Middle District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Winter Garden Man with Numerous Felony Convictions Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Kenneth Bernard Smith (55, Winter Garden) to 12 years in federal prison for possessing a loaded firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and for possessing with the intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. Smith had previously pleaded guilty to the offenses.
According to court documents, on February 8, 2019, deputies from the Orange County Sherriff’s Office responded to a call regarding a fatal drug overdose that had occurred in an apartment in Winter Garden, where Smith was the sole resident. The deputies found materials used in drug distribution, as well as more than 550 rounds of ammunition in the apartment. At the time, Smith had multiple prior felony convictions for drug distribution.
On February 20, 2019, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover purchase of cocaine from Smith. On March 6, 2019, officers executed a warrant at Smith’s home and seized cocaine and heroin, packaged for distribution, along with a loaded 10 mm firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Smith is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winter Garden Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and 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.
NASA Contractor Agrees to Pay $375,000 to Settle False Claims Act LiabilityRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces today that United Paradyne Corporation has agreed to pay the United States $375,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to NASA for assembling and cleaning rocket launch systems that it had failed to perform.
The settlement relates to United Paradyne’s agreement to provide NASA with certain ground support equipment designed to support NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion space capsule for NASA’s Artemis program. Specifically, United Paradyne agreed to fabricate five Hydraulic Accumulator Rack Assembly Swing Arm Systems for the mobile launcher. The hydraulic accumulator racks actuate swing arms, also called umbilicals, on the mobile launcher and are responsible for providing the SLS rocket and Orion space capsule with power, communications, coolant, fuel, and stabilization prior to launch. The Crew Access Arm umbilical was designed for astronauts to access the Orion capsule and will be used on NASA’s Artemis II mission, the first SLS and Orion flight with astronauts in 2022.
According to the settlement agreement, United Paradyne submitted claims under NASA-KSC Contract No. NNK14EA09D for payment for delivery of the accumulator racks that failed to conform to the requirements of the contract approved by NASA. More specifically, the United States alleged that United Paradyne delivered five accumulator racks between August 11 and October 19, 2015, and that United Paradyne failed to clean the racks, failed to verify cleanliness, and failed to maintain cleanliness throughout functional testing and final inspection, and falsely certified that it conformed to NASA’s requirements.
“Violating NASA’s contractual requirements raises danger and risks to our space program and its personnel as well as harms the integrity of the federal contracting process,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to enforcing federal law and ensuring a system of fair play for all government contractors.”
“The NASA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate all Whistleblower Qui Tam fraud allegations related to NASA operations and the building of the next generation space launch vehicle and related ground support equipment. I congratulate the Department of Justice and the Whistleblower Qui Tam relator in coming to an acceptable resolution in this civil matter with United Paradyne Corporation,” said Special Agent in Charge John Corbett, Central Field Office, NASA OIG.
The settlement concludes a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by a former employee of United Paradyne, Steven Walker. Mr. Walker sued under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act permitting a private citizen to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in the recovery. The Act also allows the United States to intervene and prosecute the action. Mr. Walker will receive $75,000 of the proceeds from the settlement with United Paradyne.
This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the NASA Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor led the investigation.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Steven James Walker v. United Paradyne Corporation, Case No. 6:17-cv-01507-ORL-18-TBS. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims in that case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Pinellas County Man Sentenced to More Than Nine Years for Receiving and Possessing Child Sex Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez-Covington has sentenced Kelly Stephen Ratcliffe (53, Dunedin) to nine years and two months in federal prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. In addition, Ratcliffe is ordered to pay $49,000 in restitution to the victims, and must forfeit the electronic devices that he used to commit the offenses.
Ratcliffe had pleaded guilty on September 19, 2019.
According to court documents, the FBI executed a search warrant at Ratcliffe’s residence in November 2018. Ratcliffe admitted that he had used his iPhone and iPad to access an internet application known to law enforcement to be used by individuals interested in sharing child sex abuse material, to communicate with others about the sexual abuse of children, and to receive, trade, and save child pornography. A forensic review of Ratcliffe’s electronic devices revealed that he had received numerous images and videos of child pornography from other individuals online and that he possessed approximately 230 videos and over 800 images of child sex abuse material depicting the sadomasochistic conduct, bondage, and penile penetration of infants and toddlers. Ratcliffe told other individuals that he liked child rape and liked them “crying” and “tied.” The forensic analysis of the devices also revealed that Ratcliffe had specifically sought out images and videos of toddlers being raped.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Seffner Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Firearms and Arson ChargesRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich today sentenced Joshua David Jordan (30, Seffner) to 25 years in federal prison for arson and for discharging a firearm during and in relation to attempted carjackings. The court also ordered Jordan to pay $82,200 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
Jordan had pleaded guilty on September 4, 2019.
According to court documents, on the night of October 3, 2017, Jordan attempted to commit two armed carjackings in Hillsborough County, firing a semi-automatic handgun during each one. In the second attempted carjacking, Jordan shot the driver, who escaped and survived. Jordan then stole and set fire to a landscaping company’s spray truck, resulting in its destruction.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Murray and Callan Albritton.
This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 5 Years in Federal Prison on Federal Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II today sentenced Twon Deshay Kinsler (28, Ocala) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Kinsler to forfeit two handguns and ammunition used during the offense. Kinsler had pleaded on October 2, 2019.
According to court documents, on May 7, 2019, City of Ocala police officers responded to a call from a homeowner about an unknown man shooting firearms in a backyard of a residential area. They located Kinsler, who was sweating profusely and wearing a bulletproof vest, in the backyard of the residence. Kinsler had illegal drugs in his pockets and two loaded firearms at his feet. One of the firearms had previously been reported stolen. A gunshot residue test also confirmed the presence of gunpowder on Kinsler’s hands.
At the time, Kinsler was a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
Ocala Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm and Narcotics OffensesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge John Antoon today sentenced Daprix Devon Gadson (29, Ocala) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as an armed career criminal and for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Gadson had pleaded guilty on September 5, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on April 16, 2019, Gadson led officers from the Ocala Police Department on a high-speed vehicle chase when they attempted to pull him over for a traffic offense. After fleeing for approximately two miles, Gadson crashed his vehicle into a stop sign, disabling the car. Gadson then fled on foot, but was soon apprehended and arrested. During a subsequent search of Gadson’s vehicle, officers recovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, 55 rounds of ammunition, and at least 20 grams of methamphetamine. At the time of his arrest, Gadson had 13 prior felony convictions, including 5 prior serious drug offenses. As a previous convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
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.
Marion County Man with 28 Felony Convictions Found Guilty of Federal Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II today found Charlie Lee Wright, Jr. (52, Summerfield) guilty of possession of a firearm affecting commerce by a convicted felon, following a bench trial. Because of his prior criminal record, Wright faces a penalty of at least 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2020.
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 17, 2019.
According to the evidence presented at trial, Wright has 28 prior felony convictions in Florida. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
On January 16, 2019, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Wright’s Summerfield residence pursuant to an investigation into missing jewelry. During the search, detectives located five firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition inside the home, and inside a car registered in Wright’s name. Wright subsequently admitted to federal investigators that he had handled two of the recovered firearms.
This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.
Idaho Man Arrested and Charged with Soliciting Child Sex Abuse Images over the InternetRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Aaron Kirk Woolman (58, Hagerman, ID) has been arrested and charged with soliciting child sex abuse images over the internet and via text message. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison. Woolman made his initial appearance in Boise, Idaho on December 13, 2019, and currently remains in custody pending further proceedings in Jacksonville.
According to court documents, on August 7, 2019, an undercover FBI agent in Jacksonville, who was posing as a parent of a 9-year-old “child,” made online contact with Woolman, who was using the user name “AWOOL61,” in an online chat application. During an online chat session, Woolman repeatedly asked for photos of the purported “child.” Between August 14 and August 21, 2019, Woolman and the undercover agent engaged in online conversation during which Woolman solicited the undercover agent to send pornographic images of the “child.”
Additionally, Woolman engaged in text message conversations with a second undercover FBI agent who was posing as the 9-year-old child. During these conversations, Woolman solicited the “child” to engage in sexually explicit conduct, produce pornographic images of this conduct, and send these images to him. Woolman tried to convince the “child” to comply with his requests by sending the “child” explicit images of himself along with a video of a female engaged in sexual acts.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Boise, Idaho, as well as the Gooding County (ID) Sheriff’s Office and the Twin Falls (ID) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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.
Georgia Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to EnticeRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Douglas Scott Phillips (52, Richmond Hill, GA) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Phillips was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
Phillips had pleaded guilty on September 11, 2019.
According to court documents, on November 15, 2018, a detective from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office engaged in an online undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to meet children for sex. The detective posted a notice on an online bulletin board using the fictitious persona of a “mother” with “a young 11-year-old daughter.” Phillips responded to the notice and confirmed the age of the “daughter.” Phillips indicated that he was “very interested” and sent the “mother” an explicit photo of himself.
Over the next two months, Phillips and the undercover officer had several conversations in which Phillips expressed his desire and intention to engage in sexual activity with the “child.” During the conversations, Phillips instructed the “child” how to masturbate and sent pornographic photos illustrating how to do so. On January 7, 2019, Phillips told the “mother” that he was serious about meeting with the “child” and confirmed that he had texted with the “child” about masturbation.
On January 18, 2019, Phillips was arrested at his home in Georgia. During an interview, Phillips admitted seeing the advertisment and following up “just to see what it was.” He also admitted to engaging in sexual conversation with the “mother” and sending pictures of himself to the “child.”
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Liberty County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, and the Bryan County (GA) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
“HSI, along with our partners at the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, and the Liberty and Bryan County Sheriff’s Offices in Georgia, stopped this predator who attempted to commit vile sexual crimes against a young child,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Anyone who plans to engage in these horrific acts should be on notice – they will pay a very steep price.”
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.
Fernandina Beach Woman Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Claims for FEMA Benefits Involving Hurricane IrmaRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Jessica Ann Smothers (35, Fernandina Beach), a/k/a Annabella Oxendine, has pleaded guilty to disaster assistance fraud involving FEMA benefits. She faces up to 30 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the United States in the amount of $13,838.70. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Smothers has remained in custody since her arrest on November 4, 2019.
According to court documents, on September 22, 2017, Smothers made an application for disaster assistance benefits to FEMA. In the application, she claimed that her primary residence in Fernandina Beach had suffered storm damage from Hurricane Irma and, due to the purported storm damage, she was displaced from her primary residence, initially forced to live in a tent, and subsequently rented another home in Fernandina Beach. Based on the statements made by Smothers in her application, FEMA paid $13,838.70 to Smothers in the form of critical needs assistance, personal property damage, and rental assistance.
Further investigation determined that Smothers’s statements to FEMA were false. Her residence in Fernandina Beach had not been damaged and she lived there through, and after, Hurricane Irma.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
This case is part of the United States Attorney’s Disaster Fraud Task Force, which was announced in September 2017.
Members of the public who suspect fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations, or believe they have been the victim of fraud from a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, should contact the National Disaster Fraud Hotline toll free at (866) 720-5721. A live operator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week staffs the telephone line. You can also fax information to the Center at (225) 334-4707, or email it to [email protected]. You may also visit www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl.
Brevard Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced James John Edwards (37, Brevard County) to 9 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. The court also ordered Edwards to pay $50,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense, and to forfeit the electronic devices that he had used to commit the offense. A federal jury found Edwards guilty on August 1, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, on February 7, 2019, during the execution of a search warrant, agents found Edwards in possession of more than 1,000 videos and over 300 images depicting the sexual exploitation and abuse of young children. Those videos and images captured the rape and sexual torture of children under the age of 12. The evidence also showed that Edwards had an extensive computer background, and in this case, used a file-sharing program to obtain the illicit images via a computer and hard drive in his bedroom. The computer was connected to a television that was mounted on the wall above Edwards’s dresser. Edwards used the hard drive to store videos and images of child pornography. His collection dated back to 2015.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Palm Bay Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilianys Rivera Miranda and Karen L. Gable.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Orlando Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years in Federal Prison for Armed Carjacking of Pizza Delivery DriverRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge G. Kendall Sharp has sentenced Sheldrick D. Singleton Jr. (20, Orlando) to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for committing an armed carjacking, and for possessing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Singleton had pleaded guilty on August 26, 2019.
According to court records, on March 21, 2019, Singleton and two other suspects held a pizza delivery driver at gunpoint as the driver attempted to deliver a pizza in the Pine Hills area of Orlando. While holding the victim at gunpoint, Singleton and the other two suspects demanded the keys to the victim’s vehicle and drove away, leaving the victim behind. Approximately 20 minutes later, deputies located the vehicle in Winter Garden and attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspects refused to stop and fled, at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. One of the pursuing deputies performed a tactical maneuver that successfully immobilized the vehicle. Singleton and the other two suspects were then removed from the vehicle and arrested.
One of the suspects, Anthony Sean Williams Jr., was indicted by a federal grand jury for the same offenses as Singleton and is currently pending trial. The third suspect is a minor and the matter is being handled in state court.
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 Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Winter Garden Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.
Miramar Man Sentenced to Five Years for Participating in $1.5 Million Apple Pay Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Laurent Pierre-Louis (31, Miramar) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Pierre-Louis had pleaded guilty on April 10, 2019.
According to court documents, Pierre-Louis and others fraudulently obtained access to at least 477 credit card accounts and linked those accounts to the Apple Pay app on their iPhones. Then, using their iPhones, Pierre-Louis and his co-conspirators made purchases using their victims’ credit card accounts, without having to present actual credit cards to retailers. Pierre-Louis, alone, was linked to over 1,800 fraudulent credit card transactions. Collectively, the conspirators made more than $1.5 million in fraudulent purchases.
Pierre-Louis’s co-defendants were previously sentenced as follows - Johnny Max Wesley (24, Miami) to 48 months in federal prison; Daniel Butler (30, North Miami) to 54 months’ imprisonment; and Rachel Bishop (27, Miami) to 12 months’ probation, to be served while on home detention.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Justice Department Awards More Than $333 Million to Fight Opioid CrisisRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – The Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs has announced awards of more than $333 million to help communities affected by the opioid crisis. $4,149,896 will help public safety and public health professionals in the Middle District of Florida combat substance abuse and respond effectively to overdoses. OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan made the announcement during a visit with local, state and federal officials in West Virginia, one of the states hardest hit by the epidemic.
“The opioid crisis has destroyed far too many lives and left too many Americans feeling helpless and hopeless,” said PDAAG Sullivan. “This epidemic—the most deadly in our nation’s history—is introducing new dangers and loading public health responsibilities onto the public safety duties of our law enforcement officers. The Department of Justice is here to support them during this unprecedented and extremely challenging time.”
With more than 130 people dying from opioid-related overdoses every day, the Department of Justice has made fighting addiction to opioids—including heroin and fentanyl—a national priority. The Trump Administration is providing critical funding for a wide range of activities—from preventive services and comprehensive treatment to recovery assistance, forensic science services and research—to help save lives and break the cycle of addiction and crime.
“We plan to continue to use every tool in our arsenal to combat the illegal distribution and use of opioids in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “These additional resources will increase the ability of our partners to save the lives of those affected by this dangerous epidemic.”
The awards announced today support an array of activities designed to reduce the harm inflicted by these dangerous drugs. Grants will help law enforcement officers, emergency responders and treatment professionals coordinate their response to overdoses. Funds will also provide services for children and youth affected by the crisis and will support the nationwide network of drug and treatment courts. Other awards will address prescription drug abuse, expand the capacity of forensic labs and support opioid-related research.
The following awards were made to organizations in the Middle District of Florida.
City of Tampa (Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program)
$900,000Family Support Services of North Florida (Enhancing Community Responses to the Opioid Crisis: Serving our Youngest Crime Victims)
$750,000Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (Opioid Affected Youth Initiative)
$1,000,000Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (Adult Court and Veterans Treatment Courts Discretionary Grant Program)
$499,896Brevard County (Adult Court and Veterans Treatment Courts Discretionary Grant Program)
$500,000Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners (Adult Court and Veterans Treatment Courts Discretionary Grant Program)
$500,000 Pinellas County (Paul Coverdell Competitive Grant Program) $189,565In addition, the following statewide awards were made to organizations in Florida.
Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator (Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Site-based Program)
$1,492,871Institute for Intergovernmental Research (Opioid Affected Youth Initiative)
$1,000,000Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (Statewide and Regional Mentoring Initiatives for Youth Impacted by Opioids)
$1,250,000Information about the programs and awards announced today is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
Former Employee of NASA Contractor Convicted for Substituting Foreign Materials for Domestic Materials to Be Used by NASARead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Seongchan “Steven” Yun (32, Redondo Beach, CA) guilty of providing a false document to a federal agency. Yun faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2020.
Yun was indicted on March 13, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, Yun was an employee at CBOL Corporation, a company that provided parts and materials to the aerospace industry, including NASA. In the summer of 2014, Yun handled a contract that required CBOL to provide stainless steel tubing to carry hypergolic fuel (rocket fuel) for use in support of NASA’s Space Launch System/Orion project at Kennedy Space Center. The contract required that the steel tubing originate from the United States. During the procurement, Yun received steel tubing originating from China. Instead of replacing the tubing with materials from the United States, Yun covered up the foreign origin of the parts on documentation that accompanied the parts. He then caused the steel tubing to be shipped to the Kennedy Space Center, and later prepared a certification falsely certifying that the steel tubing conformed to all of NASA’s requirements. The steel tubing ultimately failed materials testing conducted by NASA regarding its suitability for use in NASA’s fueling programs.
“The NASA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate those who undermine and defraud NASA efforts to build the SLS launch vehicle and it’s systems,” said Special Agent in Charge John Corbett, Central Field Office. “This jury verdict serves as a staunch reminder that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
This case was investigated by the NASA – Office of Inspector General and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs Jr.
Doctor, Pharmacists, and Marketers in Compounding Pharmacy Kickback Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Two pharmacists, a physician, and two marketers have been sentenced for conspiring to pay and receive health care kickbacks for prescriptions for compounded creams billed to TRICARE.
On December 17, 2019, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced Dr. Anthony Baldizzi (56, Treasure Island) to one year and a day in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. Baldizzi was ordered to forfeit $100,000, including a BMW that he had received as a kickback. On March 7, 2018, Baldizzi had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and receive kickbacks, and one count of receiving healthcare kickbacks. He will be surrendering his license to practice medicine in January 2020.
On October 18, 2019, U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich sentenced pharmacist Carlos Mazariegos (42, Palm Harbor) to one year and a day in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. On April 10, 2017, Mazariegos had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is no longer a licensed pharmacist.
On November 6, 2019, U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew sentenced pharmacist Benjamin Nundy (42, Ruskin) to a five-year term of probation for his role in the conspiracy. On July 13, 2017, Nundy had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. He is no longer a licensed pharmacist.
Mazariegos and Nundy paid $6,404,793.24 in restitution to the United States and forfeited $6,404,793.24 in cash.
On December 18, 2019, U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven sentenced the owners of the marketing firm Centurion Compounding, Inc., Frank V. Monte and Kimberley S. Anderson, to 24 months and 18 months in federal prison, respectively. Monte and Anderson also forfeited more than $3 million in property and luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini, a Porsche, a Ferrari, a Ford GT racing car, a McLaren, and a Mercedes.
According to court documents, in 2014 and 2015, Centurion, a marketing firm located in Pasco County, was operated by Monte and Anderson. Centurion employed sales representatives to market compounded prescription medications—specifically, creams for pain and scars—to beneficiaries of healthcare plans, especially TRICARE. These creams typically ranged in price from $900 to $21,000 for a one-month supply. Centurion representatives marketed the creams to individuals living and working at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
In May 2014, Centurion entered into an exclusive, illegal kickback arrangement with Pinellas County-based LifeCare pharmacy, whereby Centurion and LifeCare agreed to share equally in the profits from the claims paid by health benefit programs, including TRICARE, for compounded medications prescribed to beneficiaries. Baldizzi agreed with Monte, Anderson, and the owners of LifeCare pharmacy (Mazariegos and Nundy), that, in exchange for kickbacks, he would write prescriptions for compounded creams marketed by Centurion to TRICARE beneficiaries. Between May and November 2014, LifeCare billed health insurers, including TRICARE, more than $12.4 million for compounded cream prescriptions written by Baldizzi and marketed by Centurion. LifeCare realized a profit of more than $10 million, which it shared with Baldizzi, Monte, and Anderson.
Even after LifeCare closed and Baldizzi withdrew from the conspiracy, Centurion transferred the existing refills from Baldizzi’s prescriptions to a new pharmacy, which filled the prescriptions and billed TRICARE. In all, Centurion caused TRICARE to be billed more than $50 million for compounded creams prescribed to patients that it had recruited. Following the execution of a federal search warrant in February 2015, Centurion ceased operations, and the United States facilitated the repayment or reversal of more than $48 million in claims to TRICARE.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigation Service, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Colin McDonell, with assistance from Assistant United States Attorneys Suzanne Nebesky and Holly Gershow.
Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Smuggling Nearly $200 Million of Cocaine on Board A Semi-Submersible SubmarineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced three Colombian nationals to federal prison terms for conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Carlos Chavez-Aguirre (35), Yesid Caicedo Asprilla (50), and David Hurtado Vallecilla (45) were sentenced to 20, 12, and 11 years, respectively. They had pleaded guilty in August and September 2019.
According to court documents, on June 18, 2019, while on routine patrol in the East Pacific Ocean, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Munro located a 50-ft long self-propelled semi-submersible submarine with a sealed cabin approximately 92 nautical miles northwest of Tumaco, Colombia, in international waters.
USCG law enforcement officers boarded the semi-submersible submarine while it was still moving. The boarding led to the arrest of five individuals, and the recovery of 7,683 kilograms of cocaine (almost 17,000 pounds) worth approximately $192 million.
The two remaining defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on January 14, 2020 and February 12, 2020.
Carlos Chavez-Aguirre had previously been convicted of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
“This case highlights the interagency cooperation that fuels the mission of the Panama Express Strike Force; which is to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Michael F. McPherson.
“This high-profile narcotics interdiction case was the result of the investigative efforts HSI and our partner agencies at the Panama Express Strike Force conduct on a daily basis,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Hector Colon.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
Mexican National Sentenced to Three Years for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Alejandro Rosales-Gonzalez (36, Mexico) to three years in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation.
Rosales-Gonzalez had pleaded guilty on September 30, 2019.
According to testimony and court documents, since 2001, Rosales-Gonzalez has been returned or deported from the United States to Mexico eight times. He has been charged and convicted for illegal entry and illegal reentry four times since 2011, including this case. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement most recently encountered Rosales-Gonzalez on April 19, 2019, following his arrest for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in Melbourne, Florida.
“Thanks to the hard work of our Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team, this violent criminal illegal alien is out of our communities,” said Miami ERO Field Office Director Michael W. Meade.
This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bayliss, on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, in the Middle District of Florida.
Law School Graduate Who Posed as Licensed Attorney Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Roberta A. Guedes (40, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a fraudulent scheme wherein she posed and practiced law as a licensed attorney. Guedes faces a maximum sentence of 22 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, in 2014, Guedes graduated from Stetson University College of Law, but twice failed the Florida Bar exam. Guedes has never been licensed to practice law in Florida nor in any other state. Despite this, in the fall of 2014, Guedes incorporated two fake law firms—Ferguson and McKenzie LLC, and Immigration and Litigation Law Office, Inc. Guedes marketed her legal services and rented office space at the Rivergate Tower in downtown Tampa. She took on multiple client-victims, misrepresenting herself as an attorney. Guedes charged her client-victims fees for her services, which ranged from representation in immigration proceedings to family law matters. At times, Guedes impersonated a law school classmate and licensed attorney who had no involvement in Guedes’s sham law firms. As part of her fraudulent scheme, Guedes filed court pleadings and immigration petitions using her former classmate’s name and Florida Bar number, and also made several personal appearances in federal immigration court (Orlando) and Hillsborough County court posing as a licensed attorney.
Guedes furthered her fraudulent scheme by using other victims’ personal identity information. For example, Guedes used one victim’s social security number, birthdate, and other identifying information to open bank accounts, credit cards, and other lines of credit for personal expenses and business-related expenses for her sham law firms.
Any person who was, or knows of someone who may have been, a possible victim is urged to contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or http://www.ice.gov/webform/hsi-tip-form.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, with assistance from the Largo Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Mark Wesley Schmit (50, Jacksonville) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. Schmit was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
Schmit had pleaded guilty on August 2, 2019.
According to court documents, during the course of the investigation of an unrelated child exploitation case, the FBI learned that a particular individual had exchanged a series of text messages with Schmit. At one point during that conversation, that individual sent several explicit videos to Schmit, claiming that they depicted his 13-year-old sister. In response, Schmit requested that the individual send him additional graphic sexual videos of that purported child. Schmit then sent an image to that individual, which depicted an adult male sexually assaulting a young girl.
On April 16, 2019, FBI agents arrested Schmit pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. During an interview, Schmit admitted to sending and receiving child pornography, and that he had a sexual interest in looking at images of underage girls. Schmit also admitted that he had used a fictitious internet persona to portray himself as a teenage boy, for the purpose of meeting underage girls through social media. In some cases, Schmit had cultivated long-term online relationships with his victims so that he could solicit them to send him sexual images of themselves. A subsequent investigation revealed that Schmit had solicited and received sexual images from at least three underage girls. A forensic analysis of Schmit’s cellphone revealed that it contained at least five images depicting the sexual abuse of young children.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
This is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Ponte Vedra Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $8.9 Million in Restitution for Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Bryan L. Brewer (44, Ponte Vedra) to five years in federal prison for wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Brewer also was ordered to pay $8.9 million in restitution.
Brewer had pleaded guilty on August 1, 2019.
According to court documents, Brewer engaged in two fraud schemes that resulted in him receiving more than $8 million. In one scheme, Brewer solicited an individual to invest in a company that manufactured paddleboards by the name of USBoardco (also known as WatersEdge). As part of the scheme, Brewer sent the victim copies of bank statements, tax returns, and other financial documents that had been falsified to inflate the sales, profits, income, and bank account balance for the company. In reliance upon those and other misrepresentations, the victim invested over $1 million.
The second scheme related to some real estate located in Seminole County. In 2012, an investor loaned more than $4 million to assist Brewer in the purchase of the property. In return, the investor obtained a mortgage on the property. A couple of years later, Brewer defrauded a bank into lending his companies $7.75 million that involved Brewer forging documents and using a fake email account that he had created for his investor. This scheme consisted of two parts. First, Brewer forged a letter that transferred the mortgage from his investor to an entity that Brewer controlled. Second, Brewer forged an estoppel letter from his investor that falsely promised that the investor would release his mortgage for $3.5 million. Brewer used a fake email account that he had established for the investor to send the forged estoppel letter and to pretend to be the investor in communications with the bank. Relying upon the forged letters and his other misrepresentations, the bank loaned one of Brewer’s companies $7.75 million.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.
Estero Man Sentenced for Illegally Poaching and Transporting Wood TurtlesRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Michael P. Ellard (58, Estero) to 15 months in federal prison, for illegally capturing Wood Turtles and transporting them across state lines into Florida for commercial gain. In doing so, Ellard violated the Lacey Act, which makes it unlawful for any person to knowingly transport or sell wildlife that has been taken, collected, or captured in violation of law. A restitution hearing has been set for March 2, 2020.
Ellard had pleaded guilty on July 24, 2019.
The collection of Wood Turtles is illegal in West Virginia because it is a primary threat to the species’ viability in that state. According to court documents, Ellard was engaged in the business of buying and selling reptiles within Florida and throughout the United States. During three separate trips to the West Virginia area in March, April, and May 2016, Ellard illegally captured at least 140 Wood Turtles and transported them across state lines into Florida with the intent to sell them.
On May 19, 2016, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Ellard’s residence in Estero, U.S. Fish and Wildlife agents seized a total of 17 Wood Turtles. Ellard had transported these turtles from the West Virginia area to Florida.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey F. Michelland.
Safety Harbor Man Charged with Distributing Fentanyl, Causing Death to One Individual and Serious Injury to AnotherRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of a superseding indictment charging David Burkes (51, Safety Harbor) with conspiring to distribute a substance that contained a mixture of fentanyl, and acetyl fentanyl, causing the death of one individual, and the serious injury to another. If convicted, Burkes faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison.
According to court documents and information presented in court, beginning on August 12, 2019, Burkes distributed fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, to two individuals. The two individuals snorted the substance. A short time later, one of the individuals lost control of the vehicle the two were riding in, veered into a Walgreens parking lot, and overdosed. Medical personnel found the two individuals on the ground in the parking lot. They successfully revived one of the individuals, while the other died.
Between August 13, 2019, and August 15, 2019, after the fatal overdose, Burkes continued to distribute narcotics to undercover officers in Safety Harbor.
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 the Middle District of Florida’s anti-opioid strategy to combat opioid trafficking and abuse. This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Pinellas County Medical Examiner’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Kaitlin O’Donnell.
Plant City Man Sentenced to More Than Five Years for Possessing A Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Mario Brooks (30, Plant City) to five years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Brooks to forfeit the firearm and ammunition.
Brooks had pleaded guilty on August 12, 2019.
According to court documents, on March 9, 2019, an officer from the Plant City Police Department located Brooks, who had violated the terms of his probation, at a residence in Plant City. When the officer arrived at the home, Brooks fled. The officer gave chase and yelled at Brooks to stop. The officer noticed that Brooks was holding a firearm in his right hand that appeared to be equipped with an extended magazine. Eventually, officers were able to catch Brooks and arrest him. Brooks later admitted that he had possessed a firearm—a semi-automatic handgun with an extended magazine—and 35 rounds of ammunition.
Brooks, who had previously been convicted of several felonies, including possession of cocaine, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault involving the discharge of a firearm, felon in possession of a firearm, and robbery involving the possession of a firearm, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David C. Waterman.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (“PSN”). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.
Ocala Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison on Federal Firearms and Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Anthony David Diehlman (41, Ocala) to six years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Diehlman had pleaded guilty on July 9, 2019.
According to court documents, on March 8, 2019, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Diehlman’s Ocala residence as part of an investigation into illegal drug distribution. Inside the home, agents recovered more than 100 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, four loaded firearms, ammunition, and a taser. Three of the firearms were locked in a safe, along with Diehlman’s lease for the residence, identification documents, and cash. Following his arrest, Diehlman made a call describing the exact location of a hidden AR-15 rifle.
Diehlman is a previously convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. He had posted photographs of himself with the recovered firearms on social media prior to the search warrant.
This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.
Ocala Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine, Heroin, and FentanylRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – U.S. Senior District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Deandre Amaad Williams (29, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl. Williams had pleaded guilty on July 19, 2019.
According to court documents, between January 2012 and May 2019, Williams was a member of a conspiracy that distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin through a network of stash houses in Marion County. Large quantities of the heroin were also laced with fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ocala Police Department, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.
New York Parolee Pleads Guilty to Possession of Credit Card Manufacturing EquipmentRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Changa Bush (41, New York) has pleaded guilty to possession of credit card manufacturing equipment. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison, plus an additional penalty for violating his parole. Bush is currently on parole out of New York for assault causing serious physical injury; he has been detained since his arrest on September 6, 2019. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to court records, on April 12, 2019, a deputy from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office began following a stolen vehicle being driven by Bush. Bush eventually pulled the car into a gas station, parked, and the deputies made contact with him. During his subsequent arrest, law enforcement seized credit cards from Bush that were in the names of various individuals, along with counterfeit forms of identification matching the names on the credit cards. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement recovered a magnetic stripe card writer and reader, two laptops, three thumb drives, a long-range wireless adapter, and nine cell phones.
A subsequent forensic examination of the seized items by the United States Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force located 37 credit card account numbers, software used to encode and decode the magnetic strips of credit cards, and evidence of the installation of printers designed for printing identification cards.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service (Jacksonville Field Office) and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.
Florida Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Building A Bomb and Placing It at the Bay Pines Veterans Affairs HospitalRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William Jung today sentenced Mark Edward Allen (61, St. Petersburg) to five years in federal prison for attempting to destroy United States government property with an improvised explosive device. Allen was arrested on June 1, 2019. He had pleaded guilty on September 23, 2019.
According to court documents, on May 6, 2019, Allen placed a hoax explosive device at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Bay Pines, Florida. Then, on May 29, 2019, he placed an actual improvised explosive device (IED) at the same VA Hospital. Law enforcement agencies responded to the VA Hospital, and a bomb squad determined that the device contained a 9-volt battery, electrical wires, an improvised initiator, explosive powder, and a switch. Bomb technicians ultimately rendered the device safe. Video surveillance showed that Allen had carefully placed the IED on a gate that controls vehicle and pedestrian access to the VA Hospital.
Approximately two days after Allen had placed the IED at the VA Hospital, an individual called law enforcement and reported that Allen had been making other IEDs in his St. Petersburg home. The individual provided one of the devices to the FBI, and approximately seven additional completed and partially completed IEDs were found during a search of Allen’s home. Each of the devices was capable of causing property damage, personal injury, and/or death when properly assembled and initiated.
“The FBI routinely asks the public that if they see something to say something. This investigation proves to us the message is being heard loud and clear. We are grateful for the individual who came forward with the information leading us to Mr. Allen. Their action helped save lives,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division Michael F. McPherson.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.
Amusement Park Employee Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempting to Entice A Child for SexRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Frederick M. Pohl, Jr. (41, Clermont) to 20 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a child for sex. Pohl had pleaded guilty to this offense on August 6, 2019.
According to court records, Pohl engaged in a series of online chat communications to arrange a sexual encounter with an 8-year-old girl. Pohl believed he was chatting with the child, and her father, but was actually communicating with an undercover federal agent in Detroit. Pohl sent lewd photos of himself and agreed to meet with the 8-year-old child at an Orlando hotel. When Pohl arrived at the hotel, he was arrested by federal agents from Detroit and Orlando. Pohl was found to be in possession of condoms and a pink dress suitable for a young child to wear.
At the time of his arrest, Pohl had been working at an Orlando amusement park where he was responsible for securing the lap bars on rides for children and adults. He was immediately terminated from that position following his arrest. The amusement park was fully cooperative with law enforcement during their investigation and there were no known instances of misconduct while Pohl was working there.
“Thanks to HSI special agents in Detroit and Orlando and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, this child predator has been stopped and he will be held accountable for his crimes,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
20-Time Convicted Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Willie Lee Lewis (48, Ocala) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Lewis had pleaded guilty on March 12, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, on November 28, 2018, a City of Ocala police officer attempted to stop Lewis for a tag violation. Rather than pulling over, Lewis led the officer on a low-speed chase to his home where he discarded a loaded pistol, cocaine, and marijuana from the window of his van. Police recovered these items and arrested Lewis, who subsequently placed a recorded telephone call from the county jail in which he described the firearm and drugs that he had tried to discard.
At the time of the offense, Lewis had 20 prior state felony convictions, including multiple drug sales and illegal firearms offenses. He is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Ocala Police Department jointly investigated this case. 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.
Leader of Colombian Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to over 24 YearsRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Roberto Andrade-Caceres (47, Cali, Colombia), a/k/a “Yiyo,” to over 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while onboard a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
Andrade-Caceres was indicted on May 4, 2017, arrested in Colombia, and subsequently extradited to the United States. On May 2019, he pleaded guilty to the offense.
According to court records, since at least 2014, Andrade-Caceres was an organizer and leader of a Cali, Columbia based drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) engaged in the maritime transportation of large quantities of cocaine from Colombia to Panama and Costa Rica using small go-fast style vessels. Andrade-Caceres directed, managed, and oversaw virtually all aspects of the maritime cocaine-smuggling operation, including organizing and supervising at least twelve maritime cocaine smuggling ventures, two of which were interdicted by the United States Coast Guard.
In 2015 and 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard interdicted two go-fast smuggling vessels dispatched from Colombia by the DTO. During those interdictions, the Coast Guard seized approximately 684 kilograms of cocaine. The crewmen aboard these vessels were arrested and prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida.
This case was investigated by the Panama Express Strike Force, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of agents and analysts from the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. The Office of International Affairs of the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice provided significant support with the defendant’s extradition. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas DeRenzo.
Eleven Individuals Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin, Fentanyl, and CocaineRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of an indictment charging 11 individuals with federal drug trafficking offenses. Ahmad Rashad Weston, a/k/a “Blood,” (42, St. Petersburg); Charleston Shellie Long, a/k/a “Shellie,” (38, St. Petersburg); Shyron Deonta Givens, a/k/a “Ron,” (42, St. Petersburg); Charlie James McDuffy, Jr. (32, Clearwater); Teddy Terrell Strachan (38, Pembroke Pines); Ceveghnta Billvon Guyden, a/k/a “Chop,” (41, St. Petersburg); Quincy Alfonzo Turner, a/k/a “Chico,” (42, St. Petersburg); Justice Deshonna McLaurin, a/k/a “Jussy,” (24, St. Petersburg); Willie Carl McLaurin, a/k/a “Baldy,” (53, St. Petersburg); Ja’Vonta Willie McLaurin, a/k/a “Tay Tay,” (26, St. Petersburg); and Willie Carl McLaurin, Jr. (30, St. Petersburg) are charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. Weston and Turner, are also charged with distributing heroin and fentanyl. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the indictment, between on an unknown date, but no later than August 2018, and continuing through November 26, 2019, the defendants conspired to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
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.
These cases were investigated by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. Agencies involved in this OCDETF operation include the Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Waterman.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Producing Child Pornography of 7-Year-Old BoyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Ronald Manns Seaman, Jr. (50, Tampa) to 30 years in federal prison for production of child pornography. Seaman had pleaded guilty on November 28, 2018.
According to court records and proceedings, Seaman produced sexually explicit images of a 7-year-old boy who was under his supervision. The investigation began when Seaman distributed child pornography over the internet to an undercover FBI agent. Further investigation revealed that Seaman ran an online trading site for child pornography with more than 400 members, who traded “extreme” child pornography. Seaman advertised on the site that he had 10,000 child pornography files to trade. Seaman’s computer was found to contain more than 500 images and 40 videos of child pornography—many of which depicted babies and toddlers—including seven explicit images that he had produced of the 7-year-old victim.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts Lakeland Man Who Battered Police OfficersRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Felix Antequera Rivera, Jr. (33, Lakeland) guilty of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 10, 2020.
Rivera was indicted on July 11, 2018.
According to evidence presented at trial, in the late evening of June 15, 2018, officers from the Lakeland Police Department were patrolling an apartment complex when they observed Rivera, who appeared to have a large object concealed at his waistband. When the officers approached Rivera, he turned, walked in the opposite direction, and attempted to enter a friend’s apartment. Rivera then tried to slip out of a backpack that he was wearing and attempted to flee. A prolonged struggle involving Rivera and four police officers ensued, during which Rivera reached for a firearm in his pants, struck a police officer in the head with handcuffs, and grabbed at the officers’ firearms and tasers. Officers eventually seized from Rivera a Sig Sauer pistol that was loaded with 11 rounds.
At the time of the incident, Rivera was a convicted felon on probation, with a long and violent criminal history, including armed robbery with a firearm, felony battery, and aggravated assault with a deadly This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lakeland Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.
Tampa Man Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Thomas Ramon Castillo to two years in federal prison for filing two false personal income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service.
Castillo had pleaded guilty on August 27, 2019.
According to court documents and proceedings, in March 2016, Castillo knowingly prepared and filed a false Individual Income Tax Return Form 1040 with the IRS for tax year 2015. Castillo’s false Form 1040 included a fraudulently inflated income figure supported by fictitious 1099-MISC forms. Based upon that false filing, the Department of Treasury issued a check to Castillo for $231,590, which he deposited into his bank account. Likewise, Castillo filed a false 2016 Form 1040, wherein he again fraudulently inflated his income and falsely claimed a refund of approximately $272,000. The IRS did not process that form.
This case was investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay G. Trezevant.
Jury Convicts Orlando Man for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Jonathan Bohn (35, Orlando), a/k/a “Jonah,” guilty of distributing a controlled substance that resulted in death. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 18, 2020.
Bohn was indicted on June 12, 2019.
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on December 15, 2017, Bohn sold a 45-year-old Orlando resident a controlled substance that contained cocaine laced with fentanyl and heroin. After ingesting the narcotic, the victim’s daughter found the victim dead in their residence the next day. The Orange County Medical Examiner’s office subsequently determined that the victim’s cause of death was fentanyl and cocaine intoxication. At trial, the medical examiner testified that the amount of fentanyl found in the victim’s blood indicated that the victim had consumed a lethal dose of fentanyl.
“I would like to commend the efforts of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office narcotics unit, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for their hard work and dedication. This collaborative effort between the agencies aided in the successful prosecution in this case,” said Sheriff Mina. “This enforcement and interdiction sends a strong message to all of the drug dealers that they too can and will be investigated for any drug-induced homicides.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Substantial assistance was provided by the District Nine Office of the Medical Examiner located in Orlando, Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.
Jacksonville Nurse Pleads Guilty to Tampering with Injectable Painkillers by Substituting Saline for MedicationRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Taniko Hampton (38, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the
plea agreement , on multiple occasions in 2017 and 2018, while working as a nurse in Jacksonville-area hospitals, Hampton extracted the painkiller hydromorphone (also known as Dilaudid) from syringes in the hospitals’ inventories, replaced the drug with saline, and then returned the syringes for use by future patients. A review of hospital records showed that Hampton was obtaining drugs purportedly for patient use, but then returning them supposedly unused, at 10 times the rate of her nursing peers. Further, in at least one instance, Hampton obtained a Dilaudid syringe for a patient who was not assigned to her, and who had not complained of pain, before returning the syringe purportedly unused.When confronted by a supervisor, Hampton eventually admitted that she had been diverting drugs from patients for her personal use for months. She later told Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office detectives that she had been removing the Dilaudid from the syringes, replacing them with saline, and then returning the syringes to the hospital inventory. Hampton admitted that removing medicine from syringes and replacing it with saline could result in patients receiving injections that were not sterile and that lacked prescribed quantities of necessary medication, which could lead to increased risks of bodily injury and possibly death.
This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.
Virginia Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
The Department of Justice announced the indictment of Romeo Xavier Langhorne, 30, of Roanoke, