Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Idaho Man Pleads Guilty to Attempting to Solicit Sexual Abuse Images of A 9-Year-Old ChildRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced that Aaron Kirk Woolman (58, Hagerman, Idaho) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a 9-year-old child to engage in sexual activity and produce pornographic images of herself. Woolman faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Woolman was arrested by FBI agents at his home in Idaho on December 11, 2019, and transported to Jacksonville, where he remains in custody pending sentencing.
According to court documents, on August 7, 2019, an undercover FBI agent from Jacksonville, posing as a parent of a 9-year-old child, made contact with Woolman in an online chat application. During several chat sessions, Woolman solicited the “parent” to send him pornographic images of the child. Woolman also engaged in conversations via text messaging with an undercover FBI agent posing as the 9-year-old child. During these conversations, Woolman solicited the “child” to engage in sexual activity, produce explicit images of herself, and send these images to Woolman. Woolman tried to convince the “child” to comply with his requests by sending the “child” explicit images of himself and adult pornography.
On December 13, 2019, FBI agents and other law enforcement personnel executed a search warrant at Woolman’s home, where he was arrested. Woolman admitted to communicating with the “dad” and the 9-year-old “girl” for a couple of weeks. He also admitted that he had sent the “girl” a picture of his penis and acknowledged that he had asked the “girl” for a picture of her in the shower, and for other explicit pictures of her.
A search of Woolman’s online cloud storage account revealed several images and videos depicting young children engaged in sexual acts with adults. Woolman’s smart phone also contained child sex abuse images. FBI agents also recovered a loaded handgun in the drawer of Woolman’s nightstand, stored together with a quantity of marijuana, baggies, and a digital scale.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Jacksonville and Boise, Idaho), as well as the Gooding County (Idaho) Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Falls (Idaho) Police Department. 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 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.
Ocala Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of A Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Tommy Lee Holt (26, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered destructive device in the form of an incendiary bomb. Holt faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Holt was indicted on February 26, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on November 5, 2019, Holt manufactured eight incendiary bombs (Molotov cocktails) using glass bottles filled with gasoline. After illegally manufacturing the devices, Holt brought them to a branch of the State of Florida’s Department of Children and Families in Marion County. Once there, he lit the wicks on the destructive devices and unsuccessfully attempted to throw one at the building. When apprehended by police, Holt had a lighter clenched in his right hand and his clothing wreaked of gasoline.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ocala Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety—one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Convicted Felon with Body Armor Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Duvale Lamar Van Dyke (31, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Van Dyke faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
Van Dyke was indicted on January 22, 2020.
According to the plea agreement, on January 1, 2020, City of Ocala police officers stopped Van Dyke in his vehicle pursuant to an active warrant for his arrest. A search of the car revealed a loaded firearm, a jar of marijuana, and body armor designed to protect against armor-piercing rifle rounds. The officers also located a .223 rifle round in Van Dyke’s pants pocket. Van Dyke admitted that all of these items belonged to him.
As a previously convicted felon, Van Dyke is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ocala Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Loan Officer and Real Estate Developer Sentenced for Conspiracy to Make False Statements to BanksRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Jonathan Marmol (41, Odessa) to 15 months in federal prison and Mordechai Boaziz (67, Miami Beach) to 90 days in federal prison for conspiracy to make false statements to financial institutions.
Marmol and Boaziz had pleaded guilty to the offenses in November 2019.
According to court documents, beginning around the summer of 2006, and continuing through August 2008, Boaziz and Marmol conspired with others to execute a scheme to influence the credit decisions of financial institutions in connection with the sale of condominium units at The Preserve at Temple Terrace, a 392-unit condominium complex located in Temple Terrace, Florida. Boaziz was a real estate developer converting The Preserve from an apartment complex into a condominium complex. Boaziz, the leader and organizer of the fraud scheme, hired Marmol to market the condominium units at the complex.
In order to recruit and entice otherwise unqualified buyers to purchase units at The Preserve, the conspirators offered to pay the prospective buyers’ down payments (“cash-to-close”). The conspirators then intentionally concealed the cash-to-close payments from the financial institutions that originated and funded the related mortgage loans.
In particular, the HUD-1 Settlement Statements submitted to the financial institutions falsely stated that the buyers brought their own cash-to-close funds to purchase the units, which influenced the financial institutions’ mortgage loan approval decisions. In reality, Boaziz funded the buyers’ cash-to-close and routed the payments through Marmol and others. Boaziz caused approximately $5.36 million in losses, and Marmol caused approximately $330,000 in losses to the victim financial institutions who financed the units at The Preserve.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor and Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Tampa Man Indicted for Being A Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Rossonno Borders, Jr. (22, Tampa) with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Borders faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Borders that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.
According to the
indictment , on or about February 5, 2020, in the Middle District of Florida, Borders knowingly possessed a firearm and five rounds of 9mm ammunition. Borders had been previously convicted of grand theft, a third-degree felony, on or about June 1, 2017. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tampa Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Callan L. Albritton.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This investigation is also the result of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
Port Richey Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug Dealing and Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington today sentenced Angelo Salvarezza (38, Port Richey) to 12 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.
Salvarezza had pleaded guilty on February 12, 2020.
According to court documents, Salvarezza was an illegal narcotics dealer in a residential neighborhood in Port Richey, Florida. From his own residence, Salvarezza sold a confidential source (CS) methamphetamine on three different occasions. In total, Salvarezza sold the CS 4 ounces of methamphetamine for $2,400.
On February 12, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Salvarezza’s residence. During that search, they located approximately 152.2 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, three handguns, various ammunition, and $6,367, all in Salvarezza’s bedroom.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety—one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Palm Bay Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Credit Card FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced three individuals for possessing device-making equipment used to manufacture counterfeit credit cards. Cassandra S. Ulysse (28, Palm Bay) was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, Wilson Sidney Joseph Ash (31, Palm Bay) was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison, and Herly Pierre Ulysse (25, Palm Bay) was sentenced to 8 months in federal prison. All three individuals had pleaded guilty in February 2020. A fourth co-defendant, Dwight R. Cunningham (35, Palm Bay), who was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019, for possession of device-making equipment, possession of 15 or more counterfeit access devices, and aggravated identity theft, is a fugitive and has not yet been arrested.
According to court documents, on April 7, 2018, officers from the Palm Bay Police Department obtained a search warrant to search a residence in Palm Bay, where Cassandra S. Ulysse, Herly Pierre Ulysse and Ash had been living. While searching the residence, officers located a credit card printer, a card embosser, several credit card skimming and encoding devices, several counterfeit Florida ID cards, and a number of counterfeit credit cards. The counterfeit credit cards were manufactured using stolen identities and stolen credit card numbers.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Palm Bay Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Hudson Man Indicted for Production, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Charles Poole (47, Hudson) with one count of production of child pornography, two counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted on all counts, Poole faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Poole that the United States intends to forfeit two cellphones possessed by Poole and alleged to have been used in the commission of these offenses.
According to the
indictment , between October 2019 and January 2020, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) reported several CyberTips involving the receipt and distribution of child pornography over Facebook, between user “charlie.poole.14” and another unidentified user. Using IP addresses provided by Facebook, as well as account information for “charlie.poole.14,” law enforcement identified the user as Poole.On April 29, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Poole’s residence and discovered hundreds of images of child pornography on his devices, including an image he had produced. Law enforcement determined that the image depicted an approximately 12-year-old girl known to Poole.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Convicted Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 17 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Jose Manuel DeJesus-Mujica (41, Ocala) to 17 months in federal prison for illegal re-entry into the United States. DeJesus-Mujica had pleaded guilty on February 28, 2020.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at sentencing, DeJesus-Mujica was convicted of trafficking in cocaine with a firearm in Kentucky on February 21, 2003. He was deported from the United States on October 8, 2004. DeJesus-Mujica then illegally re-entered the United States at an unknown date, but no later than 2010, and continued to live in the United States until he was arrested on December 17, 2019.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Career Criminal Sentenced to over 13 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida –Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Shane Lamar Harris (41, Dunnellon) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon. Harris had pleaded guilty on January 23, 2020.
