Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Nathan Joel Arledge (29, Melbourne) has pleaded guilty to a two-count Information. Count One charged Arledge with possession of two machine guns, an unregistered short-barrel rifle, and three unregistered silencers. Count Two charged Arledge with possession of child sexual abuse material. Arledge faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the firearms offenses, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child sexual abuse material offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, an investigation was initiated into Arledge after law enforcement received a cypertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that matched Arledge’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Arledge’s residence where they found electronics, multiple firearms, ammunition, silencers, flash bangs, potassium nitrate, magnesium flakes, gun powder, tactical clothing, body armor, law enforcement insignia, and counterfeit credentials for Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A forensic examination of Arledge’s cellphone uncovered numerous visual depictions of child sexual abuse material depicting young children. During an interview with law enforcement, Arledge admitted that he had made the machine guns, multiple silencers, and downloaded the child sexual abuse material despite knowing both were illegal.

Arledge agreed to forfeit his cellphone, an AR-10 style firearm, a .308 caliber firearm; a 9mm Luger firearm utilizing a Polymer80 brand kit, Glock-type firearm parts, a FAB Defense pistol-to-rifle conversion kit; and three firearm silencers, which were used to commit the charged offenses.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

This is also another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Heriberto Batista Montijo (43, Lehigh Acres) to 50 years in federal prison for producing and possessing images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child.  The court also sentenced Batista Montijo to serve a life term of supervised release and ordered him to register as a sex offender. Batista Montijo had pleaded guilty on June 27, 2022.

According to court documents, Batista Montijo produced images and videos of his sexual abuse of two minors, and he possessed other videos depicting the sexual abuse of unidentified minors. In January 2021, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip concerning an individual who had uploaded child sexual abuse material using his social media account, and NCMEC provided the cybertip to law enforcement. 

On May 13, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Batista Montijo’s residence and located the security camera from his bedroom. The following day, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant for Batista Montijo’s vehicle and located his cellphone. A subsequent forensic analysis of Batista Montijo’s cellphone and security camera revealed images and videos of Batista Montijo sexually abusing a 12-year-old child and a10-year-old child between February and March 2021. Additionally, other videos were located on his cellphone which depicted the sexual abuse of unidentified minors.

“The 50-year prison sentence handed down in this case is proof of the FBI’s vigilance and dedication to protecting children. Our Child Exploitation Task Forces work tirelessly to ensure sexual predators like Mr. Montijo, are removed from society; never to prey on the innocent again,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.        

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Kurt Batucan Sheldon (31, Interlachen) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for production and distribution of child sex abuse images. Sheldon was also ordered to serve a life-term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. In addition, the court ordered $13,000 in restitution for the victims of Sheldon’s offenses. Sheldon was arrested on September 4, 2020, and ordered detained during the proceedings in the case. He had pleaded guilty on February 17, 2022.

According to court documents, this case was initiated when parents of a minor female child made a report to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office about sexually explicit messages being sent by an adult to their child on two different social media applications. The adult referred to himself as “K t,” and used the username “tacticfallout.” “K t” originally began communicating with the minor child on a social media application and represented himself as a male, between 25-29 years of age. The minor child told him that she was 15 years old. “K t” told the minor child that his name was “Kurt” and that he lived in Putnam. The child told “Kurt” she lived with her parents and was in school. Their conversation later moved to another social media platform, over which “K t” requested child sex abuse material—images and videos—from the minor child and directed the child on how to take the images and how to pose. Approximately 50 images and/or videos were sent to “K t” at his direction. 

Further investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations identified Sheldon’s residence as the source of the IP address used by the account, “tacticfallout,” and for other associated accounts. 

On September 4, 2020, HSI agents and deputies and detectives from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Sheldon’s residence. Sheldon admitted there would be child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices and that he was attracted to children. He also admitted to asking girls he met via online applications, who he knew to be underage, to send him nude photographs, including a 15-year-old female. Forensic examination of his devices identified more than a thousand images and several hundred videos depicting child sex abuse.

During the same investigation, HSI also learned of a 2016 St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office investigation involving Sheldon’s IP address and residential address engaging in peer-to-peer file sharing of child sex abuse materials. Law enforcement accessed and downloaded files that contained child sex abuse materials that were later connected to Sheldon. Sheldon also admitted his involvement in this conduct.

“Men who use the anonymity of the internet to prey on the vulnerability and innocence of children are a special kind of evil,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through our partnerships with the Clay County, Putnam County and St. Johns County Sheriff’s Offices, we will remain vigilant in targeting these dark web predators, bringing them to justice to face their crimes.”     

This case was investigated by Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Shauntavus Berklin (34, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon and distributing fentanyl. The court also ordered Berklin to forfeit the firearms he illegally had possessed. Berklin had pleaded guilty to the charges, which were contained in two indictments, on July 14, 2022.

According to court documents, on October 16, 2020, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a hotel in Fort Myers where a car linked to a home invasion robbery was parked. The deputies linked the car to a hotel room occupied by Berklin and another suspect in the robbery and obtained a search warrant. During a search of the room, deputies discovered two loaded firearms hidden in a mattress box spring. Subsequent forensic analysis of the firearms linked one of the firearms to Berklin, who had recently been released from a 10-year prison sentence. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.

Approximately three and a half months later, on January 30, 2021, detectives from the Fort Myers Police Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a rental vehicle they suspected was being driven by Berklin. Berklin fled from officers at a high rate of speed before crashing the vehicle in a residential neighborhood near downtown Fort Myers and escaping on foot. Inside the vehicle, officers located a loaded firearm and multiple baggies of fentanyl packaged for sale. DNA testing of the firearm later linked the firearm to Berklin, as did other personal items found in the car, including a receipt from his bail bondsman addressed to “Tweet” Berklin, his well-known nickname.

Berklin’s criminal activities continued in April 2021, during which time he twice sold fentanyl to an individual working with the Drug Enforcement Administration for $1,800. On each occasion, Berklin met with the individual in a parking lot of a local Fort Myers businesses and provided the informant with drugs while under constant surveillance by law enforcement.

These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fort Myers Police Department. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Trenton Reichling and Michael V. Leeman.

These cases are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Juan Carlos Garcia (39, Apopka) guilty of conspiracy and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute it. Garcia faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 6, 2023. Garcia had been indicted on February 16, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Garcia conspired with a co-defendant to drive to a gas station in Apopka and sell more than a kilogram of fentanyl for $33,000. Garcia drove the vehicle and brought a loaded handgun with him, while his co-defendant brought the drugs and set up the deal. In coordination with DEA, the Apopka Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the loaded handgun was recovered from the center console and the package of drugs was found in the backseat. Both defendants were arrested without incident. The drugs were tested by the DEA laboratory and determined to be p-Fluorofentanyl, which is an analogue of fentanyl and is on Schedule I of the Drug Enforcement Administrations’ schedules of controlled substances.

Garcia will also have to forfeit the handgun and ammunition which facilitated the drug trafficking offense.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John M. Gardella and Courtney Richardson-Jones.

Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Dontae Edwards (31, Jacksonville) to 18 months in federal prison for making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Edwards had pleaded guilty on July 20, 2022.

According to court documents, Edwards attempted to purchase a .40 caliber pistol from a pawn shop in the Mayport area. He completed the required paperwork and claimed that he was not a convicted felon. At the time, Edwards had five prior felony convictions, including a 2017 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The pawn shop, also a federally licensed gun dealer, performed a background check on Edwards through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) and the purchase was denied. All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot and was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Zomorodian.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent

violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved to date by the Middle District of Florida to combat human trafficking. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. During fiscal year 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted 11 defendants for human trafficking offenses and has obtained $120,861.98 in restitution for survivors. The defendants include perpetrators directly involved in trafficking, to include recruiters, enforcers, facilitators, buyers/customers, advertisers, and individuals who financially benefit from the exploitation. (See chart below for criminal case details.)

“The fight against human trafficking, a crime that harms some of the most vulnerable members of our society, is one of the highest priorities of the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg.  “We are committed to vindicating the rights of human trafficking crime victims by bringing their traffickers to justice and working to ensure that survivors have access to restitution, services, and assistance that are needed to rebuild their lives.” 

Combatting human trafficking is also key priority for the Department of Justice. Earlier this year, the Attorney General released the Department of Justice’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking. The Strategy lays out the Department’s multi-year plan to combat all forms of human trafficking; focusing on efforts to protect victims of trafficking, prosecute human trafficking cases, and prevent further acts of human trafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Representative cases prosecuted by the Middle District of Florida this year include:

United States v. Henry Lee White, III – Henry Lee White, III (27) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to over 24 years in prison for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution; coercion and enticement; and being a felon in possession of ammunition. White was also ordered to pay $87,121.98 in restitution for his crimes. According to court documents, between June 2, 2020, and January 7, 2021, White used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause the victim to engage in commercial sex. During that time, White trafficked the victim within the Middle District of Florida, and transported the victim from Florida to Georgia so that the victim could engage in prostitution. The victim was recovered during a Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force operation in January 2021.

United States v. Jamel Muldrew – Jamel Muldrew (33) pleaded guilty and was sentenced over 21 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor, coercing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, using a facility of interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, and transporting a person interstate for prostitution. Muldrew was also ordered to pay $27,740.00 in restitution for his crimes. According to court documents, an undercover officer arranged to engage in a commercial sex act with a minor victim at a local hotel. Muldrew drove the minor victim to the hotel, dropped her off, and drove to a nearby mall parking lot to wait. Law enforcement officers arrested Muldrew in the mall parking lot and searched him, recovering multiple fictious identity documents for both himself and the minor victim. Subsequent investigation revealed that, between February and April 2021, Muldrew had trafficked the minor victim across the country to engage in prostitution, including in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and ultimately Florida, where he was arrested. The minor victim was recovered during a Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force operation in April 2021.

United States v. Bladimir Moreno et al. – Bladimir Moreno (55) pleaded guilty to conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and conspiracy to commit forced labor, and he is awaiting sentencing. Pursuant to his plea agreement, Moreno has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $173,125.44 to his victims. A federal grand jury had previously returned a six-count indictment against Moreno and others for their roles in a federal racketeering conspiracy that victimized Mexican H-2A workers who harvested fruit, vegetables, and other agricultural products in the United States. According to court documents, Moreno owned, operated, and managed Los Villatoros Harvesting (LVH), a farm labor contracting company, that functioned as a criminal enterprise that forced victims to work in Florida, Kentucky, Indiana, Georgia and North Carolina. After charging Mexican farm workers exorbitant sums to come into the United States on short-term H-2A agricultural visas to work for LVH, Moreno and his co-conspirators coerced over a dozen workers into providing long hours of physically demanding agricultural labor, six to seven days a week, for very little pay. Moreno and his co-conspirators used various coercive means, including imposing debts on workers; confiscating the workers’ passports; subjecting workers to crowded, unsanitary and degrading living conditions; verbally abusing and humiliating the workers; threatening workers with arrest, jail, and deportation; isolating workers by preventing them from interacting with anyone other than LVH employees; and threatening to physically harm the workers’ family members back in Mexico if the workers failed to comply with their demands. Moreno and his coconspirators also harbored H-2A workers in the United States after their visas had expired, committed visa fraud and fraud in foreign labor contracting. Three co-defendants also pleaded guilty to related offenses. Christina Gamez (43) a U.S. citizen, who worked for LVH as a bookkeeper, manager, and supervisor, pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and agreed to pay $9,353.91 in restitution. Efrain Cabrera Rodas (32) a citizen of Mexico, who worked for LVH as a recruiter, manager, and supervisor, also pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and agreed to pay $24,732.20 in restitution. Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza (45) a citizen of Mexico, who worked for LVH as a manager and supervisor, pleaded guilty to conspiring to obstruct a federal investigation.

Some of the prosecutions described above were investigated by the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. Through this multi-agency partnership, members of the task force work together to identify victims, investigate and prosecute these crimes, and support survivors by directing them to victim-centered, trauma-informed services. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking.

In addition to vigorously prosecuting traffickers and customers of human trafficking, the USAO-MDFL is also committed to providing education, prevention, and technical and training assistance. Most recently, in June 2022, the USAO-MDFL led a presentation during the Circuit 5 Human Trafficking Symposium.  Attendees were trained on how to identify signs of human trafficking as well as on tactics used by traffickers. Attendees included approximately 278 law-enforcement officers, prosecutors, juvenile-justice and health-care professionals, and faith-based groups, located in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties.

The cases identified in the chart below have been investigated by the following agencies: Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Houston (Texas) Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division, the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the Colorado Legal Services Migrant Farm Worker Division, Legal Aid Services of Oregon Farmworker Program, the Indiana Legal Services Worker Rights and Protection Project, and Selah Freedom.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

Human Trafficking Prosecutions in FY 2022

Charged Cases

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Penalties

Type of Human Trafficking

Tampa Division

Mateus Fernandes Evangelista Da Silva (22) *

Attempted Child Sex Trafficking; and

Possession of Child Pornography

Mandatory Minimum: 10 years

Maximum: Life

Child Sex Trafficking

George Thayer (51)

Child Sex Trafficking;

Production of Child Pornography; and

Possession of Child Pornography

Mandatory Minimum: 15 years

Maximum: Life

 

Child Sex Trafficking

These human trafficking cases in the Tampa Division are being prosecuted by AUSAs Lisa M. Thelwell and Ilyssa Spergel.

Jacksonville Division

Nicholas Christopher Carwise (31)

Attempted Child Sex Trafficking; and

Enticement of a Minor

Mandatory Minimum: 10 years

Maximum: Life

Child Sex Trafficking

This human trafficking case from the Jacksonville Division is being prosecuted by AUSA Ashley Washington.

Adjudicated Cases

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Penalties

Type of Human Trafficking

Tampa Division

Leslie Reio (25) *

 

Conspiracy to Commit Child Sex Trafficking

 

Mandatory Minimum: 10 years

Maximum: Life

Child Sex Trafficking

Bladimir Moreno (55)

Conspiracy to Commit Forced Labor;

RICO Conspiracy

Maximum: 20 years

Labor Trafficking

 

Christina Gamez (43)

RICO Conspiracy

Maximum: 20 years

Labor Trafficking

Efrain Cabrerra Rodas (32)

RICO Conspiracy

Maximum: 20 years

Labor Trafficking

Guadalupe Mendes Mendoza (45)

Conspiracy to Obstruct Federal Investigation

Maximum: 20 years

Labor Trafficking

These human trafficking cases in the Tampa Division are being prosecuted by AUSAs Erin C. Favorit and Ilyssa Spergel, and Trial Attorneys Avner Shapiro, Maryam Zhuravitsky, and Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Jacksonville Division

Mark Manuel Marino (27)

 

Attempted Child Sex Trafficking;

Production, Receipt, and Possession of Child Pornography

Mandatory Minimum: 15 years

Maximum: Life

Child Sex Trafficking

This human trafficking case in the Jacksonville Division is being prosecuted by AUSA Kelly S. Karase.

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Sentence Imposed

Type of Human Trafficking

Restitution

Henry Lee White, III (27) *

 

Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion;

Felon in Possession of Ammunition

24 years, 4 months in federal prison

Adult Sex Trafficking

$87,121.98

Julius Arline (31) *

Child Sex Trafficking

40 years in federal prison

Child Sex Trafficking

$6,000.00

Jamel Muldrew (33) *

Child Sex Trafficking

21 years, 10 months in federal prison

Child Sex Trafficking

$27,740.00

These human trafficking cases from the Tampa Division were prosecuted by AUSAs Lisa M. Thelwell, Erin C. Favorit, Ilyssa Spergel, and Carlton C. Gammons.

