Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Travel Agent Sentenced to Prison for Fraud on Clients, Cruise Lines and Payment ProcessorsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Diana M. Hopkins (48, Wimauma) to 37 months in federal prison for wire fraud, access device fraud, and money laundering. As part of her sentence, the Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $115,995.67, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $432,938.64. Hopkins had pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022.
According to court documents, Hopkins owned and operated Hopkins Travel Services LLC (“HTS”) in Wimauma, Florida. From about April of 2017 through September 2019, Hopkins used HTS to commit wire fraud and access device fraud and to engage in illegal monetary transactions. Specifically, Hopkins made false and fraudulent misrepresentations in soliciting clients via Facebook, a website (www.htsvacationdeals.com) and other means, to purchase cruise packages through HTS at discounted prices and/or “buy one get one” deals, which fares were well below what the cruise lines actually offered and the amounts that HTS had to pay or would ultimately pay for clients’ cruises. Hopkins made additional misrepresentations in offering clients further discounts and/or additional travel amenities to induce them to make payments for cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements in full and well in advance of the clients’ cruise sail dates.
Hopkins caused some clients to provide credit card information ostensibly for the purpose of paying for their cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements, and then used the credit card information to make Ponzi-style payments on other clients’ reservations via the cruise lines’ reservation portals, without any of the clients’ knowledge or consent. In fact, when Hopkins input credit card information into the cruise lines’ reservation portals, she altered the names associated with certain credit card information so that said names matched the names on the cruise package reservations to which she applied the payments.
Hopkins caused other clients to make payments via Stripe, Square, PayPal and other ePayment services, and she caused the payments to be transferred into bank accounts she controlled. Then Hopkins used proceeds of some clients’ ePayments to make Ponzi-style payments on other clients’ reservations via the cruise lines’ reservation portals, without any of the clients’ knowledge or consent.
Moreover, Hopkins used a portion of her clients’ payments made for cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements to pay for personal and family expenses for, among other things, groceries, restaurants, retail shopping, and other household items and services, and otherwise for her own personal enrichment. Such expenditures included, but were not limited to, cruises for family members, jewelry, and a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500.
In total, Hopkins’ offenses resulted in financial losses to the victims in the amount of approximately $461,823.38. She personally received at least $91,495.67 in fraudulent proceeds, and she used an additional $24,500 in fraudulent proceeds towards the purchase of the 2019 Dodge Ram.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke.
Tampa Area Man Arrested for Robbing Businesses While Brandishing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Donald Robert Smith (27, Tampa) with two Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during the commission of those robberies. If convicted, Smith faces up to 20 years for each robbery. The firearm charges will carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and up to, life in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.
According to the complaint, on August 1, 2022, Smith robbed a restaurant in Tampa. While the restaurant employee was preparing a soft drink for Smith, Smith pointed a firearm at the employee and demanded money. Two days later, on August 3, 2022, Smith robbed a retail establishment in Tampa. He approached a store employee who was at the cash register, pointed a firearm at them, and demanded money from the register.
This case was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Using A Minor in His Care to Produce Sexually Explicit ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Richard Earl Jenkins, Jr. (45, Jacksonville) to 25 years in federal prison, followed by10 years of supervised release for using a minor to produce sexually explicit images. Jenkins had pleaded guilty on November 10, 2021.
According to court documents, on November 2 and 3, 2019, a 12-year-old child, Child Victim 1 (CV1) spent the night at Jenkins’s residence. On November 6, 2019, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was dispatched to CV1’s mother’s residence regarding a complaint by CV1’s mother. While CV1 was spending the night at the defendant’s residence, she discovered a folder on the defendant’s computer with her name on it. CV1 said she opened the folder and discovered sexually explicit images of herself, from when she was younger to more recent.
On November 7, 2019, a JSO detective applied for, was granted, and executed a state search warrant at the defendant’s residence. The desktop computer described by CV1 was located in the defendant’s bedroom. A folder was observed on the bottom of the task bar, and when selected, revealed a folder named “[CV1]”.
JSO conducted a forensic review of the devices seized. Several images depicting CV1 were discovered on the devices. In addition to the images of CV1, hundreds of images of child sex abuse material were also discovered.
“Producers of child pornography are the worst of the worst, making victims of society’s most vulnerable victims” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through HSI’s law enforcement partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, this predator will now be held accountable for his heinous actions.”
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville 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.
Four Individuals Charged in Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine and FentanylRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Arnulfo Rodriguez-Munoz, (41, Fort Worth, TX), Enrique Velasquez (43, Dallas, TX), Heriberto Castillo, (44, Denton, TX), and David Ceballos (27, Alvarado, TX) with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. If convicted on all counts, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to, life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies that the United States intends to any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, from at least April 2021 through October 2021, the individuals conspired to distribute cocaine and fentanyl throughout the Middle District of Florida.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Diego F. Novaes.
Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Father and Son Owners of Jacksonville Construction Firms Plead Guilty to Conspiring to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raul Solis has pleaded guilty to conspiring defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to unlawfully employ workers who were neither lawfully admitted to, nor authorized to be employed in, the United States. His son, Raul Solis-Martinez pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 27, 2022. Both face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to their plea agreements, Solis and Solis-Martinez owned and operated Solis Brothers Company, LLC and Duval Framing, LLC, which are construction subcontracting companies in Jacksonville, Florida. To illicitly lower labor costs, they conspired with each other (and the owner of another contractor, H&S Framing, LLC) to pay their employees partially “off the books.” By paying employees with a mix of checks and cash, the conspirators avoided withholding the full amount of payroll taxes owed to the IRS. Between 2014 and 2019, Solis and Solis-Martinez’s workers received approximately $22,186,096.35 in wages that were never reported to the IRS and from which no taxes were withheld. This practice led to a loss to the U.S. Treasury of approximately $5,613,082.38.
Further, by misrepresenting how much their employees were working, Solis and Solis-Martinez also defrauded the company that managed their payroll functions, as well as their workers compensation insurer, both of which relied on the conspirators’ false payroll reporting to calculate the cost of their services. In addition, Solis and Solis-Martinez knew that many of their employees had emigrated to the United States illegally or were otherwise not authorized to work here. Some workers had been previously deported from the United States, only to return and work for Solis and Solis-Martinez.
Both have agreed pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $5,613,082.38.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Construction-Related Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Kelbin Tejada (32, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $360,000, the proceeds of the wire-fraud conspiracy. Tejada had pleaded guilty on May 2, 2022.
According to court documents, Tejada owned and managed a construction company which purported to supply construction services and labor for construction contractors and subcontractors. In order to comply with Florida law, Tejada’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. Tejada’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be Tejada’s employees at construction sites and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Tejada or others would then regularly receive “payroll checks” from contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay Tejada’s purported “employees” and other related expenses.
During the course of the scheme, Tejada falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that his company had a very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. Tejada also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that his company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.
In reality, Tejada’s company received and cashed more than $18,000,000 in checks from various construction contractors for these purported “employees”. These payroll figures far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Tejada had reported to his worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees (in reality the employees of other entities) performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover.
As a result of these misrepresentations, Tejada’s company also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and that required state and federal payroll taxes were being paid for these workers. The contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were thus also able to avoid responsibility for those duties as well.
“Mr. Tejada not only defrauded insurance companies of thousands of dollars in premiums by lying on his policy application, more importantly he severely jeopardized the health and well-being of non-citizen laborers who work long hours in hazardous positions,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “HSI Special Agents and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that all workers performing these jobs have the safety net of proper workman’s compensation insurance.”
Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Workers’ compensation fraud is a costly and dangerous crime that puts everyone at risk. This elaborate scheme illustrates how far criminals are willing to go to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums and leaves honest Florida contractors to foot the bill for higher insurance rates in Florida. Thank you to the U.S. State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and my dedicated insurance fraud detectives for their hard work in this case and bringing this bad actor to justice.”
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a lengthy investigation by those agencies into the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Federal Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order to Prevent Tampa-Area Pharmacist from Filling PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area pharmacist from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed on August 1 and unsealed today, the United States alleges that Nathaniel Esalomi unlawfully distributed powerful opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, where he is the owner and sole pharmacist. The complaint alleges that Esalomi charged dramatically inflated prices to fill opioid prescriptions and accepted thousands of dollars in cash for the drugs. The complaint further alleges that Esalomi instructed individuals to forge signatures on certain forms and to falsify addresses. The complaint also alleges that Esalomi filled numerous controlled substance prescriptions for persons who were deceased.
“Pharmacists who knowingly fill invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances violate the law and endanger our communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute medical professionals who put profit over public safety.”
“The illegal distribution of opioids by medical professionals has caused great harm to people in our communities, and has led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are committed to using every enforcement tool available to stop those individuals whose unlawful actions and abandonment of their professional responsibilities have fuelled the opioid crisis.”
“In the midst of a deadly overdose epidemic in our country, addressing the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances is a top priority for DEA,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division. “DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our communities are safe and healthy.”
The temporary restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The pending complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Esalomi from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, and from owning or supervising a pharmacy.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie 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.
Licensed Real Estate Agent and Her Husband Charged with Conspiracy and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Maria Del Carmen Montes (46, Kissimmee) with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Montes faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 30 years for each fraud count, and a mandatory penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count. The indictment also charges Montes’ husband Carlos Ferrer (45, Kissimmee) with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Ferrer faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy count, and up to, 30 years’ imprisonment for each fraud count.
According to the Indictment, Montes and Ferrer conspired to create and executed a mortgage fraud scheme targeting financial institutions. To ensure that otherwise unqualified borrowers she was representing as a licensed realtor were approved for mortgage loans, Montes created fictitious and fraudulent paystubs and IRS Form W-2s in the names of companies for whom her clients had never worked. The bogus income documents falsely indicated that her clients had worked at these companies, including companies formed and controlled by Ferrer, for a certain period of time and earned income that they did not. Montes submitted the fictitious paystubs and W-2s she created to the financial institutions who relied on them when making underwriting decisions. Additionally, Montes used her clients’ personally identifying information on these documents without their knowledge or authorization.
In order to further deceive the mortgage lenders, Montes and Ferrer recruited a co-conspirator working at a company listed on certain false paystubs and W-2s to falsely certify Verifications of Employment (VOEs”) sent by the financial institutions and instructed the co-conspirator to lie to the final institutions when they called to further verify the borrower’s employment. Ferrer and Montes sent the false and fictitious paystubs and W-2s to the co-conspirator so the co-conspirator could put the false information on the VOEs before certifying, signing, and returning them to the financial institutions. Ferrer also falsely certified and emailed VOEs sent by the financial institution in the names of borrowers that he knew did not work for his companies and lied to the banks during verbal VOE checks. Based on Montes’ and Ferrer’s misrepresentations, the financial institutions approved and funded the mortgage loans.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Tampa Man Sentenced to over 5 Years for Conspiracy to Commit Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Related to COVID Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Devaris McClain (30, Tampa) to five years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered McClain to pay $92,346.54 to the U.S. Department of Labor and various financial institutions. McClain had pleaded guilty on January 18, 2022.
According to court documents, from approximately January 2015 through August 2016, McClain and his co-conspirators made counterfeit credit and debit cards by obtaining prepaid gift cards, embossing them with their names and other persons’ stolen personal identifying information (PII), and obliterating the magnetic strips on the backs of the cards to ensure employees at retail establishments would have to hand-key in the stolen account numbers embossed on the fronts of the cards. McClain and his co-conspirators then used the cards to purchase items, including gift cards, from retail establishments to convert the cards to cash.
McClain also participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance (UI) benefits from various state workforce agencies. These UI benefits were transferred to bank accounts or loaded onto debit cards issued in the names of victims whose PII had been stolen. In particular, McClain used a fraudulently obtained debit card in the name of a victim to withdraw money using ATMs. The U.S. Department of Labor determined that McClain obtained $86,804 in UI benefits to which he was not entitled.
In March 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who were not ordinarily eligible for benefits.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General 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. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizzaro and Gregory D. Pizzo.
Ocala Man Arrested for Lying on Federal Firearm Form at Gun DealerRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Ralph Fontil, Jr. (24, Ocala) on a two-count indictment charging him with making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms and causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. If convicted of both charges, Fontil faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
According to the court records, between April 3, 2020, and September 24, 2021, Fontil purchased 22 handguns from multiple gun dealers in the Middle District of Florida, including 17 Glock pistols. While purchasing the firearms, Fontil certified on each ATF Form 4473 (Firearm Transaction Record) that he was the “actual transferee/buyer” of the firearms. One of the gun boxes for a Glock pistol Fontil purchased on April 3, 2020, was found at the home of a convicted felon on August 24, 2021. In recorded jail conversations, Fontil admitted to buying the firearm for the convicted felon, who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
United States Attorney and United States Marshal Announce Task Force ResultsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg and United States Marshal William Berger announce the results of recent operations conducted by the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. In addition to finding and arresting fugitives charged with violent crimes, distribution of illicit narcotics, sex offenses, and other serious felonies, the United States Marshals Service Task Force provides direct support to law enforcement agencies in tracking down and recovering missing children. From January 1 through June 30, 2022, the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force made over 1,500 felony arrests in Florida.
The United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force is headquartered in the Middle District of Florida and includes 88 federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies. Nationally, the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with federal, state, and local law enforcement in 94 district offices, eight regional task forces, 67 local fugitive task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries around the world.
“The U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force is a model of interagency cooperation, and the results announced today show how well we work together in the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “We bring together the combined resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement to make our communities safer.”
“The U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorney’s Office are committed to our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners,” said Marshal Berger. “Members of the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force put themselves in harm’s way each and every day and night to locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives and to rescue children. We are committed to this mission.”
In addition to the hundreds of arrests in the first part of this year, the Task Force has recently made arrests of violent offenders around the district, including:
- July 5, 2022, in Jacksonville, Oba Carter (47) for first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and robbery;
- July 6, 2022, in Orange County, Eric Adkins (52) for sexual battery of a minor child; and
- July 7, 2022, in Tampa, Ronny Walker (44) for first degree murder of a minor.
Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Sumter County Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Destructive Devices, Firearms, and SilencersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Clay Bexley (34, Center Hill) has pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with possessing unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers and possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. If convicted, Bexley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Russian National Charged with Conspiring to Have U.S. Citizens Act as Illegal Agents of the Russian GovernmentRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today in Tampa, Florida, charging a Russian national, working on behalf of the Russian government and in conjunction with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), with allegedly orchestrating a years-long foreign malign influence campaign that used various U.S. political groups to sow discord, spread pro-Russian propaganda, and interfere in elections within the United States.
As alleged in the indictment, from at least December 2014 until March 2022, Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, a resident of Moscow, together with at least three Russian officials, engaged in a years-long foreign malign influence campaign targeting the United States. Ionov is the founder and president of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR), an organization headquartered in Moscow and funded by the Russian government. Ionov utilized AGMR to carry out Russia’s influence campaign.
“As court documents show, Ionov allegedly orchestrated a brazen influence campaign, turning U.S. political groups and U.S. citizens into instruments of the Russian government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Department of Justice will not allow Russia to unlawfully sow division and spread misinformation inside the United States.”
According to the indictment, Ionov — working under the supervision of the FSB and with the Russian government’s support — recruited political groups within the United States, including U.S. Political Group 1 in Florida, U.S. Political Group 2 in Georgia, and U.S. Political Group 3 in California, and exercised direction or control over them on behalf of the FSB. Specifically, Ionov provided financial support to these groups, directed them to publish pro-Russian propaganda, coordinated and funded direct action by these groups within the United States intended to further Russian interests, and coordinated coverage of this activity in Russian media outlets. Ionov also relayed detailed information about this influence campaign to three FSB officials.
“Secret foreign government efforts to influence American elections and political groups threaten our democracy by spreading misinformation, distrust and mayhem,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department is committed to ensuring U.S. laws protecting transparency in the electoral process and the political system are not undermined through foreign malign influence.”
According to the indictment, Ionov allegedly targeted U.S. Political Group 1 based in St. Petersburg, Florida. In May 2015, Ionov funded an all-expense paid trip to Russia for the leader of U.S. Political Group 1 (Unindicted Co-Conspirator-1, UIC-1) in order to “communicate on future cooperation” between U.S. Political Group 1 and AGMR. Following that trip, and for at least the next seven years, Ionov exercised direction and control over senior members of U.S. Political Group 1.
“The prosecution of this criminal conduct is essential to protecting the American public when foreign governments seek to inject themselves into the American political process,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to investigate these events, and we will continue to follow the evidence to ensure justice is done.”
Early in the conspiracy, senior members of U.S. Political Group 1, UIC-1, UIC-2, and UIC-3 exchanged emails about the fact that Ionov was working on behalf of the Russian Government. For example, in September 2015, Ionov paid for UIC-1 to attend an AGMR-sponsored “Dialogue of Nations” conference in Moscow. Upon his return to Florida, UIC-1 reported to the leadership of U.S. Political Group 1 that AGMR is “a solid institution of Russian politic,” and that it was “clear” that AGMR was “an instrument of [the] Russian government,” which, UIC-1 wrote, did not “disturb us.” The following week, in an email discussion, U.S. Political Group 1 leaders observed that it was “more than likely” that the Russian government was using AGMR “to utilize forces inside of the U.S. to sew [sic] division inside the United States.”
“The impact of Russian malign foreign influence cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will aggressively pursue any foreign government that attempts to divide American citizens and poison our democratic process.”