According to court documents, City of Ocala police officers stopped Harris in his car for several traffic infractions on January 27, 2018. During a search of the car, the officers recovered small bags of cocaine and marijuana, a loaded pistol under the driver’s seat, and a stolen shotgun in the back of the automobile. A subsequent laboratory analysis conclusively showed Harris’s DNA on the firearms. Harris’s previous convictions, including numerous drug sales, qualified him for a sentencing enhancement as an Armed Career Criminal. As a convicted felon, Harris is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the City of Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ATF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Brandon Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Robert Miller (54, Brandon) to six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment of $75,984, the proceeds from the offense, and ordered Miller to pay restitution.
Miller had pleaded guilty on January 28, 2020.
According to court documents, Miller’s mother, S.M., was receiving Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits. On December 9, 2009, S.M. passed away and her death was never reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Consequently, the SSA continued to make the benefit payments. From December 2009 through June 2019, Miller accessed the funds meant for S.M. and used them for his own personal expenses. In total, Miller knowingly and willfully stole approximately $75,984 in benefits to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
Hudson Man Sentenced for Theft of Government FundsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Glenn Hoyt Harrison (71, Hudson) to three years and five months in federal prison for theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the court also entered a money judgment of $363,344.10, the proceeds from the offense, and ordered Harrison to pay restitution.
Harrison had pleaded guilty on August 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Harrison’s mother, L.S., was receiving Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits. L.S. passed away in November 1994, and her death was never reported to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Consequently, the SSA continued to make the benefit payments. From November 1994, through December 2017, Harrison accessed the funds meant for L.S. and used them for his own personal expenses. In total, Harrison knowingly and willfully stole approximately $363,344.10 in benefits to which he was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.
Convicted Felon Arrested for Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Malcolm Jerome Straughter (34, Ocala) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Straughter faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Federal agents arrested Straughter yesterday.
According to court records, on March 19, 2020, officers from the City of Ocala Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Straughter’s vehicle, during which officers found Straughter in possession of a loaded 9mm firearm and multiple small bags of marijuana. The firearm had an obliterated serial number and was later confirmed to be stolen.
Straughter has prior state felony convictions for possession of cocaine, possession of a short-barreled shotgun, and robbery with a firearm. Because of his prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Trio Charged in Conspiracy to Defraud U.S. Department of AgricultureRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Ghasan Awad (58, Safety Harbor); Ahmad Al Saleh (56, Tampa); and Bassam Al Saleh (63, Tampa) with conspiracy to defraud the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and making false statements to the USDA regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”). The indictment also charges Awad alone with three counts of wire fraud and three counts of obtaining SNAP benefits in violation of federal law and USDA regulations, and Ahmad Al Saleh and Bassam Al Saleh each with three counts of making certain false statements to the USDA. If convicted, each individual faces up to 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy offenses. Awad also faces up to 5 years in prison for each of the charged SNAP benefits violations, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each wire fraud count, and Ahmad Al Saleh and Bassam Al Saleh each face a maximum of 5 years in prison for each false statement count. The indictment notifies the defendants that the United States is seeking a money judgment as to the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the
indictment , Awad was the former owner of Express Meat Market, a grocery store in St. Petersburg, Florida that accepted SNAP benefits. After his disqualification from SNAP, Awad conspired with the other defendants to fraudulently transfer ownership of the store to Ahmad Al Saleh, so that Awad could conceal his ongoing, active role in the store’s operations. The indictment further alleges that, after the fraudulent transfer, Awad unlawfully violated SNAP by paying cash to store customers in exchange for their SNAP benefits, in violation of federal statutes and the USDA regulations governing SNAP. The indictment also includes allegations that the conspirators made a number of false and fraudulent statements to the USDA to effect the fraudulent transfer of the store’s ownership.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 USDA-Office of Inspector General and the Department of Homeland Security, with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Possession of Molotov Cocktail at ProtestRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Ivan Jacob Zecher (27, Jacksonville) with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, Zecher faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. At a hearing on June 10, 2020, U.S. Zecher was ordered detained pending trial.
According to court documents, during a protest in downtown Jacksonville that was related to the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zecher was part of a group of protesters blocking traffic and throwing items such as water bottles and rocks at police officers and cars. After refusing orders to disperse, Zecher was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for unlawful assembly. An officer removed Zecher’s backpack to place him in flexcuffs and noticed a liquid leaking from it. A search of the backpack revealed a liquor bottle that smelled strongly of gasoline, a lighter, and a hatchet. Zecher admitted that he was holding the bottle in his backpack for an associate, and that he knew the bottle contained gasoline. Special Agents from the FBI were on the scene and responded immediately. Preliminary analysis by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the bottle – which contained gasoline (a flammable liquid) and polystyrene (a flammable gel), and the cork to which was coated with polystyrene – constituted a “Molotov cocktail,” which is an incendiary bomb and destructive device, and therefore considered a firearm under federal law. As a previously convicted felon, Zecher is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the FBI-Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Clearwater Pair Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl, Causing Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Courtney Michaelis (37, Clearwater) and Nicholas Ham (21, Clearwater) with distributing fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury to an individual. Michaelis is also charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl and heroin, as well as possessing a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin with the intent to distribute it. If convicted on all counts, Michaelis and Ham each face a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Michaelis and Ham that the United States intends to forfeit any property either used to facilitate the offenses or obtained as a result of them.
According to the
indictment , from at least September 18 through November 21, 2019, Michaelis engaged in a conspiracy with others to distribute controlled substances, specifically fentanyl and heroin. On September 18, 2019, Michaelis and Ham worked together to distribute fentanyl to an individual. When the individual used the fentanyl, the individual overdosed, suffering a serious bodily injury. On November 21, 2019, Michaelis was found in possession of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin, which she had intended to distribute.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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael M. Gordon.
Naples Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Ancelot Similien to 22 months in federal prison for preparing and filing false federal income tax returns. The court ordered Similien to pay $103,393 to the IRS in restitution. Similien had pleaded guilty on March 5, 2020.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Similien was the owner and operator of D’Lux Tax Inc. (“DTI”), a tax preparation business located in Naples, Florida. For the tax years 2013 through 2016, Similien prepared and filed false and fraudulent Forms 1040 (Individual U.S. Income Tax Returns) for his clients. The tax returns contained material falsities, including false Schedule C business losses and false Schedule A itemized deductions. As a result, Similien caused larger income tax refunds to be issued to his clients than what they were entitled.
Similien continued to prepare and file false returns, even after suspension of his Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN), by using an EFIN assigned to another individual. Similien prepared a double set of returns, one for the IRS, and one for his clients that did not show the false items reported on the returns filed with the IRS. Similien “skimmed” some of the refunds issued to the taxpayers by retaining portions of the fraudulent refunds for his own personal use, in addition to charging the taxpayers tax return preparation fees.
“As most Americans are aware, the tax filing season was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn’t mean crime takes a break or that the wheels of justice stop,” stated Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The sentencing today of Mr. Similien should send a warning to fraudulent return preparers to beware that we are still watching. Moreover, taxpayers must practice due diligence in selecting a reputable and qualified tax return preparer.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds Convictions and Lengthy Sentences of Texas Lawyer and Another for International Money Laundering Conspiracy and Mail and Wire Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has upheld the convictions of Priscilla Ann Ellis (Killeen, Texas) and Perry Don Cortese (Little River, Texas) on charges that they had participated in an extensive mail and wire fraud conspiracy and an international money laundering conspiracy. The court also affirmed Ellis’s statutory maximum 40-year sentence and Cortese’s 25-year sentence. (Last year, the court upheld Ellis’s 65-year sentence in a separate, related case, in which she was convicted of murder-for-hire, witness retaliation, and securities counterfeiting.)
Ellis and Cortese were charged in a superseding indictment in 2015. According to the evidence presented at their trial, both were members of an international criminal organization that defrauded dozens of victims across the United States and then laundered the proceeds/profits, sending much of the money overseas. The fraud schemes took several forms.
Many victims were law firms that were solicited online to perform legal work, were sent counterfeit cashier’s checks for deposit into the firms’ trust accounts, and were then directed to wire transfer money to third-party shell businesses controlled by the conspirators. Other victims were title companies defrauded in phony real-estate transactions. Still other victims were targeted and defrauded by fake suitors on dating websites. The conspirators also employed hackers who compromised both individual and corporate e-mail accounts, ordering wire transfers from brokerage and business accounts to shell accounts that the conspirators controlled.
