Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eleven Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Attempted Murder, Murder Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
A four-count indictment was unsealed in the Middle District of Florida charging 11 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, attempted and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug conspiracy crimes. The gang was active inside and outside of the prison system in the State of Florida.
According to court documents and statements in court, SMM-24K members and associates allegedly engaged in extreme violence to retaliate against fellow members for perceived violations of gang rules. For example, SMM-24K members conspired to kill one fellow member for lying about not knowing the location of family members of a rival gang member, resulting in the stabbing and attempted murder of the SMM-24K member in the DeSoto Correctional Institution. SMM-24K conspired to kill a different SMM member, who they accused of lying to and stealing from the gang, by stabbing him around the neck. SMM-24K members also profited from trafficking large amounts of deadly drugs inside Florida Department of Corrections Institutions, by using associates to smuggle the drugs, including methamphetamine, into the prisons.
“As alleged, the Sex Money Murder 24K gang, a derivative of the nationally known Bloods gang and a subset of the Sex Money Murder gang, brutally enforced its purported rules, stabbing and attempting to kill three of their own members and one rival who crossed their leaders, and engaged in a sophisticated drug trafficking operation to move large quantities of dangerous drugs into Florida Department of Corrections facilities throughout the State,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM that wreaks havoc in our prison systems is dismantled. Thank you to every federal, state, and local law enforcement agency that came together to dismantle this gang.”
“The crimes alleged in this indictment demonstrate the callousness and determination of the SMM-24K gang to perpetuate heinous acts in Florida’s prison system,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Even from behind bars, this gang sought to expand their criminal enterprise through violence and illegal activities. Thanks to the diligent investigation and cooperation by our federal, state, and local partners, a major drug trafficking operation was disrupted, and its members will be forced to account for their crimes.”
“The FBI’s goal in crushing violent crime is to surge resources and partnerships, to build cases that cut into the capabilities of violent criminal networks, like Sex, Money, Murder 24K.” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “When we maximize impact, we disrupt the violence, and ultimately ensure our communities are safer.”
According to court documents, SMM-24K created a “hit list” that included identifying and location information of their victims and intended targets, and the accusations against each. As alleged in the indictment, on January 17, 2023, defendant Tyrone Conaway, 37, formerly of Fort Lauderdale, FL, directed multiple SMM-24K members at the DeSoto Correctional Institution to murder an SMM-24K member who allegedly had lied to and stolen from the gang. Less than two weeks later, that SMM-24K member was stabbed inside the correctional facility. On February 23, 2023, defendant Terry Tillman, 38, Orlando, FL, attempted to kill a different SMM member by stabbing that person around the neck while defendant Charlie Martin, 28, Deland, FL, acted as a lookout. Information about both victims was included on the “hit list.” In April 2023, defendants Hernando Thompson, 40, and Alvin James, 30, Orlando, FL exchanged text messages coordinating the murder of a rival gang member. That rival gang member was attacked, and his face was slashed in Apalachee East Correctional Institution. Less than a month later, that same rival gang member was repeatedly stabbed by two inmates on May 24, 2023, after having been moved to Liberty Correctional Institution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SMM-24K is a subset of the Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Florida, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM-24K members, including inmates within the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including conspiracies to commit murder and drug trafficking within FDOC facilities.
If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison life in prison for racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy; and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting 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.
Eleven Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Attempted Murder, Murder Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL - A four-count indictment was unsealed in the Middle District of Florida charging 11 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder-24K (SMM-24K) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, attempted and conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, and drug conspiracy crimes. The gang was active inside and outside of the prison system in the State of Florida.
According to court documents and statements in court, SMM-24K members and associates allegedly engaged in extreme violence to retaliate against fellow members for perceived violations of gang rules. For example, SMM-24K members conspired to kill one fellow member for lying about not knowing the location of family members of a rival gang member, resulting in the stabbing and attempted murder of the SMM-24K member in the DeSoto Correctional Institution. SMM-24K conspired to kill a different SMM member, who they accused of lying to and stealing from the gang, by stabbing him around the neck. SMM-24K members also profited from trafficking large amounts of deadly drugs inside Florida Department of Corrections Institutions, by using associates to smuggle the drugs, including methamphetamine, into the prisons.
“The crimes alleged in this indictment demonstrate the callousness and determination of the SMM-24K gang to perpetuate heinous acts in Florida’s prison system,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Even from behind bars, this gang sought to expand their criminal enterprise through violence and illegal activities. Thanks to the diligent investigation and cooperation by our federal, state, and local partners, a major drug trafficking operation was disrupted, and its members will be forced to account for their crimes.”
“The FBI’s goal in crushing violent crime is to surge resources and partnerships, to build cases that cut into the capabilities of violent criminal networks, like Sex, Money, Murder 24K.” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office. “When we maximize impact, we disrupt the violence, and ultimately ensure our communities are safer.”
According to court documents, SMM-24K created a “hit list” that included identifying and location information of their victims and intended targets, and the accusations against each. As alleged in the indictment, on January 17, 2023, defendant Tyrone Conaway, 37, formerly of Fort Lauderdale, FL, directed multiple SMM-24K members at the DeSoto Correctional Institution to murder an SMM-24K member who allegedly had lied to and stolen from the gang. Less than two weeks later, that SMM-24K member was stabbed inside the correctional facility. On February 23, 2023, defendant Terry Tillman, 38, Orlando, FL, attempted to kill a different SMM member by stabbing that person around the neck while defendant Charlie Martin, 28, Deland, FL, acted as a lookout. Information about both victims was included on the “hit list.” In April 2023, defendants Hernando Thompson, 40, Orlando, FL and Alvin James, 30, Orlando, FL exchanged text messages coordinating the murder of a rival gang member. That rival gang member was attacked, and his face was slashed in Apalachee East Correctional Institution. Less than a month later, that same rival gang member was repeatedly stabbed by two inmates on May 24, 2023, after having been moved to Liberty Correctional Institution.
According to court documents and statements made in court, SMM-24K is a subset of the Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Florida, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM-24K members, including inmates within the Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including conspiracies to commit murder and drug trafficking within FDOC facilities.
If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison life in prison for racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy; and up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections, the Florida Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Ruddy and Robert Sowell for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Christopher Matthews of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) are prosecuting 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.
IndictmentTampa Man Indicted for Coercing a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity, Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material, and Transferring Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Angel Rivera (49, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with coercion and enticement and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, production of child sexual abuse material, and transfer of obscene material to a minor. If convicted on all counts, Rivera faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, between October 15 and November 22, 2025, Rivera knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, coerced and attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. On October 16, 2025, Rivera attempted to transfer obscene material to an individual who he believed to be under the age of 16. On October 19 and October 22, 2025, Rivera allegedly employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing over $1.8 Million in Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Survalarie Harris has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger to 18 months in federal prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. The court also entered an order of restitution in the amount of $1,824,279, the amount of tax loss to the United States. Harris entered a guilty plea in August 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Harris worked as a tax return preparer at her business Tax Genie Tax Service in Jacksonville. In preparing tax returns for others, Harris knowingly reported false information, including false claims of having a business, to decrease the amount of money taxpayers would owe to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to increase the amount of money taxpayers would receive as tax refunds from the IRS. Agents with IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) determined that Harris falsified tax returns in a similar manner multiple times, specifically by creating fictitious business expenses. Despite a lack of documentation from taxpayers, Harris included these fictitious expenses on the tax returns, indicating a net loss for a non-existent business. This lowered the taxpayers’ adjusted gross income, allowing the taxpayer to apply for an Earned Income Credit, a refundable tax credit based primarily on income and filing status.
On March 22, 2022, Harris prepared a 2021 tax return for an undercover IRS-CI agent who posed as a customer. During their conversation, Harris told the undercover agent that the agent was going to owe money on her tax return. Harris asked the undercover agent if she did any work on the side, to which the undercover agent stated she sometimes braided hair. Harris told the undercover agent that she could help the undercover agent receive a refund for an additional fee. Moments later, Harris told the undercover agent that she was receiving a refund of $2,950, minus the additional fee. Harris, however, did not ask for it, and the undercover agent did not provide any documentation or information associated with business losses or income. Despite the lack of documentation, Harris prepared the undercover agent’s tax return, which indicated a net loss for a non-existent business. Harris understood that the non-existent business net loss would lower the undercover agent’s adjusted gross income so that the undercover agent would qualify for an Earned Income Credit.
Throughout IRS-CI’s investigation, agents learned that Harris had been preparing falsified tax returns on behalf of taxpayers since at least 2018. Agents estimated that Harris prepared more than 900 falsified tax returns between the 2020 and 2022 tax years. The tax loss to the United States from Harris’s fraudulent conduct was at least $1,824,279.
“Deliberately submitting false, fraudulent, or misleading information to the IRS is a crime,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will work with the IRS to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who deliberately seek to defraud our tax system.”
“Most tax preparers play by the rules—but those who don’t will be held accountable,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Creating bogus businesses to steal refunds isn’t a shortcut—it’s a felony. IRS Special Agents will relentlessly pursue fraudsters and make sure justice is served.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Violating Anti-Doping LawRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Paul Alexander Askew (46, Jacksonville) has been charged by a federal indictment with conspiracy to influence major international sports competition by doping. If convicted, Askew faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Askew that the United States intends to forfeit assets alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, from on or about July 10, 2023, and continuing through on or about January 31, 2024, Askew conspired with others to influence major international sports competitions by providing performance enhancing drugs to an athlete. The major international sports competitions the conspiracy sought to influence included the 2023 Ed Murphey Classic, the 2023 Xiamen Diamond League, the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, the 2024 American Outdoor Track and Field Championship, the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships, the 2024 United States Olympics Trials, and the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick M. Flanigan.
IndictmentFinal Defendant in Robbery Crew Pleads Guilty to Robbing Two Convenience Stores with FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Jermaine Dawes (33, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to two robberies, conspiracy to commit those robberies, and brandishing a firearm during both robberies. He faces up to 20 years in prison for each of the robbery offenses and a minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any other sentence imposed for the firearm offenses. His sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Dawes’s three co-defendants, Ronald Brown, E’Barous Harris, and Tra-Vontae Watson, each previously pleaded guilty. Their sentencing hearings are pending.
According to court documents and proceedings, in July 2024, Dawes conspired with others to rob two convenience stores in Tampa. Two firearms were used in, and brandished, during both robberies. Law enforcement located the defendants a few days after the robberies at a hotel in Tampa. Surveillance footage from the hotel revealed Dawes getting in and out of the driver’s seat of the vehicle used in the robberies while one of his co-defendants entered the vehicle with a firearm. Search warrants for multiple hotel rooms associated with the defendants were executed and a rifle consistent with one of the firearms used during the robberies was located.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Bahamian National Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kenthen Lavardo Swain (26, The Bahamas) was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by an aggravated felon. Swain previously pled guilty on November 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Swain is a citizen and national of The Bahamas. On or about May 26, 2025, Swain was found by immigration authorities in the Manatee County Jail following an arrest for battery on a law enforcement officer. Prior to being found, Swain had been removed from the United States on three prior occasions and had not received permission to reenter the United States. Swain has previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including for possessing controlled substances with intent to sell.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Leader of Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 35 Years for His Role in Drive-By Shooting on I-95Read the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Nathaniel Hatcher III (30, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger to 35 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit money laundering, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The court also entered an order for forfeiture in the amount of $2.2 million, the proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Hatcher entered a guilty plea in September 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hatcher operated and led a Jacksonville-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). For eight years, Hatcher’s DTO trafficked bulk amounts of marijuana from Northern California to Jacksonville by smuggling the drug on commercial airlines, shipping it through the U.S. mail system, and transporting it by vehicle across state lines. Once the marijuana arrived in Jacksonville, Hatcher and other DTO members transported the marijuana to various short-term rental homes throughout Jacksonville. Hatcher and members of the DTO rented these homes to store, package, and distribute marijuana. Hatcher and other members of the DTO carried and possessed firearms at these residences to protect themselves, their drugs, and their drug proceeds during drug sales.
In addition to trafficking, transporting, smuggling, and selling marijuana, Hatcher was also responsible for carrying out violence on behalf of the DTO. Hatcher used the assistance of former corrections officer Desmond Maxwell to unlawfully buy firearms on behalf of Hatcher and members of the DTO.
Hatcher, with the assistance of Yaquasia Delcarmen, would collect drug proceeds from the DTO’s members. Hatcher and Delcarmen would then launder the proceeds back into bank accounts controlled by Hatcher. During the conspiracy, Hatcher and others used sham business accounts that were formed for the purpose of laundering illicit proceeds. Hatcher and Delcarmen laundered over $2 million and spent the drug proceeds on lavish lifestyle items.
On September 18, 2023, Hatcher, James Toney, and other DTO members arranged a bulk marijuana transaction with subjects whom they had met that evening in Jacksonville. The drug transaction, which occurred at a gas station along Old St. Augustine Road, failed. The other subjects never provided the promised marijuana, and instead, stole approximately $45,000 in cash from Hatcher and Toney. After the failed drug transaction, Hatcher contacted a former police officer, who illegally accessed law enforcement databases to provide Hatcher with the names and home addresses of the subjects who stole the money. For nearly a month, Hatcher and other DTO members tracked, surveilled, and cyber-stalked the other subjects and their family members. In text messages, Hatcher and others discussed and plotted retaliation for the robbery, including committing acts of violence.
On October 15, 2023, Briyhon Johnson and Toney traveled to the Jacksonville International Airport to break into a rental car lot. Johnson and Toney stole two cars from the rental car lot with the intention of using one of the stolen cars in the planned retaliation. The theft had been coordinated by Johnson and Toney through text messages.
Two days later, on October 17, 2023, Toney traveled to the Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida, for a scheduled court date in an unrelated pending criminal matter. Toney and other DTO members knew from reading the public court docket that one of the subjects from the September 18 drug deal also had court that day at the Duval County courthouse for a separate criminal matter. After court concluded, Hatcher and other DTO members surveilled this subject as he exited the Duval County courthouse, accompanied by a female subject, and entered his Mercedes sedan.
Toney traveled to meet with Johnson, who provided Toney with a firearm. Johnson, Toney, Hatcher, and Tavarius Blue were operating multiple vehicles, including a stolen red Dodge Charger sedan and a gray Audi SUV, and followed the Mercedes sedan from downtown Jacksonville to I-95, traveling southbound toward St. Johns County. Darion Jerido was driving a separate sedan, acting as the lookout for the others and to keep pace with the Mercedes sedan. Johnson was driving the red Dodge Charger, with Toney traveling in the passenger seat. Blue was driving the gray Audi SUV, with Hatcher traveling in passenger seat. At approximately 11:20 a.m., during the pursuit along I-95 South, the red Dodge Charger and the gray Audi SUV boxed the Mercedes sedan into the left lane of traffic. Then, Toney from the Dodge Charger and Hatcher from the Audi SUV discharged dozens of rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition at the Mercedes sedan. According to witness interviews, Johnson and Toney were both wearing masks. Following the shooting, the red Dodge Charger and the Audi SUV fled the scene.
Officers with the St. Johns County Sheriffs’ Office and emergency medical personnel arrived on scene within minutes. The driver of the Mercedes sedan, who was the male subject from the courthouse, sustained one gunshot wound but survived and was air-lifted to a trauma unit. The front passenger of the Mercedes, the female subject from the courthouse, did not sustain any gunshot wounds but did suffer injuries from broken glass. Emergency personnel also transported her to a nearby hospital. The Mercedes sedan sustained gunshots to the passenger side, the rear, the front and hood, the front windshield, the interior, and the engine block. On scene, deputies recovered approximately 25 spent 7.62 caliber shell casings. According to ballistics analysis, two different firearms were used during the shooting.
Following Hatcher’s arrest in February 2024, Delcarmen continued the drug trafficking activities on Hatcher’s behalf and at Hatcher’s direction. Hatcher tampered with multiple witnesses and co-conspirators, directing them to flee from, or lie to, law enforcement. Hatcher also directed co-conspirators to destroy evidence.
Status of Hatcher DTO Co-conspirators
Name
Status
Tavarius BlueSentenced to 12 years federal prisonYaquasia DelCarmenSentenced to 8 years in federal prisonAl’Donta EasterlingSentenced to 10 years in federal prisonDarion JeridoSentenced to 6 years, 6 months federal prisonBriyhon JohnsonSentenced to 14 years, 3 months federal prisonJavon DavisPled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prisonChristian GuytonPled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prisonDesmond MaxwellPled guilty to straw-purchasing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; faces up to 25 years in federal prisonJahson HatcherPled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prisonJames ToneyPled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison“Hatcher and his drug crew planned and executed a brazen drive-by shooting in broad daylight on I-95, putting dozens of law-abiding Americans in danger of losing their lives,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Now, he will spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer terrorize the Jacksonville community thanks to the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
“The tenacious work by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this case ensured that the members of this drug trafficking organization were brought to justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to leverage our resources, whenever necessary, to protect our communities from violence and harm.”