Ionov used his control over U.S. Political Group 1 leaders to foster discord within the United States, to spread pro-Russian propaganda under the guise of a domestic political organization, and to interfere in local elections. For example, in January 2016, Ionov guaranteed financing for — and ultimately funded — a four-city protest tour undertaken by U.S. Political Group 1 in support of a “Petition on Crime of Genocide against African People in the United States,” which it had previously submitted to the United Nations at Ionov’s direction. Later, in 2017 and 2019, Ionov monitored and supported the St. Petersburg, Florida, political campaigns of UIC-3 and UIC-4. In 2019, before the primary election, Ionov wrote to a Russian official that he had been “consulting every week” on the campaign. After UIC-4 advanced to the general election, FSB Officer 1 wrote to Ionov that “our election campaign is kind of unique,” and asked, “are we the first in history?” Ionov later sent FSB Officer 1 additional details about the election, referring to UIC-4 as the candidate “whom we supervise.”
According to the indictment, Ionov’s relationship with U.S. Political Group 1 continued until at least March 2022. Specifically, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Political Group 1 repeatedly hosted Ionov via video conference to discuss the war, during which Ionov falsely stated that anyone who supported Ukraine also supported Nazism and white supremacy. In a report to the FSB, Ionov explained that he had enlisted U.S. Political Group 1 to support Russia in the “information war unleashed” by the West.
Alongside his malign foreign influence efforts with U.S. Political Group 1, Ionov also exercised direction and control over U.S. Political Group 3, an organization based in California whose primary goal was to promote California’s secession from the United States. In January and February of 2018, Ionov supported U.S. Political Group 3’s efforts — led by the organization’s founder (UIC-6)—to orchestrate a protest demonstration at the California Capitol building in Sacramento. Ionov partially funded the efforts and attempted to direct UIC-6 to physically enter the governor’s office. Later, Ionov sent various media reports covering the demonstration and U.S. Political Group 3’s broader efforts to FSB Officer 1, writing that FSB Officer 1 had asked for “turmoil” and stating, “there you go.”
According to the indictment, Ionov also directed the efforts of U.S. Political Group 2, based in Atlanta. For example, as recently as March 2022, Ionov paid for members of U.S. Political Group 2 — including its founder (UIC-5) — to travel from Atlanta to San Francisco to protest at the headquarters of a social media company that had placed content restrictions on posts supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ionov sent UIC-5 designs for signs used at the protest and funded cross-country travel for UIC-5 and other members of U.S. Political Group 2. After the protest, Ionov sent UIC-5 a picture of a Russian news website’s social media page, which displayed a Russian-language news story about the protest.
Ionov is charged with conspiring to have U.S. citizens act as illegal agents of the Russian government. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Risha Asokan, Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Demetrius Sumner of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
The FBI Tampa Field Office is investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Tampa Convicted Felon on Probation Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing A Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Reginald Wester, Jr. (23, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Westser was also ordered to forfeit the firearm and serve 3 years of supervised release. Wester had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022.
According to facts presented in court, Wester, a convicted felon, was on state probation for shooting and carrying a concealed weapon. On February 5, 2021, Wester reported to his state probation officer in Tampa for a court ordered drug test. However, instead of providing a valid sample for analysis, Wester provided a false urine sample to his probation officer and was subsequently arrested. An officer with the Tampa Police Department was called to the probation office to transport Wester. The officer seized a loaded 9mm pistol from Wester’s car. As a convicted felon, Wester is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
Wester admitted knowing the loaded pistol was in his car, but claimed it wasn’t his. However, investigators recovered Wester’s DNA from the grip, trigger, front sight, muzzle, and rear site of the pistol.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Postal Robber Sentenced to Two YearsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Defario Antoine Evans (29, Orlando) to two years in federal prison for robbery of a postal carrier. Evans had pleaded guilty on April 15, 2022.
According to court documents, on June 23, 2018, Evans approached a United States postal carrier as the carrier was delivering the mail in Orlando. Evans demanded that the postal carrier give him the postal key. After a brief verbal exchange, Evans placed his left arm behind his back, which the postal carrier interpreted as implying that Evans had a weapon. The postal carrier then cooperated with Evans by raising his arms in the air and stepping backward. Evans continued to step toward the postal carrier, then grabbed the keys from the postal carrier’s belt loop after the postal carrier had removed the keys from his pocket.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
Orange Park Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Sex Abuse Images over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Charles Lelande Boston (32, Orange Park) today pleaded guilty to receiving materials over the internet depicting the sexual abuse of children. Boston faces a minimum mandatory term of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison. Boston was arrested on August 12, 2021, and remains in custody. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted an online investigation on a file-sharing network for files containing materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. In January, March, and April 2021, a CCSO detective connected with a computer that had files depicting the sexual abuse of children available online for sharing. Homeland Security Investigations and CCSO later executed a search warrant at the residence associated with that computer and Boston was determined to be the owner of the computer. An examination of Boston’s computer revealed a folder of downloaded files containing approximately 80 files depicting the sexual abuse of children.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being 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.
Middleburg Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Federal Prison for Using A Minor to Produce Sexually Explicit ImagesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Harold Clare Potter III (49, Middleburg) to 20 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for using a minor to produce sexually explicit images. Potter had pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022. Potter was arrested on October 1, 2021, and has been detained throughout the proceedings in this case.
According to court documents, an officer with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to allegations of a minor being videotaped while showering. Minor Victim 1 (MV1) reported that she had stayed at Potter’s residence from June to July 2021, and, while getting out of the shower, she noticed a black cellphone under the door recording her. When she left the bathroom, Potter told her if she told anyone he would make it look like she was lying. MV1 went to her room and did not leave until another adult came home. During the course of her visit, Potter made several remarks to MV1, including “You turn me on. If you knew what you were doing to me you would run away. You turn me on.”
A CCSO officer later responded to Potter’s home in response to a call that he was suicidal. When the officer made contact, Potter admitted to recording MV1 while she was in the bathroom at his home and that “she turns me on.” He admitted to still having the same cellphone, which he had a family member provide to another officer. He also admitted there were child exploitation materials on the phone.
Following additional investigation, including reviewing Potter’s cellphone and speaking with him, images of MV1 were located on Potter’s cellphone. Potter also admitted to placing a smoke detector hidden camera in the bedroom that had exclusively been used by MV1 in an attempt to obtain nude photographs of her.
“Grown men who prey on the vulnerability and innocence of children are the worst kind of human being,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through our law enforcement partnerships, we will never rest in our efforts to catch these predators and make our communities safer for our children.”
This case was investigated by the Clay 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.
Melbourne Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Distributing Two Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of A ChildRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Robert Lee Ripley (47, Melbourne) to 14 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for distributing images of child sexual abuse. The court also ordered Ripley to pay $5,000 in restitution. Ripley had pleaded guilty on February 24, 2022.
According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, Homeland Security Investigation Task Force Officers rescued a female child, approximately five years old, that had been sexually abused by a male subject. The male subject had produced images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of the child. A forensic analysis of the cellphone belonging to the male subject revealed a series of chat sessions through KIK, where he shared images depicting the abuse of the child victim. Specifically, the abuser shared with Ripley, the moderator of a KIK chat group, two images depicting the sexual abuse of the minor. During the chat, it was obvious the abuser had access to the child victim, and he was actively producing those images. After receiving the photos of the victim, Ripley stated, “Yummy,” and then shared the images with the chat group, thereby perpetuating the harm to the victim. After his arrest, Ripley admitted that he would receive images and videos of child pornography through the KIK application and would share those images and videos with other KIK users.
“This predator participated in the online exploitation of children and has caused irreparable harm,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “The vile actions of child predators will not go undetected, and thanks to the painstaking, tireless efforts of HSI Cocoa Beach Child Exploitation Taskforce and HSI Jacksonville, pedophiles will be held accountable to the fullest extent.”
This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Justice Department Obtains Temporary Restraining Order to Prevent Tampa-Area Physician from Writing Opioid PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area physician from prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed on July 18, and unsealed yesterday, the United States alleges that Dr. Neelam Taneja Uppal unlawfully wrote opioid prescriptions in the names of individuals depicted in photographs of driver’s licenses she received via text messages from a third party in exchange for payment for the prescriptions.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Uppal never met the individuals for whom she wrote prescriptions, and that she sold the prescriptions to a third party. The complaint further alleges that Dr. Uppal received thousands of dollars in cash on multiple occasions for a variety of opioid prescriptions. The complaint seeks to permanently bar Dr. Uppal from issuing controlled substances prescriptions, or owning or supervising a pain clinic, and it also seeks civil penalties.
“It is unlawful for a physician to write opioid prescriptions for individuals they have never met and then sell those prescriptions to a third party,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use every enforcement tool available under the Controlled Substances Act to protect our communities from rogue medical professionals.”
“The illegal distribution and use of opioids have led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Physicians who prescribe these dangerous drugs without legitimate medical cause violate not only the law, but also their oath to do no harm.”