         

* This case was investigated and prosecuted in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with public and private organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Erotida Natasha Harden Ortiz guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and six counts of aiding in fraudulent and false statements related to IRS returns. The jury also found Aida Cortes guilty of one count conspiracy to defraud the United States. Ortiz and Cortes were originally indicted on April 13, 2022. Their sentencing hearings are scheduled for January 2023.

According to evidence admitted during trial, Ortiz owned Certified Taxes, LLC, and Cortes was her office manager. From 2016 through 2018, Ortiz and Cortes orchestrated a scheme to file taxes for unsuspecting taxpayers by filling out fraudulent Schedule C forms, which showed a business loss and enabled the taxpayers to obtain the Earned Income Tax credit. By obtaining the Earned Income Tax credit the taxpayers were able to receive refunds to which the taxpayers were not entitled. As a result, the taxpayers continued to come back to Certified Taxes every year. The evidence revealed that Certified Taxes did not provide the tax returns to the taxpayers to review or go over the tax return with the taxpayers prior to filing them with the IRS. 

During the conspiracy, Certified Taxes filed more than 3,600 tax returns with the IRS, with only 1 tax return resulting in a taxpayer owing money to the IRS. For each tax return Certified Taxes charged the taxpayer approximately $400, which resulted in Certified Taxes receiving more than $1 million in tax preparation fees.   

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Virginia Garcia Moreta (35, Tampa) and Hector Rodriguez Mendez (47, Tampa) to 70 and 63 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiring to commit money laundering. As part of their sentences, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $21,567,939, which represented the proceeds of the conspiracy. The couple had pleaded guilty on June 10, 2022.

According to court documents, Garcia Moreta and Rodriguez Mendez led a Tampa-based money laundering organization responsible for laundering more than $20 million in drug proceeds in over 400 transactions. During the conspiracy, the couple received substantial amounts of drug proceeds, then gave bundles of cash with purchase instructions to people whom Rodriguez Mendez had recruited in order to purchase cashier’s checks. These checks often listed as the remitter either a co-conspirator or a business registered in the co-conspirator’s name. The co-conspirators then often traveled to several banks in the same day in order to avoid suspicion. These cashier’s checks were then given to other businesses and individuals involved in the conspiracy.

On June 18, 2019, troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Garcia Moreta while she was in possession of a bag containing cashier’s checks and receipts for cashier’s checks totaling more than $1 million.

In total, investigators identified $21,567,939 that was laundered in furtherance of the conspiracy. The defendants’ share of the proceeds for their role in the scheme was approximately three percent.          

“The main motivation of these drug trafficking organizations is profit at the expense of the safety and health of our citizens. The actions of these individuals assisted the drug traffickers bringing this poison into our communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This successful collaboration between the DEA Miami Field Division and our federal partners highlights the importance of financial investigations in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Florida.”

“The dirty cash from drug trafficking cannot legally be introduced into the commerce stream, so traffickers rely on money launderers to “clean it”,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Those who launder drug proceeds are just as vile and culpable as the traffickers themselves, which is why today’s sentences properly hold the defendants responsible for their actions.”

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Baez. The forfeiture was handled by U.S. Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raequan M. Nelson (23, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nelson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2022. Nelson had been indicted on May 25, 2022.  

According to court documents, on February 13, 2022, Nelson was arrested on two active Hillsborough County warrants. At the time of the arrest, Nelson had previous felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. During the arrest, officers recovered a Glock 9mm pistol and various ammunition from Nelson. As a previously convicted felon, Nelson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Hector Enrique Veliz Villeda (30, Hialeah) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Veliz Villeda faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, in June and July 2022, Veliz Villeda and unknown co-conspirators were part of a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that were moving kilogram quantities of the drug between several major cities located in the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida and the Northern District of Alabama. Veliz Villeda received shipments of methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in Birmingham, Alabama and subsequently transported the methamphetamine into the Miami and Tampa metropolitan areas for resale.

On June 14, 2022, Veliz Villeda obtained crystal methamphetamine from a co-conspirator in Alabama at his residence in Hialeah, and later sold it to a confidential source in Bradenton. The following month, Veliz Villeda again travelled from Hialeah to Bradenton and sold more crystal methamphetamine which he had received from co-conspirators.        

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bradenton Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Eddie Winman Thomas (32, Lakeland) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Thomas that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.

According to the indictment, on April 28, 2022, Thomas was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. At the time of the incident, Thomas had previous felony convictions for Hobbs Act Robbery and conspiracy to obstruct commerce by robbery. As a previously convicted felon, Thomas is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Kevin Mark Streeter, Jr. (38, Tampa) to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy, receipt of stolen government property, and aggravated identity theft. Streeter had pleaded guilty on June 14, 2022.

According to court documents, Streeter was employed by the U.S. Postal Service at a mail processing center in Sarasota. He exploited his position by stealing approximately 40 federal tax refund checks from the U.S. mail that were enroute to the intended taxpayers living in the Middle District of Florida. Streeter and others then sold or attempted to sell the checks to third parties. The tax refund checks, issued by the U.S. Department of Treasury, ranged in amounts from $4,000 to over $100,000, with an aggregate value of over $398,000.

“As a postal employee, Mr. Streeter should have been delivering the mail, not stealing it,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge.  “Today’s sentence demonstrates the consequences for individuals, especially those in a position of trust, who steal government funds and commit identity theft.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Service – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Johnathan Anton Williams (38, Ruskin) with distribution of methamphetamine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted of the drug offense, Williams faces a maximum term of 20 years in federal prison. If convicted of the firearms offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison for carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies Williams that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense.

According to the indictment, on May 4, 2022, Williams was selling methamphetamine, during which time he had a firearm and ammunition in his possession. At the time of the incident, Williams had previous felony convictions for robbery and possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, FL - United States Roger B. Handberg announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Frank Talbot will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022, general election. AUSA Talbot has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Middle District of Florida, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

U.S. Attorney Handberg said, “Every citizen should be free to vote without interference or discrimination and to have their vote counted in a fair and free democratic process. Similarly, those officials and staff charged with the responsibility of facilitating that process should be free to exercise their duties without fear of intimidation, threats, or violence. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the electoral process. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Frank Talbot will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (904) 301- 6284.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. Local FBI field offices can be reached by the public at (813) 253-1000 (Tampa/Orlando Division) or (904) 248-7000 (Jacksonville Division).

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/.

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Karey Tyrone Taylor II (42, Tampa) to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Taylor to forfeit a firearm and magazine that were used in the offense. Taylor had pleaded guilty on May 13, 2022.

According to court documents, on January 2, 2021, Taylor brandished a firearm at a victim while she was driving on East Fowler Avenue in Tampa. The victim pulled into a nearby carwash, and Taylor confronted her. Standing face-to-face, Taylor told the victim that if he had known or seen that she was “all that,” then he would not have pulled a gun on her. The victim then told employees at the car wash what had happened, and an employee called the police.

Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded and interviewed the victim. The officers also located an SUV matching the description of Taylor’s vehicle. They found Taylor in the driver’s seat and detained him. While searching the vehicle, the officers found a black Taurus .45 caliber handgun with one round of ammunition in the chamber and 14 rounds in the magazine. A DNA sample later obtained from Taylor for comparison indicated that Taylor’s DNA matched DNA found on the handgun.

Taylor had previously been convicted of a felony offense, including possession of a firearm as a convicted felon and distribution of controlled substances in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, as well as the Tampa Police Department. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement assisted with the DNA analyses.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Risha Asokan and Patrick Scruggs.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Johnson has pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the filing of false tax returns. Johnson faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, for tax years 2014, 2015, and 2016 Johnson worked as a tax preparer for a tax preparation business at its office location in Seffner. In order to maximize the refunds that the IRS would have to pay his clients, Johnson prepared fraudulent Forms 1040 which falsely reported fictitious amounts for educational expenses on behalf of his clients. Many other tax returns that he prepared for clients contained fictitious information as to the Schedule C portion of the returns reflecting profit/loss from the operation of businesses. The inclusion of those types of false items helped to fraudulently inflate the refunds that the taxpayers would receive.

The indictment charged Johnson with aiding in the filing of numerous such false tax returns. The tax loss attributable to the single false tax return to which he pleaded guilty is nearly $14,000. The tax loss for other tax returns that Johnson had a role in preparing, and which contained similar false statements, is approximately $188,940. Johnson also caused large tax losses from many other tax returns which contained false education credit entries.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Meccos Donta Allen (38, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.

Prosecutors alleged in open court that on July 29, 2022, Allen confronted multiple citizens along Tampa’s Riverwalk. In one instance, Allen approached a couple sitting on a swing. The couple departed, returning to their nearby residence, and Allen followed them and pointed a gun at them as they entered their complex. In a second incident, Allen confronted another couple that were sitting on a bench on the south end of Tampa’s Riverwalk. During this confrontation, Allen allegedly pointed his gun at one victim and groped another. Officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to the area and made contact with Allen, who fled on foot as the officers approached. While fleeing, Allen dropped a Glock pistol.

The indictment alleges that at the time of the incident, Allen had prior felony convictions for battery, delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and delivery of cocaine. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Michael J. DaCorta (57, Sarasota) to 23 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $2,817,876.16, a portion of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury had found DaCorta guilty on May 4, 2020.

According to testimony and evidence presented during the 13-day trial, from November 2011 through April 18, 2019, DaCorta ran an investment company named Oasis International Group, Ltd. (“OIG”). DaCorta and his co-conspirators persuaded at least 700 victims to invest in OIG through promissory notes and other means, causing victims’ losses exceeding $80 million. DaCorta, who had effectively been banned from conducting foreign exchange trading (“FOREX”) by agreement with the National Futures Association, induced victims to invest in OASIS by falsely representing to victim-investors that OASIS was reaping enormous profits by being a “market maker” and collecting “spread” on voluminous FOREX trades. DaCorta also pitched the opportunity as essentially risk free and OASIS as well-collateralized. In reality, OASIS was not making markets and had no true revenue. The “spread” earnings were being paid on each trade by OASIS back to OASIS in order to create the illusion of revenue, which was published to investors on fictious account statements and an online portal. The OIG investor portal showed the “spread” credits but concealed catastrophic underlying trading losses.

DaCorta and his conspirators used the balance of the victim-investors’ funds to make Ponzi-style payments to perpetuate the scheme and to fund lavish lifestyles. For example, the evidence showed that DaCorta used victim-investors’ funds to purchase a Maserati and Range Rovers for his family members, a country club membership, multiple million-dollar homes in Florida, college tuition for family members, flights on private jets, and lavish trips to Europe and the Cayman Islands. DaCorta also under-reported his income on his 2017 federal income tax return, claiming a negative income and receiving a tax refund.

 

“Mr. DaCorta guaranteed his more than 700 clients an “oasis” of an investment, when in reality all they got was a dust bowl of empty promises,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s significant prison sentence ordered by the court should offer some measure of justice to all of those impacted by the destructive wake of Mr. DaCorta’s greed and indifference.”

“Mr. DaCorta surrendered to greed and swindled millions of dollars from honest, hard-working Americans,” said FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “Today’s sentencing confirms the FBI’s commitment to hold heartless fraudsters accountable for their actions and ensure justice is served.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and David W.A. Chee, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Murray.

 

Tampa, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Jason Pagan-Reyes (40, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Pagan-Reyes had pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022, and is currently serving a drug-related state prison sentence.

According to court documents, Pagan-Reyes was part of a conspiracy to deliver $1 million in drug proceeds to a money laundering organization that would launder the money back to the Dominican Republic. Pagan-Reyes was in contact with a courier for that organization who was, in reality, an undercover officer. On July 11, 2020, while driving to meet with the undercover officer, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Pagan-Reyes’s minivan in Polk County for a variety of traffic offenses. After a police dog alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle, law enforcement recovered $1,000,495 in two large bags. A search of Pagan-Reyes’s cellphone revealed communications consistent with both drug trafficking and money laundering.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Ocala, Florida – Senior United District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Jason Ronald Santore (26, Lecanto) to 16 years and 8 months years in federal prison for possession and distribution of child sex abuse material. Santore had pleaded guilty on June 3, 2022.

According to testimony and court documents, Santore used the internet to transmit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children to a cooperating defendant.  Based on these transmission, federal agents obtained search warrants for Santore’s residence, electronic devices, and online storage accounts. Agents located thousands of images and videos of child sex abuse material on Santore’s online accounts, many of which depicted the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Re’Shod Peter Jontavious Larry (28, Fort Myers) to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Larry to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Larry had pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022.

According to court records, on November 16, 2021, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic infraction. Larry was the front-seat passenger in the vehicle.  After a certified police narcotics-detection dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the vehicle, officers searched the vehicle and found a small baggie containing cocaine residue on the seat where Larry had been sitting. They also recovered a Smith and Wesson handgun from under the front-passenger seat, and a loaded high-capacity magazine from the glovebox directly in front of the front-passenger seat. FMPD personnel were later able to positively identify a latent palmprint lifted from the loaded magazine as belonging to Larry. At the time, Larry was a convicted felon who had only recently been released from prison for selling fentanyl. As a convicted felon, Larry is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Orlando, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Anne Conway has sentenced Deonte Lee Barber (40, Rockledge) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Barber had pleaded guilty on February 3, 2022.

According to court documents and evidence produced at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) utilized a confidential source to make controlled purchases of fentanyl from Barber. In total, Barber distributed 167 grams of fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, agents discovered that Barber had supplied C.M. with fentanyl on November 4, 2021, which resulted in C.M.’s death. Police were summoned to C.M.’s home in Rockledge after his mother called 911 crying that she had found her son deceased. Located in close proximity to C.M.’s body were a plastic pen with burnt residue on it and a pink plastic baggie with a brown powdery substance, later determined to be fentanyl. At the sentencing hearing, the Brevard County Associate Medical Examiner testified that C.M. died of an overdose in connection with his ingestion of fentanyl. C.M.’s blood analysis revealed that he had more than double the lethal amount in his system necessary to cause death.

Law enforcement established that Barber was the person who had sold the fentanyl to C.M. Testimony and exhibits showed that Barber communicated with C.M. by text message just prior to his death to arrange the fentanyl sale. Agents also uncovered additional evidence to corroborate that Barber had delivered the fentanyl to C.M. at his home just a few hours before C.M. was found dead. After C.M.’s death became known, Barber notified and warned other customers of the drug’s potency.

On December 2, 2021, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Barber’s storage unit, where he stored his drugs. Agents located drugs, scales, and a large number of pink baggies, identical to the one found next to C.M.’s body.

At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, the judge agreed with the government that Barber’s distribution of fentanyl had caused C.M.’s death and granted the United States’ motion for an enhanced sentence.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockledge Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Cocoa Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Beatriz Gonzalez and Michael P. Felicetta.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Desmond Dondre Williams (34, Jasper) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count and payment of restitution to the United States government.   

According to the indictment, Williams submitted two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Both PPP loan applications falsely claimed that Williams operated as the “Personal Chef” for his business, “Tastebudz.” Throughout the loan applications, Williams made multiple false statements regarding his purported gross income and expenses associated with operating Tastebudz. In support of his two PPP loan applications, Williams submitted a false IRS Form 1040 “Profit or Loss From Business” for Tastebudz. It contained false statements about operating expenses for his purported business. In truth, Tastebudz did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in his two PPP loan applications, the Small Business Administration funded two PPP loans for Tastebudz, totaling $39,327.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19 during fiscal year 2022, ending September 30, 2022. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “Those who seek to exploit these programs and further harm victims should beware. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

On the criminal-enforcement front, the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined together in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the task force has prosecuted more than 40 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs created or expanded to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). These cases and matters involve diverse schemes, from traditional healthcare fraud involving COVID-19 programs, to violent gangs using unemployment insurance fraud proceeds to operate their narcotics businesses. These defendants collectively sought to defraud the United States of over $43 million. Over thirty of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against nine defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.)