“This case demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and violent crime,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “The dismantlement of this violent drug trafficking organization and the sentencing of these defendants will have a lasting impact on the safety of our community.”
“The judge delivered a punishment that matches the danger this defendant posed to communities,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “The message is simple: profit from poison, and you pay for it. IRS CI and our partners will follow the money across jurisdictions to shut down traffickers and every coconspirator who launders their profits.”
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Leader of Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced for Role in Drive-By Shooting on I-95Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Nathaniel Hatcher III, 30, of Jacksonville, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger for the Middle District of Florida to 35 years in prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to commit money laundering, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The court also entered a $2.2 million order for forfeiture, the proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Hatcher pleaded guilty in September 2025.
“Hatcher and his drug crew planned and executed a brazen drive-by shooting in broad daylight on I-95, putting dozens of law-abiding Americans in danger of losing their lives,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Now, he will spend decades in federal prison where he can no longer terrorize the Jacksonville community thanks to the combined efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
“The tenacious work by our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in this case ensured that the members of this drug trafficking organization were brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to leverage our resources, whenever necessary, to protect our communities from violence and harm.”
“This case demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI to protect our communities from the dangers posed by drug trafficking and violent crime,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville. “The dismantlement of this violent drug trafficking organization and the sentencing of these defendants will have a lasting impact on the safety of our community.”
“The judge delivered a punishment that matches the danger this defendant posed to communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS CI) Florida Field Office. “The message is simple: profit from poison, and you pay for it. IRS CI and our partners will follow the money across jurisdictions to shut down traffickers and every coconspirator who launders their profits.”
According to court documents, Hatcher operated and led a Jacksonville-based drug trafficking organization (DTO). For eight years, Hatcher’s DTO trafficked bulk amounts of marijuana from Northern California to Jacksonville by smuggling the drug on commercial airlines, shipping it through the U.S. mail system, and transporting it by vehicle across state lines. Once the marijuana arrived in Jacksonville, Hatcher and other DTO members transported the marijuana to various short-term rental homes throughout Jacksonville. Hatcher and members of the DTO rented these homes to store, package, and distribute marijuana. Hatcher and other members of the DTO carried and possessed firearms at these residences to protect themselves, their drugs, and their drug proceeds during drug sales.
In addition to trafficking, transporting, smuggling, and selling marijuana, Hatcher was also responsible for carrying out violence on behalf of the DTO. Hatcher used the assistance of former corrections officer Desmond Maxwell to unlawfully buy firearms on behalf of Hatcher and members of the DTO.
Hatcher, with the assistance of Yaquasia Delcarmen, would collect drug proceeds from the DTO’s members. Hatcher and Delcarmen would then launder the proceeds back into bank accounts controlled by Hatcher. During the conspiracy, Hatcher and others used sham business accounts that were formed for the purpose of laundering illicit proceeds. Hatcher and Delcarmen laundered over $2 million and spent the drug proceeds on lavish lifestyle items.
On Sept. 18, 2023, Hatcher, James Toney, and other DTO members arranged a bulk marijuana transaction with subjects whom they had met that evening in Jacksonville. The drug transaction failed; the other subjects never provided the promised marijuana, and instead, stole approximately $45,000 in cash from Hatcher and Toney. After the failed drug transaction, Hatcher contacted a former police officer, who illegally accessed law enforcement databases to provide Hatcher with the names and home addresses of the subjects who stole the money. For nearly a month, Hatcher and other DTO members tracked, surveilled, and cyber-stalked the other subjects and their family members. In text messages, Hatcher and others discussed and plotted retaliation for the robbery, including committing acts of violence.
On Oct. 15, 2023, Briyhon Johnson and Toney traveled to the Jacksonville International Airport to break into a rental car lot. Johnson and Toney stole two cars from the rental car lot with the intention of using one of the stolen cars in the planned retaliation. The theft had been coordinated by Johnson and Toney through text messages.
On Oct.17, 2023, Toney traveled to the Duval County courthouse in Jacksonville for a scheduled court date in an unrelated pending criminal matter. Toney and other DTO members knew from reading the public court docket that one of the subjects from the September 18 drug deal also had court that day at the Duval County courthouse for a separate criminal matter. After court concluded, Hatcher and other DTO members surveilled this subject as he exited the Duval County courthouse, accompanied by a female subject, and entered his Mercedes sedan.
Toney traveled to meet with Johnson, who provided Toney with a firearm. Johnson, Toney, Hatcher, and Tavarius Blue were operating multiple vehicles, including a stolen red Dodge Charger sedan and a gray Audi SUV, and followed the Mercedes sedan from downtown Jacksonville to I-95, traveling southbound toward St. Johns County. Darion Jerido was driving a separate sedan, acting as the lookout for the others and to keep pace with the Mercedes sedan. Johnson was driving the red Dodge Charger, with Toney traveling in the passenger seat. Blue was driving the gray Audi SUV, with Hatcher traveling in passenger seat. At approximately 11:20 a.m., during the pursuit along I-95 South, the red Dodge Charger and the gray Audi SUV boxed the Mercedes sedan into the left lane of traffic. Then, Toney from the Dodge Charger and Hatcher from the Audi SUV discharged dozens of rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition at the Mercedes sedan. According to witness interviews, Johnson and Toney were both wearing masks. Following the shooting, the red Dodge Charger and the Audi SUV fled the scene.
Officers with the St. Johns County Sheriffs’ Office and emergency medical personnel arrived on scene within minutes. The driver of the Mercedes sedan, who was the male subject from the courthouse, sustained one gunshot wound but survived and was air-lifted to a trauma unit. The front passenger of the Mercedes, the female subject from the courthouse, did not sustain any gunshot wounds but did suffer injuries from broken glass. Emergency personnel also transported her to a nearby hospital. The Mercedes sedan sustained gunshots to the passenger side, the rear, the front and hood, the front windshield, the interior, and the engine block. On scene, deputies recovered approximately 25 spent 7.62 caliber shell casings. According to ballistics analysis, two different firearms were used during the shooting.
Following Hatcher’s arrest in February 2024, Delcarmen continued the drug trafficking activities on Hatcher’s behalf and at Hatcher’s direction. Hatcher tampered with multiple witnesses and co-conspirators, directing them to flee from, or lie to, law enforcement. Hatcher also directed co-conspirators to destroy evidence.
Status of Hatcher DTO Co-conspiratorsNameStatusTavarius BlueSentenced to 12 years in prison.Yaquasia DelCarmenSentenced to 8 years in prison.Al’Donta EasterlingSentenced to 10 years in prison.Darion JeridoSentenced to 6 years, 6 months in prison.Briyhon JohnsonSentenced to 14 years, 3 months in prison.Javon DavisPleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.Christian GuytonPleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.Desmond MaxwellPleaded guilty to straw-purchasing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.Jahson HatcherPleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.James ToneyPleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, committing a drive-by shooting in furtherance of a major drug offense, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisibeth Adams for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Fort Myers Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Walter James Marshall (31, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to an indictment charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Marshall faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement
According to court documents, on June 12, 2025, Marshall was stopped by the Fort Myers Police Department for driving on a suspended license. During a search of his vehicle, officers recovered a loaded SCCY pistol under the driver’s seat. DNA swabs taken from the pistol and from Marshall linked him to the firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Marshall is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Florida Man on Federal Supervised Release for Enticement to Engage in Prostitution Indicted for Forcible Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Erwin Phillips Burley (37, Jacksonville) has been charged by federal indictment with two counts of sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, and coercion, two counts of enticement to engage in prostitution, and seven counts of interstate transportation of a person with the intent that the person engage in prostitution. If convicted, Burley faces a mandatory minimum term of 15 years, up to life, in prison for each of the forcible sex trafficking counts, up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the enticement counts, and up to 10 years in prison for each of the transportation counts. Burley would also be required to serve at least 5 years on federal supervised release following any term of imprisonment and register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Burley was convicted in 2018 of enticement to engage in prostitution and sentenced to 96 months in federal prison, followed by supervised release. He was released to a halfway house in early 2024.
According to the indictment, beginning in February 2024, and continuing through at least May 2025, Burley recruited two victims to engage in commercial sex acts, while knowing that means of force, fraud, and coercion would be used to cause the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. Burley also enticed each of the victims to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution. The indictment also alleges that Burley transported one of the victims between Florida and other states, including Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas on multiple dates in 2024 with the intent that the victim engage in prostitution.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the State Attorney’s Office for Florida’s (Fourth Judicial Circuit), the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Sandy Springs (Georgia) Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Winter Haven Tax Preparer Sentenced to More than Six Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay over $1.6 Million in Restitution to the IRSRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Timothy Smith has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $274,000, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and ordered Smith to pay restitution in the amount of $1,637,829.64.64 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Smith entered a guilty plea on September 26, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2023 and continuing through February 2024, Smith engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Smith prepared or assisted in the preparation of 97 false and fraudulent tax returns for 92 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2022 and 2023. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A, C, and 1, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G. The returns contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.
The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Smith prepared was $17,612.039. The actual loss totaled $1,637,829.64, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Smith personally profited $274,000 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients.
This is the fourth individual to be sentenced as part of this scheme. All sentences are reflected below.
Name
Term of Imprisonment
Restitution to IRS
Forfeiture
Jeffrey Dixon4 years, 9 months$12,964,382$1,093,552.50Sean Laster5 years, 3 months$6,359,046.23$1,234,605.56George Tucker7 years, 6 months$15,028,309.89$1,354,757.64Timothy Smith6 years, 6 months$1,637,829.64$274,000“These defendants orchestrated a deliberate scheme to steal from American taxpayers,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Their calculated, malicious conduct showed complete disregard for the rule of law. These sentences affirm a core principle: those who abuse our tax system for personal gain will be held accountable. IRS Special Agents continue to safeguard the integrity of the tax system and deliver justice for American taxpayers.”
These cases were investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. They were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeitures are being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys James Muench and Suzanne Nebesky.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Robbing Gas Station and Discharging FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - Rafael Jimenez (31, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Jimenez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on March 8, 2025, Jimenez entered a gas station in Tampa and brandished a firearm while demanding money from the cash register. Shortly after making this demand, Jimenez fired a shot in the direction of the clerk, striking the ground directly behind the clerk.
Jimenez stole cigarettes and more than $600 from the store. He was apprehended after surveillance footage from days earlier showed physical similarities between Jimenez and the robber, including a distinctive tattoo. Evidence found in Jimenez’s trash included a ski mask, gloves, and cigarettes of the same brand the robber had used. Surveillance video showed a vehicle like Jimenez’s traveling near the scene of the robbery before and after it had occurred.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Retired U.S. Army Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Disclosing Classified National Defense InformationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kevin Charles Luke (62, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Moody, Jr. to 24 months in federal prison for the disclosure of classified information relating to the national defense of the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Luke pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. In his plea agreement, he admitted to abusing a position of public trust.
According to court documents, Luke served in both active duty and reserve components of the United States Army from 1981 until his retirement with the rank of Colonel on June 30, 2018. Following his retirement, Luke was employed as a civilian employee at United States Central Command (CENTCOM). During his time in the Army and as a civilian employee, Luke held a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. On multiple occasions, including as recently as February 2019, Luke acknowledged his responsibility to protect classified information by signing a Standard Form 312 Nondisclosure Agreement.
In October 2024, Luke sent a woman a text message from his personal cellphone that stated, “sent to my boss earlier, gives you a peek at what I do for a living.” Following that message, he sent a photograph of a computer screen displaying a classified email message that he had authored and sent using a government email address intended for classified email communications. The photograph of the classified email also revealed targets of a planned U.S. military operation as well as the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation. The email contained classified markings at the Secret level that Luke himself had added. The unauthorized release of the information contained within the photograph could be expected to cause serious damage to the national security of the United States.
This case was investigated by the United States Air Force—Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt and Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.
Palmetto Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Markis Maxwell (41, Palmetto) was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland today to seven years in federal prison for possession of a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. The sentence will run consecutive to the state prison sentence that Maxwell is currently serving for the sale of controlled substances and fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer. The court also ordered Maxwell to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the commission of the offense. Maxwell pleaded guilty on October 24, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on June 16, 2023, deputies from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call and learned that Maxwell was armed with a handgun during a verbal argument with his significant other. Maxwell was subsequently arrested on outstanding arrest warrants for unrelated offenses involving the sales of cocaine and fentanyl. Deputies located a loaded handgun hidden inside a bag in the bedroom closet. Subsequent analysis supported Maxwell as a contributor to DNA swabs taken from the handgun. Prior to possessing the firearm and ammunition, Maxwell had been convicted of multiple felony offenses. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Mother’s Day Carjackers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, FL – Miranda Lee Pryor (39, Orange Park) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for her role in a May 2025 armed carjacking in Lehigh Acres. Pryor pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025, to carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Her co-defendant, Rebecca Lea Stacey (36, West Palm Beach) was previously sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison in connection with the same case. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, on the afternoon of May 11, 2025, Stacey and Pryor carjacked a man waiting in his vehicle outside a store in Lehigh Acres. During the carjacking, Pryor brandished a firearm as the pair stole the victim’s vehicle and sped away from the scene. Later that afternoon, after law enforcement located the vehicle on I-75, Stacey (driving the vehicle) led police on a high-speed chase on the interstate through Collier County, eventually losing control and crashing the vehicle. Stacey and Pryor were quickly apprehended by law enforcement following the accident. During the chase, Pryor (the front-seat passenger) tossed the firearm used in the carjacking out the window of the stolen car, which was later recovered on the side of the highway.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Simon Eth and Kevin Huguelet.
Tampa Jury Convicts Leader of Colombian Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Celso Navarro Diaz (65, Colombia) guilty of conspiring to traffic more than five kilograms of cocaine on vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and conspiring to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Navarro Diaz faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison for each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 22, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Navarro Diaz was the head of an organization in Colombia that transported cocaine and marijuana from the Pacific coast of Colombia to Costa Rica. Over a two-year period, Panamanian, Colombian, and U.S. Coast Guard authorities interdicted four of his organization’s vessels. The investigation revealed that Navarro Diaz discussed the smuggling operations in heavily coded language and talked about the seizures in coded language after three of the events. The cocaine was intended to be smuggled from Costa Rica through Central America and Mexico prior to importation into the United States. Navarro Diaz was previously convicted of conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and pleaded guilty to that offense in 2010 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 20 (Tampa) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Colombian National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá worked with the Government of Colombia to secure the arrest and September 2024 extradition from Colombia of Navarro Diaz. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Green Cove Springs Man Sentenced to Nearly 17 Years in Federal Prison for Transporting a Child from North Carolina to Florida to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Christopher Allen Hawkins (40, Green Cove Springs) was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for transporting a 15-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. He pleaded guilty on August 18, 2025. Hawkins was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Hawkins was arrested on May 30, 2025.
According to court documents, during the early morning hours of May 30, 2025, GCSPD officers encountered a 15-year-old child skateboarding alone down a street in Green Cove Springs after the town curfew. Concerned for her safety, the officers approached the child and spoke with her. The child stated that she was visiting from North Carolina and had been staying with “Chris,” who was subsequently identified as Hawkins, in a tent behind a house in Green Cove Springs.
The GCSPD officers made contact with Hawkins a short time later. During an interview, Hawkins advised that he had met the child on the Snapchat app and had been in a relationship with her for several months. He also knew that the child was 15 years old. Hawkins said that he had originally traveled to North Carolina to do handyman work for the child’s parent. While staying at the child’s home in North Carolina, Hawkins engaged in sexual activity with her on several occasions. Approximately two weeks later, Hawkins returned to Florida.
In May 2025, Hawkins purchased bus tickets from North Carolina to Jacksonville for him and the child, with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the child after they arrived in Florida. Hawkins and the child boarded a bus and travelled to Jacksonville together on May 25, 2025. From Jacksonville, Hawkins and the child traveled to Green Cove Springs to stay together in Hawkins’s tent. Thereafter, Hawkins engaged in sexual activity with the child until he was arrested on May 30, 2025.
“This investigation started because of the great proactive work conducted by our Patrol Officers. This enabled our Detectives to conduct a rigorous investigation and quickly make an arrest,” stated Chief Shawn Hines of the Green Cove Springs Police Department. “Due to the unwavering dedication from our Officers and Detectives, the Green Cove Springs Police Department was able to arrest Christopher Hawkins for the crimes he had committed within our City. We were able to rescue a child from ongoing sexual exploitation. The safety of our children and our community remains our highest priority. As Chief of Police for the City of Green Cove Springs, I want our residents to know that we take our responsibility to protect this community seriously. We will continue to work diligently and collaboratively to investigate crimes thoroughly, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that victims and their families receive justice and support.”
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Former President and Vice President of Jacksonville Teachers Union Sentenced to Federal Prison for Embezzling Millions in Union FundsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Teresa Brady (70, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison, and Ruby George (82, Jacksonville) to one year and one day in federal prison followed by six months of home confinement, both in connection with their guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, aiding and abetting wire fraud, and aiding and abetting mail fraud. Brady also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. As part of their sentences, the court ordered the forfeiture of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, which cumulatively totaled $2,600,235.99. Further, the court ordered Brady and George to pay the same amount in restitution to the victim of their offenses, Duval Teachers United (DTU). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Brady and George were the President and Executive Vice President of DTU, a labor union that represents Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) teachers, paraprofessionals, and office personnel. DTU has approximately 6,500 members and represents approximately 80% of eligible DCPS employees. DTU’s annual revenue is approximately $5 million, which is comprised of funds paid by dues-paying members.
From 2013 to 2022, Brady and George engaged in a conspiracy to steal more than $1.2 million apiece from DTU by selling back to DTU leave time that they had not accrued or earned, and by paying themselves unauthorized bonuses and fake reimbursements. They concealed their scheme by providing false information to DTU’s auditor, and by signing each other’s checks when distributing the unaccrued and unearned payments, hiding those distributions from the DTU Secretary/Treasurer and its board of directors. Brady and George also hid their embezzlement from the State of Florida’s Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC), in legally required annual financial statement filings, some of which were mailed to PERC.
“This sentencing demonstrates that individuals who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will be held accountable,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Brady and George engaged in a prolonged scheme that harmed the members and integrity of the organization she was entrusted to lead. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to detect and disrupt complex financial fraud crimes.”
“Individuals who exploit their authority for personal gain and betray the trust placed in them will face justice,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “This case sends a clear message: IRS Criminal Investigation stands firm with our federal partners in relentlessly pursuing those who engage in fraud and corruption, no matter how long the scheme lasts. Our mission is to protect the integrity of our institutions and ensure justice for the victims.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Coolican and Kelly S. Milliron, and former Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Harrington and Julie Simonsen handled the forfeiture and restitution matters.
Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Accessing with Intent to View Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Leon Mark Jewett (70, Lehigh Acres) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025. Jewett was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, from April through December 2024, Jewett possessed and accessed with intent to view child sex abuse material that he searched for and downloaded from the internet.
In December 2024, Jewett brought his laptops into a store in Port Charlotte for repair. During the repair of one of his laptops, the store technician observed child sex abuse material on Jewett’s laptop. Law enforcement was contacted.
Pursuant to a search warrant, the FBI seized and conducted a forensic analysis on two of Jewett’s laptops, which revealed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud as Part of a Jury Duty ScamRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Ciara Gay (36, Austell, GA) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, Gay has agreed to forfeit $19,500, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. Her sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, a victim in Sarasota County received a phone call from a scammer who falsely and fraudulently represented himself as a law enforcement officer with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer told the victim she was in contempt of court for missing jury duty and had to pay a fine and instructed the victim to withdraw $19,500 in cash from her bank account and drive to the courthouse in Sarasota County, where a government official would meet her to collect the fine. Gay, a Georgia resident, traveled from Georgia to Sarasota, met the victim in person, and collected the cash from her.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Tampa Division) – Sarasota Resident Agency, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.
California Man Charged with CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jeremy Ryan (38, San Diego, CA) has indicted for cyberstalking by a federal grand jury. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, from October through December 2025, Ryan used electronic communications to message Victim 1 with the intent to kill, injure, harass, and intimidate Victim 1.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
Former Pinellas Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse CrimesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lee Hughes (46, Pinellas Park) has pleaded guilty to attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, and receipt and possession of child sex abuse material. Hughes faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hughes communicated with an undercover officer online for months with the understanding the undercover officer had a 9-year-old daughter. Hughes expressed his specific explicit desire to sexually abuse the purported 9-year-old girl. During those conversations, he also sent explicit photos and videos of himself, which he requested be shown to the purported child. On May 1, 2025, Hughes arrived at a predetermined location with a purple teddy bear to engage in sexual activity with the 9-year-old girl. He was apprehended by the FBI on scene.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to More Than 33 Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Omar Pitter (45, San Diego) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 33 years and 4 months in federal prison for his role in shipping over 65 kilograms of methamphetamine to the Middle District of Florida and conspiring to launder the proceeds of his methamphetamine distribution. A federal jury found Pitter guilty after a four-day trial in September 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in February 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating Colin Zirpoli for suspected methamphetamine distribution. The investigation into Zirpoli led to Zirpoli’s supplier, Elizabeth Poff, and later to her supplier, Tony Marsh. Investigation into Tony Marsh led to the identification of his source of supply, Hopeton Goslin. Search warrants executed at Goslin’s home and storage unit led to the recovery of more than 45 kilograms of methamphetamine. Goslin, Marsh, Poff, and Zirpoli have all pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and have all been sentenced.
Further investigation led to the identification of Goslin’s source of supply in San Diego. Agents identified Omar Pitter as Goslin’s source of supply, and the investigation revealed that Pitter had been commercially shipping Goslin cocaine and methamphetamine since 2023. Investigators testified at trial that the estimated combined weights of the shipments were 34 kilograms of cocaine and 697 pounds of methamphetamine.
DEA agents traveled to California to arrest Pitter and search two addresses he was associated with. At that time, they also learned of an additional co-conspirator, Pitter’s friend Ciara Guss. Text messages in Pitter’s and Guss’s phones showed that Pitter and Guss had been shipping packages, similar in size and weight to ones sent to Goslin, all over the country since 2021. Guss brokered the deals and received payments for the shipments. Guss was also found guilty at trial of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison.
During a search of Pitter’s residence, agents located numerous money orders that were either blank or made out to a fictitious person. Agents also seized over $400,000 in appraised jewelry.
The photos below depict several items of jewelry located in Pitter and Fulton’s apartment.
DEA then began investigating Pitter’s girlfriend, Keona Fulton, as well as Pitter, for money laundering. DEA’s financial investigation revealed that Fulton had four bank accounts, including a business bank account, which she used to layer and co-mingle Pitter’s narcotics proceeds. The investigation showed that Fulton and Pitter used some of the money to obtain high-end vehicles, clothing, and jewelry. Fulton was also convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit money laundering and is pending sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
Lakeland Tax Preparer Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay the Internal Revenue Service Nearly $13 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Jeffrey Dixon to four years and nine months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. Dixon pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,093,552.50, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and to pay restitution in the amount of $12,964,382.00 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, beginning in January 2019, and continuing through July 2023, Dixon engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Dixon prepared or assisted in the preparation of 458 false and fraudulent tax returns for 319 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2018 through 2022. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A and 1, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G. The returns contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.
“Tax fraud isn’t a shortcut—it’s a fast track to prison,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Special Agents work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the tax system and ensure that those who steal from the American public face justice. IRS Special Agents will continue to pursue anyone who thinks they can game the system.”
The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Dixon prepared was $42,359,399. The actual loss totaled $12,964,382, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers, including Dixon, either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Dixon personally profited $1,093,552.50 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients or refunds he received directly from the IRS.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Jennifer Peresie. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky.
Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Receipt of a Bribe by a Public OfficialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Karen Torres (50, St. Cloud) has pleaded guilty to receiving a bribe as a public official. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, Torres has agreed to forfeit $43,550, which represents the proceeds of her criminal offense. Her sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Torres was a public official employed by the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, as a correctional officer. She worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between May 2022 and March 3, 2025, Torres introduced contraband (marijuana, cigarettes, and K2) into FCC Coleman in exchange for $43,550 in bribes from inmates.
This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington is handling the forfeiture.
Eleven Individuals Indicted in a Marriage Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of a three-count indictment charging 11 individuals for their alleged roles in federal conspiracies related to marriage fraud and bribery. The indictment alleges the following charges against each defendant:
Charge
Offense Dates
Name
Maximum Penalties
Marriage Fraud ConspiracyMarch 2024 – February 2025Anny Chen (54, New York)
Sha Xie (38, China)
Linlin Wang (38, Chine)
Jiawei Chen (29, China)
Yafeng Deng (23, New York)
Hailing Feng (27, New York)
Kiah Holly (29, Maryland)
Xionghu Fang (41, China)
Tao Fan (26, China)
Jaden Bullion (24, Florida)
Kin Man Cheok (32, China)
5 yearsMarriage FraudAugust 31, 2024Anny Chen
Linlin Wang
5 yearsBribery ConspiracyNovember 2024 – February 14, 2025Anny Chen
Hailing Feng
Kin Man Cheok
5 yearsAccording to the indictment, the above named individuals allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to recruit United States citizens, preferably members of the armed forces, to enter into sham marriages to Chinese nationals for the purpose of evading immigration laws and illicitly obtaining lawful permanent resident status for the Chinese nationals. The sham marriages took place around the country, including in Jacksonville, as well as in New York, Connecticut, and Nevada. To create the illusion of a real marriage, the conspirators took photographs of the couples to create evidence that could be presented to immigration authorities to suggest that the marriages were legitimate, and the couples were in loving, committed relationships. In reality, the conspirators had agreed to a payment plan whereby the United States citizen spouse would receive a cash payment up front for marrying the Chinese national, a second payment when legal immigration status was obtained, and a final payment after the divorce.
Anny Chen and Wang are charged additionally for a sham marriage that occurred in Jacksonville in August 2024.
In related cases, Raymond Zumba, Brinio Urena, Morgan Chambers, and Jacinth Bailey, former servicemembers in the United States Navy, have all pleaded guilty to charges related to the same scheme. Their sentencing hearings are pending.
The indictment also alleges that Anny Chen, Hailing Feng, and Kin Man Cheok conspired to bribe a public official. Specifically, in January 2025, a confidential source reported to law enforcement that Navy reservist Raymond Zumba (who has also already pleaded guilty to bribery of a public official) had offered to bribe the source and the source’s spouse who worked at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville in the personnel office that issues Department of Defense identification cards. The source reported that Zumba asked whether the spouse would be willing to issue real, but unauthorized ID cards for an under-the-table payment. Acting at the direction of federal agents, the source proceeded to engage in a series of communications with Zumba during which they discussed Zumba’s plan to obtain unauthorized ID cards in exchange for cash. After driving from New York, Zumba arrived in Jacksonville on February 13, 2025, with Anny Chen, Feng, and Cheok.
Zumba brought these individuals to NAS Jacksonville where the source’s spouse let them into the personnel office after business hours and initiated the process for Anny Chen and Cheok to receive ID cards. The following day, Zumba met with the source, who gave him two cards in exchange for $3,500. Zumba was promptly arrested, and the cards were recovered.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Mesrobian and Michael J. Coolican.
Ocala Man Sentenced to over 10 Years in Federal Prison for Double RobberyRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – Danny Anzardo (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years and 10 months in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Anzardo to forfeit the stolen jewelry seized from Anzardo at the time of his arrest. Anzardo pleaded guilty on September 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Anzardo robbed two Ocala establishments on October 29, 2024—a retail store and a local jewelry business located at the Paddock Mall. During the first robbery, Anzardo pointed a firearm at the cashier, demanding money from the cash register. Anzardo took approximately $88 from the cash register and fled. A few hours later, Anzardo robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo implied to the victim that he had a firearm inside his backpack and threatened to kill the victim. Anzardo stole more than $13,000 in jewelry from the store.
Anzardo was arrested the following day and confessed to both robberies. He admitted that he used a firearm during the first robbery and that he disposed of it in a lake before he robbed the jewelry store. Anzardo told officers he traded some of the jewelry for drugs, but officers were able to recover two necklaces and two charms that Anzardo still had in his vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocala Police Department, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Entice a 13-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Tony Leroy Bartley, Jr. (37, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to using the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Bartley faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 21, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between June 17 and July 30, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. On July 25, 26, and 29, 2025, UC and app user “keven” exchanged several private online messages on the app and via text message. After UC advised app user “keven” that “she” was only 13 years old, app user “keven” suggested that they engage in sexual activity texting, among other things, “I want you bad.” App user “keven,” who was subsequently identified as Bartley, described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child,” and sent an explicit photo of himself to the “child.”
On August 5, 2025, Bartley was arrested by FBI agents near his apartment in Jacksonville. During an interview, Bartley admitted that he had recently communicated online with a girl who was “underage” and that he had discussed having sexual activity with the “child.” Bartley added, “I should have stopped at 13, and that’s on me.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Apopka Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years in Federal Prison for Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Keith Oelerich (62, Apopka) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to five years and five months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $17,964,680, the proceeds of the wire fraud offense. Oelerich pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, in December 2018, Oelerich, the owner of Empire Sheds and More, LLC, a portable storage shed company, entered into an agreement with a loan financing company. Under the agreement, Empire Sheds submitted to the loan financing company rent-to-own contracts between Empire Sheds and its customers for the rental and purchase of sheds. The loan financing company paid Empire Sheds the purchase price of the sheds, and Empire Sheds’ customers were required to pay the loan financing company regular monthly rental payments for the sheds under the terms of the rent-to-own agreements.
Between December 2018 and September 2023, Oelerich used the personal identifiable information of others to create 1,043 false and fraudulent rent-to-own agreements and submitted those false and fraudulent agreements to the loan financing company. As a result, the loan financing company paid Oelerich a total of $17,964,680, the purchase prices of the sheds referenced in the agreements. In fact, most of the sheds did not exist. Oelerich used this scheme to obtain loan proceeds to which he was not entitled and to enrich himself.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
Windermere Attorney Sentenced to over Four Years for Wire and Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Amaris Delapena (50, Windermere) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to four years and six months in federal prison for committing wire fraud and bank fraud. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $194,060.09, the proceeds Delapena obtained from the fraud scheme. Delapena was found guilty by a federal jury on June 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Delapena embezzled funds from an Orlando law firm while employed there as a paralegal. Delapena re-routed checks addressed to and from the law firm’s clients and vendors into accounts that she controlled and transferred client payments from the law firm’s account to accounts that she controlled. Between the time Delapena committed the offenses and her trial, she earned a law degree and became a licensed attorney in Florida.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
Tennessee Man Sentenced to Five Years for Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Making a False Claim to the IRSRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Clarence Christofer Ward, a/k/a Khaled Yaqud Mansur-El, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to five years in federal prison for 1 count of wire fraud, 10 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of making a false claim to the IRS. As part of the sentence, the court ordered Ward to forfeit $4,197,981.28 in proceeds derived from his wire fraud offense. The court also ordered the forfeiture of Ward’s interest in four residential properties in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which were purchased with approximately $1,584,300 in fraud proceeds and were involved in money laundering. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
A federal grand jury indicted Ward on April 30, 2024. He subsequently was found guilty of all charges after a two-day jury trial in September 2025.
According to the evidence presented at trial, in November 2020, Ward electronically filed a tax return on behalf of a trust in his name in which he falsely claimed on the return that his trust had paid over $7 million in taxes to the IRS in 2019. Ward claimed on the tax return that he needed a $4.1 million refund from the IRS. Despite Ward’s claim, IRS records show Ward’s trust has never paid any federal taxes. Before the IRS realized that Ward’s claim was untrue, however, the agency issued a $4.1 million refund. Ward immediately spent the money, purchasing four residential properties and a luxury automobile. He also invested some of the money in brokerage accounts.
“Ward may have been able to fool the IRS into releasing a tax refund through his bogus tax claims,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “However, tax fraud carries significant criminal penalties, and Ward was justifiably sentenced to prison for his crimes.
This case was investigated by the IRS - Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.
St. Cloud Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Firearms on Flight to EcuadorRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Jack James Molina (39, St. Cloud) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to four years and nine months in federal prison for attempted smuggling of goods from the United States. The court also ordered Molina to forfeit the 11 firearms that he attempted to smuggle. Molina pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on May 9, 2025, Molina attempted to bring 11 broken‑down Glock semi-automatic pistols and 20 firearm magazines onto a flight from Orlando to Ecuador. The firearm parts and magazines were concealed inside a towel in one checked bag and inside a shirt in another checked bag.
“Weapons smuggling poses a serious threat to public safety both here and abroad,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville and Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “Illegally exported firearms often end up fueling violence, increases crime rates, and destabilizes other countries, including Ecuador. We are committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to illegally export firearms from the United States. We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt these dangerous schemes and hold offenders accountable.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Michele Harrington.
Florida Man Sentenced to 327 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking Two Women in DaytonaRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL — Delon Richard Smith, 47, of Daytona, Florida, was sentenced Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to 327 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same. Smith was ordered to pay the two victims $4800 in restitution.
“This sentence reflects the abhorrent acts of violence the defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Commercial sex trafficking depends on the systematic dehumanization of its victims and debasing victims by treating them as commodities. The Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute those who, like Smith, use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so.”
“The manipulation and brutality used by the defendant in this case against his victims was egregious and reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Due to the hard work and diligence of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and courage of the victims, this criminal was brought to justice.”
“Sex trafficking is a violent crime, not a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “This defendant deliberately used force and coercion to control and exploit vulnerable women to line his own pockets. Crimes like this are not victimless. They cause lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate those who use violence and exploitation to profit and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions.”
According to court documents, Smith used threats and physical violence to compel the two victims to engage in commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Smith recruited the two victims separately in 2021 and 2022 by offering them narcotics and an opportunity to make money. He posted online commercial sex advertisements featuring one of the victims’ photographs. He then transported the victims to various locations to meet commercial sex buyers.
Smith kept all the money or payments for the commercial sex acts and would routinely force the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex for his profit by inflicting severe physical harm on the victims. Smith would regularly punch and choke the victims, while talking about his gang membership in the Bloods, to threaten and coerce them. On one occasion, to punish the victim for not bringing in enough money, he discharged a firearm and held the hot barrel of the weapon to the victim’s face. In another instance, when one victim left the hotel room without Smith’s explicit permission, he hit one of the victims in the head with the butt of a gun and dragged her into his car by her hair.
The FBI Jacksonville Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Daytona Police Department.
Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Florida Man Sentenced to 327 Months in Prison for Sex Trafficking Two WomenRead the Press Release
Delon Richard Smith, 47, of Daytona, Florida, was sentenced Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida to 327 months in prison after pleading guilty in October 2025 to two charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same. Smith was ordered to pay the two victims $4800 in restitution.
“This sentence reflects the abhorrent acts of violence the defendant used to exploit the victims for his own personal profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Commercial sex trafficking depends on the systematic dehumanization of its victims and debasing victims by treating them as commodities. The Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section will prosecute those who, like Smith, use people like disposable products for an illegal business and violate them in endless ways when doing so.”
“The manipulation and brutality used by the defendant in this case against his victims was egregious and reprehensible,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “Due to the hard work and diligence of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and courage of the victims, this criminal was brought to justice.”
“Sex trafficking is a violent crime, not a business,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “This defendant deliberately used force and coercion to control and exploit vulnerable women to line his own pockets. Crimes like this are not victimless. They cause lasting trauma and undermine the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue working with our partners to investigate those who use violence and exploitation to profit and ensure they are held fully accountable for their actions.”
According to court documents, Smith used threats and physical violence to compel the two victims to engage in commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Smith recruited the two victims separately in 2021 and 2022 by offering them narcotics and an opportunity to make money. He posted online commercial sex advertisements featuring one of the victims’ photographs. He then transported the victims to various locations to meet commercial sex buyers.
Smith kept all the money or payments for the commercial sex acts and would routinely force the victims to continue engaging in commercial sex for his profit by inflicting severe physical harm on the victims. Smith would regularly punch and choke the victims, while talking about his gang membership in the Bloods, to threaten and coerce them. On one occasion, to punish the victim for not bringing in enough money, he discharged a firearm and held the hot barrel of the weapon to the victim’s face. In another instance, when one victim left the hotel room without Smith’s explicit permission, he hit one of the victims in the head with the butt of a gun and dragged her into his car by her hair.
The FBI Jacksonville Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Daytona Police Department.
Trial Attorney Leah Branch of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Florida Man Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison for Threatening to Assassinate President TrumpRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Christopher Davies (32, Cape Coral) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri P. Chappell to 27 months in federal prison for making a threat to assassinate the President of the United States. Davies pleaded guilty on October 29, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Davies wrote a letter to an official at the Charlotte Correctional Institution stating that he had “orchestrated the most daring Presidential assassination that this country has ever seen,” and that “Donald J. Trump must perish.” During questioning by agent from the U.S. Secret Service, Davies admitted to writing the letter and explained that he wanted to kill the President. When asked hypothetically what he would do if President Trump was near him, Davies claimed that he would attempt to kill President Trump with his bare hands.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.
Orlando Doctor Sentenced to Two Years for Injecting Silicone Oil into PatientsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Nhan Pham (55, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to two years in federal prison for receipt in interstate commerce and proffered delivery of an adulterated device, in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Pham pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between 2015 and 2019, Pham, a physician who performed cosmetic procedures, ordered silicone oil online and injected the silicone into his patients for gluteal and buttock enhancement procedures at his office and residence. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of injectable silicone for body contouring or enhancement and has issued warnings to the public advising them of the illegality of and health risks associated with silicone injections.
Pham inaccurately represented to his patients before performing the procedures that the substance he was injecting into their bodies was “safe,” “natural,” and would dissolve over time. After receiving the silicone oil injections, patients experienced complications, such as sharp and severe pain, discomfort, discoloration, itchiness, burning, inflammation, soreness, and hardness in the injection areas. On September 24, 2019, Pham offered to perform silicone oil injections on an undercover law enforcement agent.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.
Virginia Man Pleads Guilty to Making a Bomb Threat on a PlaneRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Taj Malik Taylor (27, Madison Heights, VA) has pleaded guilty to one count of false information and making threats. Taylor faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, on July 6, 2025, Taylor was a passenger on an aircraft en route from the Saint Pete-Clearwater International Airport in Florida to the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia. The plane was in the air and had just left Saint Pete-Clearwater International Airport when Taylor stated out loud that his laptop was a bomb. Several passengers heard Taylor make this statement. Taylor made the statement knowing that the information was false and with reckless disregard for the safety of human life. The flight crew rerouted the flight back to Saint Pete-Clearwater Airport because of Taylor’s statement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Title Company Owner Sentenced for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Jonathan Yasko (46, Winter Springs) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 27 months in federal prison for wire fraud. Yasko pleaded guilty on May 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Yasko owned or controlled various title companies that conducted real estate settlement services and issued title insurance policies on behalf of title insurance underwriters. Each of Yasko’s title companies was required to deposit the funds it received from the lenders, buyers, and homeowners into an escrow account to segregate these monies from its own funds and were also legally required to disburse the lender’s funds in the manner specified in the instructions sent by the financial institutions. Yasko’s title companies also had a fiduciary duty to the financial institutions and were required to act in the best interests of the party providing the funds, rather than using these funds for its own self-interest.
From January 2021 through August 2023, Yasko engaged in a scheme to defraud financial institutions through the use of interstate wires. As part of his scheme, Yasko promised to keep the financial institution’s funds segregated in escrow accounts prior to closing in according with Florida law; promised to disburse the financial institution’s funds that were sent via interstate wire transfers affecting interstate commerce in accordance with the financial institution’s closing instructions; initiated fraudulent interstate wire transfers of the lender funds from the segregated escrow accounts to other escrow accounts that had insufficient funds to conduct separate closings; and initiated fraudulent interstate wire transfers of lender funds from the segregated escrow accounts to Yasko’s title company operating accounts for illicit purposes and embezzled mortgage lenders funds, which prevented the real estate settlements from taking place. As a result, the title insurance underwriter paid out settlements to the victim financial institutions. Numerous botched real estate closings involved mortgage loans purchased or owned by Freddie Mac.
In exchange for his role in the scheme to defraud, Yasko also received ill-gotten title insurance premiums. Yasko has agreed to forfeit $201,004.57, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Sun City Center Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Falsely Impersonating A Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Marcus Jose Luis Brand (20, Sun City Center) has pleaded guilty to two counts of false impersonation of an officer. Brand faces a maximum penalty of six years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 3, 2024, Brand falsely claimed to be a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent and conducted canvas interviews of several individuals, at their homes, in a neighborhood in the Middle District of Florida. Brand was wearing a badge on his waist band and told the victims that he was a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent. Brand then proceeded to ask the victims questions, stating he was investigating a dispute between some of the neighbors.
