Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Orlando Man Indicted on Federal Human Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the return of an indictment charging Henry Lee White, III (26, Orlando) with sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution, coercion and enticement, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. If convicted on all counts, White faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies White that the United States intends to forfeit assets alleged to have facilitated these offenses.
According to the indictment, from June 2, 2020, through January 7, 2021, White used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause Victim 1 to engage in prostitution. During that time, White trafficked Victim 1 within the Middle District of Florida, and transported Victim 1 from Florida to Georgia so that Victim 1 could engage in prostitution. The indictment also charges that White, a convicted felon, was found in possession of ammunition in violation of federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Using the Internet to Attempt to Entice A Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Arthur Jay Traxler, Jr. (55, Monroe, MI) today pleaded guilty to attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Traxler faces a minimum mandatory term of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Traxler has been detained since his initial arrest in Michigan on November 9, 2020. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between July 21 and August 4, 2020, Traxler engaged in a series of online conversations with a person whom he believed to be a 14-year-old child. Unbeknownst to Traxler, this “child” was an undercover FBI agent. During the course of the online conversations, Traxler discussed, in detail, his desire to have the “child” send him images of the “child” engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
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.
Cape Coral Man Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Causing the Death of AnotherRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Steven Clements Telgenhof (28, Cape Coral) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distribution of and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Telgenhof had pleaded guilty on February 6, 2020.
According to court documents, on March 12, 2019, Telgenhof sold the victim approximately one gram of fentanyl. The victim ingested the fentanyl later that evening and was found in his bedroom, unresponsive, by his parents early the next morning. Attempts to resuscitate the victim were unsuccessful and he passed away from acute fentanyl toxicity four days later.
Evidence gathered during the investigation led law enforcement to Telgenhof’s Cape Coral residence on March 22, 2019, where they executed a search warrant and seized Telgenhof’s stash of fentanyl and nearly $8,000 in proceeds from his distribution activities.
This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Central Florida Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Jeremy Kee Anderson (50, Minnesota) has pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud, 7 counts of mail fraud, and 1 count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, Anderson led a conspiracy that defrauded more than 200 victims out of over $10.3 million through investments offered in connection with a company called Tri-Med Corporation. Anderson was the founder and principal owner of Tri-Med.
The investment fraud scheme involved the alleged purchase of medical receivables by Tri-Med, and services that were provided to accident victims who were represented by personal injury attorneys. Payment of those medical receivables was supposed to have been made from the proceeds of litigation or an insurance claim made against a general liability or automobile insurance policy. Each of the medical receivables was also supposed to be secured by a “Letter of Protection,” a letter that is provided by a patient’s personal injury attorney to a medical services professional as an incentive to provide services to a patient. The letter is a contract involving a patient, the patient's attorney, and the medical services provider by which the patient and attorney agree to pay all or part of the total billed by the medical services provider from the proceeds of any pre-suit settlement, lawsuit settlement, or judgment that the patient may obtain.
To fund Tri-Med’s alleged purchases of medical receivables, Anderson and his conspirators solicited individuals to participate in an “investment program” in which investors’ money would be used by Tri-Med to buy medical receivables “backed” by letters of protection. As part of their solicitations, Anderson and his conspirators represented to investors that that their investments were safe and that investor funds would be held in a trust account that was controlled by an attorney. To assure investors that their investments were secure, Tri-Med claimed that it would transfer its interest in the letter of protection to the investor in a document called an “Assignment of Interest Certificate.” Those representations were false.
Of the more than $17 million raised from over 200 investors, only approximately $2.7 million was ever transferred from Tri-Med to the attorney’s trust account. The vast majority of the funds raised from investors never made it to that account. Over $6.5 million was paid to the sales people and the operators of Tri-Med or was used by them to benefit themselves or pay business expenses, while approximately $2.3 million was paid as distributions to investors to make them believe that their investments were profitable. In fact, Tri-Med did not purchase enough medical receivables to secure the incoming investments, so it fabricated “Assignment of Interest Certificates.” The result was that more than 200 victims lost over $10.3 million in this scheme.
Anderson is the fourth person to be charged as part of this conspiracy. Previously, the following individuals were charged and sentenced to federal prison terms for their roles in this conspiracy: Anthony Nicholas, Jr. (63, Hudson) received 11 years and 3 months and Eric Ager (78, Orlando) and Irwin Ager (84, Orlando) each were sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the State of Florida’s Office of Financial Regulation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn P. Napier and Roger B. Handberg, III.
Largo Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice A 14-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Asa Nall (50, Largo) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a child. The court also ordered Nall to forfeit the electronic devices that were used in commission of the offense.
Nall was found guilty by a jury on October 29, 2020.
According to evidence presented at trial, Nall communicated online and over text messages with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old child. In reality, Nall had been communicating with an undercover agent. For more than a month, Nall repeatedly asked the child to produce sexually explicit images for him, specifying that he wanted to see her fully nude to include close-up photos of the child’s genitalia. Nall also repeatedly requested to meet the child for sex, asking her to “sneak away” and “skip school” to meet with him. In the conversations, Nall discussed in graphic detail the sex acts that he would engage in when they met. On October 16, 2019, Nall traveled to meet the child for sex, and he was subsequently arrested.
Law enforcement agents recovered two condoms in Nall’s pants pocket and the cellphone he had used to communicate with the child. A search of the phone revealed that Nall had also saved the child’s name to his contact list.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Erin C. Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Devon Cohen (33, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Cohen to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.
Cohen was found guilty following a bench trial on December 8, 2020.
According to court documents, officers stopped a car that Cohen was driving after he had committed multiple traffic violations. Officers searched the vehicle and found a loaded pistol on the center console. Cohen admitted to the officers that he possessed the gun. Cohen had previously been committed of multiple felonies, including several narcotics offenses, and therefore is not permitted to possess a gun or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan Albritton.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney Karin Hoppmann coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Colombian National Extradited from Panama to Face Drug Charges in the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the unsealing of an
indictment charging Gerardo Gomez-Lubo, a/k/a Francisco Niño (42, Colombia), with conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine knowing and intending it to be imported into the United States. If convicted on all counts, Gerardo Gomez-Lubo faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.According to court documents, beginning in approximately September 2017 and continuing through 2019, Gomez-Lubo was part of a transnational criminal conspiracy that transported cocaine directly from Colombia to the United States, including Texas, California, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida.
In April 2018, an indictment was returned in the Middle District of Florida charging Gerardo Gomez-Lubo and his co-conspirator, Piero Antonio Lubo-Barros,
with conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Gomez-Lubo was arrested on September 1, 2019 as he arrived at Tocumen International Airport in Panama at the request of the United States. The United States sought his extradition, which Panama granted on February 4, 2021, by Presidential Executive Order.
In January 2021, Piero Antonio Lubo-Barros was arrested in Costa Rica at the request of the United States, living under an assumed identity. He is currently pending extradition to the United States.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant support with the defendant’s extradition. This case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Dealing Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine, Causing OverdoseRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Marvin Lee Carter, Sr. (41, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to distributing controlled substances, which use resulted in serious bodily injury. Carter faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to the plea agreement, on the Fourth of July weekend in 2019, Carter distributed fentanyl-laced cocaine to a man who later used the drugs and overdosed. The man’s life was saved by the intervention of a responding police officer.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tampa Police Department, with assistance from Tampa Fire Rescue. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Leonard.
Jacksonville Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Kenyan Shondre Scott has pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting another person with the filing of a fraudulent tax return and to filing a fraudulent tax return on his own behalf. He faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison on each charge. Scott has also agreed to pay $553,403 in restitution to the IRS for the tax loss caused by all of the offenses charged in the indictment, including those to which he did not plead guilty. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Scott was the owner and operator of a tax return preparation business in Jacksonville. In preparing income tax returns for others, Scott reported false information, including false claims for deductible expenses and losses, to reduce the amount owed by, or to increase the amount refunded to, the taxpayers. He then electronically filed these tax returns with the IRS, causing the IRS either to issue refunds when tax would have been owed, in the absence of the fraud, or for larger refunds to be otherwise issued.
Scott pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2014 tax return for another individual in which he represented that the taxpayer had a business with $425 in income and $4,552 in expenses, resulting in a purported business loss of $4,127, and he subtracted this business “loss” from the taxpayer’s gross income. He also represented that the taxpayer was entitled to a general business credit of $2,850 and claimed this amount as a credit against the taxes owed by the taxpayer. When Scott made these representations, he knew that the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation and did not operate a business in 2014.
After Scott filed the tax return, the IRS issued a refund of $2,734 to the taxpayer. In the absence of the false statements, the taxpayer would have owed additional tax of $738, meaning that the tax loss to the IRS was $3,472.
According to court documents, Scott prepared and filed a fraudulent 2014 tax return on his own behalf in which he represented that his filing status was single, that he had earned wages, salaries, and tips of $12,875, that he had net business income of $28,467, that he was entitled to a general business credit of $3,500, and that he had federal income tax withheld of $4,532. When Scott made these representations, he knew that his filing status should have been either married filing jointly or married filing separately, that he had not earned any wages, salaries, or tips, that he had net business income of approximately $297,110, that he was not entitled to a general business credit, and that he had not had any federal income tax withheld.
