in February 2021. In approximately September 2021 Johnson left New York without the permission of his parole office. A warrant was subsequently issued for Johnson’s arrest for violating the terms of his supervision. Deputy United States Marshals located Johnson in Florida. When they attempted to arrest Johnson, he fled on foot and one of the deputy marshals suffered a significant hand injury during a struggle with Johnson. A firearm was located in the vehicle Johnson had been driving, and DNA comparison analysis confirmed the presence of Johnson’s DNA on the firearm.
Johnson has two prior state felony convictions for robbery and attempted robbery. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Michael P. Felicetta.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Naples Felon Pleads Guilty to $2.6 Million COVID Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Daniel Joseph Tisone (35, Naples) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, bank fraud, illegal monetary transaction, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Tisone faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each wire fraud and bank fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the illegal monetary transaction count, and up to 10 years in federal prison on the possession of ammunition charge.
According to the plea agreement, between March 2020 and April 2021, Tisone, a convicted felon, submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), Main Street Lending Program (MSLP), and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to the Small Business Administration, as well as PPP and MSLP approved lenders. The loan applications contained numerous false representations, including the criminal history, average monthly payroll, number of employees, and gross revenues of the applicant, Tisone.
In support of the fraudulent EIDL, PPP, and MSLP applications, Tisone submitted false and fictitious payroll and tax documents, as well as a fake commercial lease. Further, Tisone fraudulently used the means of identification of individuals who purported to work for Tisone’s companies, including their names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers (SSN) to submit false and fraudulent payroll and payroll tax documents. Tisone also fraudulently used the means of identification of an individual, including the individual’s name, date of birth, driver license information, and SSN to submit a false and fraudulent EIDL application.
Tisone’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA, PPP, and MSLP lenders to approve and fund one MSLP, four EIDL, and five PPP loans, resulting in the deposit of approximately $2,617,447.17 into bank accounts controlled by Tisone. Tisone then unlawfully used the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of residences in Naples, Florida, stocks and investment securities, a 2019 Tiara 34LS boat, a 4.02 carat engagement ring, and ammunition.
Additionally, on March 20, 2022, while executing a search warrant at Tisone’s residence, FBI and SIGPR agents discovered rounds of assorted ammunition in Tisone’s master bedroom and garage. Specifically, more than 800 rounds of assorted .223/5.56 caliber ammunition and 9mm ammunition was found in his home. Tisone, a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing ammunition.
As part of his guilty plea, Tisone agrees to forfeit his interest in a 2019 Tiara 34LS boat, two real properties located in Naples, a 4.02 carat solitaire engagement ring, approximately $65,645.69 seized from two bank accounts, and approximately $2,617,447.17, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spends the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and uses at least a certain percentage of the loan toward payroll expenses.
The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used for the same purpose as the PPP funds.
The MSLP was designed to provide support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was intended to help companies, that were in sound financial condition prior to the onset of the pandemic, maintain their operations and payroll until conditions normalized.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), the IRS – Criminal Investigation, with the assistance from the Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trent Reichling and Suzanne Nebesky.
Live Oak Postal Carrier Pleads Guilty to Stealing Verizon Wireless Cash DepositsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Mikah Nathaniel Strickland (27, Live Oak) has pleaded guilty to stealing cash deposits from the mail. Strickland faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, from October 25, 2021, to March 2, 2022, Strickland worked as a city carrier for the Live Oak Post Office. He was assigned to the delivery route that picked up outgoing mail from the Verizon Wireless store located in Live Oak. During this time, the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General had received a complaint that Verizon Wireless cash vault deposits, which were picked up from the Live Oak store and scanned, were missing. After investigating the complaint, agents discovered that Strickland was stealing the deposits, and that he had taken 19 Verizon Wireless deposits totaling more than $23,000. During an interview with agents, Strickland admitted to stealing all 19 of the Verizon Wireless deposits from the store in Live Oak.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 38 Years in Federal Prison, Eight Conspirators Also Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Jonathan Jermain Thomas (33, Ocala) to 38 years and 4 months years in federal prison. A federal jury had convicted Thomas on April 28, 2022, of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, more than 5 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 1 kilogram of heroin. The jury also found Thomas guilty of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possessing with the intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents and evidence produced at trial, Thomas supplied large amounts of drugs to a “trap house” in Summerfield, Florida. Once the drugs were delivered to the house, Thomas’s conspirators worked together to prepare, mix, and distribute the various substances to users and smaller-scale suppliers who made daily purchases from the residence. The conspiracy included Thomas as the lead supplier, enforcers who carried firearms to protect the drug assets, and others who helped package and distribute the substances from the house.
