Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pasco County Woman Sentenced to 16 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lizbet Sanchez-Alvear (29, Dade City) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernadez Covington to 16 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Judge Covington also sentenced Cecelia Yalitza Ruiz (29, Dade City) to 27 months in federal prison for destroying evidence relating to Sanchez’s investigation. Sanchez pleaded guilty on October 27, 2025, and Ruiz pleaded guilty on August 12, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, over the last three years, Sanchez was the main source of supply and broker for mid-level narcotics dealers in Pasco County, distributing to one dealer alone at least 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of fentanyl. Sanchez specialized in connecting the sources of narcotics supply in Mexico and Atlanta with mid-level narcotics dealers in the Middle District of Florida, brokering numerous deals and receiving payment for her services. Brokering and coordinating narcotics transactions was Sanchez’s primary source of income, and Sanchez often conducted narcotics transactions in the presence of her young children.
On March 6, 2025, Sanchez arranged for one of her customers to retrieve 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from one of her suppliers in Apopka. After coordinating the logistics of the transaction and arranging her fee, Sanchez sent her customer the address to retrieve the drugs, which were later seized by law enforcement.
Picture of seized methamphetamine
On March 11, 2025, federal and local law enforcement officers attempted to interview Sanchez about her narcotics activities. Sanchez and Ruiz exited a restaurant together in Zephyrhills. Once Ruiz realized that law enforcement was trying to question Sanchez about her narcotics offenses, Ruiz became agitated, causing a chaotic scene in the parking lot, screaming and cursing at law enforcement officers. Ruiz then walked to Sanchez’s vehicle and retrieved Sanchez’s phone, knowing it contained evidence of Sanchez’s narcotics trafficking. Ruiz brought the phone to her vehicle and destroyed the device. During a break in law enforcement’s questioning of Sanchez, Ruiz told Sanchez that she had destroyed Sanchez’s phone. Sanchez then told Ruiz not to give the phone to the law enforcement officers. Shortly after this conversation, Ruiz drove away from the scene with the destroyed phone, which was never recovered by law enforcement.
Ruiz has previous convictions for assaulting and battering law enforcement officers, including for punching a police officer in the face.
This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention MonthRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office collaborates with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to vigorously pursue and prosecute human traffickers throughout the Middle District of Florida and beyond,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “In addition, we have partnered with non-governmental organizations, advocates, and concerned citizens throughout our district’s 35 counties to raise awareness within communities and facilitate critical resources to victims.”
“This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”
“Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”
“During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.
In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States.
Since January 20, 2025, the Middle District of Florida has charged six defendants, including Delon Smith, Demontrae Fagan, Jazzmen Gaskins, Jordan Woods, Fredi Agustin-Vasquez y Guardado, and Marlon Ronaldo Canas Trochez with human trafficking-related offenses. Several other active investigations are currently underway.
The MDFL has also successfully pursued the extradition of an alleged fugitive trafficker.
Throughout 2025, the USAO-MDFL collaborated with law enforcement and community partners to host forums about human trafficking and online safety for children. On August 14, 2025, in partnership with the Space Coast Human Trafficking Task Force, U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe delivered opening remarks and served as a panelist during the 2025 Human Trafficking Symposium – Fight for Child Online Safety. More than 200 attendees, comprised of law enforcement, government entities and NGOs, educators, victim advocates, social service providers, and others participated. Interactive sessions included information about federal prosecutions, online safety, public safety partnerships, and prevention strategies to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including:
- Identifying ongoing investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states.
- Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery.
- Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains.
- Running advertisements related to $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG.
- Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking.
On August 25, 2025, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including:
- 1,041 Sinaloa members,
- 856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members,
- 641 MS-13 members,
- 456 Tren de Aragua members,
- 1,067 weapons
- More than $3,250,000 in currency
- Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics
Guatemalan National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry and Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jairon Michael Juarez-Gomez (36, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 18 months in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and failure to register as a sex offender. Juarez entered a guilty plea on October 22, 2025.
According to court documents, Juarez is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He is also a registered sex offender following his 2020 Florida conviction for sexual battery with a child. Under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) a sex offender is required to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction where the offender resides and is employed.
On December 29, 2020, Juarez was deported from the United States to Guatemala. Afterward, he illegally returned and began living in the Middle District of Florida. When he did so, he failed to update his sexual offender registration as required by SORNA. On August 8, 2025, law enforcement discovered Juarez during a traffic stop. Juarez provided the officer with a false name and date of birth, but authorities soon confirmed his identity. When interviewed by law enforcement, Juarez eventually admitted that he had unlawfully been in the United States for the previous four years.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Federal Inmate Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession with the Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Edwin Tollinchi-Rodriguez (40, Indiana) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Tollinchi pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025.
According to court records, Tollinchi was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (“FCC Coleman”) in Sumter County. On September 5, 2024, a correctional officer conducted a pat-down search of Tollinchi’s person and discovered a package containing a white substance. A DEA laboratory subsequently analyzed the substance and determined it was methamphetamine hydrochloride with a weight of approximately 236.6 grams. When interviewed, Tollinchi told DEA agents that he was asked to collect some prohibited items from a shower at the prison and provide them to others in exchange for $500. Tollinchi also described how the amount of methamphetamine that ordinarily would fit in the lid of a lip balm container would typically sell for $400 inside the prison.
This case was investigated by the DEA and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Armed Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Thomas Edgar Hall (36, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to 14 years in federal prison for multiple counts of distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hall pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, an undercover detective purchased fentanyl and/or crack cocaine from Hall six times in less than four months. Hall had a firearm either on his lap or within reach for most of the drug transactions. During the last transaction, Hall sold the undercover detective a pistol as well as fentanyl. Approximately one week later, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Hall was selling drugs from. In that residence, law enforcement located a safe which contained a shotgun, a rifle, three pistols—one with an extended magazine—and assorted ammunition. The firearms in the safe matched those Hall had possessed during the drug transactions. Law enforcement also located additional sums of fentanyl and items commonly used for selling drugs.
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 Kelli Swaney.
Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $47.8 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
Tampa ― U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,802,832.17 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 (FY 2025). Of this amount, $35,353,280.69 was collected in criminal cases and $12,449,551.48 was collected in civil actions.
The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $163,931,176.51 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to civil recoveries in local cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $151,481,625.03 in FY 2025 in these jointly handled cases.
“The Middle District of Florida has a proud record of achievement in the recovery of losses suffered by crime victims and federal programs damaged by white collar fraud schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “The substantial criminal and civil penalties collected in the past fiscal year is tangible evidence of our commitment to this vitally important part of our district’s mission.”
U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Acting Chief Nicole Andrejko, recovered a total of $35,393,845.89. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $35,353,280.69 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $40,565.20 in criminal monetary penalties in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $28,968,242 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. For instance, in FY 2025, $22,441,475 forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $2,203,808 was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases
United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance
Case no. 1:15-cv-5452 (N.D. Ill.)
Four independent qui tam whistleblowers filed lawsuits under the False Claims Act in various districts around the country, including one in the Middle District of Florida captioned United States ex rel. K&V Group v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, et al., case no. 8:19-cv-2736-MSS-CPT (M.D. Fla.). Each whistleblower alleged that Walgreens had engaged in a nationwide scheme to defraud federal and state healthcare programs by dispensing dangerous opioid medications pursuant to facially illegitimate prescriptions. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Federal Programs Branch, as well as with a number of other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices around the country, the Middle District of Florida investigated these claims and corroborated the allegation that Walgreens had ignored “red flags” associated with opioid prescriptions on a nationwide basis, and falsely billed government programs for having dispensed those medications. The United States transferred the qui tam cases to the Northern District of Illinois where Walgreens is headquartered and filed a complaint in January 2025. In April 2025, the United States announced a settlement of these allegations in return for $350 million, in what is the largest civil Controlled Substances Act settlement in MDFL history.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-350m-illegally-filling-unlawful-opioid-prescriptions-and-submitting
United States ex rel. Kane v. Semler Scientific, Inc.
Case no. 3:16-cv-1516 (M.D. Fla.)
A whistleblower filed a complaint in the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida alleging that Semler Scientific, a manufacturer of a device used for non-invasive vascular testing services, conspired with a distributor of the device (C.R. Bard, Inc.), to defraud Medicare through a scheme that falsely billed federal healthcare programs for testing services used in assessing certain arterial diseases. Working jointly with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section, the MDFL Civil Division corroborated the allegation that these defendants caused false billings to the Medicare program for services that did not meet the program’s reimbursement requirements. On September 26, 2025, the United States announced settlements with Semler Scientific and Bard to resolve these claims for $29.75 million and $7.2 million, respectively.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/semler-scientific-inc-and-bard-peripheral-vascular-inc-pay-nearly-37m-resolve-false-claims
United States ex rel. Stuckmeyer et al. v. LiveCare Health
Case no. 8:22-cv-1880 (M.D. Fla.)
In August 2022, a whistleblower filed a lawsuit under the False Claims Act in the Middle District of Florida alleging that LiveCare had entered into an agreement with a marketing company that violated the federal anti-kickback statute. In July 2023, LiveCare made a voluntary disclosure of an agreement that paid a marketing company a flat rate for lead generation services. LiveCare cooperated with the government’s investigation and in December 2024, agreed to pay the United States $4.9 million to resolve the claims in full.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/livecare-inc-agrees-pay-49-million-resolve-false-claims-act-allegations
United States v. Mahir Taneja
Case No. 8:21-cv-2102 (M.D. Fla.)
The United States filed a civil suit in the Middle District of Florida in January 2021 alleging that a Tampa investor, Mahir Taneja, had conspired with Larry Smith and Smith’s pharmacy, Oldsmar Pharmacy, LLC, as well as with a marketing company, Centurion, Inc., to defraud the TriCare health program through a kickback scheme associated with compounded pain creams. Smith resolved the civil claims against him through an ability to pay agreement that paid the government $600,000. After four years of litigation, the United States announced a settlement that paid $2 million in resolution of its claims with Taneja.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-man-agrees-pay-us-government-2-million-his-role-medical-kickback-scheme
Brandon Eye Associates, LLC and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A.
Working jointly with the DOJ Civil Frauds Section, the Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division investigated allegations that two Tampa Bay area ophthalmology practices, Brandon Eye Associates and Pinellas Eye Care, had defrauded the Medicare and Medicaid programs by submitting false claims for reimbursement of ultrasound procedures that were medically unnecessary, premised upon false diagnoses, and arose from unlawful kickback arrangements. The allegations were corroborated, and ultimately the government’s claims under the False Claims Act were resolved in two separate agreements, with Brandon Eye and Pinellas Eye Care for $1.3 million and $615,000, respectively.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-615000-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-ophthalmology-practice-agrees-pay-13m-resolve-allegations-fraudulent-claims
New Horizons Computer Learning Center.
The Middle District of Florida’s Civil Division participated in a national investigation into allegations that franchises of a federally subsidized provider of computer technology training had defrauded the Veterans Administration’s subsidy program in various ways, notably by paying improper incentives to recruiters for the program and by defying program rules governing the numbers of veterans who could participate in the program on a subsidized basis at any given time. The government’s claims against the Jacksonville franchise of New Horizons were resolved pre-suit for $500,000.
Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-center-jacksonville-and-owner-resolve-gi-bill
Jacksonville Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville businessman pleaded guilty yesterday to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years.
Mak also took steps that moved his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak, instead of paying his taxes, transferred $1 million to his domestic partner. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account. Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law.
Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Jacksonville Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville businessman pleaded guilty yesterday to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years.
Mak also took steps that moved his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak, instead of paying his taxes, transferred $1 million to his domestic partner. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account. Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law.
Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Quentes Durrelle Simpson (33, Melbourne) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 30 years in federal prison for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Simpson to forfeiture firearms and ammunition, which were used in the offense, and $600 which constituted proceeds from his drug distribution. Simpson was found guilty by a jury on October 23, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Palm Bay Police Department used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of drugs from Simpson at his home, totaling over 220 grams of pure methamphetamine and about 7 grams of fentanyl. A search warrant was then executed at Simpson’s residence, resulting in the recovery of more than 700 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 46 grams of fentanyl, over 40 grams of cocaine, drug processing materials, two loaded firearms, a loaded drum magazine, and more than $36,000 in cash.
At that time of the search, Simpson had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including carrying a concealed firearm, resisting an officer with violence, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As a previously convicted felon, Simpson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Melbourne Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Armed Carjacker Sentenced to over Eleven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Armoni Tyree Moody (24, Davenport) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to 11 years and 9 months in federal prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the carjacking, and possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Moody was found guilty by a federal jury on October 22, 2025. The court also ordered Moody to forfeit the firearm and assorted rounds of ammunition used in the commission of the offense. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, Moody arranged to meet the victim of the carjacking over social media to purchase marijuana. Moody entered the passenger seat of the victim’s car, brandished a loaded handgun, and pressed it against the victim’s head. Moody then forced the victim to hand over the victim’s two cellphones and told the victim to get out of the car or that he would shoot him, before driving away with the victim’s car.
The following day, a search warrant was obtained for Moody’s residence. The victim’s belongings and the loaded firearm were recovered from Moody’s bedroom, and the victim’s car was found nearby. Upon further investigation, detectives recovered text messages from Moody’s cellphone where he discussed his intent to commit the robbery and videos of Moody in possession of the same firearm on his social media account.
Prior to the offense, Moody was convicted of robbery with a weapon for which he was still serving a term of probation at the time of the carjacking.
This case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Sarasota Man Convicted of Producing, Distributing, Receiving, and Accessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Sean Anthony Christie (43, Sarasota) guilty of production, distribution, and receipt of child sex abuse material and access with intent to view child sex abuse material. Christie faces a maximum penalty of 80 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Christie used a social media application to solicit, receive, and distribute child sexual abuse material depicting minors under 12 years of age. Christie also used another social media application to meet minor girls, including a 12-year-old victim whom he used to produce child sex abuse material.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Sarasota Doctor Sentenced to Fifteen Years for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Production of Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Pete Supan (36, Bradenton) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 15 years in federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and production of child sex abuse material. Supan pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Supan used an app to coerce and entice an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. Supan misrepresented his age as 19 years old and persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. Supan admitted to communicating with the victim who he knew was a minor.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jury Convicts Bellair Man for COVID Loan Fraud Scheme Using Deceased Former Business Partner’s IdentityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Stephen L. Gurba (69, Belleair) guilty of wire fraud, making a false statement to a financial institution, and aggravated identity theft. Gurba faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on each wire fraud count (2 counts), up to 30 years in prison on the false statement charge (one count), and a 2-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment on each of the aggravated identity theft counts (2 counts). U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, between March and June 2020, Gurba submitted false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications and supporting documentation on behalf of Big Red Express Trucking, LLC and Zenith Express, LLC. To obtain approval and funding for the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans, Gurba fraudulently assumed the identity of his former business partner who passed away in 2019, listed his former business partner’s name, signature, and other means of identification on the EIDL loan applications certifying under criminal penalty that the applications were true and correct. Gurba also used his deceased business partner’s name and forged his signature on the EIDL loan authorization agreements and loan notes he submitted to the Small Business Administration (SBA). During post-loan related communications with the SBA, Gurba continued to impersonate his deceased business partner. As a result of his fraudulent scheme, Gurba induced the SBA to approve and fund the Big Red and Zenith EIDL loans.
Additionally, Gurba applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of Big Red from an SBA authorized financial institution. Gurba certified and signed under criminal penalty that all the PPP loan proceeds would be spent on payroll, mortgages, rent, or other SBA authorized expenses. In reality, Gurba used PPP proceeds at a casino, to enrich himself and family members, payoff unrelated business debts, and other impermissible expenses. As a result of Gurba’s false statement, the financial institution approved and funded a $955,448.75 PPP loan to Big Red.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Jacksonville 16-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Malcolm Jewell Williams (39, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm after he was convicted of a felony and a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, and for possessing cocaine. The court also ordered Williams to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. Williams was found guilty after a jury trial on July 25, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Williams was previously convicted of 16 felonies and 2 misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence, each of which prohibited him from possessing firearms under federal law. On January 23, 2024, a detective from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was posing as a drug user and encountered Williams in a gas station parking lot where Williams agreed to sell “molly” to the detective. After the sale, Williams fled from JSO officers on foot across a four-lane divided highway before being tackled in an alleyway next to a palm tree. In the base of the tree was a loaded firearm. Williams also had in his possession cocaine and a drug scale with residue.
After Williams was transported to the Duval County Jail, he broke free from his flex cuffs and fled once again through downtown Jacksonville before being apprehended by JSO a second time. Four months prior, Williams had been arrested by the Camden County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office for possessing a half pound of methamphetamine, for which he was on bond at the time he committed this offense.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Camden County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelli Swaney.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Brevard County Woman Sentenced to More Than 17 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Jaime Pelletier (39, Melbourne) has been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Pelletier pleaded guilty on October 16, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the plea agreement, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of drugs from Pelletier at her home, totaling over 420 grams of pure methamphetamine. A search warrant was then executed at Pelletier’s residence. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, Pelletier began flushing methamphetamine down the toilet. The search warrant resulted in the seizure of additional methamphetamine, digital scales, cutting agents, and other drug processing materials.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
North Carolina Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Geoffrey Lee Dudding (40, Concord, NC) was sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 50 years in federal prison for using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. He was also ordered to serve a lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding pleaded guilty on October 28, 2025. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was previously convicted in North Carolina of indecent liberty with a minor in 2007 and solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act in 2024. He was also convicted of criminal solicitation of a minor in South Carolina in 2023. On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested in North Carolina and was later transported to Jacksonville for prosecution.
According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, UC posted several short messages in a public chat room on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the app name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted UC by private text message on the app and expressed sexual interest in UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” and “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent UC a video of himself performing a sex act to show to the “child.”
Dudding and UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told UC that he intended to book a hotel room in Jacksonville for the sexual encounter with the “child.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (NC) 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 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Jacksonville Woman Charged with Assaulting Officers Conducting an Immigration OperationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida - Jennifer Susan Cruz (40, Jacksonville) has been charged by complaint with assaulting officers conducting an immigration operation. If convicted, Cruz faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, federal immigration officers, assisted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), were conducting an operation in Jacksonville to locate and administratively arrest aliens who were illegally present in the United States. Cruz was driving by and was recording on her cell phone as an FHP Trooper was pulling over a vehicle for a traffic infraction. Cruz parked near the site of the traffic stop and was yelling at the Trooper as she continued to record. Immigration officers subsequently determined that the two occupants of the vehicle were aliens who were illegally present in the United States.
Another Trooper approached Cruz and talked with her about using her cell phone while driving. He asked for Cruz’s driver’s license, and she stated that she did not have it but that she had a photograph of it on her cell phone. During this interaction, Cruz was argumentative, standoffish, and continued recording. The Trooper advised Cruz that he had no issue with her recording and that his concern was solely her unsafe and unlawful use of a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. During the encounter, Cruz made unsolicited and inflammatory statements, asking whether the Trooper supported the “Nazis,” which she clarified as referring to ICE, and asking him not to shoot her in the face. The Trooper advised Cruz that ICE officers were present in an official capacity and that he was not there to discuss personal or political beliefs, but solely to address her traffic violation.
Cruz showed the Trooper a photograph of her driver’s license and the Trooper told Cruz to remain in her vehicle while he conducted further investigation. A records check revealed that Cruz’s license was suspended as of June 17, 2025. Because Cruz’s license was suspended, the Trooper requested a tow truck to impound Cruz’s vehicle, as she was not legally authorized to operate it. While the Trooper was waiting for the tow truck, Cruz drove away. Multiple Troopers immediately activated their emergency lights and sirens and maneuvered their patrol vehicles to box in Cruz’s vehicle, and they stopped it approximately 200 feet away from the traffic stop.
After the vehicle was stopped, the Trooper advised Cruz that the traffic stop had not been concluded, and that the vehicle was going to be towed because her license was suspended. He told her to exit the vehicle and surrender the keys so that the vehicle could be released to the tow company. Cruz exited the vehicle but immediately became verbally hostile, cursing at the officers, and repeatedly refusing to surrender the keys. In response to the Trooper’s directives, Cruz said that she was “ready to go” and, when asked, stated that she meant that she was ready to fight. When a Trooper attempted to retrieve the keys from Cruz, Cruz struck the Trooper in the face with a closed fist. Multiple officers then converged on Cruz to arrest her for the assault.
Cruz resisted arrest, including by attempting to strike and kick the officers. As Cruz continued to struggle with them, officers took her to an FHP patrol vehicle, during which she attempted to kick the Trooper whom she had punched. As officers were trying to place Cruz inside the vehicle, Cruz kicked at an ICE officer, a Customs and Border Protection agent, and a Trooper, and successfully struck the CBP agent and ICE officer, whose left hand was injured. Officers were eventually able to secure Cruz in the patrol vehicle, but she continued kicking at the vehicle’s windows, roof, and in-car camera.
While being transported in the patrol vehicle, Cruz stated that her actions were not worth the incident escalating “over a set of car keys.” Later, while awaiting further transportation, Cruz made a phone call in which she said that she messed up “really ugly” and that what she did was not okay. She subsequently told the Trooper who she had punched that she was sorry for hurting her, that she was not sure why she acted that way, and that she knew that the Trooper had a job to do.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO), the Florida Highway Patrol, FBI-Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.
California Man Sentenced to More Than 20 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Gyasi Wallace (33, California) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 20 years and 10 months in prison for producing of child sexual abuse material. He pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025. Wallace is also required to serve 25 years of supervised release and register as a sexual offender.
According to court documents, on November 2, 2023, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a Greyhound bus station to investigate a missing person, a 12-year-old female. Officers located the child with Wallace, who had purchased a bus ticket to California for himself and the child. Wallace was arrested and the child was reunited with her mother. A search of Wallace’s electronic devices revealed that the child and Wallace began talking on a social media application when the child was 10 years old. Wallace’s cellphone contained videos of the child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. There were also numerous videos and images found on Wallace’s devices containing children engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
“The exploitation of children leaves scars that last a lifetime—including invisible scars not only for the victims, but for their families and communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “Wallace’s actions were calculated, predatory, and deeply destructive. His calculated attempt to flee across state lines with a minor victim—boarding a bus bound for California—shows the lengths predators will go to evade justice and continue their abuse. Child exploitation is not a crime that ends when the abuse stops; it inflicts lifelong trauma on victims and their families. HSI and our INTERCEPT Task Force partners will remain relentless in our pursuit of justice for victims.”
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.
It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing More Than Half a Million Dollars in COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Terrance Bradford (47, Tampa) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 30 months in federal prison for obtaining multiple fraudulent COVID relief loans. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture of $533,648.32, which represents the proceeds he obtained through these offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, between April 2020 and March 2021, Bradford devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting multiple false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan applications. On these applications, Bradford was asked whether he was suspended from contracting with the federal government or whether he was presently in bankruptcy. In response to each question, Bradford answered “no.” Despite Bradford’s certifications, based on a prior investigation from the Department of Labor, Bradford was excluded from receiving any federal contracts or grants. Furthermore, Bradford’s business was in bankruptcy proceedings when he submitted his applications. By concealing this information on his loan applications, Bradford obtained $533,648.32 in COVID relief funds to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Small Business Administration - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky is handling the forfeiture.
Mexican National Sentenced to 25 Years for Trafficking Narcotics in the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – Lorenzo Valerio-Popoca (31, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to 25 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and for distributing methamphetamine in the Tampa Bay area. A jury found Valerio guilty on July 31, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.
Valerio, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, was indicted in 2019 for trafficking methamphetamine in the Middle District of Florida. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in 2017 and 2018, Valerio routinely brokered and received kilogram-quantities of methamphetamine directly from his narcotics sources of supply in Mexico. Valerio then sold the methamphetamine in bulk to others in Manatee and Hillsborough Counties, among other locales. On behalf of Valerio, other conspirators regularly transported the methamphetamine throughout the Middle District of Florida to the respective buyers.
Valerio often arranged the sale of at least 1-2 kilograms of methamphetamine per transaction. In March 2018, Valerio’s courier delivered two kilograms of methamphetamine to a buyer in Hillsborough County; the drugs were later seized by law enforcement. Below are photos of the seized methamphetamine from March 2018.
Before he was arrested in 2019, Valerio left the Middle District of Florida and remained a fugitive from justice until 2022, when he was arrested for trafficking over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine in Pasadena, Texas. Pictured below is the seized methamphetamine from Texas belonging to Valerio and his transnational criminal organization.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Tampa), the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Pasadena (TX) Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Asheville (NC) office and the United Stated States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (Houston office). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Jury Convicts Orlando Man of Bank Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft Involving COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance BenefitsRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Dexter Ray King (36, Orlando) guilty of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. King faces a mandatory penalty of 2 years in federal prison for the aggravated identity theft and up to 30 years on each bank fraud count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to evidence presented at trial, during the COVID-19 pandemic, King filed dozens of fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits across several states. For many of the claims, King used stolen identities and fake addresses. Once the claims were approved, King changed the addresses on the claims to his Orlando apartment, ensuring that the debit cards containing the fraudulently obtained government benefits were mailed to him. He then used the debit cards to withdraw the funds from the bank. King also filed fraudulent claims using his own name, but Social Security numbers that did not belong to him, and had the resulting benefits direct deposited into his bank account. In total, King received more than $500,000 in fraud proceeds, which he spent on a new $77,000 SUV, a trip to Las Vegas, pricey restaurants, and luxury fashion brands.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.
Jury Convicts Honduran National of Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A federal jury has found Nidia Roxana Maradiaga-Flores (28), an illegal alien from Honduras, guilty of aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Maradiaga-Flores faces a maximum penalty of 12 years in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 17, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe made the announcement.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture), a construction company, is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Maradiaga-Flores is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On March 23, 2022, Maradiaga-Flores applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Maradiaga-Flores falsely identified herself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III, and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Jacksonville Minister Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS.
A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant..
In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses.
Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income.
Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Jacksonville Minister Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimeRead the Press Release
A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS.
A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant.
In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses.
Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income.
Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Five Ophthalmology Practices Agree to Pay Nearly $6M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial UltrasoundsRead the Press Release
Florida ophthalmology practices Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Florida Eye Institute P.A., Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. have agreed to pay a total of nearly $6 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act arising from their billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) through a kickback arrangement with a third-party testing company. All five practices have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.
“Kickbacks and false claims increase healthcare costs for all Americans and undermine the integrity of healthcare decision-making,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Combatting such schemes will continue to be a priority for the Justice Department.”