Victims were instructed to wire transfer money into bank accounts held by conspirators, known as “money mules.” The funds were then quickly moved to other accounts in the United States and around the world, before the victims could discover the fraud. Bank records presented at trial showed that, from 2012 to 2015, several million dollars’ worth of wires were received in accounts to be laundered. Conspirators in Canada, Nigeria, South Korea, Senegal, and elsewhere helped coordinate the fraud and money-laundering activity from abroad.
Both Ellis and Cortese challenged their convictions and sentences on appeal. But the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that “the evidence presented at trial showed that Ellis was deeply involved in the operation of the scheme.” A coconspirator had “sent her information about counterfeit checks to be created,” she had worked with other coconspirators “to create and print the counterfeit checks used by the conspiracy,” and she had brought others into the scheme. In addition, “[m]illions of dollars of fraudulent proceeds were routed through the bank account of a corporation she controlled.”
Cortese, who was a licensed attorney in Texas at the time, worked for the conspirators by laundering victims’ money through his law firm’s trust accounts. The Eleventh Circuit determined that Cortese had “intervene[d] when necessary to ‘unfreeze’ accounts that had been locked by banks because of suspicious transactions” and had “worked closely with Ellis,” with “funds from many of the scams Ellis was involved in flow[ing] through his law firm trust account.”
The court of appeals also upheld the district court’s finding at sentencing that Ellis and Cortese were each accountable for an intended loss of $15 million. That finding, the court said, was “firmly supported by the evidence.” And, the court affirmed the district court’s determination at sentencing that Cortese had used his special skills as a lawyer when committing the offenses.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from federal and local law enforcement partners throughout the country, including the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Toronto Police Service in Ontario, Canada. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs. Assistant United States Attorneys Linda Julin McNamara and David P. Rhodes represented the United States on appeal.
Tampa Man Indicted for Firearms Charge Relating to Non-Fatal ShootingRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Theodore Hall (42, Tampa) with possessing firearms and ammunition, after having been convicted of 18 felony offenses. If convicted, Hall faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, Hall fought with another man inside a Family Dollar Store, then chased the man in his vehicle, and fired three shots at the man, who was on foot in a residential area. Prior to the incident, Hall had 18 prior felony convictions, including six relating to cocaine, five relating to assault or battery, and one relating to opposing a law enforcement officer with violence.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Adams.
This case is a part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes.
Jacksonville Man Charged with Possessing Molotov Cocktail at ProtestRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging Ivan Jacob Zecher (27, Jacksonville) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm. If convicted, Zecher faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each count.
“The cooperation and expertise of our local, state, and federal partners in this case has led to a swift arrest without further incident,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to ensure that the rights of all individuals are protected during these protests and beyond.”
According to the complaint, on May 31, 2020, during a protest in downtown Jacksonville that was related to the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Zecher was part of a group of protesters blocking traffic and throwing items such as water bottles and rocks at police officers and cars. After refusing orders to disperse, Zecher was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for unlawful assembly. An officer removed Zecher’s backpack to place him in flexcuffs and noticed a liquid leaking from it. A search of the backpack revealed a liquor bottle that smelled strongly of gasoline, a lighter, and a hatchet. Zecher admitted that he was holding the bottle in his backpack for an associate, and that he knew the bottle contained gasoline. Preliminary analysis by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives determined that the bottle – which contained gasoline (a flammable liquid) and polystyrene (a flammable gel), and the cork to which was coated with polystyrene – constituted a “Molotov cocktail,” which is an incendiary bomb and destructive device, and therefore considered a firearm under federal law. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the FBI-Jacksonville Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Georgia Woman Pleads Guilty to Organizing Numerous Shipments of Methamphetamine from Mexico Through the Port of TampaRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Yolanda Herrera (41, Georgia) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and attempted possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. She faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between October 24, 2018, and March 18, 2019, Herrera organized and coordinated the shipment of numerous containers of methamphetamine and heroin aboard the cargo ship Leticia, which repeatedly traveled from Altamira, Mexico, to the Port of Tampa.
On or about March 11, 2019, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at the Port of Tampa inspected a container onboard the Leticia that, according to the ship’s manifest, contained stone blocks typically used for the building of stone fountains. Agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) imaged the blocks and observed that several of them contained anomalies. After breaching the blocks, the agents uncovered 14 large packages that had been shrink-wrapped with black carbon paper, which contained more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin.
On March 15, 2019, HSI agents observed the blocks being loaded into a yellow rental truck. They then followed the truck as it exited the Port of Tampa and continued to Atlanta, Georgia. On March 16, 2019, at approximately 10:00 a.m., agents arrested two Mexican nationals, Nestor Vazquez-Morales and Adan Martinez-Onofre, as they attempted to offload the truck outside a residential home.
Agents searched Vazquez-Morales’s residence in Georgia and seized approximately two kilograms of heroin, three firearms (including a rifle), $12,725 in U.S. currency, and one stone block that was identical to the blocks discovered in the Port of Tampa. Next to the stone block, agents found some clear plastic wrapping that contained a square white sticker with black letters displaying the message “Hecho en Mexico” (Made in Mexico). This same sticker was also found on the narcotics from March 11, 2019.
Cellphones obtained from the individuals showed that Herrera, who flew from Tampa to Atlanta after the shipment had arrived in Tampa, was actively planning and coordinating the pickup of the narcotics from the port to their eventual destination.
Between October 2018 and March 2019, Herrera rented six other trucks. During that time, Herrera’s co-conspirators completed seven shipments on the Leticia, all of which departed from Mexico, arrived in Tampa, and were identified as stone fountains in the cargo manifest. GPS data obtained from the rental trucks showed that the trucks were all rented in Tampa, and dropped off in Atlanta, with stops at the same Atlanta residence.
On September 18, 2019, Herrera was arrested in Atlanta. During an interview, she admitted that she had been hired and paid to coordinate, supervise, and organize the transportation of narcotics sent from Mexico to Tampa, and to deliver them to Georgia. Federal agents searched Herrera’s home and found a stone block in her backyard. That stone block contained the same “Hecho en Mexico” sticker as the stone blocks shipped on the Leticia.
Vazquez-Morales and Martinez-Onofre both previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. Vazquez-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2020, and Martinez-Onofre is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2020.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Plant City Man Indicted for Armed Robbery of Circle KRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Thomas Herbert Lewis, Jr. (41, Plant City) with robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of robbery, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Lewis faces a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years, up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, at approximately 4:00 a.m. on April 30, 2020, Lewis entered a Circle K store on Bloomingdale Avenue in Riverview and pointed a firearm at the clerk. He demanded money and told the clerk, “I know you have a family,” and “don’t make me kill you.” Lewis was later arrested and had a rifle and 16 rounds of ammunition in his possession. As a previously convicted felon, Lewis is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Four Florida Men Charged for Their Roles in a $54 Million Compound Pharmacy Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
Four Florida men were charged in an indictment unsealed Thursday for their alleged participation in a compound pharmacy kickback scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Cyndy Bruce of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s (DCIS) Southeast Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Omar Aybar Perez of the U.S. Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office and Special Agent in Charge David Spilker of the Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) Southeast Field Office, made the announcement.
James Wesley Moss, 57, of Zephyrhills, Florida, Edward Christopher White, 38, of Panama City Beach, Florida, David Byron Copeland, 52, of Tallahassee, Florida, and Michael Alton Gordon, 56, of Ft. Myers, Florida, were each charged in an indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay or receive health care kickbacks.