Brand has never been a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent and has never had authority to conduct investigations. Several of his interactions with the victims were captured on home surveillance cameras.
Further, on October 18, 2024, Brand, attended a football game at Lennard High School wearing a badge and handcuffs and, again, falsely claimed to be a U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Orlando Man Indicted for Bank Fraud, False Statements, and ObstructionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Donald Heflin Mitchell (49, Orlando), a/k/a Arissess Maven Anglo-Busari Jr., has been charged by indictment with six counts of bank fraud, two counts of false statements on loan applications, and one count of obstruction of justice. If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and making a false statement. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the obstruction offense. The indictment also notifies Mitchell that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $74,320, the proceeds of the alleged bank fraud. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the indictment, in October 2025, Mitchell went to two different car dealers and applied for credit for the purpose of purchasing vehicles. On one application, Mitchell claimed to have been an investment banker for a prominent institution making $1.5 million annually and owning a home outright. Four days later, Mitchell submitted another application in which he claimed to have been a programmer for the previous 10 years and made $6,000 per month. According to the Bureau of Prisons and court records, Mitchell was released from a previous 15-year federal prison sentence for bank fraud on August 18, 2025.
The indictment alleges that, later in October 2025, Mitchell met a person with diminished mental capacity and proceeded to financially exploit and defraud the victim by posing as the son of the victim’s deceased husband and obtaining funds from the victim’s bank accounts, including a $52,000 cashier’s check that Mitchell had issued to himself. Mitchell also presented a fraudulent power of attorney to the victim’s bank and attempted to gain control of the victim’s accounts.
The indictment further alleges that, on November 6, 2025, Mitchell attempted to obstruct justice by presenting fraudulent documents in federal court purporting to show that he was the son of the deceased husband of the victim with diminished mental capacity.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Orlando Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to over 15 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Jaime Rosario Ang (53, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ang pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Ang sold methamphetamine totaling over 1.2 kilograms to an undercover detective on multiple occasions between 2022 and 2023. During a separate interaction, Ang agreed to purchase a rifle from the undercover detective, who subsequently revealed himself as law enforcement. Federal agents then located and seized 517 additional grams of methamphetamine, 52 grams of fentanyl, a loaded handgun, and two additional loaded magazines from Ang’s residence.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Lake County Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Fernando Munguia, Jr. (24, Leesburg) has pleaded guilty to nine counts of making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and nine counts of causing a federal firearm licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Munguia faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each false statement count and up to five years’ imprisonment for each count of causing an FFL to maintain false information in its official records. As part of his plea, Munguia has agreed to forfeit the nine firearms related to these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Munguia illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms. During the purchases, Munguia indicated on the mandatory background paperwork that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms. Those statements were false since Munguia was being paid to purchase the firearms on behalf of someone else. Nine of the firearms purchased by Munguia—along with other guns—subsequently were intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on May 27, 2023, when another individual attempted to transport them from Eagle Pass, Texas across the United States’ border and into Mexico. Authorities intercepted Munguia’s firearms less than a month after he had purchased them.
The firearms and ammunition seized at the U.S. border on May 27, 2023.
A subsequent records check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed that between January and November 2023, Munguia had purchased 44 firearms for a total of $23,334.25—an amount representing approximately two-thirds of his reported annual income. The records also showed that his purchases frequently involved multiple, identical firearms of the same model and caliber.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Custom and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Palatka Housing Authority Employee Sentenced to Prison for Theft of Federal FundsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Thomas B. Hoffman (46, Florahome) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for theft of federal funds. The court also ordered Hoffman to forfeit $155,706, the proceeds of the offense, and pay restitution to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Hoffman was an employee of the Palatka Housing Authority (PHA) which received federal funds from HUD to administer public housing programs in Palatka and neighboring municipalities. Hoffman was responsible for information technology and accounts payable. During an audit of vendors in 2025, PHA identified an unapproved company called “Data Max,” which had received approximately 48 fraudulently issued payments from PHA’s general account between July 2023 and February 2025, totaling $155,706. A federal investigation determined that Hoffman owned and controlled Data Max and its corporate bank account, and that he had caused the fraudulent payments to be issued. Bank surveillance footage obtained by investigators showed Hoffman cashing PHA checks issued to Data Max on numerous occasions. The investigation revealed that Hoffman used the funds for his personal benefit.
“Thomas Hoffman’s selfish actions caused harm to multiple potential victims. He engaged in a multi-faceted fraud scheme by stealing over $155,000 in federal funds that were intended to provide housing for vulnerable community members,” said Special Agent in Charge Jerome Winkle with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Inspector General (OIG). “He not only violated the public trust to oversee federal funds but also took away housing opportunities from our most vulnerable community members and job opportunities for other legitimate business owners. HUD OIG will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to diligently pursue and hold accountable individuals who take advantage of their positions of trust to defraud HUD programs and our low-income housing communities.”
This case was investigated by HUD – Office of Inspector General and the Palatka Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
Clay County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing a Loaded Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida –David Neil Haas (38, Clay County) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Haas to forfeit a Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol and ammunition, which was used in the commission of the offense. Law enforcement arrested Hass on September 22, 2025, and he was subsequently detained. Haas pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on August 11, 2025, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) pulled over a motorcycle driven by Haas for driving without a tag. The CCSO also determined that Haas was driving on a suspended license. When speaking with Haas, a deputy observed a large bulge in the vest being worn by Haas. A subsequent search of the vest by the deputy revealed a black Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Haas had multiple prior felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Texas Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Enticing Minors to Engage in Illegal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Joshua Allen (34, Houston, TX) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for two counts of enticing or coercing a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The court also ordered Allen to forfeit a cellular phone, which was used in the commission of the offense, and to register as a sex offender. Allen pleaded guilty in August 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, between October 2022 and April 2024, Allen used a social media application to persuade, induce, and entice minors to send him images and videos of child exploitation material in exchange for monetary payments.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Brandon Woman Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Cocaine and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Temeko Evans (47, Brandon) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and the distribution of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Evans pleaded guilty on October 2, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Evans conspired with her co-defendant, Torrey Taylor, to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Between February 11 and March 26, 2025, detectives from the Tampa Police Department conducted a series of controlled purchases from Evans and Taylor, including approximately two ounces of crack cocaine and two ounces of methamphetamine.
Taylor was sentenced to six years in federal prison on November 20, 2025.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
Polk County Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 18 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Wesley Anderson (Lakeland, 46) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to 18 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Anderson pleaded guilty on August 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on January 4, 2024, Anderson was arrested outside of a Lakeland hotel pursuant to an unrelated warrant. The hotel manager asked officers to clear the room. The officers encountered a customer who was waiting for Anderson to return to purchase narcotics from him. A search of the room recovered a backpack with over 1,300 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lakeland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Puerto Rico Woman Sentenced for Interfering with Flight Attendants by Assault and IntimidationRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Jennifer Rodriguez (37, Puerto Rico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle to five months in federal prison for interfering with flight attendants by assault and intimidation. Rodriguez pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on April 21, 2024, Rodriguez was a passenger on a commercial flight departing Tampa International Airport headed for San Juan, Puerto Rico. After the plane had pushed back from the gate, a flight attendant repeatedly requested that Rodriguez end her cellphone call. Instead, Rodriguez began arguing with the flight attendants. Rodriguez began yelling at the flight attendants and threatened to hit, slap, “beat up,” pull their hair, and drag them down the plane’s aisle by their scarves. She also interfered with their ability to provide medical assistance to a nearby passenger and to prepare the cabin for takeoff. The pilot was forced to return to the gate, and the passengers were required to disembark so that Rodriguez could be escorted off the plane by law enforcement.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa International Airport Police. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Cape Coral Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing and Accessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Jason Allen Henning (43, Cape Coral) was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 10 years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025. Henning was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, from April 2022 through January 2024, Henning knowingly possessed and accessed with intent to view child sex abuse material that he had searched for, downloaded, and saved from the internet.
In 2013, Henning was convicted in federal court of distributing material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. In 2021, Henning began serving his then life term of supervised release.
On January 19, 2024, while Henning was on supervised release and subject to a search of his residence, officer from U.S. Probation conducted a search of Henning’s residence and located unauthorized devices. A subsequent forensic preview of the devices revealed files depicting child sexual abuse material and the FBI was contacted to further investigate. Pursuant to a search warrant, the FBI seized and conducted a forensic analysis on Henning’s devices, which revealed images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States 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.