After Scott filed the tax return, the IRS issued a $50 refund to him. In the absence of the false statements, Scott would have owed additional tax of $108,033, causing a tax loss to the IRS of $108,083.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to Extra Ten Months in Prison for Possessing Marijuana in Federal CustodyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Anthony Grier (Jacksonville, 33) to 10 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing marijuana while in federal custody at the Nassau County Jail. This sentence has been ordered to run consecutive to a 7-month federal sentence Grier was already serving, as well as consecutive to an additional 3-month state sentence he had received for battery on an inmate.
Grier had pleaded guilty on December 1, 2020.
According to court documents, Grier was being held in the Nassau County Jail as a federal inmate after he was sentenced to 7 months in prison for violating his federal supervision. On February 11, 2020, deputies from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office detected the scent of marijuana and traced it to the cell occupied by Grier. A law enforcement drug canine was deployed and did an open-air sniff of the cell. The canine alerted to the odor of marijuana, but no marijuana was found in the cell. Grier was escorted out of the cell to be searched. Before the search began, Grier produced a medical glove containing 15 marijuana cigarettes that he had on him.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.
Jacksonville Couple Charged with Conspiracy to Sex Traffic A Child and Other Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann announces the return of an indictment charging Samuel Christopher Templeman (46, Jacksonville) and Deborah Lynn Templeman (50, Jacksonville), a married couple, with conspiring to sex traffic a child. Samuel Templeman is also charged with sex trafficking a child, and Deborah Templeman is charged with possessing child sex abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Samuel Templeman faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to two life terms, in federal prison. Deborah Templeman faces up to life in federal prison.
According to the
indictment , beginning at least by November 2019 and continuing through December 11, 2019, Samuel and Deborah Templeman conspired to recruit, entice, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, maintain, patronize, and solicit a female child (Minor Victim 1), knowing that Minor Victim 1 was under the age of 18 and would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act. During the same time period, Samuel Templeman knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, and maintained Minor Victim 1, knowing that she was under the age of 18 and would be caused to engage in a commercial sex act.The indictment also charges that on December 7, 2019, Deborah Templeman possessed a cellphone containing a video depicting a child engaging in sexually explicit 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 was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor and Special Assistant United States Attorney Erin Wolfson.
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.
Duval Felon Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Deshawn Maceo Richardson (27, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Richardson to forfeit a Glock .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. Richardson had pleaded guilty on October 07, 2020.
According to court documents, Richardson sold suspected methamphetamine several times in July and August 2019. Immediately following the final drug transaction, in the parking lot of a hotel on the southside of Jacksonville, Richardson fled from law enforcement on foot. While fleeing, Richardson dropped a stolen .40 caliber Glock pistol with a 30-round capacity magazine. The magazine had 17 rounds of ammunition and one round in the chamber.
Prior to these events, Richardson had been convicted of grand theft auto, sale/manufacture/deliver cocaine, sale/deliver heroin, and child abuse and therefore was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez and Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce Federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the Fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of Federal, State, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Maria Chapa Lopez Announces Resignation as United States Attorney for the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida - After 21 years with the Department of Justice, and 32 years’ government service, United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez will resign as chief law enforcement officer for the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) on February 27, 2021.
“Serving as the United States Attorney for the MDFL these past three years has been my highest honor and, serving the United States for these last 32 years has been my highest privilege,” said Chapa Lopez. “It has been my honor to serve with a fantastic group of federal, state and local law enforcement partners. Together, we have done great work to protect our communities here in the MDFL. It has also been my greatest honor to work with the tremendously talented group of AUSAs and staff of the U.S. Attorney’s Office here in the MDFL. Thank you all for your partnership and support these last three years. My respect for each and every one of you is immeasurable. Team MDFL is the best!”
Chapa Lopez also said, “I want to thank Senator Marco Rubio and former Senator Bill Nelson for their support and confidence in me to lead this office. I am grateful to Attorney General Jeff Sessions for trusting me with this position when he appointed me interim U.S. Attorney, and to Attorney General Bill Barr for his trust in my abilities when he asked me to be on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee.”
U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez came to the job with a significant amount of experience that prepared her to lead the MDFL. Previously, she served on active duty as a United States Army Officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In April of 2000, she joined the USAO-MDFL as an Assistant United States Attorney as a narcotics prosecutor, working to dismantle transnational drug trafficking organizations. Immediately prior to serving as U.S. Attorney, Chapa Lopez served as DOJ Deputy Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, working closely with Mexican Justice and Law Enforcement counterparts, as well as other international stakeholders, to disrupt cross-border crime.
“Maria Chapa Lopez rendered good and faithful service as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. In her dealings with the Court, Ms. Lopez always represented the United States with the utmost professionalism. The Court wishes her well in her future endeavors” said Timothy J. Corrigan, Chief Judge, Middle District of Florida.
DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis commends USA Chapa Lopez for her outstanding leadership. “During her tenure, she has supported all the agencies focused on reducing supplies of dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamines, diverted prescription drugs, cocaine and related violence impacting our Florida Communities,” said SAC Weis. “She has been instrumental in dismantling significant transnational criminal organizations narcotics smuggling and money laundering operations from South America to shores of the United States. USA Chapa Lopez has been extremely dedicated to enforcing the rule of law with the tireless goal of helping those communities and families adversely affected by illicit drug distribution. The DEA wishes USA Chapa Lopez the best in her next endeavors, she is an invaluable leader and friend who will be greatly missed by law enforcement.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa López has been a quintessential partner in combatting violent crime throughout the Middle District Florida for more than 20 years. Mrs. Chapa López tirelessly worked with the ATF Tampa Field Division to investigate and aggressively prosecute some of the most violent offenders in the Middle District. On behalf of the women and men of the ATF Tampa Field Division, I thank Mrs. Chapa López for her service to the United States. Her leadership as United States Attorney made our communities safer. You will be missed,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier.
“Under the leadership of United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, the law enforcement community across the Middle District of Florida has become more united and collaborative. Her commitment to protect the most vulnerable in our communities as well as the way she led her office to take on emerging threats is just part of the legacy she leaves. We wish you all the best in your next chapter Maria.” said Kevin Sibley, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations.
“It has truly been an honor and a privilege working alongside US Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez over the past three years protecting and defending the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County. “I am saddened to see her leave, but truly grateful for the dedication she has put into causes that affect our Hillsborough County residents. Through our partnership, we have worked to combat issues of both opioid abuse and human trafficking throughout our state, bringing drug dealers responsible for fatal overdoses to justice and putting behind bars those who seek to buy or profit off of the exchange of another individual’s body for sex. I look forward to continuing the work we have started together as she moves on to the next step in, what is sure to be, a continuously rewarding career in service.”
“The St. Petersburg Police Department has enjoyed a cooperative and mutually supportive relationship with our valued criminal justice partners at the Department of Justice, led by U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez,” said Chief Anthony Holloway, St. Petersburg Police Department. “The DOJ is staffed with tremendously talented members and I am proud of our collective achievements and the significant progress that has been made toward improving the lives of individuals in our community through better public safety and police protection and most recently for the support of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force. I look forward to the opportunity to work together someday soon and seeing her many future accomplishments.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has truly made Manatee County a safer place to live,” said Sheriff Rick Wells. “Under her leadership, several high-profile drug dealers and gang members have been removed from our community. I will be forever indebted to her and the commitment she made to prosecute those responsible for distributing fentanyl throughout Manatee County. She will be greatly missed, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
“We’ve had a productive and strong working relationship with U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. Her reputation is one of being committed to her work and has shown through her accomplishments during her appointment. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County.
“Maria Chapa Lopez led undeniable efforts that resulted in fewer victims of crime and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods,” said Chief Brian Dugan, Tampa Police Department. “Although she will be missed, our law enforcement agents are better prepared and trained to take on any criminal element due to her years of dedicated service.”
“U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez has done an outstanding job protecting the citizens of the Middle District of Florida,” said Sheriff Christopher Nocco, Pasco County. “From terrorism to illegal pharmaceuticals, violent crime, and human trafficking, her leadership to prosecute criminals and build coalitions worked to make Pasco, along with all of Tampa Bay, a safer community.”
“Our relationship with the Middle District of Florida is paramount to the cycle of success needed to combat and counter transnational organized crime. I thank my colleague, Ms. Maria Chapa Lopez, for her professionalism and dutiful service as US Attorney for the past three years, and deeply value her leadership and gracious friendship. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with her successor and I wish Maria the very best,” said Rear Adm. Eric C. Jones, Seventh District Commander.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is a key partner with U.S. Probation. Under Maria’s leadership, the communication between our agencies has flourished. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has been a responsive and reliable partner in our promotion of the fair administration of justice,” said Joe Collins, Chief U.S. Probation Officer.
“Maria has been a dedicated partner and a trusted ally who has served the Middle District of Florida with honor and distinction,” said State Attorney Melissa Nelson of the Fourth Judicial Circuit. “She undoubtedly will continue to do great things in her community.”
Upon the U.S. Attorney’s resignation, Karin Hoppmann, who served as Ms. Chapa Lopez’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, will become Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida by virtue of the Vacancies Reform Act. Ms. Hoppmann becomes Acting U.S. Attorney for up to 300 days, and she will serve in that position until such time as an Interim U.S. Attorney is appointed or the President nominates and the United States Senate confirms a new United States Attorney.
Link to summary of highlights of the USAO MDFL’s work during U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez’s tenure.Former State Attorney Indicted for Extortion as Part of Conspiracy with Defense Attorney, as Well as Bribery, Wire Fraud, and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jeffrey Siegmeister (52, Live Oak) and Marion Michael O’Steen (41, Old Town) with conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, and aiding and abetting extortion. Siegmeister is additionally charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery, federal program bribery, wire fraud, and filing false tax returns. O’Steen is additionally charged with failure to file a form in connection with the receipt of currency. [See Penalties Chart at bottom of release]
Siegmeister was arrested in Arizona today, and will make his initial appearance in federal court (Flagstaff, AZ) on Monday, March 1. O’Steen appeared in federal court (Jacksonville, FL) today and pleaded not guilty. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
According to the indictment, Siegmeister was the elected State Attorney for the Third Judicial Circuit of Florida from 2013 through 2019, and O’Steen was a defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by Siegmeister’s office. As part of the conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, between approximately November 2017 and May 16, 2019, O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his clients, and the delay of official actions in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients—for which Siegmeister solicited bribes from O’Steen.
Regarding the extortion charges, O’Steen solicited Siegmeister to resolve a case against one of his clients through pre-trial intervention (“PTI”). O’Steen demanded $60,000 from that client in order to procure the PTI agreement from the State Attorney’s Office. O’Steen and Siegmeister then coordinated to withhold the finalization of the PTI agreement until the client paid $60,000 in cash to O’Steen. In connection with this case, Siegmeister solicited O’Steen to purchase a bull from a herd of livestock he owned for $4,000, and to make a political contribution.
Additionally, O’Steen is charged with failing to file within 15 days the required Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network to acknowledge his receipt of more than $10,000 in cash from the client.
Siegmeister is separately charged with conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and federal program bribery in connection with another prosecution by the State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit. According to the indictment, Ernest Maloney Page, IV, was a defense attorney representing a client charged with two Driving Under the Influence (“DUI”) offenses. The client’s family owned a tractor dealership. In or around September 2017, Siegmeister informed Page that he would favorably resolve one of the client’s DUI charges in exchange for a $10,000 discount on a tractor Siegmeister wanted to buy from the client’s dealership, and favorably resolve both DUI charges in exchange for a $20,000 discount. Ultimately, Siegmeister and his wife purchased a tractor and accessories from the client’s dealership, the price of which Page’s client discounted by approximately $20,000. In exchange, Siegmeister dismissed the DUI charges and Page’s client pleaded guilty to charges of reckless driving with alcohol and refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test. On August 20, 2020, Page pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery for his role in facilitating this transaction.
Siegmeister is also charged with wire fraud in connection with his legal guardianship of an elderly individual who lived in Columbia County. According to the indictment, from approximately January 2010 through April 2016, Siegmeister engaged in a scheme to defraud his ward and his ward’s estate by, among other things, transferring the victim’s assets for his own benefit, filing materially false documents with the court to conceal those transfers, and by creating a Last Will and Testament for the victim which designated Siegmeister’s relative as the sole beneficiary of the victim’s estate.
Siegmeister is also charged with filing false tax returns for tax years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian.
Penalties Chart
Counts
Maximum Penalty
One
5 years’ imprisonment
Two/Three
20 years’ imprisonment
Four (O’Steen)
5 years’ imprisonment
Five (Siegmeister)
5 years’ imprisonment
Six (Siegmeister)
10 years’ imprisonment
Seven/Eight/Nine
(Siegmeister)
20 years’ imprisonment
Ten/Eleven/Twelve
(Siegmeister)
3 years’ imprisonment
Florida Attorney Charged with Sexually Abusing Children in CambodiaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Rugh James Cline (40, Tampa) with five counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and one count of possessing child exploitation materials. If convicted, Cline faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison for each count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possessing child pornography. Cline will be deported to the United States after he completes serving his prison sentence in Cambodia on local charges.
According to the
indictment , in February 2019 and May 2019, Cline, a United States citizen and Florida-licensed attorney, traveled to Cambodia. While in Cambodia, Cline paid to sexually abuse four different minors. The indictment also charges Cline with traveling to Cambodia while possessing materials depicting the sexual abuse of children.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Department of State and the Cambodian National Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 170 Years in Federal Prison for Using A Minor to Produce Sexually Explicit Photos and Distributing Child Sex Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced George Poulo (27, Orlando) to 170 years in federal prison for using a minor to produce sexually explicit conduct and distributing child pornography. Poulo was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Poulo had been found guilty following a bench trial on September 30, 2020.
According to evidence presented at trial, Poulo interacted with undercover law enforcement officers while using the Kik social media application. On Kik, Poulo discussed sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl whom he knew and also discussed a desire to have sex with other children. During these chats, Poulo sent the undercover officers five photographs of the minor watching him masturbate. Later, Poulo also sent the law enforcement officers a video of an adult male sexually abusing a young child.
At sentencing, the court found that Poulo had engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse involving the minor child from the summer of 2019 until February 2020, when the FBI executed a search warrant at his home.
“No amount of prison time can erase what this monster did to a young, innocent child.”, said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael McPherson. “The 170-year prison sentence handed down in this case proves the seriousness of law enforcement’s commitment and conviction to finding these predators and removing them from society so they can’t hurt another child again.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Winnebago County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Finds Ocala Man Guilty of Possessing Firearm/Ammunition as A FelonRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Xavier Sims (36, Ocala) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2021.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in February 2020, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting at a residence. The victim and her three children had been sleeping when multiple gunshots hit their home. Sims, the victim’s ex-boyfriend, had threatened to “shoot up” her house earlier that day during an argument. Following the shooting, deputies observed Sims’s vehicle near the scene—he was the driver and sole occupant. During a search of the vehicle, deputies recovered a Glock .40 caliber pistol in the trunk along with 10 spent .40 caliber shell casings and 20 live rounds. Subsequent forensic analysis confirmed that the casings and a bullet fragment found at the scene of the shooting matched the firearm from Sims’s vehicle. DNA analysis also confirmed the presence of Sims’s DNA on the live .40 caliber rounds. Sims, a multi-convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Michael P. Felicetta.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Construction Contractor Sentenced to 41 Months for Conspiring to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud and Defrauding the U.S. TreasuryRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Hugo Cruz-Medina (33, Jacksonville) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiring to defraud the United States, and illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Cruz-Medina to pay his victims $3,266,506.33 in restitution and a money judgment of $1,408,712.08 was entered, the proceeds of the mail and wire fraud conspiracy.
Cruz-Medina had pleaded guilty on September 29, 2020.
According to court documents, Cruz-Medina acting with others, operated a construction contracting business in Jacksonville that partially paid workers “off the books.” By compensating employees with a mix of checks and cash, he and his co-conspirators avoided withholding the full amount of payroll taxes owed to the United States. This practice lead to a loss to the U.S. Treasury of approximately $1,857,794.25. Further, by underreporting the number of hours his laborers worked, Cruz-Medina defrauded his company’s workers’ compensation insurer and payroll management vendors, all of which relied on his false reporting to calculate the cost of their services and the amounts that they charged. This false reporting caused an additional loss of $1,408,712.08 to the insurer and the payroll companies.
Cruz-Medina is a citizen of Mexico and was previously deported from the United States in 2012. He later illegally reentered the country without the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Vero Beach Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for More Than $40 Million in FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced David John Ridling (58, Vero Beach) to 15 years in federal prison for devising and executing a fraud scheme that resulted in the loss of more than $40 million. Ridling had pleaded guilty on October 20, 2020.
According to court documents, Ridling is a farmer. Over the course of three years, Ridling attempted to defraud five financial institutions, one financial services provider, and one local Orlando business out of over $50 million. Ridling’s scheme involved the use of false brokerage account statements, fabricated tax returns, and false financial statements to obtain loans and lines of credit.
As part of his scheme, Ridling falsely claimed that three individuals were his account representatives at a financial brokerage company and set up fake email accounts for two of those individuals without their consent or knowledge. Assuming the identities of those two individuals, Ridling sent emails from the fake email accounts in an effort to convince lenders that he had millions of dollars in his two brokerage accounts. In fact, Ridling only had one brokerage account, which never had more than $2,000 in it. During the last year of Ridling’s scheme, he was able to obtain three loans totaling more than $25 million, based in part on his claim that his brokerage accounts had millions of dollars. During that timeframe, Ridling’s brokerage account had less than $2.00.
In total, Ridling was successful in receiving over $40 million in proceeds from his scheme, and he attempted to receive another $15 million from another victim. Ridling used some of the proceeds that he obtained from his victims to pay amounts that he owed to other victims, prolonging his scheme.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Images Using the Kik Social Media AppRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Earl Frederic Owens (33, Jacksonville) to eight years and nine months in federal prison for distributing child sex abuse images using the Kik social media application. Owens was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay $3,000 in restitution to a child victim. Owens has been in custody since his arrest on November 19, 2019.
Owens had pleaded guilty on November 17, 2020.
According to evidence and court documents, the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center received a report from Kik, a social messaging app, that several different user accounts had uploaded images depicting the sexual exploitation of children using the Kik app. Further investigation revealed that these materials were distributed online from an apartment in Jacksonville, where Owens lived.
On November 19, 2019, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Owens’s apartment. During an interview with agents, Owens admitted that he uses the Kik app to chat with strangers about his “urges,” he has an interest in “pedophilia,” and that he traded child sex abuse materials with others online using the Kik app. A forensic examination of Owens’s computer devices revealed that Owens had collected at least 2,149 images and 23 videos depicting young children being sexually abused. Online chat conversations were recovered from Owens’s smart phone showing that he had offered to pay an individual for nude pictures of underage girls. Several stories authored by Owens were recovered in which he had described, in graphic detail, the sexual assault and molestation of young children.
“The exploitation of innocent children has no place in our communities and we will vigorously pursue prosecution of anyone involved in the production, distribution, or possession of child pornography to the fullest extent of the law,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “This case highlights how important the law enforcement partnerships between HSI Jacksonville, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office are in order to protect our children.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than Four Years for Multi-Million Dollar Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Edison Denizard (41, Orlando) to four years and nine months in federal prison for participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of Denizard’s sentence, the court also ordered him to forfeit the real property located at 7617 Toscana Boulevard in Orlando, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. In addition, the court entered a $1,677,794.57 money judgment against Denizard, which represents the proceeds that Denizard received as part of the offense.
Denizard had pleaded guilty on October 19, 2020.
According to court documents, between March 2016 and June 2017, Denizard raised millions of dollars from dozens of victims who believed that they were investing in specific music concerts through legitimate businesses owned by Denizard and a co-conspirator, Andres Fernandez. Fernandez and Denizard lured investors by guaranteeing them large monetary returns and promising that all of the funds that they provided would be invested in events by top artists, including Drake, Garth Brooks, Pitbull, The Weeknd, and Maná. In fact, neither Denizard nor Fernandez was involved in most of the events.
Denizard used most of the funds that he had received from investors to pay fraudulent “investment returns” to earlier investors and for his own personal use, including to purchase a new lakefront residence, to make payments on his new luxury vehicle, and to stay in luxury hotels. The total amount of victims’ losses attributable to Denizard are $7,479,453.
Fernandez, who was the instigator of the scheme, previously pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud and was sentenced last year to 10 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.
Jacksonville Felon Sentenced to More Than Eight Years in Prison for Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Tyrone Lee Jones (33, Jacksonville) to eight years and four months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jones had pleaded guilty on March 4, 2020.
According to court documents, in July 2019, a confidential source (“CS”) working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives met with Jones at a residence where Jones showed the CS a cooler bag containing at least five firearms with an additional firearm tucked underneath the bag. The CS left the residence and returned later the same day to purchase one of the firearms from Jones. An associate of Jones handed the CS a .357 caliber revolver and an ounce of cocaine. That evening, the CS met with Jones at a hotel in Jacksonville to discuss payment for the revolver. During this meeting, Jones displayed a Glock-style pistol on a table next to him.
In September 2019, Jones was arrested at the same Jacksonville hotel by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. At the time, Jones was the only occupant of a hotel room where a lockbox containing three firearms, one of which was a stolen Glock pistol; drugs; and more than $10,000 in cash was recovered. The key to the lockbox was attached to Jones’s shorts.
Prior to these events, Jones had been convicted of three felonies, including sale or delivery of cocaine, and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Jacksonville Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced to Ten Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Levi Ta’shae Goodman (33, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for selling drugs and possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking. Goodman had pleaded guilty on September 22, 2020.
According to court documents, Goodman sold drugs and guns to undercover detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (“JSO”) on multiple occasions during 2019. In May 2019, Goodman sold methamphetamine. On July 10, 2019, Goodman sold heroin and crack cocaine and stated that he had shot someone two weeks earlier. Two days later, Goodman sold a 9mm pistol and heroin and, the following day, he sold crack cocaine and fentanyl. On July 19, 2019, Goodman sold a loaded .38 caliber revolver, fentanyl, and crack cocaine to JSO detectives. On July 23, 2019, Goodman, who was armed with a Glock pistol, sold methamphetamine to the detectives. Later that month, he sold detectives crack cocaine and while armed with a Glock pistol, Goodman sold methamphetamine and fentanyl, and remarked that he was a known “gun-toter, gun slinger.” On August 1, 2019, Goodman sold a 9mm pistol and an AK-47 style rifle, as well as a mixture of heroin and fentanyl to JSO detectives. The next day, he was arrested while in possession of his Glock pistol.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Georgia Woman Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Organizing Numerous Shipments of Methamphetamine and Heroin from Mexico to the Port of TampaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Yolanda Herrera (43, Rex, GA) to 22 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.
Herrera had pleaded guilty on June 4, 2020.
According to court documents, between October 24, 2018, and March 18, 2019, Herrera organized and coordinated the shipment of numerous containers of methamphetamine and heroin aboard the cargo ship Leticia, which repeatedly traveled from Altamira, Mexico, to the Port of Tampa.
On or about March 11, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Port of Tampa inspected a container onboard the Leticia that, according to the ship’s manifest, contained stone blocks, typically used for the building of stone fountains. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) imaged the blocks and observed that several of them contained anomalies. After breaching the blocks, the agents uncovered 14 large packages that had been shrink-wrapped with black carbon paper, which contained more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin.
On March 15, 2019, HSI agents observed the blocks being loaded into a yellow rental truck. They then followed the truck as it exited the Port of Tampa and continued to Atlanta, Georgia. On March 16, 2019, at approximately 10:00 a.m., agents arrested two Mexican nationals, Nestor Vazquez-Morales and Adan Martinez-Onofre, as they attempted to offload the truck outside a residential home.
Agents searched Vazquez-Morales’s residence in Georgia and seized approximately two kilograms of heroin, three firearms (including a rifle), $12,725 in U.S. currency, and one stone block that was identical to the blocks discovered in the Port of Tampa. Next to the stone block, agents found some clear plastic wrapping that contained a square white sticker with black letters displaying the message “Hecho en Mexico” (Made in Mexico). This same sticker was also found on the narcotics from March 11, 2019.
Cellphones obtained from the individuals showed that Herrera, who flew from Tampa to Atlanta after the shipment arrived in Tampa, was actively planning and coordinating the pickup of the narcotics from the port to their eventual destination.
Between October 2018 and March 2019, Herrera rented six other trucks. During that time, Herrera’s co-conspirators completed seven shipments on the Leticia, all of which departed from Mexico, arrived in Tampa, and were identified as stone fountains in the cargo manifest. GPS data obtained from the rental trucks show that the trucks were all rented in Tampa, and dropped off in Atlanta, with stops at the same Atlanta residence.
On September 18, 2019, Herrera was arrested in Atlanta. During an interview with law enforcement, she admitted that she had been hired and paid to coordinate, supervise, and organize the transportation of narcotics sent from Mexico to Tampa, and deliver them to Georgia. Federal agents searched Herrera’s home and found a stone block in her backyard. That stone block contained the same “Hecho en Mexico” sticker as the stone blocks shipped on the Leticia.
In July 2020, Nestor Vazquez-Morales and Adan Martinez-Onofre were sentenced to federal prison terms of 15 years and 8 months and 5 years and 10 months, respectively, for their roles in this case.
“Narcotics trafficking poses a deadly threat, bringing in dangerous and addictive drugs and related criminal activity to our communities,” said HSI Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Sibley. “Our HSI special agents are deeply committed to working with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking efforts in our communities.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Retired Federal Law Enforcement Officer and Former Mayor of Brooksville Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Kevin Hohn (65, Brooksville) has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with possession and distribution of images depicting the sexual abuse of children. If convicted, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release.
According to the criminal complaint, in September and December 2020, investigators identified a certain internet protocol address as having distributed images and a video depicting child pornography. Further investigation traced the IP address used to distribute the files to Hohn’s residence in Brooksville. Investigators determined that Hohn is a retired Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and former mayor of the City of Brooksville.
On February 19, 2021, investigators executed a search warrant at Hohn’s residence. Upon entry into the home, they found Hohn sitting in his office at a computer that was connected to an external hard drive. An examination of the external hard drive revealed more than 100 images depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Within these images, investigators discovered images of apparent child pornography that had been covertly recorded inside of Hohn’s home.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin C. Favorit.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Operator of Highrise Advantage, LLC Indicted for over $57 Million in Investment FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Avinash Singh (38, Orlando) with 10 counts of wire fraud and 6 counts of money laundering. Singh faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count.
According to court documents, Singh operated a local company by the name of Highrise Advantage, LLC. From February 2013 to September 2020, Singh received more than $57 million, from over 1,100 victims, that was to be invested in retail foreign currency contracts (“forex”) through Highrise. To induce his victims to invest, Singh claimed that he had a proven track record of success as a forex trader, that he was going to use the funds for investments in forex, and that he would “guarantee” that his victims would not lose any funds for any trading losses. Those representations were not true. Rather than invest his victims’ funds in forex trading as he had promised, Singh used funds from one investor to pay amounts owed to other investors. Singh did not invest the funds that he had promised but instead misappropriated at least $45 million in the form of payments to other investors and millions of dollars in personal expenses. Singh invested less than 5% of the funds that he had received in actual forex trading.
To cover up his scheme, Singh issued monthly statements that falsely represented that he had invested the funds in forex as he had promised and that he was making large profits. In fact, Singh’s investments, when he made them, often lost significant amounts of money, which Singh attempted to cover up by creating false monthly statements.
In connection with this criminal prosecution, the Asset Recovery Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed a civil complaint seeking the forfeiture of a residence purchased with move than $920,000 in wire fraud proceeds. Per Department of Justice policy, the United States will seek permission to use the funds forfeited in that action to remit back to the victims at a later date. The amount of restitution due to the victims will be determined at a later date.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the investigative agencies recognize the U.S. Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) for its assistance. The CFTC has filed a civil complaint in federal court against Singh, Highrise, and others (Commodity Futures Trading Commission v. Highrise Advantage, LLC, Case No. 6:20-cv-1657-Orl-41GJK).
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 Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the St. Cloud IRS Federal Financial Crimes Task Force, and the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg, and asset recovery will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.
Labelle Man Sentenced to Five Years for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Images and VideosRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Nobles (61, LaBelle) to five years in federal prison for possession of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Nobles was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervised release and was ordered to register as a sex offender.
Nobles was found guilty following a bench trial on January 16, 2020.
According to court documents, FBI agents began an undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular website on the dark web to access and download images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. From February 20, 2015 to March 3, 2015, Nobles accessed visual images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. FBI agents executed a federal search warrant at Nobles’s residence. During an interview with law enforcement, Nobles admitted to accessing and viewing child pornography on the website. A subsequent forensic examination of Nobles’s computer, CDs, and thumb drive revealed images and videos depicting children being sexually abused that Nobles had accessed and downloaded using the dark web.
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 was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Tampa-Area Physician, Pharmacy, and Clinic Owners for Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
The United States filed a civil complaint seeking to permanently enjoin the owners of a Tampa-area clinic and pharmacy from unlawfully dispensing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the government alleges that Dr. Tobias Bacaner, Theodore Ferguson II, and Timothy Ferguson used Paragon Community Healthcare Inc., to unlawfully issue controlled substance prescriptions, and Cobalt Pharmacy Inc., to unlawfully fill controlled substance prescriptions, all in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The complaint alleges that the defendants ignored obvious signs of abuse or diversion when issuing and filling opioid prescriptions. The complaint also alleges that drug toxicity played a role in the deaths of several individuals who received controlled substances from the defendants.
“The opioid addiction epidemic continues to devastate communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will hold accountable those who illegally distribute and dispense opioids.”
“The illicit proliferation and abuse of opioids, by any means, remains a growing threat to communities across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “When these means include the breach of trust and illegal conduct of medical professionals, for profit, it is even more disturbing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate their oath and put the public at risk.”
“DEA will not tolerate individuals who seek to profit from addiction and prey on vulnerable populations,” said Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “We will use every tool at our disposal to stop and bring to justice those who willfully endanger others and exacerbate the opioid epidemic.”
The complaint alleges that Bacaner, a medical doctor licensed in Florida, wrote prescriptions for potent and dangerous opioids outside the usual course of professional practice. The complaint alleges that Bacaner and his business partners, Theodore and Timothy Ferguson, profited from unlawful prescribing at the Fergusons’ cash-only pain clinic, Paragon Community Healthcare, and that patients from Paragon often took those same prescriptions to the defendants’ jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy. The complaint seeks civil penalties as well as a permanent injunction against the defendants.
A civil complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin and Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch. The investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.
Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Tampa-Area Physician, Pharmacy, and Clinic Owners for Controlled Substances Act ViolationsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – The United States filed a civil complaint seeking to permanently enjoin the owners of a Tampa-area clinic and pharmacy from unlawfully dispensing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.
In a complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the government alleges that Dr. Tobias Bacaner, Theodore Ferguson II, and Timothy Ferguson used Paragon Community Healthcare Inc., to unlawfully issue controlled substance prescriptions, and Cobalt Pharmacy Inc., to unlawfully fill controlled substance prescriptions, all in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The complaint alleges that the defendants ignored obvious signs of abuse or diversion when issuing and filling opioid prescriptions. The complaint also alleges that drug toxicity played a role in the deaths of several individuals who received controlled substances from the defendants.
“The opioid addiction epidemic continues to devastate communities,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice and its law enforcement partners will hold accountable those who illegally distribute and dispense opioids.”
“The illicit proliferation and abuse of opioids, by any means, remains a growing threat to communities across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “When these means include the breach of trust and illegal conduct of medical professionals, for profit, it is even more disturbing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its partners to investigate and prosecute those who violate their oath and put the public at risk.”
“DEA will not tolerate individuals who seek to profit from addiction and prey on vulnerable populations,” said Acting Administrator D. Christopher Evans of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “We will use every tool at our disposal to stop and bring to justice those who willfully endanger others and exacerbate the opioid epidemic.”
The complaint alleges that Bacaner, a medical doctor licensed in Florida, wrote prescriptions for potent and dangerous opioids outside the usual course of professional practice. The complaint alleges that Bacaner and his business partners, Theodore and Timothy Ferguson, profited from unlawful prescribing at the Fergusons’ cash-only pain clinic, Paragon Community Healthcare, and that patients from Paragon often took those same prescriptions to the defendants’ jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy. The complaint seeks civil penalties as well as a permanent injunction against the defendants.
The claims made in the complaint are merely allegations that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial.
The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin, and Trial Attorney Scott Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch. The investigation is being conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.
Repeat Sex Offender Who Abused and Produced Sexually Explicit Photos of A Deaf Child Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Adam Lee Hollis (42, Polk County) to 45 years in federal prison for producing sexually explicit photographs of a seven-year-old child in his custody, and for having committed that offense while being required to register as a sex offender. Hollis was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Hollis had pleaded guilty on November 30, 2020.
According to court documents, in January 2013, Hollis advertised, produced, and distributed sexually explicit images of a deaf, seven-year-old child to whom he had access. Hollis also molested that child, in addition to sexually abusing another eight-year-old child. For years, Hollis groomed these children by forcing them to watch pornography with him, threatening their relatives, and threatening that their mother would lose custody of them if they reported his abuse. Hollis advertised, created, and traded these child sex-abuse images using the internet, in part, so that he could add to his personal collection of child exploitation materials, which consisted of more than 250 images and more than 80 videos.
In 2014, Hollis was convicted in Polk County for sexual battery on a child. Hollis was in violation of his sex offender registration requirements when law enforcement officers approached him in 2013. Before the offense conduct, in 2000, Hollis had been convicted of directing/promoting the sexual performance of a child by distributing child-exploitative images using America Online (“AOL”).
“This criminal deviant committed the most horrible atrocities on young, helpless children,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “This sentencing ensures this repeat child predator will spend the rest of his natural life in prison.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Lake County Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Douglas V. Oakes (62, Lake County) to 30 months in federal prison for tax evasion, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Oakes had pleaded guilty on November 18, 2020.
According to court documents, Oakes tried to evade and defeat the payment of federal income taxes that he owed for tax years 2002 to 2005. In August 2015, after the IRS initiated collection actions, Oakes submitted a signed statement to the IRS in which he represented that he was not employed or self-employed, earned no income, and did not have a financial interest in any business entities. In fact, at that time, Oakes was working for Dealerindustry.com, LLC (“DI”) d/b/a Automotive Capital Corporation, a company in which he had a significant financial interest and from which he was earning approximately $400,000 per year. To conceal from the IRS his financial interest in DI, Oakes registered his daughters as DI’s managing members with the Florida Department of State, removed his name from DI’s website and bank account, and removed his profile from the website LinkedIn.
In addition, in September 2015, Oakes submitted a sham rent agreement to the IRS representing that he and his wife were renting their 4,321 sq. ft. lakefront home in Orlando from DI for $1 per month. In November 2015, Oakes further attempted to conceal his assets from the IRS by purchasing a new beachfront home in Merritt Island for $1 million in the name of a nominee.
In July 2017, following the death of his daughter, Oakes caused posthumous tax returns to be prepared for Oakes’s deceased daughter in which DI’s income from 2010 through 2015 was falsely claimed to be entirely his deceased daughter’s income. In fact, between 2010 and 2015, Oakes earned approximately $2.2 million in income from DI, including payments that Oakes caused to be made from DI’s business bank account for credit card payments, luxury car payments, and the rent for his lakefront home.
The total tax loss to the United States in this case was $1,112,651.
“We teach our kids that lying is often what gets them in the most trouble. That does not change when we become adults,” stated Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation. “Mr. Oakes broke the law when he failed to uphold his duty to pay an honest tax, but then he made his situation worse by spinning a tangled web of lies. IRS Special Agents take great pride in persistently uncovering the truth, and that’s what they did in this case. This tax filing season, I am putting would-be tax evaders on notice that cheating does not pay.”
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey A. Bratt and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Placida Couple Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United StatesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Samuel Lawrence and Julee Lawrence have pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to impede and impair the ability of the Internal Revenue Service to ascertain and collect employment tax revenue. Each faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, Samuel Lawrence owned and managed Innovative Marine Structures, LLC, a marine construction company operating in the Middle District of Florida. His wife, Julee Lawrence, handled payroll and other duties for the company. Beginning in January 2014 and continuing through September 2016, the couple engaged in a conspiracy to impede the IRS by cashing large corporate checks at a local bank and using those funds to pay certain employees of their company in cash and by failing to report the employment of those employees on federal tax forms. As a result of those actions, the couple caused their payroll company to fail to report and pay to the IRS the required federal employment taxes due from the payment of those employees’ wages. The total amount of employment taxes that the company should have paid to the IRS on those employees’ wages was approximately $238,483.
This case was investigated by the IRS - Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Three Brothers Sentenced to Federal Prison in Colombian International Cocaine Smuggling ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Senior District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Mario Mitchell Pereira (43), Olario Mitchell Palacio (49), and Mike Mitchell Palacio (52), for conspiring to distribute cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. In October 2020, Mario Mitchell Pereira was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months’ imprisonment. On February 11, 2021, Olario Mitchell Palacio was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison. In November 2020, Mike Mitchell Palacio was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison. Senior District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington also sentenced Mike Mitchell Palacio to an additional consecutive sentence of two years’ imprisonment for violation of his federal supervised release.
According to court records, in November 2015 the brothers, all Colombian nationals, conspired to have 1,280 kilograms of cocaine smuggled from La Guajira, Colombia via a go-fast vessel. They arranged this venture after a previous trip that Mario Mitchell Pereira had organized but ultimately had to be aborted due to the suspected presence of a patrol aircraft in the Caribbean Sea. Olario Mitchell Palacio and Mike Mitchell Palacio forced co-conspirators to work without payment in sending the second shipment to its destination. However, a Dutch vessel carrying a law enforcement detachment of U.S. Coast Guard personnel stopped the vessel and its crewmen while in international waters approximately 60 miles north of the coast of Colombia. The Coast Guard personnel recovered 1,280 kilograms of cocaine.
The three men were arrested in Colombia in November 2017, following the return of the indictment in this case. They were subsequently extradited to the United States. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided critical assistance in securing the defendants’ extradition from Colombia.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.
Ponte Vedra Beach Radiology Technician Arrested and Charged with Distributing Child Sex Abuse Videos over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that George Thomas Griffiths, Jr. (41, Ponte Vedra Beach) has been arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint with distributing child pornography. Griffiths faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. Griffiths was arrested on February 10, 2021, and is detained pending a hearing on February 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., in Jacksonville.
According to the
criminal complaint , an FBI task force officer in Wisconsin began an undercover investigation using a particular social media application (“app”) to identify individuals attempting to sexually exploit children using the internet. From February 3, 2020 through February 20, 2020, an individual user named “ban_me_again” uploaded several videos featuring children being sexually abused to a chat room on the app. Meanwhile, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that the same app had reported that the user (“ban_me_again”) had uploaded videos containing possible child-exploitative material during this same time period. Further investigation traced the internet protocol addresses used to distribute these videos to Griffiths’s residence in Ponte Vedra Beach, and to his place of employment in Jacksonville, where Griffiths worked as a radiology technician.On November 19, 2020, SJSO detectives, together with agents from Homeland Security Investigations, executed a search warrant at Griffiths’s residence and seized an Apple iPhone belonging to Griffiths. During an interview with law enforcement, Griffiths stated that he used this particular app to talk to people and that it was “possible” that he had exchanged pictures and videos on the app. An examination of Griffiths’s iPhone revealed that it contained at least 2,000 images, and at least 10 videos, depicting child sexual abuse. Many of these images and videos depicted infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Head of Daytona Beach Drug Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Matthew Zachariah Humphrey (26, Daytona Beach) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that offense. He faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, and up to 40 years, in federal prison for the drug conspiracy and an additional 5 years’ imprisonment for possessing the firearm in furtherance of the conspiracy offense. Humphrey’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 27, 2021.
According to court documents, Humphrey, his co-defendant Janee Reve Najee Kelly, and others worked together to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine in the Daytona Beach area. On June 17, 2020, Humphrey and Kelly were detained at the same time in an area of Daytona Beach. At the time of their arrests, Humphrey possessed cocaine, fentanyl, and a stolen, loaded firearm and Kelly possessed fentanyl and a firearm as well. The two conspirators collectively possessed more than 88 grams of fentanyl.
On December 8, 2020, Kelly pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, as well as possessing a firearm in furtherance of her offense. Her sentencing is scheduled for March 15, 2021. Humphrey will be sentenced on April 27, 2021.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
Orlando Man Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Possessing A Firearm as A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Louis Farmer, Jr. (24, Orlando) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Farmer had been found guilty on November 13, 2020, following a bench trial.
According to court documents, on September 30, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m., following a traffic accident in downtown Orlando, law enforcement officers observed a loaded AR-15 rifle in Farmer’s vehicle. As law enforcement officers began investigating the traffic accident, Farmer stepped out his car and attempted to flee from the officers. He was apprehended a short time later. Further investigation revealed that Farmer also had in his possession a second firearm, as well as heroin. At the time of the incident, Farmer was on state supervised release, following a 36-month state prison sentence for robbery with a firearm and aggravated battery with a firearm, and therefore, is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Shawn P. Napier and Amanda Daniels.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Ocala Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Dominique Lamar Oliver (31, Ocala) to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Oliver had pleaded guilty on October 2, 2020.
According to court records, in July 2019, Oliver collided with a Marion County fire truck that had stopped for an accident on County Road 326. Moments after the collision, firemen observed Oliver attempt to conceal a backpack in the high grass of the median. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper subsequently recovered the backpack that contained marijuana, cocaine, various prescription pills, and several baggies used to distribute drugs. Investigators found a package addressed to Oliver containing 447 grams of methamphetamine (valued at between $25,000 and $35,000) inside Oliver’s disabled vehicle.
After his arrest, federal agents with the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General began investigating Oliver. Agents discovered that in the year leading up to the collision, Oliver had received 112 packages from source states including California, Washington, and Nevada. Oliver eventually admitted to the agents that he had been ordering marijuana, pills, and methamphetamine from the “dark web” and distributing the drugs in the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
West Palm Beach Man Charged with Unlawfully Operating Drone in Restricted Airspace Related to Super Bowl LVRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Kevin Jonathan Canty (33, West Palm Beach) with violating national defense airspace. If convicted, Canty faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
According to the complaint, on February 6, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) covering an area extending outward from downtown Tampa. This TFR, along with others, was issued as part of a comprehensive security plan designed to protect and secure the events leading up to, and including, Super Bowl LV. That day, FBI agents saw an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” flying near the USF Health CAMLS building—an area within the TFR. FBI agents later located Canty, the operator of the drone, nearby in downtown Tampa. Canty stated that he is an FAA-licensed remote pilot drone operator and that he was aware that a TFR was in place for the Super Bowl. A review of his drone’s flight path showed that it had traveled through downtown Tampa, which was hosting public events related to the Super Bowl. Furthermore, according to the flight path, Canty had flown his drone over people and moving vehicles.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Honduran National Sentenced to More Than Twenty Months’ Imprisonment for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Angel Roberto Lopez (35, Honduras) to 21 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation. Roberto Lopez had pleaded guilty on November 16, 2020.
According to court documents, Roberto Lopez had previously been deported from the United States to Honduras on five occasions. On September 4, 2015, Roberto Lopez was convicted of felony battery with great bodily harm after deportation, a felony offense. Following his conviction, Roberto Lopez illegally reentered the United States.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Terry B. Livanos.
Charlotte County Cyberstalkers Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Bretton Howard Osborne (29, Punta Gorda) to 3 years and 8 months in federal prison for stalking and conspiracy to commit stalking. He was also ordered to complete 300 hours of community service.