In addition, Moss was charged with six counts of offering or paying health care kickbacks and one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, ketamine;
White was charged with four counts of soliciting or receiving health care kickbacks; Copeland was charged with two counts of soliciting or receiving health care kickbacks and three counts of offering or paying health care kickbacks; and Gordon was charged with three counts of soliciting or receiving health care kickbacks. The defendants will be arraigned in the Middle District of Florida at a later date.The allegations stem from the defendants’ participation in a multi-million dollar conspiracy to defraud TRICARE, a federal health care benefit program. TRICARE is the health care benefit program of the U.S. Department of Defense that provides health care coverage for active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, their families and survivors. The indictment alleges that Moss and others owned and operated Florida Pharmacy Solutions Inc. (FPS) for the purpose of targeting TRICARE beneficiaries and causing the submission to TRICARE of claims for expensive prescription compounded drugs that were not legitimately prescribed because they were induced and procured by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes. The indictment alleges that between approximately November 2012 and September 2015, the defendants caused the submission to TRICARE of more than $54 million in claims for prescription compounded drugs and that TRICARE paid approximately $41 million to FPS on those claims.
The indictment further alleges that Moss paid more than $20 million in health care kickbacks to White, Copeland and Gordon in return for their procuring and referring prescriptions for compounded drugs for TRICARE beneficiaries to be filled by FPS. FPS allegedly submitted claims for payment to TRICARE for providing prescription compounded drugs to TRICARE beneficiaries living in approximately 30 states and several foreign countries.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the DCIS Tampa Resident Agency, assisted by the FBI, the HHS/OIG and the VA/OIG. Trial Attorney John A. Michelich of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, National Health Care Fraud Strike Force, is prosecuting the case.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in 12 cities across the country, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Jacksonville Man Indicted for Defrauding A Religious Organization and Filing False Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Charles Jon David (57, Jacksonville) with three counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud. If convicted, David faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each tax fraud count. The indictment also notifies David that the United States intends to forfeit at least $273,500, as well as to two parcels of real property, which are alleged to be the proceeds of the wire fraud.
According to the
indictment , from at least May 2012 and continuing through late 2018, David was employed as the Director of Construction of Business Operations for a Jacksonville religious organization that provided services to more than 140,000 members through numerous churches in the Northeast Florida area. The organization owned many parcels of real property, some of which David was tasked with selling on behalf of the organizationDespite his fiduciary duties to work in the best financial interests of the religious organization, David, along with three other individuals, engaged in a scheme to defraud the organization in connection with the sales by offering two of the individuals exclusive opportunities to purchase the religious organization’s property at below market-value prices. In exchange, the two individuals agreed to pay kickbacks to David. The kickbacks (totaling at least $204,500) were paid to David by check, from one of the two individuals, on at least five occasions.
The indictment further alleges that the scheme also included a transaction with a third individual in which David fraudulently represented to the religious organization that the third individual was a bona fide purchaser of the organization’s property. In fact, at the time the religious organization sold the piece of property to the third individual, David had also arranged for a second purchaser to buy the real property from the third individual at a higher price, with the two sales closing on the same day. After the two sales closed, David received a check for $44,000 from the third individual.
David did not include kickback payments from the first two individuals, or money he received from the third individual, as income on his federal income tax returns for tax years 2015, 2016, and 2018. Additionally, David falsely underreported his income on his tax year 2013 return.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Surrodrick McCobb (45, Sarasota) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered McCobb to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense.
McCobb had pleaded guilty on January 24, 2020.
According to court documents, on November 9, 2018, deputies from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant at McCobb’s home and recovered a loaded firearm and a box of ammunition from a drawer in the master bedroom. A fingerprint analyst matched McCobb’s fingerprint to a fingerprint that a crime scene technician had lifted from the box of ammunition. At the time, McCobb had previously been convicted of several felonies and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charlie D. Connally.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Making a Bomb Threat to a Clinic and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – Rodney Allen, 43, of Beaufort, South Carolina, pleaded guilty in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, to one count of intimidating and interfering with the employees of an abortion clinic by making a bomb threat and one count of making false statements to a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“People should be able to go to work and seek medical care without fear of violence,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to protect patients and health care providers against threats of force.”
“Healthcare facilities, and those who receive their services, should be able to operate free from fear of threats or harm,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez from the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our public safety partners to ensure that no one is prohibited from exercising their right to work or access to care.”
According to court documents, on August 29, 2019, Allen called the clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and said that someone was coming to blow it up. Allen made several other calls to the clinic that day in an attempt to interfere with its ability to provide services. Employees recognized Allen’s voice and were concerned that he would do something desperate, so they enlisted the help of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer to search the property. The FBI obtained toll records and subscriber information for the number used to make the bomb threat to the clinic and positively identified Allen as the caller. In a voluntary and surreptitiously recorded interview with the FBI, Allen falsely denied calling the clinic and stating that someone was coming to blow it up.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Jacksonville Divisions. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Anna Gotfryd of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Justice Department Awards More Than $20 Million to Hire Community Policing Officers in the Middle District of FloridaRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez today announced $20,875,000 in grant funding through the Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) COPS Hiring Program (CHP). These funds have been awarded to 14 law enforcement agencies throughout the Middle District of Florida and will allow for the hiring of 167 additional full-time law enforcement officers.
“Community policing is an effective tool in reducing crime in our neighborhoods, building relationships of mutual trust and accountability, and implementing successful prevention and intervention strategies,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “We are eager to continue working with our partner agencies, our community, and our citizens in this collective problem solving strategy to improve public safety.”
The COPS Hiring Program is a competitive award program intended to reduce crime and advance public safety through community policing by providing direct funding for the hiring of career law enforcement officers. In addition to providing financial support for hiring, CHP provides funding to state, local, and tribal law enforcement to enhance local community policing strategies and tactics. In a changing economic climate, CHP funding helps law enforcement agencies maintain sufficient sworn personnel levels to promote safe communities. Funding through this program had been on hold since the spring of 2018 due to a nationwide injunction that was lifted earlier this year.
The Attorney General previously announced funding awards to 596 law enforcement agencies across the nation, which allows those agencies to hire 2,732 additional full-time law enforcement professionals. The awards are inclusive of the $51 million announced in May as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit.
“The Department of Justice is committed to providing the police chiefs and sheriffs of our great nation with needed resources, tools, and support. The funding announced today will bolster their ranks and contribute to expanding community policing efforts nationwide,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “A law enforcement agency’s most valuable assets are the men and women who put their lives on the line every day in the name of protecting and serving their communities.”
CHP applicants were required to identify a specific crime and disorder problem focus area and explain how the funding will be used to implement community policing approaches to that problem focus area. 43 percent of the awards announced today will focus on violent crime, while the remainder of the awards will focus on a variety of issues including school-based policing to fund school resource officer positions, building trust and respect, and opioid education, prevention, and intervention. The COPS Office received nearly 1,100 applications requesting more than 4,000 law enforcement positions.
The complete list of awards can be found here. To learn more about CHP, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/chp . For additional information about the COPS Office, please visit www.cops.usdoj.gov.
Middle District of Florida Law Enforcement Agency
Officers
Award Amount
Bradenton Police Department
3
$375,000
Cape Coral Police Department
4
$500,000
Clay County Sheriff's Department
5
$625,000
Collier County Sheriff's Department
4
$500,000
Ft. Myers, City of
10
$1,250,000
Jacksonville, City of
40
$5,000,000
Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
4
$500,000
Orange County Sheriff's Office
20
$2,500,000
Orlando, City of
10
$1,250,000
Palm Bay, City of
6
$750,000
Pasco County Sheriff's Department
30
$3,750,000
St. Cloud Police Department
4
$500,000
St. Petersburg Police Department
25
$3,125,000
Starke, City of
2
$250,000
Convicted Felon Charged with Impersonating A Deputy United States Marshal at George Floyd ProtestRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of a criminal complaint charging John Wesley Mobley, Jr. (36, Orlando) with false impersonation of a federal officer. If convicted, Mobley faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison.
According to the
complaint , on May 31, 2020, during a protest in Orlando, Florida, Mobley was forced to stop his vehicle because of passing protestors. Mobley got out of the vehicle, walked towards the protestors, pulled out what appeared to be a law enforcement badge, waved it at the protestors, and stated something to the effect of “Do you want to get arrested? Do you want to go to jail?” In response, a protestor responded, “He’s a Marshal!”Later, members of the Orlando Police Department (OPD) who had been observing the protest received information that Mobley was in a crowd of protestors with a firearm in his waistband causing a disturbance.