“At a time when we need to be doing all that we can to prevent drug misuse and overdoses, DEA will not tolerate doctors who knowingly break the law, jeopardizing the safety and health of our communities by recklessly prescribing controlled substances,“ said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to pursue cases against anyone contributing to the deadly overdose epidemic in this country.”
U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin 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.
Justice Department Obtains Temporary Restraining Order to Prevent Tampa-Area Physician from Writing Opioid PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area physician from prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed on July 18, and unsealed yesterday, the United States alleges that Dr. Neelam Taneja Uppal unlawfully wrote opioid prescriptions in the names of individuals depicted in photographs of driver’s licenses she received via text messages from a third party in exchange for payment for the prescriptions.
The complaint alleges that Dr. Uppal never met the individuals for whom she wrote prescriptions, and that she sold the prescriptions to a third party. The complaint further alleges that Dr. Uppal received thousands of dollars in cash on multiple occasions for a variety of opioid prescriptions. The complaint seeks to permanently bar Dr. Uppal from issuing controlled substances prescriptions, or owning or supervising a pain clinic, and it also seeks civil penalties.
“It is unlawful for a physician to write opioid prescriptions for individuals they have never met and then sell those prescriptions to a third party,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use every enforcement tool available under the Controlled Substances Act to protect our communities from rogue medical professionals.”
“The illegal distribution and use of opioids have led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Physicians who prescribe these dangerous drugs without legitimate medical cause violate not only the law, but also their oath to do no harm.”
“At a time when we need to be doing all that we can to prevent drug misuse and overdoses, DEA will not tolerate doctors who knowingly break the law, jeopardizing the safety and health of our communities by recklessly prescribing controlled substances,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to pursue cases against anyone contributing to the deadly overdose epidemic in this country.”
U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin 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.
Eustis Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Rhiannon Peacock (39, Eustis) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Peacock had pleaded guilty on November 16, 2021.
According to facts presented in court, Peacock conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Eustis and St. Petersburg areas within the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Duval Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raymond Samuel Reeves (22, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Reeves faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. As part of the plea agreement, Reeves has agreed to forfeit the firearm traceable to the offense.
According to the plea agreement, on February 16, 2022, Reeves was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s after driving recklessly through residential and commercial streets in the Pearl Street area north of downtown. At the time of his arrest, Reeves had a 9mm Taurus pistol in his possession. Reeves had previously been convicted of carjacking and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Duval Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty for Attempting to Purchase FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dontae Deshawn Edwards (31, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, on October 20, 2021, Edwards knowingly made a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer on the ATF Form 4473. Edwards stated that he was not a convicted felon when, in fact, he had previously been convicted of several felonies, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis and driving while license suspended or revoked – felony habitual offender (four counts).
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Clay County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Use A 9-Year-Old Child to Produce Sexually Explicit VideosRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Garrett Eric Weber (31, Green Cove Springs) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice and use a 9-year-old child to produce videos of the child being sexually abused. Weber faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Weber was arrested on a federal warrant by the Green Cove Springs Police Department during a traffic stop on July 5, 2021, and he has been detained since that time. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.
According to court documents, in 2020, Weber, using the name “BUBBLESXD_90,” uploaded an image depicting the sexual abuse of a child to a chat group on a popular social media application (app). This upload was eventually detected by law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Further investigation by the FBI ultimately resulted in the identification of Weber. In March 2021, an undercover FBI agent, posing as the parent of a young child, engaged in online conversation with Weber using the app. After some discussion and being told that the “child” was 9 years old, Weber offered to serve as the “child’s” trainer by engaging in sexual activity with the “child.” He requested that the “parent” take an explicit photo of the “child” for him and provided specific instructions on how to accomplish it. Weber advised that he wanted the “parent” to film him as he sexually abused the “child,” and that the resulting recording “would be the best [child pornography] vid ever.” Weber sent the “parent” several videos over the internet that depicted the sexual abuse of young children to demonstrate exactly how he planned to molest the “child.”
After his arrest, Weber admitted to FBI agents that he was in fact “BUBBLESXD_90,” that he had engaged in “extremely descriptive” and “horrible” online conversations with the “child’s” parent, and that he had distributed videos of very young children being sexually abused using the internet. Weber acknowledged that the “[e]vidence is staggeringly harsh against [him]” in this case.
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Winnebago County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee and Jacksonville, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Wesley Chapel Man Indicted for Producing Sexual Abuse Material Depicting Several ChildrenRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Clayton Everett Colborn (30, Wesley Chapel), also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” and “Clayay,” with two counts of enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity, five counts of using minors to produce child sexual abuse images and videos, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Colborn faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. The superseding indictment also notifies Colborn that the United States intends to forfeit electronic devices and his Chevrolet Corvette, which were used in the commission of the offense.
According to the superseding indictment, from in or around February 2019 through approximately May 2020, Colborn knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Colborn also produced several child sex abuse videos and images of minor victims.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocoee Police Department, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
Anyone with information regarding Clayton Everett Colborn, also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” or “Clayay,” should contact the Tampa Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 813-253-1000.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Indicted for Firearm and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dempsey Gilmore (32, Tampa) with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, one count 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 on the conspiracy count, Gilmore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Gilmore faces a consecutive 5 years in federal prison to the drug trafficking crimes. The indictment also notifies Gilmore that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition recovered in this investigation, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.
According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but not later than on or about February 9, 2022, Gilmore conspired with others to sell or deliver narcotics. During the conspiracy Gilmore possessed a firearm. Gilmore has been convicted of multiple felonies to include escape and felon in possession of firearm or ammunition and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50, Tampa) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release in connection with a bank robbery he had committed in 2008. The court also ordered Reyes-Vazquez to forfeit $28,579, which are traceable proceeds of the February 2022 offenses. Reyes-Vazquez had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022.
According to court documents, on July 28, 2008, Reyes-Vazquez committed a bank robbery through the threat of violence at a Chase Bank in Manhattan. He was convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019.
In February 2022, Reyes-Vazquez was still serving a sentence of supervised release for his federal conviction for the bank robbery he had committed in 2008.
On February 16, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando and announced that it was a robbery and that he would shoot employees if the teller did not give him the money. The teller complied and Reyes-Vazquez obtained $4,200. On February 22, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando, announced it was a robbery, and threatened to shoot everyone in the bank if they did not provide him money. Bank employees provided a total of $43,695, nearly $20,000 of which was recovered when law enforcement arrested Reyes-Vazquez two days later. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Orlando Man Pleads Guilty to Producing and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida– United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Zayas (45, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to enticing a minor child to produce sexually explicit videos and to possessing child sexual abuse material. Zayas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces a potential life term of supervised release on all counts. A sentencing date has been set for October 26, 2022.
According to the plea agreement, in approximately July 2022, Zayas, posing as a teenage boy, used a messaging application to contact a 12-year-old child. After the child grew tired of Zayas’s romantic advances, the child stopped communicating with Zayas. Zayas then contacted the child again, this time posing as the sister of the teenage boy. Zayas threatened to physically hurt the child for ending the “relationship” with the fictional brother, and as a result, the child agreed to continue a friendship with the original persona. In order to scare the child and prove that Zayas knew who the child was, where she lived, and where the child went to school, Zayas sent the child a photo of the child’s apartment complex and a yearbook photo of the child from the child’s middle school. Zayas then requested several nude images and videos of the child performing sexual acts, and he instructed the child on what to do in the images and videos. Initially the child refused, afraid that Zayas would post the photos on the internet to harm the child. After promising not to use the images to harm the child, the child eventually sent Zayas sexually explicit videos and photos. The demands from Zayas continued, and when the child did not comply with Zayas’s requests, Zayas became hostile and threatened to expose the child with the nude videos and images the child had previously sent.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) was made aware of Zayas when a school resource officer was contacted by a parent who had received via text message a collage depicting sexually explicit photos of the child. OSCO investigators were able to trace the aliases to Zayas through phone records, and with the help of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, also discovered evidence of an order for flowers, which Zayas had delivered to the child’s middle school, from his work-issued laptop.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Court Orders Clinic to Close, Physician and Clinic Owners to Pay $600,000 for Alleged Unlawful Opioid DistributionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal court ordered a Tampa-area pain management clinic to close and directed the clinic’s owners and its former physician to collectively pay $600,000 in civil penalties pursuant to agreed resolutions in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Justice Department announced today.
In a complaint filed in February 2021, the United States alleged that Dr. Tobias Bacaner wrote prescriptions for opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice while employed at Paragon Community Healthcare, a pain clinic in New Port Richey, Florida. The complaint alleged that Paragon’s owners, Theodore Ferguson II and Timothy Ferguson, managed the clinic’s operations and profited from the unlawful prescribing while ignoring obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion. The complaint further alleged that Dr. Bacaner and the Fergusons used their jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy, to unlawfully fill prescriptions issued at Paragon without scrutiny.
The order against Dr. Bacaner requires him to pay $500,000 in civil penalties and prohibits him from prescribing, administering, dispensing or distributing controlled substances, among other restrictions. The order against the Fergusons and Paragon requires them to jointly pay $100,000 in civil penalties. The order also requires Paragon to permanently close, and places restrictions on the Fergusons’ ability to own or work at entities that administer, dispense or distribute controlled substances in the future. The defendants also agreed to permanently dissolve Cobalt Pharmacy, which closed shortly before the government filed suit.
“Physicians who prescribe opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice and others who facilitate that conduct will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to aggressively use all available enforcement remedies to prevent the unlawful diversion of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”
“Dr. Bacaner and his associates profited from unlawfully prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue to protect the community from those who place a higher value on profit than the safety of the public.”
“Our communities place trust in their medical professionals to help them. The actions of Dr. Bacaner and owners of this clinic violated this trust,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This settlement highlights DEA’s commitment to hold medical providers accountable for violating laws designed to protect the health and safety of our communities. The closure of these businesses and the prohibition to continue to exploit those in need, ensures the wellbeing of patients everywhere.”
U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington entered the consent decree in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.
The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin and Trial Attorneys Scott Dahlquist and Tom Rosso of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.
Federal Court Orders Clinic to Close, Physician and Clinic Owners to Pay $600,000 for Alleged Unlawful Opioid DistributionRead the Press Release
A federal court ordered a Tampa-area pain management clinic to close and directed the clinic’s owners and its former physician to collectively pay $600,000 in civil penalties pursuant to agreed resolutions in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Justice Department announced today.
In a complaint filed in February 2021, the United States alleged that Dr. Tobias Bacaner wrote prescriptions for opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice while employed at Paragon Community Healthcare, a pain clinic in New Port Richey, Florida. The complaint alleged that Paragon’s owners, Theodore Ferguson II and Timothy Ferguson, managed the clinic’s operations and profited from the unlawful prescribing while ignoring obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion. The complaint further alleged that Dr. Bacaner and the Fergusons used their jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy, to unlawfully fill prescriptions issued at Paragon without scrutiny.
The order against Dr. Bacaner requires him to pay $500,000 in civil penalties and prohibits him from prescribing, administering, dispensing or distributing controlled substances, among other restrictions. The order against the Fergusons and Paragon requires them to jointly pay $100,000 in civil penalties. The order also requires Paragon to permanently close, and places restrictions on the Fergusons’ ability to own or work at entities that administer, dispense or distribute controlled substances in the future. The defendants also agreed to permanently dissolve Cobalt Pharmacy, which closed shortly before the government filed suit.
“Physicians who prescribe opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice and others who facilitate that conduct will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to aggressively use all available enforcement remedies to prevent the unlawful diversion of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”
“Dr. Bacaner and his associates profited from unlawfully prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to protect the community from those who place a higher value on profit than the safety of the public.”
“Our communities place trust in their medical professionals to help them. The actions of Dr. Bacaner and owners of this clinic violated this trust,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This settlement highlights DEA’s commitment to hold medical providers accountable for violating laws designed to protect the health and safety of our communities. The closure of these businesses and the prohibition to continue to exploit those in need, ensures the wellbeing of patients everywhere.”
U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington entered the consent decree in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.
The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin and Trial Attorneys Scott Dahlquist and Tom Rosso of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.
Crime Spree Lands Carjacker in Federal Prison for 21 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Javeon Jacobs (22, Tampa) to 21 years in federal prison for firearms offenses relating to his brandishing of a firearm during three armed carjacking incidents. Jacobs had pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022.
According to court documents, on March 31, 2021, Jacobs used a firearm and physical force to carjack a vehicle in Safety Harbor. On April 18, 2021, Jacobs kidnapped two individuals at gunpoint in Tampa and took their vehicle. After releasing those victims, Jacobs abandoned their vehicle at another location in Tampa, where Jacobs carjacked another vehicle, again by brandishing a firearm.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Husband and Wife Sentenced to Federal Prison for Their Involvement in Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Christel Joseph to 30 months in federal prison for preparing false and fraudulent tax returns. Joseph had pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022.
According to court documents, Christel Joseph and her husband, Naeem Joseph, were involved in a conspiracy to prepare false tax returns by claiming fraudulent refunds and credits to which their taxpayer-clients were not entitled, including education tax credits, fuel tax credits, and dependent care credits. Between 2015 and 2016, the Josephs helped prepare and file fraudulent tax returns from Haines City, Florida and Roanoke, Virginia. As a result, the Internal Revenue Service issued more than $230,000 in fraudulent tax refunds.
On July 8, 2022, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Naeem Joseph to 21 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy.
“Christel Joseph and her husband Naeem Joseph fraudulently charged their clients and loaded up their returns with tax credits, getting them bigger refunds than they deserved,” said Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “Taxpayers who elect to pay a preparer should always do their due diligence beforehand to ensure they’re not victims of tax fraudsters like the Josephs. More information on selecting a reputable tax professional is available on IRS.gov.”
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, Roanoke, Virginia. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
Rockledge Man Sentenced to Four Years for Conspiring to Distribute Pharmaceutical Opiates from IndiaRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Michael Achille (57, Rockledge) to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute tapentadol, a pharmaceutical opiate that is a Schedule II controlled substance. Achille had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022.
According to court documents, Achille worked with conspirators to obtain international shipments containing thousands of pills of tapentadol, among other pharmaceutical controlled substances. The pills were sent to Achille from locations in India. Achille directed the packages to a fake name at an address in Cape Canaveral where he could retrieve the shipments. Achille then redistributed the pills in smaller quantities and shipped hundreds of those pills to addresses in Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, and other locations. The investigation revealed multiple shipments received by Achille in December and January 2021 involving more than 11,000 pills.
“Trafficking narcotics destroys the fabric of society and make victims out of communities,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “The outstanding law enforcement partnerships between HSI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Rockledge Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office ensured this criminal will now face the consequences of his actions.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Pasco County Meth Dealer Sentenced to over 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Adam Fleming (36, Zephyrhills) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fleming had pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022.
According to court documents, on June 14, 2020, the Dade City Police Department seized 340 grams of methamphetamine from Fleming following a traffic stop. On April 1, 2021, the Zephyrhills Police Department seized over 500 grams of methamphetamine from Fleming following another traffic stop.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dade City Police Department, and the Zephyrhills Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
Jacksonville Convicted Felon Indicted for Possessing A Firearm While Trafficking in FentanylRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a three-count indictment charging Johnny Deangelo White (45, Jacksonville) with possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, White faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the fentanyl offense, up to 5 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies White that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense. White was arrested in Jacksonville and made his initial appearance on July 14, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Joel B. Toomey and following his detention hearing on July 21, 2022, he was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the indictment, on April 27, 2022, White was in possession of a firearm while trafficking in fentanyl. At the time of the incident, White had previous felony convictions for shooting or throwing a deadly missile, grand theft auto, two possession of cocaine offenses, and three prior sale of cocaine offenses. As a previously convicted felon, White 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 was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Felon Indicted on Firearm Charges in Connection with ShootingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Darrius Jaques Garrett (33, Orlando) with two counts of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Garrett faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Garrett that the United States intends to forfeit all firearms and ammunition recovered as a result of the offense conduct.
According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Garrett was charged with knowingly possessing a Glock pistol and .22 caliber rounds of ammunition in connection with a shooting. At approximately 4:00 p.m. that day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Americana Boulevard in Orlando where they found a man who had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso. That individual was later treated and released from the hospital. Surveillance images from a nearby business captured the shooting.
Five days later, on June 1, 2022, Garrett was observed in the same area by deputies with the same Dodge Charger depicted on the video. Inside, deputies found a loaded Glock firearm that authorities allege was used in the shooting.
Garrett is a five-time convicted felon and is therefore 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 Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Delray Beach Woman Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Her Role in International Boiler Room ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn K. Mizelle today sentenced Tracy Lee Jedlicki (56, Delray Beach) to 30 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of her sentence, the Court also ordered Jedlicki to forfeit $750,000, a 4.01 carat diamond ring, a 11-carat diamond necklace, and a South Florida residence worth more than $2 million. The Court also ordered Jedlicki to pay $3,244,592 in restitution to the victims. Jedlicki had pleaded guilty on February 24, 2022.
According to court documents, Jedlicki and her coconspirators operated international boiler rooms in Panama and elsewhere. The boiler rooms used high-pressure sales techniques to defraud individuals who believed they were investing substantial amounts of money in regulated financial products or markets, such as options in commodities and stocks. The majority of the victims targeted by the boiler rooms operated by Jedlicki and her coconspirators were located in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
Jedlicki and her coconspirators then laundered fraud proceeds generated by the boiler rooms through several money laundering rings, to overseas accounts, with the launderers receiving a percentage of the funds they had moved. Jedlicki's duties included, among other tasks, arranging travel for boiler room workers to the boiler room locations, calling victims while posing as an employee of a fake investment firm to set up loading calls for coconspirators operating the boiler rooms, serving as a liaison between the boiler rooms and a money laundering organization, maintaining records of coconspirator wire transfer payments to foreign and domestic bank accounts, and reconciling payments between the boiler rooms and the money laundering organization.