“These settlements are a continuing testament to the United States’ commitment to fight healthcare fraud and ensure that federal healthcare dollars are spent consistently with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida.
“Submitting false claims destroys the public’s trust in our federally funded healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to prioritize safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system and hold accountable those who try to profit from deception.”
“Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.”
The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling practices knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. The settling practices performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, the practices and the third-party testing company identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had that diagnosis, and it was not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. The settling practices paid the third-party testing company based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the testing company’s preferred radiology group for the TCDs’ professional component.
The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, the settling practices submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 1, 2022 that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law.
As a result of the settlements, Clay Eye Holdings LLC will pay $2,140,000, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC will pay $1,750,000, Florida Eye Institute P.A. will pay $1,250,000, Miami Eye LLC will pay $525,000, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. will pay $310,000. Of the total settlement amount, $333,500 will be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.
The civil settlements resolved claims in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $1,135,250 in connection with the settlements.
The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved similar allegations against Brandon Eye Associates P.A. and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. (doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care).
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Five Ophthalmology Practices Agree to Pay Nearly $6M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims to Medicare and Medicaid for Cranial UltrasoundsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Florida ophthalmology practices Clay Eye Holdings LLC, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC, Florida Eye Institute P.A., Miami Eye LLC, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. have agreed to pay a total of nearly $6 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act arising from their billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) through a kickback arrangement with a third-party testing company. All five practices have agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.
“Kickbacks and false claims increase healthcare costs for all Americans and undermine the integrity of healthcare decision-making,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Combatting such schemes will continue to be a priority for the Justice Department.”
“These settlements are a continuing testament to the United States’ commitment to fight healthcare fraud and ensure that federal healthcare dollars are spent consistently with the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe of the Middle District of Florida.
“Submitting false claims destroys the public’s trust in our federally funded healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Working together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI will continue to prioritize safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s healthcare system and hold accountable those who try to profit from deception.”
“Kickback arrangements can corrupt legitimate medical decision-making and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, working with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid as well as those served by these programs.”
The settlements announced today resolve allegations that the settling practices knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for medically unnecessary TCDs. The settling practices performed TCDs on thousands of patients and billed Medicare and Medicaid hundreds of dollars per test. Before the patients received the results of the test, the practices and the third-party testing company identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had that diagnosis, and it was not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. The settling practices paid the third-party testing company based on the volume or value of tests ordered and referred the patients to the testing company’s preferred radiology group for the TCDs’ professional component.
The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, the settling practices submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs between Jan. 1, 2018 and June 1, 2022 that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law.
As a result of the settlements, Clay Eye Holdings LLC will pay $2,140,000, Retina Macula Specialist of Miami LLC will pay $1,750,000, Florida Eye Institute P.A. will pay $1,250,000, Miami Eye LLC will pay $525,000, and Kendall Eye Institute Inc. will pay $310,000. Of the total settlement amount, $333,500 will be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.
The civil settlements resolved claims in a lawsuit filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the Government’s recovery. The qui tam was filed by a whistleblower who will receive $1,135,250 in connection with the settlements.
The settlements were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI. The United States previously resolved similar allegations against Brandon Eye Associates P.A. and Pinellas Eye Care, P.A. (doing business as Gulfcoast Eye Care).
The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Dun & Bradstreet to Pay $5.7M to Resolve Alleged Violations of Federal Trade Commission OrderRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department, acting on referral from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), announced today that a federal court has entered a stipulated order resolving a case against Dun & Bradstreet Inc., doing business as D&B. Under the court’s order, Dun & Bradstreet will pay a $2,063,000 civil penalty and $2,785,786 in customer refunds, in addition to $924,590 of refunds it has already issued, to resolve allegations that it violated an FTC order.
The FTC entered an administrative order against Dun & Bradstreet in 2022 based on alleged unfair or deceptive business practices prohibited by the FTC Act. According to a complaint filed in the Middle District of Florida, Dun & Bradstreet violated provisions of that order requiring it to (1) accurately notify customers of the automatic renewal prices of its products; (2) not misrepresent its products; and (3) create and maintain records of its compliance with the order. The complaint alleges that in connection with its sale of credit-related services to small businesses, Dun & Bradstreet sent many of its customers inaccurate pricing notices, omitted or misrepresented certain facts about its products during sales calls, and failed to retain all of the call recordings required by the order.
“The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that American small businesses receive accurate information about the products and services they purchase,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to work with the FTC to enforce its orders and hold violators accountable.”
“Our signed orders are not suggestions,” said Director Christopher Mufarrige of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “This settlement is another example of the Bureau’s effort to reinvigorate its fraud program and protect small businesses from deceptive and unlawful conduct.”
The United States is represented in this action by Senior Trial Attorney Sarah Williams and Assistant Director Zachary A. Dietert from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacy R. Harwell, Jr. for the Middle District of Florida provided assistance. Christopher J. Erickson and Taylor H. Bates represent the FTC.
For more information about the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch, visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Unregistered Devices and Attempting to Maliciously Use Explosive DeviceRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jesse William Korff (31, North Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment charging him with possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of unregistered silencers, possession of an unregistered destructive device, and attempted malicious use of an explosive. Korff faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms by a convicted felon, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the possession of unregistered silencers and destructive device, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for attempted malicious use of an explosive. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on May 19, 2025, Korff was at a residence when the Fort Myers Police Department was dispatched to a 911 hang-up call. Officers arrived and reported a hostage situation. The officers observed a male, later identified as Korff, in a scuffle with a female. They detained Korff. The officers seized a firearm and silencer that had come loose during the scuffle and also located a destructive device coming out of Korff’s pocket.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Bomb Squad used a robot to remove the pipe bomb and take Korff into custody. Further evidence and testing of the device by LCSO and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that the device had attempted to be detonated. Another silencer, firearm, and ammunition were located inside Korff’s vehicle. Officers and agents also found other bomb making materials within Korff’s residence.
Korff is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. He was previously convicted of transfer and possession of a toxin for use as a weapon, smuggling toxins from the United States, and conspiracy to kill, maim, or injure a person in a foreign country.
This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
Wakulla County Man Arrested and Charged with Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Richard Lynn Simmons, Jr. (36, Sopchoppy) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Simmons faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Pursuant to his appearance in federal court on January 9, 2026, Simmons was detained pending further proceedings in this case.