As a result of the disturbance, two OPD officers approached Mobley in the crowd. One of the officers secured Mobley by the arm and removed him from the group for the safety of the public. Upon further examination, it was later determined that Mobley had possessed a BB gun replica of a Glock pistol, which is not a firearm. Mobley was also found in possession of a silver set of metal handcuffs and a silver badge with the words “United States Marshal” written on the front. Mobley has two prior convictions for impersonating a member of law enforcement.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.
South Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Making a Bomb Threat to a Clinic and Lying to the FBIRead the Press Release
Rodney Allen, 43, of Beaufort, South Carolina, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Jacksonville, Florida, to one count of intimidating and interfering with the employees of an abortion clinic by making a bomb threat and one count of making false statements to a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
“Federal law makes it illegal to threaten to blow up people and to lie to the FBI about bomb threats,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act to protect all people in our nation from the kind of cowardly threat and lies that led to this case.”
“Healthcare facilities, and those who receive their services, should be able to operate free from fear of threats or harm,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez from the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our public safety partners to ensure that no one is prohibited from exercising their right to work or access to care.”
According to court documents, on August 29, 2019, Allen called the clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and said that someone was coming to blow it up. Allen made several other calls to the clinic that day in an attempt to interfere with its ability to provide services. Employees recognized Allen’s voice and were concerned that he would do something desperate, so they enlisted the help of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer to search the property. The FBI obtained toll records and subscriber information for the number used to make the bomb threat to the clinic and positively identified Allen as the caller. In a voluntary and surreptitiously recorded interview with the FBI, Allen falsely denied calling the clinic and stating that someone was coming to blow it up.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Columbia and Jacksonville Divisions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Washington of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Sanjay Patel and Anna Gotfryd of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.
Florida Woman Sentenced for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Alison Marie Sheppard, a/k/a “Aiisha Abdullah,” (35, Punta Gorda) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for attempting to provide material support to ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. The court also sentenced Sheppard to a term of 15 years supervised release.
Sheppard had pleaded guilty on May 17, 2019.
According to court documents, from approximately January 2017 until July 18, 2017, Sheppard knowingly attempted to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, by purchasing and shipping 10 cellphones that she intended for ISIS to use to detonate improvised explosive devices.
Beginning in early 2016, Sheppard used Facebook and social media applications to network and find like-minded individuals who supported a Salafi jihadist mindset and ISIS, and she posted videos that she had created to her YouTube channel to instruct her online friends. Sheppard also posted the videos on social media sites in support of her beliefs. Many of these videos broadcasted the teachings of Islamist extremists who supported violent jihad. Among her postings supporting ISIS in social media accounts, Sheppard published screenshots of an online ISIS magazine that contained articles glorifying terrorist acts committed by ISIS members.
Sheppard also used social media applications to engage in encrypted communications with individuals she believed were supporters of ISIS. One of those individuals was someone Sheppard believed had later traveled to the Middle East to join ISIS. Sheppard sent that person an ISIS e-book detailing how ISIS members travel in and out of Syria, including operational security measures to assist foreign fighters in evading detection in their pursuit to join ISIS. That individual was later apprehended by the FBI and began cooperating with federal law enforcement. Sheppard also began communicating with two other individuals who she believed were ISIS supporters, but who were, in fact, undercover law enforcement officers. During one of those conversations, Sheppard told the undercover officer that she had sworn allegiance to Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, the now-deceased former leader of ISIS.
In June 2017, while engaging in online social media conversations with the cooperating individual and the two undercover law enforcement officers, Sheppard offered to purchase and ship cellphones that ISIS could use to detonate improvised explosive devices. Later, in July 2017, Sheppard purchased 10 cellphones from five stores in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Rotonda West, Florida. She arranged to have the phones mailed to one of the undercover officers, believing that they would be forwarded to the Middle East and that ISIS would use them as timers for “pressure cooker” bombs.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York Police Department Intelligence Section. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland, Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas, and Trial Attorney David C. Smith of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Thirteen Individuals Charged for Their Involvement in Six Fatal Opioid Overdoses Across Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas CountiesRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of six indictments and one arrest pursuant to a criminal complaint charging 13 individuals for their roles in six fatal opioid overdoses. The indictments also notify the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any assets that are alleged to be traceable proceeds of the offense. The indictments were returned on May 20 and 27, 2020. The arrest pursuant to the criminal complaint took place on March 30, 2020.
INDICTMENT 1
Name
Age, Residence
Charges and Maximum Penalties
Jared Collins
26, Wesley Chapel
Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other offense.
INDICTMENT 2
Kimberly Fleer
27, Seffner
Possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
INDICTMENT 3
Justin Lebarron
27, New Port Richey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl; maintaining a drug premise.
Mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the counts alleging death and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the remaining counts.
Brittney Smith
29, New Port Richey
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in death; maintaining a drug premise.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the counts alleging death and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the remaining count.
Vincent Sanchez
34, New Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Michael Phelps
44, Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
Krystin Horner
31, Port Richey
One count of being an accessory after the fact to a drug conspiracy and drug distribution resulting in death.
Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT 4
Thomas Lynch
57, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conspiracy; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
Shawn Ryno
31, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for both counts.
Christina O’Brien
36, Riverview
Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for both counts.
INDICTMENT 5
Isaiah Reed
31, Tampa
Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin.
Maximum term of 20 years in federal prison.
INDICTMENT 6
Jarran Riley
34, Clearwater
Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin resulting in death; possession with the intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and cocaine.
Minimum mandatory term of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison for the conduct resulting in death; and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for the other counts.
ARRESTED BY CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
Jack Rice
35, St. Petersburg
Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine; possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Maximum term of 20 years in federal prison.
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.
The cases against Collins (Indictment 1), Lebarron et al (Indictment 3), Rice (Criminal Complaint), and Riley (Indictment 6) were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Secret Service, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Clearwater Police Department, the Pinellas Park Police Department, and the St. Petersburg Police Department as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.
The cases against Fleer (Indictment 2), Lynch et al (Indictment 4), and Reed (Indictment 5) were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse.
All cases will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Baeza and Diego Novaes.
Investigations in Stanly County Result in Three Men Sentenced for Federal Firearms and Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Two Albemarle residents and a Mount Gilead resident were all sentenced within the past two weeks by United States District Judge William L. Osteen, Jr. following investigations conducted by law enforcement in Albemarle, North Carolina, announced Matthew G.T. Martin, United States Attorney for the Middle District of North Carolina.
WILLIAM WEBSTER CAGLE, 27, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 18, 2020, CAGLE was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 28 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 1 year of home detention.
KAUNDRE TYREE CHARLES MCKILLIAN, 26, a resident of Albemarle, pled guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon. On May 26, 2020, MCKILLIAN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 44 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release, including 90 days with a curfew and location monitoring.
On March 27, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Stanly County Narcotic Task Force met and executed a search warrant at CAGLE’s residence on Leonard Avenue in Albemarle, North Carolina. CAGLE and MCKILLIAN were located within the home during the search and each was found in possession of a handgun. CAGLE possessed a Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun, which had been reported stolen out of Denver, North Carolina, as well as approximately 10 grams of marijuana. MCKILLIAN also possessed a separate Springfield Armory, model XD9, 9mm handgun. Both CAGLE and MCKILLIAN had previously been convicted of felony offenses. CAGLE was convicted of Felony Possession of Cocaine in Stanly County Superior Court on June 9, 2016, and had also been convicted in Stanly County of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana on August 3, 2009 and Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Ecstasy on September 13, 2010. MCKILLIAN was convicted of Felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon and Felony Common Law Robbery on July 18, 2012, and Felony Larceny on January 21, 2016, in Stanly County Superior Court.
RAKEEM JOHNTA’ BALDWIN, 23, a resident of Mount Gilead, pleaded guilty on January 9, 2020, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On May 28, 2020, BALDWIN was sentenced by Judge Osteen to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On April 11, 2019, detectives with the Albemarle Police Department, using a confidential informant, conducted a “buy-bust” operation on BALDWIN for two ounces of methamphetamine (approximately 56.7 grams). Officers with the Stanly County Narcotics Task Force assisted by providing surveillance around an ABC Store in Albemarle, North Carolina where the drug transaction was to occur. BALDWIN arrived in a Nissan passenger car and was identified by the confidential informant. Officers closed in on BALDWIN and he attempted to run from the car. He was seen throwing a baggie containing approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine to the ground and was apprehended shortly after. In the Nissan, officers located a large bag containing approximately 475 grams of methamphetamine and digital scales. An iPhone and $1,281 in United States currency was also seized from BALDWIN. Laboratory analysis confirmed that BALDWIN possessed 515.32 grams of methamphetamine of approximately 99-100 percent purity.