Osborne’s co-defendant, Ian Douglas McGuire (30, Port Charlotte), was previously sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for the same offenses. Osborne and McGuire have also been ordered to pay victim restitution.
Osborne and McGuire had previously pleaded guilty.
According to court documents, between March 8, 2019, and June 27, 2019, McGuire and Osborne conspired together to stalk and harass victim “A.G.W.” Together they committed multiple acts of stalking using the U.S. Mail and the internet with the intent to injure, harass, and intimidate the victim, causing the victim to fear serious bodily injury. They also caused substantial emotional distress to the victim. Among other things, McGuire and Osborne posted videos of the victim on McGuire’s YouTube channel and pinned to those videos personal information of the victim. They also mailed items, including fecal matter and a dead kitten to the victim and ordered services, food, and materials to be delivered to her home that she did not authorize.
This case was investigated by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Punta Gorda Police Department, the North Port Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Chief Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.
Seminole County Man Charged with COVID Relief FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Don V. Cisternino (45, Chuluota) with two counts of wire fraud, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and three counts of illegal monetary transactions. If convicted, Cisternino faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each illegal monetary transaction count, and a mandatory consecutive term of two years for the aggravated identity theft counts.
According to the
indictment , in or about May 2020, Cisternino fraudulently secured more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan.The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act is a federal law enacted March 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spends the proceeds on these expenses within a set time-period and uses at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.
Cisternino’s PPP loan application falsely claimed that Cisternino’s New York business, MagnifiCo, had 441 employees and monthly payroll expenses in 2019 of more than $2.8 million. In truth, MagnifiCo, had few, if any, employees other than Cisternino and his girlfriend, and MagnifiCo did not report any wages to the IRS for 2019. In support of his PPP loan application, Cisternino submitted false W-2s for MagnifiCo’s purported employees, many of which listed the names and Social Security numbers of actual persons who were not MagnifiCo employees and who had not authorized Cisternino to use their identities.
Once Cisternino obtained the emergency loan of $7.2 million, he did not use these funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he spent the funds for unauthorized purposes and for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of Lincoln Navigator, Maserati, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and an approximately 12,579 sq. ft. residence in Seminole County.
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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Statement from U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez on the Deaths of FBI Special Agents Dan Alfin and Laura SchwartzenbergerRead the Press Release
Our deepest condolences to our FBI family and to the family and friends of FBI Special Agents Dan Alfin and Laura Schwartzenberger in the wake of their deaths on February 2, 2021, in Sunrise, Florida. We especially feel the loss here in the Middle District of Florida, as we were fortunate to have worked with SA Alfin during our recent Operation Pacifier cases. SA Alfin and SA Schwartzenberger are heroes. They devoted their lives and careers to protecting our most vulnerable citizens, our children. They worked tirelessly to protect our State, our District, and our communities from these horrible predators. We are grateful for their service and their ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget them, and, to honor them, here in the MDFL USAO, we will continue with our commitment to keep our children safe from those who seek to harm and exploit them.
Orlando Man Charged with Unlawfully Operating Drone in Restricted Airspace Related to Super Bowl LVRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Henry Alejandro Jimenez (33, Orlando) with violating national defense airspace. If convicted, Jimenez faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison.
According to the complaint, on February 3, 2021, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a temporary flight restriction (TFR) covering an area extending outward from downtown Tampa. This TFR, along with others, was issued as part of a comprehensive security plan designed to protect and secure the events leading up to, and including, Super Bowl LV. That day, FBI agents saw an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” flying near the Barrymore Hotel Tampa Riverwalk—an area within the TFR. The FBI agents then located Jiminez, the operator of the drone, nearby in downtown Tampa. Jimenez stated that he is an FAA-licensed remote pilot UAS operator and that he was aware that a TFR was in place for the Super Bowl. A review of his drone’s flight path showed that it had traveled over Julian B. Lane Waterfront Park, which was hosting public events related to the Super Bowl. Jimenez also appears to have operated his drone without maintaining an uninterrupted visual line of sight for the entire flight, as required by FAA regulations. Furthermore, Jimenez flew his drone over people and moving vehicles.
“This is a perfect example of the serious consequences drone operators face when they choose to ignore the temporary flight restrictions,” said FBI Tampa Special Agent in Charge Michael McPherson. “The TFRs are in place for your safety during Super Bowl week. Be aware of the NO DRONE ZONES and report any suspicious activity to the FBI or local law enforcement.”
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Trafficking FentanylRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jesse Bernard Robinson, Jr. (34, Brevard County) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Robinson had pleaded guilty on November 9, 2020.
According to court documents, during a three-month period in 2020, Robinson sold approximately 115 grams of fentanyl to a law enforcement confidential source. In addition, at the time of his arrest, Robinson had the following drugs in his possession: 7 grams of fentanyl, 14 grams of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, 15 grams of cocaine, and 23 grams of crack cocaine. Each of these narcotics were packaged for distribution.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Palm Bay Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.
United States Attorney Announces Joint Efforts to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking in the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces efforts, in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, to prevent and combat human trafficking in the Middle District of Florida during National Slavery and Human Trafficking month and in preparation for Super Bowl LV in Tampa. The United States Attorney’s Human Trafficking Task Force stands at the forefront of law enforcement’s combined efforts to inform and protect communities across the district every day, and it is especially vigilant in preparation for large interstate events.
“Here in the Middle District of Florida, we are committed to protecting our most vulnerable citizens from becoming human trafficking victims,” said United States Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Human trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry. It is our responsibility to aggressively prosecute those who endeavor to exploit it for their financial gain and to educate our community to be on the lookout for the signs of human trafficking.”
During the 31 days of National Slavery and Human Trafficking month (January), the Human Trafficking Task Force, headed by AUSA Lisa Thelwell and with the support of the USAO-MDFL community outreach coordinators, assisted in the coordination and safe delivery of various virtual events to enable broader participation in joint human trafficking efforts, while preventing the spread of COVID-19. These presentations included:
- The Threat of Human Trafficking presentation to more than 500 Brevard County law enforcement partners during the Space Coast Human Trafficking Task Force Symposium
- A collaborative workshop with the Department of Juvenile Justice, the St. Petersburg College, and the City of St. Petersburg involving more than 200 community members from Hillsborough, Lee, Pasco, Polk, and Pinellas counties concerning human trafficking and its effects on communities
- A partnership with the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force training law enforcement officers from 35 different agencies and prosecutors from 8 different prosecutorial offices regarding the detection, victim assistance, and prosecution of human trafficking crimes
- Trained the Freedom 7 Human Trafficking Task Force consisting of more than 200 members from Volusia, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, and Pinellas counties on how to deter and pursue human traffickers
- Trained the Gateway to Freedom Human Trafficking Task Force, including 168 law enforcement officers, public safety officials, educators, and social service providers in Columbia, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties on a multidisciplinary approach to eliminate human trafficking
- Panel discussion facilitated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including over 400 law enforcement and community members, concerning the priority of human trafficking detection and prosecution
- Distributed emergency supply kits and resources to at-risk trafficking individuals
These efforts follow the USAO-MDFL Human Trafficking Task Force’s preparations throughout the last year to maintain vigilance and further reduce the opportunities for human trafficking in preparation for Super Bowl LV, including a focused training in August 2020, hosted by the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators, regarding combating human trafficking during large-scale events. The United States Attorney also has assigned a team that stands ready to respond to human trafficking threats during the national event.
In addition to providing education, prevention, and technical and training assistance, the USAO-MDFL also vigorously prosecutes human trafficking crimes. Some of the most recent cases include:
United States v. Christopher John Streeter – In January 2021, Streeter was sentenced to life in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. Streeter participated in a scheme that sexually exploited children in the Philippines in order to produce child sex-abuse videos of children as young as 12 and 13 years old, who were particularly vulnerable due to poverty and illness. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa and Manila), with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
United States v. David Alan Quarles – In January 2021, Quarles was indicted and charged with conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; importation of an alien for the purpose of prostitution; transportation of an individual in interstate commerce for the purpose of prostitution, and using a facility of interstate commerce in aid of prostitution. If convicted on all counts, Quarles faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Colin McDonell.
United States v. Gregory Thomas Garcia – In October 2020, Garcia was charged with sex trafficking a minor. If convicted, Garcia faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
United States v. Luis Berrios-Trinidad – In July 2020, Berrios-Trinidad was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for sex trafficking minors. Berrios-Trinidad arranged to bring female children to a hotel for a “sex party” with adult men. Berrios-Trinidad was arrested and the victims he had brought, ages 14 and 17, were rescued. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
United States v. Edward Alan Hardin – In July 2020, Hardin was charged with two counts of sex trafficking minors and four counts of using a cellular phone to entice children to engage in unlawful sex acts. Hardin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Pinellas County Doctor Pleads Guilty to Illegal Drug Distribution and Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Alina Pollan (56, Pinellas County) has pleaded guilty to one count of distributing oxycodone for no legitimate medical purpose and not in the usual course of professional practice, and to one count of tax evasion. Pollan faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the illegal drug distribution and 5 years’ imprisonment for the tax evasion count.