According to court documents, between November 8, 2025, and January 6, 2026, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville conducted an undercover operation using an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. During this time period, UC was posing as the parent of an underage child. UC and app user “snowwis89” exchanged several private online messages on the app and by text messaging. After UC advised app user “snowwis89” that UC had access to an 11-year-old child, app user “snowwis89” stated that he was into “kinky stuff” and that he liked “young.” When asked if “is 11 too young for u,” app user “snowwis89” responded, “Na it’s not … would she be ok with it?” Later, app user “snowwis89,” who was subsequently identified as Simmons, described by text the specific sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child.” After more text messages and several telephone conversations discussing his travel plans and his desire to meet UC and the “child,” on January 6, 2026, Simmons drove from the Tallahassee area to Jacksonville where he was arrested by FBI agents.
A criminal complaint is an allegation 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 St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Spouse of Convicted Narcotics Dealer Sentenced to Five Years’ Imprisonment for Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Island Thi Truong (40, Orlando) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. The court also ordered Truong to forfeit two real properties and two luxury watches, all of which were purchased with proceeds of drug distribution activities and were used to conceal the origin of those funds. Truong pleaded guilty in August 2025.
According to the plea agreement, Truong conspired with her husband, George Pherai-Bogeajis, to launder the proceeds of his drug distribution activities. Pherai-Bogeajis was separately convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams of methamphetamine, for which he was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months’ imprisonment. Truong helped Pherai-Bogeajis conceal hundreds of thousands of dollars of illicit drug proceeds by making extensive cash deposits, using a fake tax services company through which drug proceeds were laundered, and using third-party nominees to write checks in exchange for cash. In turn, Truong used the concealed proceeds to fund luxury vacations and purchase expensive jewelry, including an 18-karat yellow gold Rolex wristwatch for approximately $44,000. In total, Truong laundered more than $750,000 in drug proceeds.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Money Laundering Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Hill and Risha Asokan. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.
Jacksonville Child Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Materials over the Internet and Ordered to Pay $45,000 in Restitution to Child VictimsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Alexander James Koby (40, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) over the internet. Koby was also ordered to serve a 15-year term of supervised release and pay $45,000 in restitution to child victims. Koby pleaded guilty on August 15, 2025. Koby has been in federal custody since September 2024 when he was transported from state prison where he was serving a sentence for failing to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, in 2014, Koby was convicted in federal court of possessing CSAM. After serving his federal prison sentence and being released in August 2019, Koby began serving a 25-year term of supervised release while living in Jacksonville.
On December 7, 2022, a search of Koby’s residence revealed that he possessed a computer, a cellphone, and an external hard drive in violation of the terms of his supervision, and these items were seized. During an interview, Koby admitted that he used a particular internet browser to search for photos and videos depicting children being sexually abused, and further that he masturbated when viewing these materials. When asked why he would continue to do this, Koby stated that he gets a high from “living dangerously.”
Forensic examination of the three devices seized from Koby’s residence revealed that they contained a total of 103 videos and 2,311 photos depicting the sadistic sexual abuse of young children. Koby had downloaded these contraband materials using the internet from March 11 through December 7, 2022.
“This predator’s repeated conviction for seeking out and downloading hundreds of videos and thousands of photos depicting the sadistic sexual abuse of children—to ‘live dangerously’—is in defiance of the law, and at the expense of perpetuating the lifetime victimhood of innocent children,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “These images and videos are not just pictures, but evidence of heinous crimes against real children. Every time this vile material is viewed or shared, the suffering of these young victims is renewed. HSI and the INTERCEPT Task Force partners will stop at nothing to find these predators and hold them accountable to their crimes.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Attorney Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Benjamin Crawford (47, Brandon) to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by 25 years of supervised release, for distributing child sexual abuse material. Crawford pleaded guilty in June 2025. The court also ordered Crawford to forfeit a cellphone and laptop, which were used in the commission of the offense. Crawford is also required to register as a sex offender.
According to court documents, Crawford distributed child sexual abuse material over a social media application and accessed with the intent to view child sexual abuse material on his cellphone and laptop. Crawford also obstructed law enforcement’s investigation by deleting various applications from his cellphone before law enforcement conducted a search related to his criminal activity.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Tampa and Tennessee. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Martin County Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Chason Reed Peck (37, Palm City) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Peck faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the money laundering counts. As part of his guilty plea, Peck has agreed to forfeit $300,000, which are funds traceable as proceeds of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, on February 3, 2017, Peck applied for and received business financing from Deere & Company (“John Deere”). On February 16, 2020, Peck applied for a $300,000 total credit limit on his John Deere credit. Peck hand-wrote the financial application and gave it to a representative of an agricultural store in Ocala to submit on his behalf. The application, however, contained false information that greatly overstated Peck’s assets. For instance, Peck claimed his cash assets were approximately $3 million. He also claimed to have 1,500 of acres of farming land. In reality, Peck’s cash assets were approximately $6,000, and he was only farming about 60 acres. Based on the fraudulent information he submitted, Peck obtained the increased credit line along with lines of ‘liquid credit” (business loans). Peck then used the increased credit line to make three payments towards debts he already had with his employer. Those payments totaled $274,673.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Getaway Driver Charged in Jewelry Store RobberyRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Ivel Sanchez Rivera (52, Hialeah) with conspiracy and interference with commerce by robbery and use and brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, Sanchez Rivera faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offense and a consecutive 7 years in federal prison for the firearm offense.
According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, 2026, two armed assailants entered the Tio Jewelers in Cape Coral from an adjacent vacant business space while the jewelry store was closed. Upon the arrival of the manager that morning to the store, the robbers restrained the manager and forced a safe to be opened. The robbers then took a large amount of jewelry and two firearms from the store. The robbers left in a getaway vehicle driven by a third individual who was later identified as Sanchez Rivera.
The Cape Coral Police Department identified Sanchez Rivera’s vehicle as being involved in the robbery. Sanchez Rivera had driven the car to the area of the jewelry store the night before and then immediately returned to Miami following the robbery. A search warrant was executed at Sanchez Rivera’s residence and two firearms were recovered, including a firearm that was taken from the jewelry store manager during the robbery.
A criminal complaint is an allegation 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 Cape Coral Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.
Criminal ComplaintFormer St. Augustine Eighth Grade Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice and Use A 14-Year-Old Child to Produce A Sexual Abuse VideoRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Matthew Christopher Yates (31, Hastings) to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to entice and use a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a video of her own sexual abuse. Yates was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Yates pleaded guilty on August 27, 2025. At the time of his arrest on March 11, 2022, Yates was employed as an eighth-grade teacher at a school in St. Augustine.
According to court documents, on February 11, 2022, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing online as a 14-year-old child, responded to an online notice on a social media application posted by the user “English teacher,” who was subsequently identified as Yates. The notice read, “Any women want to be rated by a teacher?” During this online text conversation, the “child” advised that “she” was 14 years old and in eighth grade, and Yates stated that he was a teacher, asking the “child,” “[e]ver fantasize about a teacher?” Yates and the “child” exchanged photos, and Yates stated, “I bet you look hot in a bikini.”
Between February 22 and March 11, 2022, Yates and the “child” exchanged more text messages, and Yates sent the “child” several photos, including some that were sexually explicit. On March 8, 2022, Yates asked the “child” to meet in person, and he detailed the specific sexual acts that he intended to perform on the “child” when they met.
Two days later, Yates and the “child” confirmed plans to meet, and Yates asked the “child” if “she” wanted to video-record their planned sexual activity so that the “child” “could remember it even better.” Yates told the “child” that he could use his cellphone to record their sexual activity and that he would later delete the video so that no one would see it.
On March 11, 2022, Yates drove to a prearranged location in Jacksonville to meet the “child” for sex and was arrested by FBI agents. A search revealed that Yates had brought several condoms and a cellphone with him. During an interview, Yates admitted that he was going to meet a 14-year-old girl that he had met online and that he intended to have sex with “her.” When asked if he going to have sex with the 14-year-old girl and record it on video, Yates stated, “I said if that’s what she wanted, that we could,” and “I did just want to leave it up to her.” He admitted that it was his idea to make a video of his sexual encounter with the “child.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threat to Kill A Member of the United States House of RepresentativesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Myles M. McQuade (30, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of a threat to injure a Member of the United States House of Representatives. McQuade faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, on September 12, 2025, McQuade transmitted social media posts containing gruesome and threatening messages to harm a U.S. Congresswoman as well as members of her immediate family.
This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler III.
Sports Agent Indicted for Embezzling Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars from ClientsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Lucas Mirtl (42, Prosper, TX) with four counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Mirtl faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The indictment also notifies Mirtl that the United States intends to forfeit at least $351,797, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offenses.
According to the indictment, Mirtl worked as a sports agent for a sports marketing and talent management company based in Los Angeles, California. Between August 2023 and January 2025, Mirtl perpetrated a scheme to defraud two clients of hundreds of thousands of dollars. As part of the scheme, Mirtl gained access to bank accounts that contained funds generated by his clients’ professional activities. Mirtl, without authorization, withdrew funds in small increments from those accounts for his personal use over the course of approximately 18 months, including transactions sent directly to his personal bank account. To conceal the unauthorized transactions, Mirtl entered false and fraudulent memo lines that identified payments as being for goods and services that Mirtl never provided.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.
IndictmentRegistered Sex Offender Sentenced to 30 Years for Transporting and Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material and AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced James Matthew Oxley (53, Polk City) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transporting child sexual abuse material. Oxley was also sentenced to 20 years, to run concurrently with the 30-year sentence, for possession of child sexual abuse material and possession of obscene visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The court also ordered Oxley to forfeit a cellphone used in the commission of the offense, pay $18,000 in restitution to victims, and register as a sex offender. Oxley pleaded guilty in September 2025.
According to court documents, on December 17, 2024, Oxley left the Tampa seaport onboard a cruise ship. The ship traveled to two destinations in Mexico before returning to Tampa. On December 22, 2024, upon disembarking in Tampa, all individuals aboard the ship went through U.S. Customs. Oxley was referred for a secondary inspection. During the secondary inspection, agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered suspected child sex abuse material on Oxley’s cellphone. The agents observed images and videos involving the sexual abuse of minors, including children under 12 years of age. Oxley also possessed AI-generated images that appeared to depict minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Oxley is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted in 2012 of three counts of possessing images showing the sexual performance by a child, in violation of Florida state laws.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.
Hernando County Man Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Richard Joseph Edstrom (40, Hernando) on an indictment charging him with possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Edstrom faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, between March 2024 and October 2025, Edstrom possessed and accessed material that contained child sexual abuse material.
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 brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
Hardee County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Daniel Juarez (39, Hardee County) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Juarez was found guilty on September 29, 2025, after a stipulated facts bench trial.
According to court documents, on March 15, 2024, Juarez sold a pound and a half of methamphetamine to an undercover DEA agent. Juarez had a previous conviction for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell in Hardee County Circuit Court in 2020.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
Haitian Nationals Charged with Unlawfully Smuggling Firearms from United StatesRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Francesca Charles, 28, a U.S. citizen residing in Florida; Jacques Pierre, 32; and his brother, Jeff Pierre, 34, both citizens of Haiti residing in FL, with conspiracy to smuggle goods and unlawfully ship firearms, smuggling goods from the United States, and unlawfully shipping firearms. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, in February 2025, officials in the Dominican Republic seized 18 rifles, 5 handguns, firearms magazines, over 36,000 rounds of ammunition, and a silencer from inside a container that had been shipped from Miami, Florida. The shipping container was destined for Haiti. The firearms and ammunition were not listed on the shipping manifest, which instead listed household goods. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), learned that the defendants were the purchasers of at least 20 of the 23 firearms seized from the shipping container.
Throughout the investigation, agents learned that the defendants purchased at least 46 firearms between May 2024 and February 2025, most of which were the same make and model as the firearms recovered in the Dominican Republic. Thirty-seven of those firearms were purchased between August 9, 2024, and February 10, 2025. Agents also obtained records that Jacques Pierre purchased two Barrett .50-caliber rifles, which are heavy-duty military-style weapons that are typically mounted to the tops of vehicles and used in furtherance of violence by gangs and cartels. One of the Barrett rifles was recovered in the aforementioned shipment in February 2025.
Travel and shipping records showed that the co-conspirators would facilitate a shipment to Haiti shortly after purchasing a large number of firearms, then would travel to Haiti around the time the shipment was scheduled to arrive in Haiti. Travel records also showed that the defendants traveled to the Dominican Republic three days before the shipping container was intercepted.
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 ATF and HSI with assistance from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince and the United States Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
New Port Richey Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Threats to Kill Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Benjamin Rubin (79, New Port Richey) has pleaded guilty to interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials. Rubin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court documents, during the month of February 2025, Rubin began posting about his frustrations on social media. The tenor of his postings became increasingly violent and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures.
On February 20, 2025, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.” Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. Cabinet Member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her.”
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Demetric Antwan Swinton (39, Cocoa) to 15 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Swinton pleaded guilty on August 26, 2025.
According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of more than a pound of methamphetamine each from Swinton after he was identified as a methamphetamine source operating in Brevard County. A search warrant was then executed at Swinton’s residence resulting in the seizure of additional methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug processing materials. In total, Swinton was responsible for over 1,750 grams of pure methamphetamine and over 50 grams of cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Racially Motivated Violent Extremist Charged for Possessing an Unregistered Firearm and Child Sexual Abuse OffensesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Lucas Alexander Temple (20, Sarasota) for possessing an unregistered firearm, possession of a firearm with a removed serial number, and receipt of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Temple was previously arrested on a criminal complaint.
According to the indictment and criminal complaint, while executing the search warrant at Temple’s home in Sarasota on November 20, 2025, federal agents recovered a shotgun with sawed-off barrel that was not registered to Temple. Federal law prohibits the possession of shotguns with barrels fewer than 18 inches in length without registration in National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Agents also found evidence that Temple had been plotting a racially motivated act of violence, including pipe bombs, multiple firearms, ammunition, a pressure cooker, literature on how to manufacture explosives, and a written plan as to his intentions:
Temple also possessed a variety of Nazi and mass shooting propaganda materials, including the Journals of Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, the perpetrators of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, and a large flag bearing the Atomwaffen Division symbol:
The Atomwaffen Division (AWD) is a US-based racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist group. The group’s targets have included racial minorities, the Jewish community, the LGBTQ community, the United States Government, journalists, and critical infrastructure. AWD’s ideology largely focused on accelerationism, meaning the goal was to push society into armed conflict in an effort to create a radical social transformation.
As part of its investigation, federal agents learned that Temple had been communicating with other ideologically aligned individuals online about conducting violence against minorities and providing instructions on how to manufacture explosives.
Agents also discovered that, on at least two occasions, Temple received images of a minor engaged 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 is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force with assistance from the Sarasota County’s Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stoia and Risha Asokan.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Jury Convicts Honduran National of Aggravated Identity Theft and Associated Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Cristian Daniel Diaz-Garcia (27), an illegal alien from Honduras, guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of false representation of a Social Security number, and two counts of making a false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Diaz-Garcia faces a maximum penalty of 24 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026. He was indicted on July 30, 2024.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Diaz-Garcia is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On August 17, 2021, Diaz-Garcia applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Diaz-Garcia falsely identified himself as a United States citizen and used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
After getting fired in 2022, Diaz-Garcia purchased additional means of identification of a different U.S. Citizen, without that citizen’s knowledge. On February 1, 2023, Diaz-Garcia, once again, applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Diaz-Garcia falsely identified himself as this other United States citizen and used that other person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration–Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Wheeler, III and Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Jury Convicts Chinese National for Role in Unlicensed Firearms Dealing and Unlawfully Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Jincheng Shi (St. Cloud, 28) guilty of aiding and abetting unlicensed firearms dealing and possession of a firearm as an alien admitted under a nonimmigrant visa. Shi faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
Shi was indicted on September 3, 2025.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Shi was admitted to the United States under a nonimmigrant work visa in 2022, placing him in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. Since then, Shi operated a firearms parts business through which he sold various firearms parts and accessories at gun shows and out of a rented storage unit. Codefendants Victor Lafontaine and Jose Maldonado were among his customers, who then assembled the parts into completed firearms and sold them without the required Federal Firearms License. The evidence at trial showed that Lafontaine sold firearms to prohibited persons, including convicted felons.
When executing a search warrant at Shi’s home on February 20, 2025, federal agents found multiple firearms, including the Ruger rifle depicted below:
Trial evidence showed that Shi knew that his customers were assembling the firearms parts into completed firearms for sale.
Shi was originally charged with six other individuals, including Lafontaine and Maldonado, as part of a gun trafficking operation. Shi’s six codefendants pleaded guilty and either have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Winter Garden Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Apopka Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Kissimmee Police Officer Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced Dariel Javier Quiles-Davila (27, Kissimmee) to seven years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material. Quiles-Davila was found guilty by a federal jury on August 22, 2025.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, in October 2023, Quiles-Davila was an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department. At that time, Quiles-Davila met a minor victim while on duty. After learning the minor victim’s contact information, Quiles-Davila began to communicate directly with the minor victim with his personal cell phone and over social media, sent the minor victim money, and solicited and received sexually explicit photographs and videos of the minor victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kissimmee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sartoian and Chauncey A. Bratt.
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.
California Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Cyber Stalking and Threats to InjureRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virgina Covington has sentenced Robert B. McDougal (30, California) to six years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for one count of cyber stalking and three counts of interstate transmission of threats to injure.
McDougal pleaded guilty on March 24, 2025.
According to court documents, McDougal made numerous public social media posts threatening to kill the victim and his family members. McDougal started making these threats in July of 2020. On January 28, 2021, the defendant was served with an Injunction and ordered to stop making these posts but persisted in making several violent and graphic threats to kill the victim and his family until shortly before his arrest in April of 2024. McDougal had previously been convicted of similar offenses with different, unrelated victims.
This case was investigated by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes and Special Assistant United States Attorney Joesph Wheeler III.
Ocala Man Indicted for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Justin Charles Brown (45, Ocala) with producing child sex abuse material (CSAM) and possessing CSAM. If convicted on all counts, Brown faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison. In addition, he would be required to serve a minimum term of 5 years’ supervised release and register as a sex offender. The indictment also notifies Brown that the United States intends to forfeit a cellular phone, which was used in the offense.
According to a previously issued criminal complaint, Brown came into contact with a child in California on social media around February 2024. Brown sent files of CSAM to the child and asked the child to produce child sex material for Brown. The child disclosed to the FBI that on one occasion she had broadcast herself being sexually abused by a friend of the family to Brown, at his request, via Facetime.
On October 2025, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Brown’s residence and seized his cellular phone. A review of the phone revealed that it contained CSAM, including a video of the child in California being sexually abused by the family friend in February 2024.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
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.
Lakeland Tax Preparer Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia Covington has sentenced George Tucker, Jr. to seven years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aiding and assisting in the filing of false and fraudulent tax returns. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,354,757.64, the proceeds of the criminal conduct, and restitution in the amount of $15,028,309.89 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Tucker entered a guilty plea on December 2, 2024.
According to court documents, beginning in March 2021, and continuing through February 2024, Tucker engaged in a scheme to defraud the IRS. Tucker prepared or assisted in the preparation of 316 false and fraudulent tax returns for 196 taxpayers, including himself, for tax years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The tax returns contained falsified Schedules A, B, 1, and 3, as well as fraudulent Forms W-2G, which contained fabricated figures for gambling winnings and losses, and federal tax withholding amounts (based on the fake gambling winnings). The false tax returns requested substantial refunds from the IRS that the taxpayers were not legally entitled to receive.
The total intended tax loss from the tax returns Tucker prepared was $59,941,751. The actual loss totaled $15,028,309.89, which the IRS paid out to taxpayers, including Tucker, either as tax refunds or credits applied to prior debts. Tucker personally profited $1,354,757.64 in the form of payments from his taxpayer-clients or refunds he received directly from the IRS. Tucker used the fraud proceeds to enrich himself, including buying expensive jewelry.
"These defendants spent their days looking for ways to cheat. Those who deliberately exploit our tax system for personal gain will face serious consequences," said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker of the IRS Criminal Investigation Florida Field Office. "These prosecutions reflect the dedication of our agents to protecting honest taxpayers and upholding justice for all Americans."
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Ross Roberts.