For example, on September 15, 2022, Marqus Johnson (40, Tampa) pleaded guilty to a 9-count Information charging him with bank fraud and illegal monetary transactions. Johnson formed and operated two corporate entities—All American Health, LLC and Next Level Health & Transportation, LLC—that purportedly were engaged in health care-related transportation services. In April and June 2020 and January 2021, Johnson use false and fraudulent representations to apply for a total of seven SBA-backed loans (one PPP loan and six EIDL) and received loan funding in connection with three of the loan applications. Based on his false representations, Johnson fraudulently obtained $544,900, including a $375,000 PPP loan.

In another matter, Julio Lugo (45, Davenport), a convicted felon on federal supervised release, conspired with others to steal nearly $6 million from the SBA’s PPP and EIDL programs and launder the proceeds of those stolen funds. Lugo pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison on July 28, 2022. The court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $4.4 million and entered an order of restitution in the amount of $4.8 million. 

The Middle District of Florida has been at the forefront of addressing the complex issues that arise out of investigating and charging frauds relating to new government programs. The Fort Myers Division, for example, was the first office in the country to take a COVID-19 fraud case to trial in United States v. Casey Crowther. Crowther was found guilty and sentenced to more than three years in federal prison. The Orlando Division meanwhile handled the country’s first COVID-19 fraud-related extradition in United States v. Don V. Cisternino. Cisternino recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transactions related to his scheme to secure more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a PPP loan.

Further, the Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $14.3 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $8.5 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

The Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.

The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Small Business Administration, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board – Office of Inspector General, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.   

The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Max. Imprisonment

Type of Fraud*

Intended Loss

Amount

Tampa Division

Joseph Abdo (39)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$500k

Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria (33)

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$150k

Alexander Leszczynski (22)

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$200k

Charles Cunningham (72)

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$800K

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Diego Novaes, and Jennifer Peresie

Orlando Division

Brian Blake (30)

 

Possession of device-making equipment

Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

PPP/UI

$832k

Emmet Bowens (53)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$740k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Amanda Daniels

Jacksonville Division

Jacob Byrd

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20K

This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein

Fort Myers Division

Venera Price (45)

Mail fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

ERAP

$82K

This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava

Ocala Division

Lavelle Harris (36)

Wire Fraud (14 counts)

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years per count

PPP

$1.2M

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Adjudicated Cases

Tampa Division

Keith Nicoletta (49)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$1.9M

Rosenide Venant (37)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL/PPP

$413k

 

Keaujay Hornsby (26)

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Kareem Spann (27)

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Melinda Hernandez (33)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

UI

$1.5M

Richard Simpkins (47)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$1.9M

Steve Moodie (33)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

UI

$1.5M

Marqus Willard Johnson

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$500K

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, John Michelich, and Greg Pizzo

Orlando Division

Daniel Johnson (34)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Unlawful transfer of firearm

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

UI

$2.3M

Joel Greenberg (37)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release

Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

EIDL

$430k

Teresa McIntyre (55)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

EIDL

$730k

 

Don Cisternino (46)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal Monetary Transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated Identity Theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

PPP

$7.2M

 

 

 

This COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg and AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, and Dana Hill

Fort Myers Division

Daniel Joseph Tisone (34)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated Identity Theft

Maximum Prison Term: 2 Years Consecutive

Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL/MSLP

$2.6M

Liliana Gonzalez (31)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$169k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling and Jesus M. Casas

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Louis Thornton, III (63)

 

Wire Fraud

Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$815k

Kary Stevenson (48)

Corey Quinn (35)

 

Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)

Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)

UI

$1M

Bridgitte Keim (52)

 

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison

PPP

$588k

Wayne Ganaway (47)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison

EIDL

$300k

Eriaius Bentley (29)

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison

UI

$3M

Rolanda Wingfield (39)

 

Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft

Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison

UI

$135k

 

Tywon Spann (25)

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison

UI

$3M

Randy Jones (34)

 

Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

EIDL/UI

$250k

Julio Lugo (45)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$4.4M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, and SAUSA Chris Poor

Orlando Division

Jacquavius Smith (21)

 

Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$10k

 

 

Johnson Eustache (40)

 

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$2.2M

Joseph Harrison (43)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison

UI

$2.1M

Tomas Ziupsnys (39)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

PPP

$2M

Holly Urban (36)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.5M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington

Fort Myers Division

Casey Crowther (36)

 

Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$2.7M

Anthony Bruey (36)

Amber Bruey (35)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Wire fraud

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Illegal monetary transactions

Sentence Imposed:

Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison

Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL

$881k

Edrica Leann Watson (30)

 

False statement to a lending institution

Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison

PPP

$392k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas

Types of Fraud*

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

 

 

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edwin Hill (51, Holiday), a/k/a “Z,” has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and is subject to enhanced minimum penalties due to a prior conviction for attempted first-degree murder. He has agreed to forfeit his interest in a house in Pasco County that was used in the offense, approximately $400,536 in drug proceeds, three handguns, and assorted ammunition. Hill was arrested on September 27, 2018, where he has remained in custody. The charges and penalties for each offense are as follows:

Count

Offense

Penalty

One

Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or More of Heroin and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl

Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment

Two 

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Three

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Four

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Five

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Seven

Possession of 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment

Eight

Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment to be served consecutively to the drug counts

According to court documents, Hill trafficked fentanyl in in Pasco County. He used a residence in New Port Richey for distributing the drugs and his personal residence in Holiday for storing the controlled substances, cash, and firearms. After four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hill, federal authorities obtained search warrants for both residences and executed them on September 27, 2018. During the execution of the search warrants of the two houses, agents recovered more than a half-kilogram of fentanyl, almost a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms – including two that had been reported stolen – and more than $370,000 in cash. During an interview with law enforcement, Hill admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking, ownership of the seized guns, and that the money was the result of drug proceeds.     

After agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement, Hill secretly, and without informing law enforcement, sent three text messages to coconspirator Nelson White letting him know that Hill had been arrested:

Text 1: D e a

Text 2: Dont come

Text 3: Stop answering the feds got me

Law enforcement officers observed White leave his residence after a bag was loaded into his car. A deputy from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office pulled over White’s car for a traffic violation and found approximately an additional pound of fentanyl, almost a half-kilogram of cocaine, more than $29,000 in cash, four additional firearms, and assorted ammunition.

White was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced on December 1, 2020, to over 21 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Dominic Taddeo, Jr. (65) to 3 years in federal prison for his escape from an Orlando half-way house, to be served consecutively to his remaining term of imprisonment on other federal convictions. Taddeo had pleaded guilty to the escape on May 17, 2022.

According to court documents, on February 15, 2022, Taddeo was transferred from the Coleman Correctional Institution to a half-way house in Orlando to complete his term of incarceration for federal convictions out of the Western District of New York. Taddeo’s projected release date from the half-way house was February 2023. On March 28, 2022, Taddeo was granted a community pass to leave the half-way house for a medical appointment, but he failed to return to the half-way house as required.  At the time of his arrest on April 4, 2022, Taddeo was in possession of over $5,000 cash and a driver license of a deceased individual.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Regional Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister (54, Live Oak) to 40 months in federal prison for conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, wire fraud, and tax fraud. His co-defendant and former Dixie County Attorney Marion Michael O’Steen (43, Old Town) has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for extorting a client and for failing to file a form with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. As part of Siegmeister’s sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $518,803.30, which are proceeds of the wire fraud offense. As part of O’Steen’s sentence, the court entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $60,000, which are proceeds of the extortion offense, and ordered O’Steen to pay a $45,000 fine.

A federal jury had found O’Steen guilty on June 15, 2022. Siegmeister had pleaded guilty on February 22, 2022. 

According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, O’Steen was a criminal defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister’s office in the Third Judicial Circuit. O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his client, and the delay of official actions–in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen extorted one of his clients, telling him that if the client paid him an additional $60,000, O’Steen would use up a “favor” with the state attorney to make “everything go away,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him. O’Steen told his client he could “go to trial and fight em’ out, which I don’t think you can win.” O’Steen further advised his client that he would not get the same results from another attorney.

O’Steen received two payments of $30,000 each from his client. Evidence at trial established that O’Steen knew the reporting requirements but failed to timely file a Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.       

Siegmeister acknowledged having conspired with O’Steen to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, between approximately November 2017 and May 16, 2019, during which time O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his clients, and the delay of official actions in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients—for which Siegmeister solicited bribes from O’Steen. The plea agreement provides that, on April 16, 2018, Siegmeister sent O’Steen four photographs of bulls he was selling, after the sentencing of one of O’Steen’s clients, indicating that Siegmeister expected O’Steen to purchase a bull from him in exchange for the favorable treatment Siegmeister had provided O’Steen’s client. With respect to the extortion count, O’Steen solicited Siegmeister to resolve a case against his client through pre-trial intervention (“PTI”). Siegmeister acknowledged that he made it clear to O’Steen that if O’Steen wanted his client to get a PTI agreement, O’Steen would have to buy one of Siegmeister’s bulls. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen told his client, “I can make everything go away all, your brothers, the other two nolle pros with you sign an agreement to pay their cost of investigation, you leave, you will not have to report but one time, uh, ah, I need $75,000 and everything goes away and you pay the money,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him.   

Siegmeister also admitted to committing wire fraud by defrauding the probate court and the estate of a man identified by the initials “L.T.” While serving as the voluntary guardian of L.T., Siegmeister admitted to inflating the expenditures incurred by L.T. in a filing to the probate court and to diverting more than $500,000 in assets from L.T.’s estate to pay Siegmeister’s own personal expenditures in 2015 and 2016. Siegmeister also admitted that he had failed to report the diverted funds on his tax returns.

Attorney Ernest Maloney Page IV was previously sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on September 6, 2022, for conspiracy to bribe Siegmeister in connection with the resolution of his client’s pending criminal cases.

“As former officers of the court, who were sworn to serve the interests of the public, the defendants were rightly held to a higher standard,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI special agent in charge. “These sentencings affirm that they egregiously betrayed the public trust placed in them in pursuit of their own selfish greed. The prison terms handed down today now hold them accountable for their criminal actions.”

“As a member of law enforcement, Jeffrey Siegmeister was given incredible power to enforce the law and ensure justice,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks. “Likewise, as an officer of the court, Michael O’Steen had a duty to uphold the highest standards. However, instead of protecting the rights of citizens, both chose to abuse their positions of authority in an effort to line their own pocketbooks, and this type of activity will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue our work to root out any and all forms of corruption within the judicial system to ensure those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable."        

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Ghasan Awad (60, Safety Harbor) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The court also ordered Awad to make restitution to the USDA in the amount of $654,502.28.

According to court documents, Awad helped to orchestrate a conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements the USDA. Awad recruited others to assist in submitting false and fraudulent representations to the USDA that a third party was buying a St. Petersburg convenience store that Awad then owned which was enrolled to accept USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) program benefits.  

Specifically, in 2015, after the USDA had prohibited Awad from accepting any SNAP benefit purchases and prohibited him from owning the store or even working at the store, co-defendant Bassam Al Saleh joined with his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, and Awad to create false records and representations that Ahmad Al Saleh had bought the store and that Ahmad Al Saleh was operating it himself. In reality, Awad continued to operate and manage the store and continued to make profits from it, paying Ahmad Al Saleh a fee for the use of Al Saleh’s name as the owner of the store on USDA documents. In 2019, during the time that Awad was still operating the store under the supposed ownership of Ahmad Al Saleh, Awad committed numerous acts of SNAP benefits trafficking at the store. In those instances, Awad bought SNAP benefits from customers and paid for them in cash, in direct violation of USDA SNAP regulations. The court determined that the losses to the USDA and the SNAP program from the engagement of Awad and his co-defendants in this scheme to defraud the USDA was at least $654,502.84.

“The integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is critical to ensure that assistance is available to those truly in need,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “The combined efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), National Security Group, St. Petersburg Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations stopped this fraud from perpetuating.”  

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Raymond Reeves (22, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Reeves to forfeit a Taurus 9mm pistol that was used in the offense. Reeves had pleaded guilty on July 22, 2022.

According to court documents, Reeves was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) after he was observed driving recklessly. After the traffic stop, JSO officers arrested Reeves and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from the floorboard of his car. Reeves had a prior conviction for armed carjacking and had been released from prison in 2020. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot and was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Zomorodian. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced James Clay Bexley (35, Center Hill) to three years in federal prison for possessing unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers and for possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. Bexley had pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022.

According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office located six firearms, two silencers, and two small explosive devices in Bexley’s vehicle. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad then responded and discovered two destructive devices (pipe bombs) on Bexley’s front porch. After obtaining a search warrant, federal agents recovered approximately 35 pounds of explosive materials and bomb-making equipment from within the residence, along with an additional 12 firearms and two silencers.

Firearm silencers and destructive devices, such as pipe bombs, are illegal to possess unless registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. None of Bexley’s silencers or destructive devices had been registered as required under federal law. Furthermore, it is also a federal crime to possess firearms while subject to a domestic violence injunction.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. 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, FL – Roy Lashley, 55, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for attacking a Black man because of his actual and perceived race.

According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 17, 2021, Lashley traveled to the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs, Florida, where the victim, a Black man, was shopping inside. Lashley repeatedly used racial slurs inside the store in reference to the victim and then followed the victim into the parking lot. There, Lashley retrieved an axe handle from the bed of his truck and struck the victim multiple times with it. Lashley directed racial slurs towards the victim before, during and after the attack. The victim sustained painful injuries to his face and legs, including a laceration to the inside of his mouth. 

“Racially motivated and hate-fueled attacks on Black people have no place in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we mark 13 years since passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, we renew our commitment to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal to prosecute unlawful acts of hate.”

“The defendant in this case deliberately and brutally attacked the victim because of his race,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “There is no place in our country for this type of abhorrent behavior, and we will prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

“Civil rights investigations are at the heart of what we do at the FBI,” Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks for the FBI Jacksonville Field Division. “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim; they are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community. Because of their wide-ranging impact, investigating hate crimes is among the FBI's highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims and their communities.”

A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Lashley faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment, three years of mandatory supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Lashley was charged in an indictment that was unsealed on June 17. The indictment charged Lashley and co-defendant Robert Dewayne Lashley, each aiding and abetting one another, with willfully causing bodily injury to the victim because of the victim’s actual and perceived race. Robert Dewayne Lashley pleaded guilty on Oct. 4.

Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Handberg and Special Agent in Charge Onks made the announcement.

The FBI and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter. Trial Attorneys Maura White and Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hamilton for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. 

For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Eddie Joe Oglesby, Jr. (52, Fort McCoy) guilty of two counts of production of child sex abuse material and one count of receipt of child sex abuse material. Oglesby faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years in federal prison on each of the two production counts. He faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years, up to 20 years, on the receipt count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2023, before Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II. A superseding indictment was returned against Oglesby on September 13, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Oglesby created an elaborate false identity that he used to impersonate a federal agent. He used this false identity to coerce underaged female victims to produce and send him sexually explicit images over the internet. Posing as the false agent, Oglesby threatened to have the victims arrested, imprisoned, institutionalized, or killed if they did not comply with his demands.

When the FBI searched Oglesby’s home on September 27, 2021, they found him with an underaged female runaway. A search of Oglesby’s cellphone showed him logged into multiple social media applications under both his real and false identity. Agents ultimately found 473 pages of electronic communications between Oglesby and one of his victims on that cellphone.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Weatherford (Texas) Police Department, and the Cobb County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah J. Nowalk.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area clinic, its operators and a doctor from administering, dispensing or distributing any controlled substances, including issuing prescriptions for opioids, the Department of Justice announced.