Jedlicki herself received a 2% referral fee for referring victims’ funds to a money laundering ring and used the funds to perpetuate the conspiracy and for her own personal enrichment. Jedlicki and her coconspirators wired or caused to be wired victims’ funds in the approximate amount of $3,244,592 to money laundering accounts in furtherance of the wire fraud conspiracy.
“We are committed to stopping transnational criminal organizations that target the elderly with fraudulent investment schemes that use high-pressure tactics,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “This conviction should send a message that HSI and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), working with together with our international partners, are a formidable investigative force that is unwavering in our pursuit of fraudsters.”
“These boiler rooms used high-pressure sales to peddle millions of dollars in bogus investments to unsuspecting victims across the globe,” said Brian Payne, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “Thanks to the investigative work of IRS-CI and HSI special agents, another transnational criminal organization has bit the dust.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee and Assistant United States Attorney Craig Gestring.
Tampa Felon Indicted on Firearm and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Raequin Smith (26, Tampa) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the controlled substance offense, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment also notifies Smith that the United States intends to forfeit all firearms and ammunition recovered as a result of the offense conduct.
According to the indictment, on April 5, 2022, Smith knowingly possessed a Glock .45 caliber pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition, and a Schedule II controlled substance (cocaine). Smith had previously been convicted of aggravated battery on or about September 18, 2014. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
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, Firearm and Explosives, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.
St. Petersburg Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for His Involvement in Tax Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Eurich Griffin III to four years and nine months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by preparing false and fraudulent tax returns. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the court also ordered Griffin to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution to the United States. Griffin had pleaded guilty on March 14, 2022.
According to court documents, Griffin was involved in a conspiracy that recruited clients by convincing them that their mortgages and other debts entitled them to tax refunds and prepared false tax returns on the clients’ behalf. Between 2013 and 2018, as part of the conspiracy, Griffin helped prepare and file tax returns for clients that sought more than $5.2 million in fraudulent tax refunds. The tax returns falsely claimed that banks and other financial institutions had withheld large amounts of income tax from the clients, thereby entitling the clients to a refund. In reality, the financial institutions had not paid any income to, or withheld any taxes from, these individuals. To make the refund claims appear legitimate, however, Griffin and his co-conspirators filed fraudulent tax documents with the IRS that matched the withholding information listed on the tax returns, making them appear as if they had been issued by the banks. As part of the conspiracy, Griffin also submitted fraudulent promissory notes to the IRS totaling more than $1.35 million in which he falsely purported to pay the clients’ tax debts.
“Let’s call this scheme what it is – stealing. Griffin and his co-conspirators attempted to steal millions of dollars from the government by submitting fabricated tax returns,” said Brian Payne, Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Field Office. “Thanks to the investigative work of our IRS-CI agents, we were able to shut this scheme down and prevent tax refunds from going to undeserving fraudsters.”
This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L Peresie.
St. Petersburg Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Fentanyl Distribution Counts and Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that William Lee Shumaker, Jr. (39, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to four counts of possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Shumaker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each controlled substance offense and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Shumaker, a convicted felon, sold quantities of fentanyl to undercover law enforcement officers on multiple occasions and in increasingly large amounts in March and April 2021. During one of the fentanyl transactions, Shumaker also sold a Ruger .357 Magnum revolver and also offered to sell a .22 caliber pistol. As a previously convicted felon, Shumaker is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Sixth Member of Credit Card Fraud Conspiracy Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Lazaro Adrian Quintana Martinez (27, Tampa) to four years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Quintana Martinez had pleaded guilty on January 13, 2022.
According to court documents, Quintana Martinez and others conspired to obtain breached and stolen credit card and debit card account information and then use the stolen information to manufacture counterfeit credit cards. The conspirators used the counterfeit credit cards at retailers throughout the United States. The total loss from the conspirators’ use of the counterfeit credit cards is at least $435,000.
Quintana Martinez is the last of six conspirators to be sentenced. His codefendant, Lazaro Jesus Izquierdo (29, Tampa), was sentenced to six years and nine months’ imprisonment. Four other conspirators were sentenced in related cases as follows:
- On July 10, 2020, Yosvani Concepcion Izquierdo (33, Tampa) was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment.
- On November 10, 2020, Greisy Alfonso Lujan (29, Tampa) was sentenced to two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
- On December 7, 2021, Jany Angelica Hernandez Guerra (28, Tampa) was sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment.
- On January 26, 2022, Michael William Perez Castillo (32, Brandon) was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.
“I would like to thank our agents, analysts, local, interstate, federal agencies and business partner for their hard work in solving this case. This complex, sophisticated fraud scheme case began in 2016 and spanned multiple counties in Florida and into other states. The collaboration between the public and private sectors made it possible to identify and dismantle this criminal organization,” said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Mark Brutnell, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L Peresie.
Fort Myers Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Committing A Similar Crime Months After Being Released from PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Herman Fleming (29, Fort Myers) to 12 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and supervised release violations. Fleming had pleaded guilty in March 2022.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2021, an undercover ATF agent watched Fleming, a convicted felon, purchase an AK-47 style rifle at a North Fort Myers flea market. The agent recognized Fleming because, in nearly identical circumstances four years earlier, the agent had personally witnessed Fleming illegally purchase a rifle at a North Fort Myers gun show. That investigation resulted in federal charges for Fleming and a three-year federal prison sentence.
Knowing Fleming and that he had recently been released from prison, the undercover ATF agent and deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office followed Fleming from the flea market and conducted a traffic stop on his vehicle. Inside the vehicle, the officers found the AK-47 Fleming had purchased, as well as 25 grams of pure methamphetamine and 10 grams of fentanyl, which Fleming admitted he had intended to distribute to others.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Leeman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Tampa Man Arrested for Fraudulently Using Federal GSA Smartpay Account NumbersRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and indictment of Darius Lopez (27, Tampa) charging him with one count of access device fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Lopez faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the fraud count and a consecutive 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count.
According to court records, on April 13, 2021, Lopez purchased more than $27,0000 worth of landscaping equipment from a tractor dealer in Citrus County. During the transactions, Lopez used the unauthorized account numbers of four Department of Agriculture General Services Administration (GSA) Smartpay charge cards. The account numbers were fraudulently embossed on PayPal and 7-Eleven prepaid debit cards. GSA SmartPay provides services to more than 560 Federal agencies, organizations, and Native American tribal governments. Its payments solutions enable authorized government employees to make purchases on behalf of the federal government in support of their agency or organization’s mission.
An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General with assistance from the following agencies and financial institutions: U.S. General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General (Southeast and Caribbean Regional Investigations Office), U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General (Southeast Region), Amtrak - Office of Inspector General (Central Region), U.S. Secret Service Orlando Cyber Fraud Task Force, Citrus County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Bank, Synchrony Bank Special Investigations Team, and Morgan Stanley Corporate Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Middleburg Nurse Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tampering with ICU Patients’ MedicationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Monique Elizabeth Carter (36, Middleburg) to one year and one day in federal prison for tampering with a consumer product, specifically, injectable fentanyl. The court further ordered that after serving her prison sentence, Carter will serve one year of home detention as a condition of a two-year term of supervised release. During this time, Carter will also be prohibited from working in any position in which she would have access to prescribed medications. Carter had pleaded guilty on April 13, 2022.
According to court documents, Carter is a registered nurse who had previously been employed by a hospital in Jacksonville. She worked in a neural intensive care unit or ICU, which is a specialized unit that provides intensive and specialized care to critically ill patients with life-threatening neurological problems. Certain ICU patients were prescribed intravenous doses of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid used as a pain medication and as anesthesia.
After Carter’s shift on September 28, 2021, a hospital pharmacist examined the ICU wing’s inventory of fentanyl and found a fentanyl syringe with a tamper-proof cap missing, but with some form of foreign adhesive remaining at the tip. A second fentanyl syringe had a cap that appeared to have been glued back on. After reviewing hospital records, a pharmacist supervisor noted a pattern of Carter checking out doses of fentanyl for patients, but then cancelling the transactions and checking syringes back into the hospital’s inventory. Records showed that Carter did so 24 times between August 29 and September 28, 2021. Carter was the only nurse on her ICU wing who persistently checked out fentanyl and returned it to the hospital’s inventory.
The next day, when Carter arrived for work, hospital representatives interviewed her. Confronted with the pharmacists’ findings, Carter eventually admitted that—to obtain drugs for personal use at home—she had been removing injectable fentanyl from syringes, replacing the drug with saline, and then gluing the plastic tampering caps back on the syringes with an adhesive that she obtained from the hospital. She admitted that she had been tampering with fentanyl syringes since the summer of 2021. Carter denied injecting fentanyl while on duty at the hospital, but in her bag, law enforcement investigators later located needles, saline syringes, and adhesive.
Carter is a trained healthcare professional and knew that her activities likely resulted in critically ill patients receiving diluted fentanyl, which was not safe and effective. Having been deprived of sterile, medically necessary medication, such patients were exposed to possible infection and endured unnecessary pain and suffering. In addition, Carter knew that the failure to anesthetize or control pain in ICU patients can result in increased risks of illness or death, stemming from, among other things, respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal complications.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Pharmaceutical Diversion and Designer Drug Unit attached to the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Lake City Man Sentenced to Eleven Years in Federal Prison for Trading Child Sexual Abuse Material with His BrotherRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Dennis Dewayne Jackson (39, Lake City) to 11 years and 6 months in federal prison for receiving visual depictions of child sexual abuse. The Court also ordered Jackson to serve a 20-year term of supervised release, to register as a sex offender, and to forfeit the phone that he had used to receive the images and videos of children being sexually abused. Jackson had pleaded guilty on March 9, 2022, and has been detained since his arrest on July 22, 2021.
Jackson’s older brother, John Thomas Jackson, was sentenced on January 27, 2022, to 20 years in federal prison for distributing visual depictions of child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, the FBI initiated an investigation of a private chat group that catered to people interested in sexual activity between daughters and daddies and in which files of child sexual abuse material were regularly shared. After identifying John Jackson, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI executed a search warrant at the Jacksons’ residence in Lake City on July 4, 2021. While reviewing seized electronic devices, the FBI discovered that John Jackson was distributing videos of the sexual assault of children to his brother, Dennis Jackson. Further, the two had exchanged messages about the “need” to rape a 15-year-old child with whom John Jackson was communicating and of whom Dennis Jackson requested nude photos.
During a recorded interview, Dennis Jackson admitted to distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material for the last two years, and that he had received approximately 1,500 files of such material and distributed files dozens of times.
“The exploitation of children requires swift and intense law enforcement action,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “We at the FBI are prepared to immediately respond whenever a child is at risk. Predators should heed this warning: the FBI, along with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to stop these heinous crimes and protect innocent children.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
United States Attorney Announces Results of Project Safe Neighborhoods StrategyRead the Press Release
Tampa – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the second quarter results of the Middle District of Florida’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. Over the past three months, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 64 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses. Those prosecutions have removed more than 200 firearms from our streets. During 2022, in total, PSN prosecutors in the Middle District of Florida have charged 115 defendants with federal firearms and violent crime offenses, involving 287 firearms and 1,813 auto sears. (See chart for case details)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also committed to violent crime prevention. PSN community outreach efforts in the second quarter involved more than 900 people.
“Our ultimate goal is to reduce violent crime in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to doing our part to help make that happen, and we look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners and our community stakeholders in this effort.”
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism.
The cases identified in the linked chart have been investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake County Police Department, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.
Charged Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Cambrel Smart (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Terry Flournoy (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronald Perkins (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Najour Grimes (25)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
James Edward Bess, III (27)
Carjacking
Maximum Prison Term: 25 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Manuel Copland (28)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
3
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Trent Reichling, and Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Raymond Reeves (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Cornelius Moore (29)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Stephan Marshall (34)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Sterling Johnson (47)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Brian Sarro (47)
Possession of a machinegun
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Brandon Skeith (39)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Shawntae Clark (41)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
2
Johnny White (44)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
James Little (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Dontae Edwards (30)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Thomas Morrison (62)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
0
Darrell Paschal (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Hinduwah Sama (18)
Assault on a federal employee
Maximum Prison Term: 8 years
Possession of a stolen firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dustin Eward (44)
Conspiracy; Violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
105
Gregory Eward (24)
Possession of firearms silencers
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Michael Langston (37)
Possession of a machinegun and silencer violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of firearms by an adjudicated mental defective and unlawful user of controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
11
Dylan Jarvis (30)
Possession of a short barreled shotgun, violation of the National Firearms Registration Act
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
David Geathers (25)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
4
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Julie Hackenberry, Arnold Cormeier, John Cannizzaro, Frank Talbot, Cyrus Zomorodian, Rodney Brown, Michael Coolican, Kevin Frein, and Kirwinn Mike
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Ricky D. Franklin, Jr. (30)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Ronrico Lionel Farmer (33)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
James Clay Bexley (34)
Possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession of a firearm in violation of a domestic violence injunction
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
18
Troy Nix (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute heroin
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Tyrie K. Boyer, Hannah Nowalk, and Robert Bodnar, Jr.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Kidanny Rivera-Rolon (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Mandel Lamont Stewart (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ivan Hollingsworth (34)
Unlawful dealing in firearms –
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
NFT violation for transfer of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3 plus 238 auto sears
James King (53)
Possession of auto sear
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Sale of firearm to felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2 plus 12 auto sears
Brian A. Blake (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition (two counts)
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years per count
2
Daniel Ira Johnson (34)
Transfer of firearm to non-resident
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
3
Javier Lopez Rivera (36)
Pedro Tapia Matos (29)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 Years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years
3
Curtis Tyrone Johnson (34)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 Years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Jason Aaron Beaty (43)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a drug user
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
3
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Ranganath Manthripragada, Terry Livanos, Dana Hill, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Betty Gonzalez, and Michael Felicetta
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Jerome Miller (38)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Dallas Robinson, Jr. (21)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Niko Wimbley (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Deandre Lopez (32)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Michael Hankerson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Raequan Nelson (23)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Raequin Smith (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Jackie Chapman, III (20)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Ataire Carl Ray (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marquvius T. Dixon (26)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Marquis Player (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
William Shumaker (38)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Cleate Wilson (40)
Forcibly resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with federal officers
Maximum Prison Term: 1 year
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Roy Nobles (41)
Malachi Deloch (23)
Armed Career Criminal/felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
4
Reginal Roberts (22)
Nathaniel Carr (28)
Daniel Jackson (29)
Chrishawn Butler (22)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 24 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
O’Marie Hudson (25)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Hobbs Act
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:7 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
0
Elijah Bell (19)
Hobbs Act
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
0
Thomas Bellere (29)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
1
Magdiel Carmona (27)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:10 years
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
6
Derrek Wallace (45)
Troy Dollman (45)
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:5 years
Maximum Prison Term: 40 years
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term:15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 15 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Rafael Gonzalez Alomar (38)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Mike Sinacore, Samantha Beckman, Charlie Connally, Maria Guzman, David Sullivan, David Chee, Michael Kenneth, and Christopher Murray
Adjudicated Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
Re’Shod Larry (27)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Romeo Lenell Battle (24)
Felon in possession of firearm
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Simon Eth
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Edrick Jackson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Ramone Astin
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
Andrew Harp (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Jeromy Washington (25)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Adam Taylor (32)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
Charles Mobley (49)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
9
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Coolican, David Mesrobian, Arnold Corsmeier, Frank Talbot, David Mesrobian, and John Cannizzaro
Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marty Eugene Days, Jr. (33)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Nathanael Santiago (28)
Possession of a firearm/ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Tevaughn Johnson (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Forcibly assaulting federal officer with injury
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Marques Leroy Young (22)
Making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
Causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in their official records
Maximum Prison Term: 5 years
1
Samuel A. Glover (30)
Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
2
Dean Dumont (23)
Possession of an Unregistered NFA Weapon
Maximum Mandatory Prison Term: 10 years
1
Miguel Vargas-Narez (44)
Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Robert Bodnar, Jr, Tyrie K. Boyer, Mike Felicetta, Will S. Hamilton, and Hannah Nowalk
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Jarvis Jackson (31)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
Minimum Mandatory Prison Term: 5 years
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Interference with commerce by robbery
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
1
Kevin Deane Jones (50)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
2
These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Jen Harrington
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Devin Kelly (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Devontae Hunter (24)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
1
Kermon Williams (44)
Jhaphre Higgs (42)
James Higgs (37)
Conspiracy to commit murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Murder for hire
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Attempt to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute
Maximum Prison Term: 20 years
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Use of a firearm causing death in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
Mandatory Minimum Prison Term: Life
Maximum Prison Term: Life
Unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon
Maximum Prison Term: 10 years
0
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Mike Sinacore, David Chee, Craig Gestring, and Charlie Connelly
Sentenced Cases
Defendant(s)
(Age)
Charges
Sentence Imposed
Firearms Seized
Fort Myers Division
2nd Quarter
John Olvera Salinas (19)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence—18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
15
Joshua Wade McGinnis (27)
*Salinas codefendant
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine
Distribution of cocaine (3 Counts)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to/possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
This PSN case from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Mike Leeman
Jacksonville Division
2nd Quarter
Steven McWhorter (49)
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine over 500 Grams
Sentence Imposed: 136 months in federal prison
2
Charles DeYoung (45)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Sentence Imposed: 10 years in federal prison
1
Brittany Cooper (32)
Interference with commerce by robbery
Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison
0
These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Ashley Washington, Betty Gonzalez, David Mesrobian, and Laura Taylor
*Ocala Division
2nd Quarter
Marrin Maurice Baker (48)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 28 months in federal prison
1
Ashley Nicole Kirkland (24)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 34 months in federal prison
1
Lonnie Lorenzo Hollingsworth, Jr. (37)
Possession of ammunition affecting interstate commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 36 months in federal prison.
0
Christopher Graves (28)
Possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 53 months in federal prison.
1
Deveon Demon Jenkins (27)
Possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a previously convicted felon
Sentence Imposed: 15 years in federal prison.
1
Darrell Pierre Hopkins (54)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison
0
Jeffrey Walt Boston (44)
Felon in possession of firearm
Unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Sentence Imposed: 8 years, 8 months in federal prison
1
Christopher L. Leslie (25)
Felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition affecting commerce
Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 4 months in federal prison
3
Kenyari D. Brewton (26)
Making a materially false statement during the purchase of firearms
Causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records
Sentence Imposed: Time Served
0
Mark Charles Weatherly (21)
Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (actual meth – 5 grams or more)
Possession of a firearm and ammunition affecting interstate or foreign commerce by a felon
Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison
1
These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Michael P. Felicetta, Robert Bodnar, Jr., and Tyrie K. Boyer.
Orlando Division
2nd Quarter
Larry Burrows (26)
Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence
Carjacking
Sentence Imposed: 27 years in federal prison
0
This PSN case from the Orlando Division was handled by Chauncey Bratt.
Tampa Division
2nd Quarter
Dnerius McCullough (28)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 77 months in federal prison
1
Samuel Storey (43)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 17 years in federal prison
1
Antonio Phillips (33)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 8 years in federal prison
1
Victor Grant (40)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 21 years, 10 months in federal prison
0
Michael Cottone (35)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 3 months in federal prison
2
Christian Agosto (22)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison
1
Deuntay Robertson (30)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 6 years in federal prison
1
Robert Russel Hinote (75)
Dealing firearms without a license
Sentence Imposed: Probation
75
Travis Riley (39)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Drug trafficking conspiracy
Sentence Imposed: 9 years, 7 months in federal prison
3
Ralph Malpeso (44)
Possession of an unregistered firearm
Sentence Imposed:3 years, 1 month in federal prison
6
Clay Morris (29)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Francis Zuilkoski (64)
Sentence Imposed: Probation
Calfus W. Drummond (35)
Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances
Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
Sentence Imposed: 11 years, 6 months in federal prison
6
Ronald White (27)
Felon in possession of firearm/ammunition
Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month
1
These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Diego Novaes, Charlie Connally, and Mike Sinacore
Outreach Activities
2nd Quarter
Date
Event
Number of Attendees
Division
April 4, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
April 7, 2022
AMI Youth Program (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
29
Tampa
April 12, 2022
Girls With Pearls
17
Orlando
April 19, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
20
Orlando
April 21, 2022
Central Florida Reentry Network Program
56
Orlando
April 22, 2022
FBI Protecting Places of Worship Program
55
Tampa
April 22, 2022
Baker Correctional Reentry Program
75
Jacksonville
April 26, 2022
Girls With Pearls at PACE Center
14
Orlando
April 28, 2022
Tampa Bay Reentry Month Program
163
Tampa
May 2, 2022
Rising Stars Program at Westbrooke Elementary (Gun Pledge)
18
Orlando
May 9, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
27
Tampa
May 12-13, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
21
Jacksonville
May 17, 2022
Pace Center for Girls
15
Orlando
May 20, 2022
Lockhart Elementary Lunch Buddies Mentor Appreciation
50
Tampa
May 21, 2022
NOBLE Law In Your Community Program
35
Fort Myers
May 23, 2022
Cleveland Elementary
28
Tampa
May 26, 2022
Lee County Public Schools Assembly (Assistant Principals)
93
Fort Myers
June 2-3, 2022
Problem-Solving for Public Safety Partners
15
Ocala
June 14, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Marshall Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
42
Tampa
June 15, 2022
Boys & Girls Club at Shields Middle School (Guns, Gangs & Goals)
77
Tampa
May 2, 2022
May 31, 2022
June 14, 2022
June 28, 2022
PSN Violent Crime Initiative – Orlando PD
25
10
25
40
Orlando
Total Number of Events for 2nd Quarter: 24
Total Number of Attendees for 2nd Quarter: 97
Fort Myers Convicted Felon Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Possession of A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Serdarryel Dave English, Jr. (39, Fort Myers) to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered English to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. English had pleaded guilty on March 17, 2022.
According to court documents, on April 14, 2018, an officer with the Fort Myers Police Department was conducting uniformed marked patrol when she observed a dark Toyota sedan roll through a stop sign at the intersection of Lora Street and Polk Street in Fort Myers. The officer turned to follow the vehicle and make a traffic stop, but before she could she observed the car quickly turn onto Belmont Street where she briefly lost sight of it. Once on Belmont Street, the officer observed the vehicle turn into a driveway, and at that point she activated the vehicle police lights and conducted a traffic stop.
During the traffic stop, the officer identified the front-seat passenger as English. During a search of the vehicle, the officer found a loaded handgun magazine between the passenger seat and door jam, adjacent to where English had been sitting. The magazine had a Smith and Wesson logo and was loaded with four rounds of .380 caliber ammunition. A further search of the vehicle revealed a .380 caliber Smith and Wesson pistol without an attached magazine. The firearm was chambered with one round of .380 caliber ammunition, matching the ammunition in the magazine found in the car. At the time, English had prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms 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 is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Wauchula Man Arrested for Producing, Distributing, and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Christopher Froehlich (40, Wauchula) on a criminal complaint charging him with production, distribution, and possession of child pornography. If convicted, Froehlich faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison for production of child pornography, a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison for distribution of child pornography, and a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography, and a potential life term of supervised release on all counts. Froehlich made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Amanda A. Sansone on Friday and was ordered detained pending trial.
According to the complaint, in December 2017, Froehlich posed as a 15-year-old boy and connected with the 15-year-old victim via Live.Me, a live-streaming video service. Froehlich convinced the child victim that they were in a relationship and coerced the child to produce sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich. When the child tried to stop producing sexually explicit videos and photos for Froehlich, Froehlich threatened to post the videos and photos to social media for the child’s family and friends to see.
In June 2020, the child attempted to stop communication with Froehlich, at which point Froehlich posted the child’s nude photos to social media. Froehlich continued to contact the child until June 2022 by using various phone numbers and different usernames on social media platforms.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Wauchula Police Department, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Bradenton Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Office and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Woman Sentenced to Prison for Access Device Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Related to COVID Unemployment Insurance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Rolanda Wingfield (39, Tampa) to three years in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court also ordered Wingfield to pay $135,576 in restitution to the various state workforce agencies she defrauded. Wingfield had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022.
According to court documents, from approximately May through September 2020, Wingfield obtained the personal identifying information of others and used that information to submit, or cause the submission of, false and fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claims to various state workforce agencies in order to obtain UI benefits to which she was not entitled. These UI benefits were then transferred to bank accounts or loaded onto debit cards issued in the names of others. Wingfield then used, or attempted to use, the fraudulently obtained debit cards to withdraw money using ATMs. The U.S. Department of Labor determined that Wingfield obtained $135,576.
In March 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who were not ordinarily eligible for benefits.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General 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. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory D. Pizzo and John Cannizzaro.
Sarasota Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Prison for COVID-19 Related FraudRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Randy Xavier Jones (34, Sarasota) to five years and one month in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. The court also ordered Jones to forfeit proceeds traceable to the offense, including 12 fraudulently obtained prepaid debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits to which Jones was not entitled. Jones had pleaded guilty on March 24, 2022.
According to court documents, from July 2020 through at least September 2020, Jones knowingly engaged in a scheme to defraud several federal and state programs by obtaining COVID-19 related benefits—both loan proceeds from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program and unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits from state workforce agencies—to which he was not entitled. Specifically, Jones obtained an EIDL loan in the amount of $50,000 in the name of a non-existent entity. In addition, in response to numerous fraudulent applications filed in multiple states, Jones obtained UI benefits, loaded on to prepaid debit cards, from state workforce agencies in Arizona, California, and Nevada, among others. In order to retrieve the proceeds of the scheme, Jones, a resident of Sarasota, flew to California and, over a period of several weeks, withdrew cash from the prepaid debit cards that were funded as a result of the fraudulent applications. Through both schemes, Jones and others obtained nearly a half million dollars.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The EIDL program is designed to provide economic relied to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. EIDL proceeds can be used to cover a wide array of working capital and normal operating expenses, such as continuation of health care benefits, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. If an applicant also obtains a loan under the PPP, the EIDL funds cannot be used for the same purpose as the PPP funds.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel K. Jones.