These cases were investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Albemarle Police Department, and the Stanly County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Laboratories and Scientific Services Directorate. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig M. Principe for the Middle District of North Carolina.
###
Tampa Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice today announced the filing of a criminal complaint charging Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari, 23, of Tampa, Florida, with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). If convicted, Al-Azhari faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
“We are grateful for the quick work of our partners at the FBI to apprehend Al-Azhari before he could carry out his attack,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to stand vigilant against the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.”
“We are grateful for the hard work and swift action by our law enforcement partners and concerned citizens during this investigation,” stated U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Their coordination and cooperation in this matter allowed us to interrupt a serious threat, without harm to anyone.”
“From Mr. Al-Azhari’s attempt to acquire firearms through unlawful channels to his desire to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, it was clear Mr. Al-Azhari’s intention was to carry out an act of violence,” said Assistant Director Jill Sanborn of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “The FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Forces across the country will continue to use all of their legal authorities to prevent a potential act of terrorism in the United States, and elsewhere.”
“The primary mission of the FBI is to protect the American public from a terrorist attack. Today’s announcement of the arrest of Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azahari is proof we are committed to that pledge. I commend the 18 federal, state, and local member agencies who comprise FBI Tampa’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) for working day and night to prevent the loss of life in the Tampa Bay community,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael F. McPherson. “We were also fortunate to gain the cooperation of multiple citizens who willingly and bravely provided their assistance during this investigation. This strong bond between law enforcement and the public allowed us to disrupt this threat.”
According to the complaint, Al-Azhari was an ISIS supporter who planned and attempted to carry out an attack on behalf of that terrorist organization. Al-Azhari, who has a criminal history that includes prior terrorism charges in Saudi Arabia, attempted to purchase multiple firearms over the course of the investigation, before acquiring a Glock pistol and a silencer. He also expressed admiration for Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen and spoke of his desire to carry out a similar mass casualty shooting. Additionally, Al-Azhari researched and scouted potential targets in the Tampa area, including Honeymoon Island. He also rehearsed portions of an attack and the statements that he would make during or in connection with such an attack.
FBI agents arrested Al-Azhari on May 24, 2020, after he took possession of weapons to be used in an attack.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Scruggs with assistance from Trial Attorney Ranganath Mathripragada of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Tampa Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – The Department of Justice today announced the filing of a criminal complaint charging Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azhari (23, Tampa) with attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, namely, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). If convicted, Al-Azhari faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
“We are grateful for the hard work and swift action by our law enforcement partners and concerned citizens during this investigation,” stated U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Their coordination and cooperation in this matter allowed us to interrupt a serious threat, without harm to anyone.”
“We are grateful for the quick work of our partners at the FBI to apprehend Al-Azhari before he could carry out his attack,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers. “This case demonstrates the Department’s commitment to stand vigilant against the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms.”
“The primary mission of the FBI is to protect the American public from a terrorist attack. Today’s announcement of the arrest of Muhammed Momtaz Al-Azahari is proof we are committed to that pledge. I commend the 18 federal, state, and local member agencies who comprise FBI Tampa’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) for working day and night to prevent the loss of life in the Tampa Bay community,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael F. McPherson. “We were also fortunate to gain the cooperation of multiple citizens who willingly and bravely provided their assistance during this investigation. This strong bond between law enforcement and the public allowed us to disrupt this threat.”
According to the
complaint , Al-Azhari was an ISIS supporter who planned and attempted to carry out an attack on behalf of that terrorist organization. Al-Azhari, who has a criminal history that includes prior terrorism charges in Saudi Arabia, attempted to purchase multiple firearms over the course of the investigation, before acquiring a Glock pistol and a silencer. He also expressed admiration for Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen and spoke of his desire to carry out a similar mass casualty shooting. Additionally, Al-Azhari researched and scouted potential targets in the Tampa area, including Honeymoon Island. He also rehearsed portions of an attack and the statements that he would make during or in connection with such an attack.FBI agents arrested Al-Azhari on May 24, 2020, after he took possession of weapons to be used in an attack.
A complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Clearwater Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Scruggs, with assistance from Trial Attorney Ranganath Mathripragada of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Former Attorney Charged with Conspiracy, Bankruptcy Fraud, and Defrauding Clients of $1.3 MillionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging James Lee Clark (59, Wilton Manors) with one count of conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud, seven counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of making a falsification of records in a bankruptcy proceeding, and eight counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Clark faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the falsification of records count and for each wire fraud count. He faces up to 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, and for each bankruptcy fraud count. The indictment also notifies Clark that the United States is seeking a money judgment of $1.3 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, from January 2010 through February 2017, Clark conspired with his paralegal, Eric Liebman, to defraud mortgage creditors and guarantors, such as Fannie Mae, who were holding mortgage notes on properties that were in foreclosure. The indictment further charges that Clark and Liebman falsely and fraudulently represented to the distressed homeowners facing foreclosure that, in exchange for executing quitclaim or warranty deeds for their properties to an entity controlled by Liebman, they would negotiate with the mortgage creditors to prevent foreclosures. Clark and Liebman convinced the distressed homeowners to pay them rent, or agree to put their houses up for sale. In order to continue to collect ill-gotten rents, or profit from the sale of the properties, Clark allegedly filed fraudulent bankruptcy petitions in the names of the homeowners to prevent the mortgage creditors from lawfully foreclosing and taking title to the property. In some instances, Clark filed multiple fraudulent petitions in the names of distressed homeowners.
Additionally, it is further alleged that, from January 2012 to February 2017, Clark, who was a licensed attorney, defrauded his clients out of approximately $1.3 million. As part of his practice, Clark would act as a trustee for his clients and also hold their money in various bank accounts depending on the purpose of trust. Instead of using the funds for the purpose intended by his clients, Clark would divert the money into his law firm’s bank accounts and pay for personal expenses, such as gambling, travel, and automobiles.
Liebman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bankruptcy fraud on September 24, 2019. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 14, 2021.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. The Office of United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division provided substantial investigative assistance. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Fruitland Park Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Social SecurityRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Darlene Nanette Rodriguez (46, Fruitland Park) to one year and one day in federal prison for theft of government property. The court also ordered Rodriguez to forfeit $173,619.40, which are proceeds of the offense. She had pleaded guilty on March 12, 2020.
According to court documents, over a period of approximately 15 years, Rodriguez collected disability benefits while concealing her full-time employment from the Social Security Administration. This concealment included forging pay stubs, letters, and other documentation and sending it to the Social Security Administration so she could continue to receive benefits. These forged documents falsely claimed that Rodriguez was ill, had only worked for short periods of time, or underreported her actual income. Rodriguez ultimately collected $173,619.40 in benefits to which she was not entitled.
This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Former Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Ordered Detained Pending Trial and Indicted for Online Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the detention and indictment of Travis Ryan Pritchard (36, Green Cove Springs). Pritchard was initially charged by criminal complaint and, on May 15, 2020, was ordered detained in federal custody pending trial. On May 20, 2020, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Pritchard with online enticement of a minor and attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Pritchard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to two life terms, in federal prison.
According to court documents, Pritchard was employed as a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. At the time of the alleged offense, he was assigned to the DUI unit. From December 2019 through May 2, 2020, Pritchard used an online chat application to communicate with a 15-year-old girl with whom he had engaged in sexual activity on a weekly basis. Beginning on April 29, 2020, an undercover detective from the Green Cove Springs Police Department assumed the child’s identity and continued chatting with Pritchard using the online chat application. Late in the night of May 1, 2020, and into the early morning hours of the next day, Pritchard encouraged the “child” to sneak out of her home to meet with him for a “quickie.” In anticipation of their meeting, he sent the “child” a photograph of himself from the waist down, wearing only boxer shorts. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on May 2, 2020, Pritchard arrived near the child’s home to pick her up in his patrol vehicle. He sent the “child” a message saying, “I’m here.” A short time later, Pritchard was arrested by officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department.
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 Green Cove Springs Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
Any person who has additional information or knows of someone who may have been a victim is urged to contact the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
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.
St. Petersburg Man Charged with Attempted Online Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Eric James Templeton (31, St. Petersburg) with attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Templeton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release.
According to the
complaint , from May 19 through May 21, 2020, Templeton engaged in chats, through an online site and through text messaging, with an individual he believed to be the mother of a five-year-old female child. On multiple occasions during those conversations, Templeton indicated to the “mother,” actually an undercover Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent, his desire to engage in sexual activity with the minor “child.” On May 21, 2020, Templeton asked to meet the “mother,” and her five-year-old “child” for that purpose. Templeton arrived at the agreed upon time and location and was subsequently arrested. A search of Templeton’s person uncovered a bottle of personal lubricant and two lollipops.A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.
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 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.
Florida Man and South Carolina Man Indicted for String of Interstate ATM ArsonsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an eight-count indictment charging Mawdo Malick Sallah (33, Clearwater, FL) and Kirk Douglas Johnson (34, Anderson, SC) with one count of conspiring to commit arson, three counts of arson, two counts of using a fire or explosive to commit a federal felony, and two counts of bank larceny. If convicted on all counts, Sallah and Johnson each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit any funds traceable to proceeds of the offenses.
According to court documents, between November 2019 and March 2020, Sallah and Johnson used fires and explosives in an effort to steal cash from four ATMs. Three of the ATMs were located in the Tampa Bay area and the fourth was in Watkinsville, Georgia. The pair was able to retrieve cash from two of the ATMs, taking a total of nearly $70,000.
“ATF is responsible for enforcing the criminal laws pertaining to explosives and arson,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “These types of violent crimes destroy property and negatively impact communities.”
“This investigation is proof of the strength and tenacity of the FBI and its law enforcement partners in eliminating such brazen acts of violence which threaten the communities we serve,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael F. McPherson.
“The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office will never tolerate someone making our community feel unsafe while doing a simple act such as going to the ATM,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “The actions of these individuals could have led to innocent people being seriously hurt or killed. They were thinking solely of their gain and not the dangerous impact it would have on others. These arrests are an example of the strength of our partnerships. Multiple agencies worked hand-in-hand to ensure these individuals were off the street, and our communities are all safer because of this teamwork.”
“The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is pleased with the grand jury’s work to return an indictment against Sallah and Johnson for the ATM explosions,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri. “This was made possible due to good investigative work and a coordinated effort between multiple agencies. It is partnerships like these that allow us to work together to protect our communities and put the bad guys where they belong.”
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office (South Carolina), the Jefferson City Police Department (Georgia), the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia), the Athens Safe Streets Task Force (Georgia), and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia). Assistant United States Attorney Gregory T. Nolan is prosecuting the case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Sumter County Man Indicted for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Brent O’Neal McCray (36, Coleman) with five counts of distributing methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, McCray faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents, on five separate occasions during February and March 2020, McCray sold approximately 7 ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant and an undercover officer. Surveillance images captured by the undercover officer showed McCray selling the drugs from a rental vehicle. On at least one occasion, McCray had small children inside the vehicle during the drug sale.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
St. Petersburg Man Indicted for Threatening to Spread COVID-19 by Spitting and Coughing on Police OfficersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida– United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging James Jamal Curry (31, St. Petersburg) with perpetrating a biological weapon hoax. If convicted, Curry faces up to 5 years in federal prison. Curry had been initially charged by criminal complaint on April 7, 2020.
According to court documents, on March 27, 2020, officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department responded to a domestic violence call involving Curry. During Curry’s arrest, he turned to an officer, declared that he was infected with the Coronavirus, and coughed on the officer’s arm. The following day, Curry bonded out of the Pinellas County Jail.
On the evening of March 28, 2020, police were again called to the same residence where they had previously encountered Curry and arrested him a second time. During his arrest, Curry spit on an arresting officer multiple times—hitting the officer in the face, nose, and inside her mouth with blood-filled saliva. Curry again claimed to have the Coronavirus, laughed, and announced that he was spreading the virus around. Law enforcement subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant to test Curry for COVID-19. Curry tested negative. Individuals close to Curry and jail personnel reported that Curry had not shown any symptoms of COVID-19.
A 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, with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Florida Department of Health, the State Attorney’s Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, and the Pinellas County Jail. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
Recently Released State Prisoner Charged with Federal Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging David Stephen Shaw (36, Ocala) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Shaw faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Shaw that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and 129 rounds of ammunition.
According to the indictment, on December 5, 2019, Shaw was in possession of a firearm and numerous rounds of ammunition. He has eight prior state felony convictions, including burglary of a dwelling, introduction of contraband into a detention facility, fleeing or attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, and trafficking in methamphetamine. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Recently Released Felon Charged with Possessing A FirearmRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Kayden James Billings (22, Oxford) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Billings faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, in February 2020, Billings was released from state following three separate convictions. On April 11, 2020, a female companion drove Billings to an Ocala gas station. She ran inside to ask the clerk to summon police because Billings had been battering her and threatening her with a firearm. Two officers from the Ocala Police Department quickly responded and Billings fled from the gas station on foot. As he ran across Pine Avenue, Billings discarded a loaded .45 caliber handgun, along with his driver license. Billings surrendered after the pursuing officer caught up with him and threated to deploy a Taser. The firearm, which had been previously reported stolen in Marion County, was identified by the victim as the same one Billings had used to threaten and batter her.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ocala Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
This case is a part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
Mexican National Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida –U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara has sentenced Luis David Huerta-Carranza (age 40) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for illegal reentry after removal. On March 5, 2020, Huerta-Carranza was found guilty following a stipulated bench trial.
According to court documents, since 1998, Huerta-Carranza has been removed from the United States to Mexico five times. In 2017, he was charged and convicted for illegal reentry and served two years in federal prison. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement most recently encountered Huerta-Carranza on December 13, 2019, following his arrest for not having a valid driver license and for driving under the influence.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement Entry and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.
Convicted Felon Charged with Federal Firearm and Ammunition OffenseRead the Press Release
Ocala, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of an indictment charging Curtis Duncan (30, Ocala) with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Duncan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Duncan that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.
According to the indictment, on March 30, 2020, Duncan was in possession of a firearm and ammunition. With two prior state convictions for armed home invasion robbery and a principal to armed home invasion robbery, Duncan was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence and enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes. For more information on Project Guardian visit www.justice.gov/projectguardian.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie Boyer.
Premier Medical Associates Agree to Pay $750,000 to Resolve Claims of False BillingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces today that Premier Medical Associates (PMA), a medical practice located in The Villages, Florida, has agreed to pay $750,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act. As part of the settlement, the United States contends that it has certain civil claims against PMA related to PMA’s billing of federal healthcare programs for services that were not medically necessary and reasonable.
Specifically, the government alleges that PMA knowingly billed for higher and more expensive levels of medical services than were actually performed and also billed for certain claims using “modifier 25,” indicating that a separate evaluation and management service was performed, even when there was no such separate service.
“This settlement reflects our continuing efforts to protect patients and taxpayers by ensuring that the care provided to beneficiaries of government-funded healthcare programs is dictated by patient needs, not a provider’s financial gain,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “We will continue to hold health care providers accountable when they misrepresent the services billed to our federal healthcare programs and their patients.”
The resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care 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 the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Keefe.
The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Leesburg Woman Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Aggravated Identity Theft and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Stacey Lavette Hendricks (49, Leesburg) to 48 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. Hendricks had pleaded guilty on January 30, 2020.
According to court records, Hendricks worked administrative jobs at several Florida medical clinics. She used these jobs to gain access to medical records and patients’ birthdates and Social Security numbers. She then sold the stolen identities to others for cash, or used them herself to defraud businesses. In May 2019, Hendricks unwittingly sold stolen patient identities to an undercover law enforcement officer. When agents searched her home and car, they located 113 distinct sets of stolen identities from clinic patients.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
Georgia Woman Arrested for Role in Scheme to Defraud Health Care Benefit Programs Related to Cancer Genetic Testing and COVID-19 TestingRead the Press Release
A Georgia woman was arrested today for her alleged role in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare, a federally funded health care benefit program, by submitting false and fraudulent claims for cancer genetic (CGX) testing, as well as her role in conspiring to submit fraudulent claims related to COVID-19 and other tests.