In a complaint filed on Oct. 11 and unsealed Oct. 14, the United States alleges that the individual defendants, Dr. Vivian Herrero, Christopher Ferguson and Patricia Ferguson, used Phoenix Medical Management Care Centers Inc., a Tarpon Springs, Florida, pain clinic, to unlawfully issue controlled substance prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The complaint alleges that two Phoenix patients died soon after receiving opioid prescriptions issued by Dr. Herrero, and further alleges that drug toxicity played a role in those deaths.

“Medical clinics that facilitate the unlawful use of opioids and other controlled substances cannot continue to operate,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use all available tools to stop the illegal distribution of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”

“Medical professionals who abandon their oath to protect patients from harm and violate the law compromise the health and safety of patients and must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The illegal distribution of opioids continues to cause great harm to people in our communities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put an end to this devastating crisis.”

“As communities across Florida are facing the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, we need to be doing everything we can to prevent prescription opioid misuse,” Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains steadfast in our mission of working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who jeopardize the safety and health of our communities.”

The complaint alleges that the Fergusons operate Phoenix Medical, where Dr. Herrero, a licensed pediatrician, writes prescriptions for powerful opioids and other drugs without a legitimate medical basis and despite obvious signs of abuse or diversion. The complaint further alleges that Phoenix operates with unqualified physicians and issues prescriptions to patients with only limited interaction or evaluation. According to the complaint, Christopher Ferguson previously was convicted on state drug trafficking charges, and he currently faces state extortion charges based on alleged conduct at Phoenix.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The pending complaint seeks civil penalties as well as a permanent injunction against the defendants. 

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay S. Griffin and Kelley Howard-Allen for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Thomas S. Rosso and Scott B. Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are handling the case.

The claims made in the complaint are merely allegations that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dartis Cobb (35, St. Petersburg) with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Cobb faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, on August 13, 2022, Cobb knowingly possessed 9mm Luger ammunition. Cobb has previously been convicted of two felonies – robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – therefore he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.          

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

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, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Billy Rengifo Saaverda (44, Medellin, Colombia) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 464 kilograms of cocaine and 217 kilograms of marijuana – approximately 1,500 pounds of narcotics. Saaverda had pleaded guilty on June 6, 2022.

According to court documents and information offered in open court, on February 21, 2022, in the middle of the night, Saaverda and his two co-conspirators were trafficking narcotics on the high seas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 70 miles south of Panama. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Legare was patrolling in the vicinity and deployed its helicopter and 26-foot small boat to interdict the suspected drug traffickers. When the Legare’s small boat team approached Saaverda’s 30-foot boat, a high-speed pursuit commenced in rough waters with both vessels travelling at speeds over 30 knots. Saaverda was behind the helm of the drug-running vessel, leading the chase. Given it was the middle of the night in the Pacific Ocean, the only lighting in the immediate area was the USCG vessel’s blue, flashing law enforcement lights, yellow spotlights, and mast light. The defendants failed to heed the USCG’s repeated verbal directives to halt. Warning shots were fired from both the USCG’s helicopter and its small boat; this did not deter the drug traffickers. Rather than stop, for over 20 minutes Saaverda continuously attempted to ram his vessel into the USCG’s small boat, seriously endangering the lives and safety of the five United States servicemembers on board.

 

Undeterred, and after an hours-long pursuit, the USCG successfully interdicted the defendant’s vessel, which was laden with over $14,000,000 of cocaine and marijuana.

This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.

 

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Tymane D. Hamilton (30, Phoenix, Arizona) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Hamilton had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022.

According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Hamilton was involved in a drug conspiracy with accomplices in Lake County, Florida, that imported more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 50 kilograms of cocaine, over 1 kilogram of heroin, and over 50 kilograms of marijuana that were distributed in central Florida. Between 2018 and 2019, Hamilton agreed with others to ship 49 parcels containing illegal narcotics to Florida from source states, including Arizona and California. Once they arrived, the drugs were distributed to other dealers in the Middle District of Florida. Hamilton was responsible for acquiring the drugs and packaging them in parcels. On at least two occasions, he also personally shipped packages from California containing several kilograms of methamphetamine and marijuana.

In addition to Hamilton, three other conspirators have pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Dalton as follows: 

Defendant (Age, Residence)

Pleaded Guilty:

Sentenced:

Term of Imprisonment:

Devonne L. Walker (36, Lady Lake, FL)

7/28/21

11/16/21

25 years

Chauncy Stackhouse (30, Leesburg, FL)

3/25/21

5/16/22

8 years

Kanisha D. Savage (29, Phoenix, AZ)

11/10/21

4/19/22

5 years, 10 months

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, with support from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Jesus Enriquez Pimentel (41, Mexico) to five years and six months in prison and Tomas Borjas Mendez (38, Texas) to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine internationally. Pimentel and Mendez had pleaded guilty on June 28, 2022, and July 5, 2022, respectively. 

According to information revealed during the sentencing hearings, on May 28 and December 8, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) used an undercover agent (UC) and a confidential source (CS) to negotiate with Pimentel and Mendez to purchase a private passenger jet for users in Mexico. During recorded conversations, Pimentel and Mendez told the UC and the CS that they needed to purchase the airplane in order to transport approximately 2,500 kilograms of cocaine. They explained that they would only be able to use the airplane once or twice. Then, the buyers would destroy the plane by intentionally crashing it in a jungle or the ocean. Pimentel and Mendez also attempted to bribe an individual, who they thought was an airport customs official, in order to allow cash and drugs to pass through the airport. The airport customs official was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

To conclude the purchase of the airplane, Pimentel and Mendez traveled around the Southeastern United States over a one-month period and gathered more than $600,000 in cash and provided it to the undercover law enforcement officers.  Shortly after providing the final payment for the airplane Pimentel and Mendez were interviewed and arrested. 

“These criminals sought to exploit their abilities as mechanics by acquiring an aircraft to figuratively fly under the radar and smuggle drugs intercontinentally, as well as move physical cash globally,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “The sentencings of these individuals demonstrate HSI’s commitment to stand on the frontlines fighting to disrupt the flow of illicit narcotics into our communities.”             

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $541,026 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program in the Middle District of Florida. Funding will support law enforcement and community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. As part of the strategy, PSN partners focus on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism. The grant is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key 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 of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

“Public safety is our number one priority,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to find sustainable solutions for reducing crime and creating safer communities.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Shumaker, Jr. (39, St. Petersburg) to five years in federal prison for four counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Shumaker had pleaded guilty on July 20, 2022. 

According to court documents, Shumaker, a multiple-convicted felon, sold quantities of fentanyl to undercover law enforcement officers on several occasions and in increasingly large amounts between March and April 2021. Shumaker told undercover officers that he could sell them a firearm in addition to the fentanyl. In one such fentanyl sale, Shumaker sold a loaded Ruger .357 Magnum revolver and offered to sell a .22 caliber SCCY pistol along with the fentanyl and Magnum revolver.

This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

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, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment and arrest of Derrick Evans (44, St. Petersburg) for seven counts of possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of the narcotics offenses, Evans faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each count. If convicted of the carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, Evans faces a consecutive 5 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of the felon in possession of a firearm offense, Evans faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to, life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Evans that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms recovered in this investigation.

According to the indictment, on multiple occasions between February 25 and May 6, 2022, Evans possessed with the intent to sell or deliver cocaine. On May 6, 2022, Evans possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. As a result of his multiple prior convictions, including attempted first-degree murder, Evans is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case 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 Pinellas Park Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Leon Erick Williams (41, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine. Williams faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on February 7, 2022, Williams sold cocaine to undercover police officers at a Gentleman’s Club in Pinellas Park. The following day, Williams coordinated another cocaine deal with undercover officers via text message. On February 10, 2022, Williams sold an additional quantity of cocaine to the undercover officers in the Gentleman’s Club’s restroom.