On September 9, 2020, Thomas was stopped by law enforcement on I-75 in Gainesville. After smelling the odor of marijuana, a search of the vehicle yielded nearly a kilogram of fentanyl hidden within the vehicle’s side paneling. The fentanyl had been packaged for distribution, and Thomas was heading to Detroit, Michigan to meet with a buyer. His passenger, who was charged in the indictment, pleaded guilty prior to trial.
In addition to Thomas, eight conspirators previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced for their roles in this case:
Name
(Age, Residence)
Date of Plea
Date of Sentencing
Sentence Imposed
Samuel Glover
(32, Summerfield)
4/19/22
8/26/22
35 years
Roddrick Anthony
(29, Ocala)
11/10/21
7/20/22
15 years
Jelyssa Washington
(30, Summerfield)
11/22/21
5/20/22
15 years
Crystal Lovejoy
(43, Ocala)
11/10/21
5/20/22
10 years, 10 months
Brent McCray
(30, Wildwood)
9/21/20
5/25/22
10 years
Aaron Bostick
(41, Ocala)
4/20/21
7/20/22
5 years, 3 months
Elaina Buchanan
(31, Ocala)
10/25/21
5/20/22
3 years, 5 months
Danny Lee Campbell
(33, Belleview)
3/25/22
6/24/22
2 years, 3 months
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.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gainesville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Convicted Felon Who Possessed Loaded Firearm Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Nathanael Santiago (29, Ocala) to seven years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a previously convicted felon. A federal jury had found Santiago guilty on May 11, 2022.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office encountered Santiago in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle in Marion Oaks. The deputies approached Santiago and saw a marijuana “blunt” in the ashtray, which Santiago admitted to smoking. When Santiago stepped out of the vehicle, the deputies discovered a loaded 9mm pistol that had been hidden beneath his right leg. Santiago has previously been convicted of three felony offenses. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah Nowalk.
Boca Raton Chiropractor Sentenced to Four Years’ Imprisonment for $20 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jonathan Michael Rouffe (49, Boca Raton) to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The court also ordered Rouffe to forfeit assets from several bank accounts, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $3,127,290, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, and a restitution order in the amount of $10,725,607.15. Rouffe had pleaded guilty on June 30, 2020.
According to court documents, in 2018, Rouffe and his conspirators established a conglomerate of durable medical equipment (“DME”) supply companies. During the creation of the companies, they lied to Medicare to secure billing privileges, including placing the companies in the names of straw owners. By concealing their true ownership, the conspirators gained control of more companies, which Medicare generally prohibits, enabling them to submit high volumes of illegal DME claims. Through the conglomerate, during the course of one year, Rouffe and his conspirators submitted more than $20 million in illegal DME claims, resulting in over $10 million in payments from Medicare and the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (“CHAMPVA”).
To attain such high volumes of claims, Rouffe and his conspirators used illegal bribes and kickbacks. Specifically, they illegally purchased thousands of DME claims from so-called “marketers.” On invoices, the parties disguised the illegal kickback transactions as marketing services and the conspirators claimed that the DME prescriptions had been generated through “telemedicine.” No telemedicine had actually occurred. Instead, doctors were bribed in exchange for DME approvals. Rouffe and his conspirators paid millions to secure the illegal DME claims for submission to Medicare and CHAMPVA.
“Today’s sentencing shows that individuals who commit Medicare fraud will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to bring those who steal from federal health care programs to justice.”
“Healthcare fraud investigations require lots of patience and skill to follow the money,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “The FBI has a world class team of special agents, analysts, and forensic accountants determined to protect our nation’s federally funded healthcare systems and bring these heartless, greedy fraudsters to justice.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
Postal Employee Sentenced for Possessing Stolen MailRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Aleia Deborah Green (20, Brooksville) for possessing stolen mail. Green was sentenced to the maximum term of probation—five years—and ordered to make full restitution in the amount of $956.53 to the 23 victims of her offense. Green had pleaded guilty on June 1, 2022.
According to court records, Green worked as a contract mail carrier for the United States Postal Service (USPS). She delivered mail for the Crystal River Post Office. On October 19, 2021, after receiving complaints about missing mail from Green’s route, federal agents conducted surveillance at a neighborhood cluster box. The agents placed a piece of mail containing money in the outgoing mail slot of the cluster box. Green subsequently retrieved that mail, opened it, and stole the money. When confronted by the agents, Green admitted to the theft. She also confessed to opening approximately 100 other pieces of mail along her route since August 2021.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
Kissimmee Man Indicted for Receiving and Possessing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dale Meyer Elliott (41, Kissimmee) with three counts of receipt of child sex abuse material and one count of possession of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Elliott faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison for each possession count and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession count. The indictment also notifies Elliott that the United States intends to forfeit his cellphone, which is alleged to have been used to commit the charged offenses.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Two Men Charged in Murder for Hire Scheme That Resulted in 2019 Death of Fort Myers ManRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Marvin Harris, Jr., aka “Mesh” (24, Fort Myers), and Latrel Jackson, aka “Kobe” (25, Plainfield, Illinois), with conspiracy to commit interstate murder for hire and interstate murder for hire. If convicted, each faces a mandatory term of life imprisonment.
According to the indictment, Harris paid Jackson to travel to from the State of Illinois to the State of Florida to commit a murder. In accordance with the plan, Jackson traveled to Florida on October 28, 2019, and murdered an individual in Fort Myers on November 2, 2019.
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 Fort Myers Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Texas Child Predator Sentenced to Life in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Aby Raul Rivera Torres (33, Galveston, Texas) to life in federal prison for production, distribution, and possession of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Torres to forfeit the electronic devices he had used in the commission of the offense. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a later date. Torres was found guilty on May 23, 2022, following a bench trial.
According to court documents, Torres was a member of an online social media group dedicated to discussing incestual child sexual abuse and sharing child sex abuse material with group members. Between July 20 and August 2, 2021, Torres distributed to the group 12 images of child sex abuse material that he had produced of 8-year-old Minor Victim 1, who had been in his care and custody.
On November 13, 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Torres’s residence in Spring Hill, Florida and seized his cellphone. When the law enforcement officers arrived at the residence, Torres was home alone with three minor children, including Minor Victim 1. Minor Victim 1 later disclosed to law enforcement officers that Torres had sexually assaulted Minor Victim 1 that same day. The FBI also obtained a search warrant for Torres’ cellphone. A forensic analysis of the cellphone revealed Torres was in possession of approximately 667 images of child sex abuse material, including images depicting young girls, as young as four years old, being sexually abused.
At the time of his federal arrest, Torres had been released on bond by the State of Texas, where he was pending trial for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, making a terroristic threat against a family member, and multiple charges of possession of child pornography. In the fall of 2020, Torres relocated to Tampa after being released from state custody for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, where he is alleged to have committed the same offense against another minor child who had been in his care and custody.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa and Oklahoma City Divisions), with assistance from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
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.