According to the plea agreement, Pollan, a Florida-licensed physician and DEA registrant, worked at Pain and Wellness Clinic (“PWC”) for approximately three years. Pollan prescribed large quantities of controlled substances to nearly all of the PWC patients. On February 7, 2018, Pollan interacted with an undercover DEA agent who had been posing as a patient during multiple visits to Pollan at PWC. Despite many red flags raised by the undercover agent during her medical appointments with Pollan—a reported history of drug abuse, failed drug urinalysis screenings, vague medical history, and the acknowledged ability to perform athletic activities—Pollan prescribed oxycodone to the agent for no legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice.
In addition, Pollan filed, or caused to filed, false and fraudulent tax returns with the IRS that understated the true and complete amount of her reportable income from PWC for the tax years 2017 and 2018.
Tom Wynne, the former owner and operator of PWC, previously pleaded guilty to related criminal charges.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration—Tampa District Office, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit was created by the Department of Justice to help combat the devastating opioid crisis. The Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit focuses specifically on opioid-related health care fraud, using data to identify and prosecute individuals contributing to the prescription opioid epidemic. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Greg Pizzo and Kelley Howard-Allen.
Orlando Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempting to Sexually Entice 8-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Jeffrey Aronofsky (55, Orlando) to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a child to engage in sexual activity.
Aronofsky had pleaded guilty on August 4, 2020.
According to court documents, in October 2019, Aronofsky engaged in an extensive online chat with an FBI agent who was acting in an undercover capacity and posing as the father of an eight-year-old boy. During the online conversation, Aronofsky expressed interest in meeting with the father in order to sexually assault his minor son. Aronofsky also discussed gang-raping the child. Furthermore, Aronofsky told the father that he had previously sexually assaulted several other children (including a five-year-old) in the Dominican Republic. Aronofsky was arrested when he traveled to meet the father at a prearranged meeting place so that he could have sex with the eight-year-old boy.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.
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.
Local Businesswoman Pleads Guilty to Criminal Healthcare and Tax Fraud Charges and Agrees to $20.3 Million Civil SettlementRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Kelly Wolfe (49, Indian Rocks Beach) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and filing a false tax return. She faces a maximum penalty of 13 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
In addition to her criminal charges, Wolfe and her company, Regency, Inc. (“Regency”) have agreed to pay up to $20,332,516, to resolve allegations that Wolfe and Regency violated the False Claims Act in a number of ways, including falsifying documentation in order to fraudulently establish durable medical equipment (“DME”) corporations to bill for medically unnecessary DME equipment, and engaging in improper marketing practices that violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. The civil settlement amount is based on Wolfe and Regency’s ability to pay.
According to court documents, Wolfe and her conspirators used Regency to establish dozens of DME supply companies—or, rather, DME fronts—using trickery and deception. The scheme involved placing the DME fronts in the names of straw owners. By concealing the true ownership of the fronts, Wolfe’s conspirators secretly gained control of multiple companies. With such control, they collectively submitted well over $400 million in illegal DME claims to Medicare and CHAMPVA (i.e., the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans). The conspirators relied on the guise of “telemedicine” to explain the unusually high volume of claims, when, in fact, they had simply bribed doctors to approve them. Almost always, the doctors had no interaction, including telehealth interaction, with the beneficiaries. Wolfe further admitted that, for tax year 2017, she had purchased numerous personal items and services using Regency’s funds. Rather than properly report this as income to the Internal Revenue Service, Wolfe falsely classified her personal spending as purported business expenditures.
This prosecution, arising out of the nationwide “Operation Brace Yourself” takedown, involves one of the largest health care fraud schemes in United States history. The Middle District of Florida is playing a significant role in these historic and nationwide enforcement actions. Collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local partners have resulted in criminal charges against 12 defendants in the MDFL.
“The Department is committed to ensuring that federal health care program providers do not place their own financial gain over patients’ clinical needs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “When medical professionals and companies knowingly commit fraud to maximize their profits, we will hold them accountable for their unlawful conduct.”
“Fraud and deceit in our nation’s healthcare system is not only unacceptable, it is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively work with our investigative partners in rooting out these illicit practices to ensure that patients receive the optimum care they deserve.”
“This pernicious telefraud scheme’s ambitions were cut short by the exceptional partnership of our law enforcement partners” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “This guilty plea and the forfeiture of tens of millions of dollars back to the U.S. Treasury show our determination to stop such damaging fraud schemes and to bring fraudsters to justice.”
"The FBI is laser-focused on exposing those who cheat our government healthcare programs," said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael McPherson. "American taxpayers can be assured the FBI and its law enforcement partners are working vigorously to protect federally funded healthcare programs from deception and greed."
“Honest and law-abiding citizens are fed up with the likes of those who use deceit and fraud to line their pockets," stated Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation. "Fleecing the health care industry effectively robs us all, and tax fraud undermines the integrity of our nation’s tax system. Those who engage in these swindles should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable."
“The VA OIG’s continued oversight of CHAMPVA, which provides community care to family members of disabled veterans, is one of the agency’s highest priorities because it safeguards the integrity of VA’s health care programs,” stated David Spilker, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG). “As detailed in the charging documents, the defendant’s criminal actions resulted in a massive fraud being committed against both CHAMPVA and Medicare, ultimately impacting the beneficiaries of those programs. The VA OIG commends the extensive cooperation between our law enforcement partners in this important investigation.”
This case is being prosecuted criminally by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristen Fiore and James Muench, and pursued civilly by Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie and Department of Justice, Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch Trial Attorney Daniel A. Schiffer, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the FBI, the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The United States previously obtained an emergency temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction enjoining the conduct and assets of Wolfe, Regency, and several of their co-conspirators, in a civil injunctive action prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carolyn B. Tapie and Sean P. Keefe. The injunctive action is captioned United States v. Regency, Inc., et al., No. 8:19-cv-803-T-33AEP.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act against Wolfe and Regency by Condra Albright, a former Regency employee. As a result of the settlement, Albright will receive 23% of the civil recovery as her statutory reward. Under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the settlement if the government takes over the case and reaches a monetary agreement with the defendant. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
The qui tam case is captioned United States and the State of Florida ex rel. Albright v. Regency, Inc., et al., No. 8:19-cv-686-T-30AEP.
Jacksonville Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Charles Cornelius Smith (36, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Smith faces up to 30 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge, and a 2-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment on the aggravated identity theft charge. Smith made his initial appearance in federal court on August 27, 2020 and was detained. Smith’s co-defendant, Zipporan Carmel Peters, is scheduled for trial on March 1, 2021.
According to court documents, Smith obtained the personal identification information to include the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of the victim. Using this information, he provided Peters with a counterfeit South Carolina driver license in the name and identity of the victim, but with Peters’s picture on it. Smith then drove Peters to different branches of the Navy Federal Credit Union in Clay and Duval Counties. Using the victim’s identity, Peters subsequently made various fraudulent transactions involving the withdrawal of large amounts of cash and the purchase of multiple $500 gift cards, utilizing the victim’s account. Smith and Peters also went to multiple cell phone stores in Clay and Duval Counties. Using the victim’s identity, they obtained several thousand dollars of cell phones and accompanying merchandise.
Smith, without the involvement of Peters, also was involved with a check fraud scheme. As part of the scheme, Smith would deposit fraudulent checks into various VyStar Credit Union accounts and subsequently make ATM withdrawals before it was determined the deposited check was fraudulent.
This case was investigated by United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Head of Daytona Beach Drug Organization Pleads Guilty; Conspirators Face up to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Maxwell Garvice Johnson (29, Ormand Beach) today pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for March 16, 2021.
According to court documents, Johnson worked with multiple conspirators to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl-laced heroin, and cocaine, in the Daytona Beach area, from April 3, 2020 through July 30, 2020. During the investigation, law enforcement seized over 2 kilograms of fentanyl-laced heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine, and over 140 grams of methamphetamine being distributed by members of Johnson’s organization, along with tens of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds.
Eight of nine of Johnson’s named co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to co-conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, such as methamphetamines, heroin, and cocaine and face the following penalties for their roles in this conspiracy:
Defendant
Pleaded Guilty
Statutory Penalties
Sentencing Date
Robert Lee Hamilton, Jr.
12/01/20
15 years to life
03/09/21
Jeniver Sebastian Scott, Jr.
01/13/21
10 years to life
03/16/21
Jeremy Rashan Tarrand
12/01/20
10 years to life
03/09/21
Shakia Monique Flagler
01/13/21
10 years to life
03/16/21
Sharodd Solomon Favors
12/28/20
5 years to 40 years
03/16/21
Dawnte Dequine Benjamin Davis
12/28/20
5 years to 40 years
03/16/21
Felicia Mae Riley
12/01/20
0-20 years
03/09/21
A final defendant, Gena Marie Walker, of Ormand Beach, is scheduled for trial during the March 2021 trial term.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Daytona Beach Police Department, and the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.