This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Jacksonville, FL - A district court judge accepted the guilty plea yesterday of the former CEO of a Jacksonville company who admitted to evading income taxes owed to the IRS based on a fraud he ran on his employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 and 2016, Jason Cory was a manager at a New York-based information technology services. From 2017 through 2019, Cory was the CEO of a different information technology services company based in Jacksonville. From 2015 through 2018, Cory used his positions as manager and CEO at the two companies to cause his employers to direct a total of more than $1.5 million to Gambit Matrix LLC, a shell company he controlled. With respect to the second employer, Cory did so under the false pretense the payments were for consulting services. In reality, Gambit Matrix did not provide consulting services and there was no justification for these payments.

Cory did not report the income he earned through transfers to Gambit Matrix on his tax return for 2015. He also did not file tax returns for the years 2016 through 2018 as required by law. To conceal the fraud scheme from the second employer and evade taxes on his income for these years, Cory invented fictitious owners of Gambit Matrix, made false representations to his employer, and falsified emails and IRS Forms W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number). Cory used the money directed to Gambit Matrix to pay for personal expenses such as credit card bills, rent and club memberships. Cory admitted that between 2015 and 2018, he evaded more than $600,000 in taxes.

Cory is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2023, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Mesrobian for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Richard J. Hagerman of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has convicted Simon Arcentales Castro (38, Ecuador) of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Arcentales Castro faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to, life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 6, 2023. He and two other individuals were indicted on January 27, 2022.

According to testimony presented at trial, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted a 50-foot low-profile in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, about 100 miles from the nearest point of land. The vessel was suspected of drug smuggling because it was purposely built to avoid detection, was operating without navigational lights at night, and was sailing in a location where maritime drug smuggling by similar vessels is common. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter James launched a small boat to investigate and found Arcentales Castro and two other men on board. The USCG determined the vessel to be without nationality, and therefore subject to U.S. jurisdiction. A search of the vessel revealed over 1,100 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $30 million, hidden in the vessel’s forward hull.

This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Timothy James Roberts (29, Hernando) with possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon (short-barreled shotgun) and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the unregistered NFA weapon count, and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.   

According to the superseding indictment, Roberts was in possession of firearms on two separate occasions. On August 7, 2022, he possessed a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Additionally, on August 31, 2022, Roberts was in possession of a pistol and a revolver. Roberts has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

A superseding 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 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.

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.

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Joseph Ellicott (43, Bradenton) to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud, and distribution of a controlled substance. The court also ordered Ellicott to forfeit $114,747, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ellicott had pleaded guilty on February 9, 2022.

According to court documents, in January 2017, Ellicott was hired by a government agency in Seminole County (Governmental Agency) as a Special Projects Manager. The elected head of the Governmental Agency was a public official and Ellicott’s friend (Public Official). Beginning at least by January 2017, and continuing through 2019, Ellicott, the Public Official, and a contractor with the Governmental Agency (Contractor Conspirator) conspired with each other to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud.  

The conspiracy involved the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company entering into a contract with the Governmental Agency to provide goods and services to the Governmental Agency. The Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company submitted inflated invoices for payment. The Public Official agreed to use his official position to provide favorable official action on behalf of the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company, including by continuing to employ the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company and by causing the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company to be paid, including for the inflated invoices. In exchange for the Public Official providing such favorable official action, the Contractor Conspirator agreed to pay bribes and kickbacks to the Public Official. Ellicott’s role in the conspiracy was to serve as the intermediary for the payment of a bribe and kickback of $6,000 that was made on September 25, 2017.

Further, for at least two years, Ellicott illegally sold Adderall to others. Over the course of at least two years, one of Ellicott’s customers paid him more than $5,000 for hundreds of Adderall pills.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Harrington and Amanda S. Daniels and United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Kermon Williams, a/k/a “The General” (42, St. Petersburg), James Higgs, Jr., a/k/a “Hammer” (40, St. Petersburg), and Jhaphre Higgs, a/k/a “Pre” (35, St. Petersburg) each to life in federal prison followed by 20 years’ imprisonment for a double homicide, murder for hire conspiracy. Williams, Higgs, Jr., and Higgs were found guilty by a federal jury on June 24, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Williams asked Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., to kill Tywan Armstrong, a rival drug dealer, who Williams saw as a threat to his drug business. Williams paid Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., with cash and drugs and gave them an AR-15 rifle to commit the murder. Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr. made their first attempt on Armstrong’s life on September 22, 2018, shooting at him several times with an AR-15. Armstrong survived the first attempt on his life. Afterwards, Williams directed Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr. to make the murder as public as possible to send a message on the street.

On January 21, 2019, Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., following William’s directive, opened fire on Armstrong’s car with an AR-15 and .40 caliber pistol in front of a large crowd of people gathered at a St. Petersburg gas station. The hail of bullets struck Armstrong 28 times, front passenger Roger Ford 11 times, and a rear passenger several times. Despite heroic efforts on the part of officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department and members of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, both Armstrong and Ford died from their injuries.

All three defendants have previously been convicted of multiple felonies. Williams had previously been convicted of performing a lewd and lascivious act in the presence of a child under the age of 16. Jhaphre Higgs had previously been convicted of aggravated battery with possession of a firearm. And James Higgs, Jr., had previously been convicted of accessory after the fact to murder.

“This demonstrates how science – in this case, digital ballistics technology – can breathe life into violent gun crime cases,” said ATF Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. “And despite the twist and turns over the course of the three-plus year investigation, we never gave up.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was investigated and prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams. The trial was conducted by Assistant United States Attorneys Craig R. Gestring and Charlie D. Connally.

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, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (29, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to statements made in open court, on July 9, 2022, near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Fairbanks Street in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood of Tampa, Howard fired approximately seven shots at his ex-girlfriend. Surveillance video played during Howard’s arraignment showed an individual, whom prosecutors allege is Howard, fire multiple shots from a pistol. After firing the weapon, Howard entered his vehicle and chased his target who had fled in a car driven by her cousin. That chase ended when Howard caused a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Broad Street after swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. Howard fled the scene of that crash on foot and was apprehended by officers from the Tampa Police Department. Officers searched Howard after taking him in to custody and located a pistol in the pocket of his jeans.

At the time of the incident, Howard had prior felony convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Bassam Al Saleh (65, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The court also ordered Al Saleh to make restitution to the USDA in the amount of $654,502.28.

According to court documents, Bassam Al Saleh joined in a conspiracy to defraud the USDA and to make false statements to the USDA in 2015 when he agreed to aid in submitting false and fraudulent representations to the USDA that his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, was buying a St. Petersburg convenience store that was enrolled to accept USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) program benefits. After the USDA prohibited the prior owner of the store from accepting any SNAP benefit purchases and prohibited him from even working at the store, Bassam Al Saleh joined with his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, and the prior store owner to create false records and representations that Ahmad Al Saleh had bought the store and that Ahmad Al Saleh was operating it himself. In reality, the previous store owner continued to operate and manage the store and continued to make profits from it, paying Ahmad Al Saleh a fee for the use of Al Saleh’s name as the owner of the store on USDA documents. During the time that the prior owner was still operating the store under the supposed ownership of Ahmad Al Saleh, the prior owner committed numerous acts of SNAP benefits trafficking at the store. In those instances, the prior store owner bought SNAP benefits from customers and paid for them in cash, in direct violation of USDA SNAP regulations. The court determined that the losses to the SNAP program from the prior store owner’s engagement in this conduct during the time period of the supposed “ownership” of the store by Ahmad Al Saleh was at least $654,502.84.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture -Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Bradenton residents Nathasha Prieto (33) and Angel Hernandez Coss (37) with conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years, and up to, in federal prison. 

According to court documents, Prieto, a United States Postal carrier, provided addresses on her postal route to Coss, who arranged for the shipment of packages containing kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to those addresses. Instead of delivering the packages, Prieto removed the packages from the mail stream so that the cocaine within them could be distributed by Coss. On August 15, 2022, the investigation resulted in the seizure, from Prieto, of packages shipped from Puerto Rico containing kilograms of cocaine.

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 United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston, Jr.