Ashley Hoobler Parris, aka Ashley Hoobler and Ashley Parris, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is charged by complaint with conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiring to commit health care fraud. Hoobler was arrested this morning and is scheduled to have her initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand of the Northern District of Georgia.
“The defendant allegedly sought to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for expensive genetic screening tests and COVID-19 tests,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those who defraud our government health care programs, especially those who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.”
“Fraud related to COVID-19 is particularly disturbing as it exploits a national crisis for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain focused on investigating and prosecuting individuals seeking to defraud federal government programs for personal profit, especially during this pandemic.”
“Let this arrest be a warning that our agents remain vigilant in our fight against healthcare fraud and improper billing of federal healthcare programs,” said Omar Pérez Aybar, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to enrich themselves at the government’s expense.”
The complaint alleges that, starting in or around October of 2018, and continuing through the present, Hoobler solicited and received illegal kickback payments from the owners and operators of a diagnostic testing laboratory in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries to this laboratory. The complaint further alleges that the owners and operators of the laboratory then submitted claims to Medicare for cancer genetic testing for the beneficiaries referred by Hoobler that were not eligible for reimbursement. The laboratory paid Hoobler a percentage of the paid claims as kickbacks.
Initially, the scheme related to Hoobler’s receipt of kickbacks for submitting CGX tests to diagnostic testing facilities. CGX testing is a type of test that uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. CGX testing is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer. Generally, in order to have CGX tests conducted, an individual must complete a buccal or nasopharyngeal swab, or a respiratory sample, to collect a specimen, which specimen can then be transmitted to a laboratory for testing. Medicare rules and regulations provide that CGX testing is only reimbursable under certain specific circumstances, and tests not ordered by the physician who is treating the Medicare beneficiary are not considered reasonable and necessary.
The complaint alleges that Hoobler and her co-conspirators would obtain Medicare patient information and swabs by having Medicare beneficiaries complete genetic test kits, without regard to their medical necessity. Hoobler and her co-conspirators would obtain doctors’ orders for CGX testing for those beneficiaries by paying illegal kickbacks to co-conspirators at telemedicine companies. Hoobler also received illegal kickbacks in exchange for sending the completed CGX swabs and doctors’ orders to a laboratory. The laboratory would then submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare.
Starting in or around February 2020, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be felt in the United States. According to the allegations in the complaint, as the COVID-19 crisis began to escalate, certain laboratory owners and operators have been willing to pay illegal kickbacks in exchange for completed COVID-19 and Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) tests, which reimburse at a much higher rate than the COVID-19 tests.
The complaint further alleges that Hoobler agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for COVID-19 tests, provided that those tests were bundled with more expensive RPP tests. Medicare’s reimbursement rates for the RPP tests are approximately four times higher than the reimbursement rates for the COVID-19 test.
HHS-OIG’s Miami Regional Office investigated the case with assistance from the Atlanta Regional Office and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Trial Attorney Alejandro J. Salicrup is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Georgia Woman Arrested for Role in Scheme to Defraud Health Care Benefit Programs Related to Cancer Genetic Testing and COVID-19 TestingRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – A Georgia woman was arrested today for her alleged role in a conspiracy to defraud Medicare, a federally funded health care benefit program, by submitting false and fraudulent claims for cancer genetic (CGX) testing, as well as her role in conspiring to submit fraudulent claims related to COVID-19 and other tests.
Ashley Hoobler Parris, aka Ashley Hoobler and Ashley Parris, 32, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, is charged by
complaint with conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and conspiring to commit health care fraud. Hoobler was arrested this morning and is scheduled to have her initial court appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Justin S. Anand of the Northern District of Georgia.“The defendant allegedly sought to pay and receive illegal kickbacks in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries for expensive genetic screening tests and COVID-19 tests,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the public from those who defraud our government health care programs, especially those who exploit the COVID-19 pandemic for personal gain.”
“Fraud related to COVID-19 is particularly disturbing as it exploits a national crisis for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners remain focused on investigating and prosecuting individuals seeking to defraud federal government programs for personal profit, especially during this pandemic.”
“Let this arrest be a warning that our agents remain vigilant in our fight against healthcare fraud and improper billing of federal healthcare programs,” said Omar Pérez Aybar, Special Agent in Charge for the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to enrich themselves at the government’s expense.”
The complaint alleges that, starting in or around October of 2018, and continuing through the present, Hoobler solicited and received illegal kickback payments from the owners and operators of a diagnostic testing laboratory in exchange for referring Medicare beneficiaries to this
laboratory. The complaint further alleges that the owners and operators of the laboratory then submitted claims to Medicare for cancer genetic testing for the beneficiaries referred by Hoobler that were not eligible for reimbursement. The laboratory paid Hoobler a percentage of of the paid claims as kickbacks.
Initially, the scheme related to Hoobler’s receipt of kickbacks for submitting CGX tests to diagnostic testing facilities. CGX testing is a type of test that uses DNA sequencing to detect mutations in genes that could indicate a higher risk of developing certain types of cancers in the future. CGX testing is not a method of diagnosing whether an individual presently has cancer. Generally, in order to have CGX tests conducted, an individual must complete a buccal or nasopharyngeal swab, or a respiratory sample, to collect a specimen, which specimen can then be transmitted to a laboratory for testing. Medicare rules and regulations provide that CGX testing is only reimbursable under certain specific circumstances, and tests not ordered by the physician who is treating the Medicare beneficiary are not considered reasonable and necessary.
The complaint alleges that Hoobler and her co-conspirators would obtain Medicare patient information and swabs by having Medicare beneficiaries complete genetic test kits, without regard to their medical necessity. Hoobler and her co-conspirators would obtain doctors’ orders for CGX testing for those beneficiaries by paying illegal kickbacks to co-conspirators at telemedicine companies. Hoobler also received illegal kickbacks in exchange for sending the completed CGX swabs and doctors’ orders to a laboratory. The laboratory would then submit false and fraudulent claims to Medicare.
Starting in or around February 2020, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic began to be felt in the United States. According to the allegations in the complaint, as the COVID-19 crisis began to escalate, certain laboratory owners and operators have been willing to pay illegal kickbacks in exchange for completed COVID-19 and Respiratory Pathogen Panel (RPP) tests, which reimburse at a much higher rate than the COVID-19 tests.
The complaint further alleges that Hoobler agreed with others to be paid kickbacks on a per-test basis for COVID-19 tests, provided that those tests were bundled with more expensive RPP tests. Medicare’s reimbursement rates for the RPP tests are approximately four times higher than the reimbursement rates for the COVID-19 test.
HHS-OIG’s Miami Regional Office investigated the case with assistance from the Atlanta Regional Office and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Trial Attorney Alejandro J. Salicrup is prosecuting the case.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Former Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Online Enticement of A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Travis Ryan Pritchard (36, Green Cove Springs) with online enticement of a minor and attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Pritchard faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to a life, in federal prison.
According to the
complaint , Pritchard was employed as a deputy with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. At the time of the alleged offense, he was assigned to the DUI unit. From December 2019 through May 2, 2020, Pritchard used an online chat application to communicate with a 15-year-old girl with whom he had engaged in sexual activity on a weekly basis. Beginning on April 29, 2020, an undercover detective from the Green Cove Springs Police Department assumed the child’s identity and continued chatting with Pritchard using the online chat application. Late in the night of May 1, 2020, and into the early morning hours of the next day, Pritchard encouraged the “child” to sneak out of her home to meet with him for a “quickie.” In anticipation of their meeting, he sent the “child” a photograph of himself from the waist down, wearing only boxer shorts. At approximately 2:00 a.m. on May 2, 2020, Pritchard arrived near the child’s home to pick her up in his patrol vehicle, and sent the “child” a message saying, “I’m here.” A short time later, Pritchard was arrested by officers from the Green Cove Springs Police Department.A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.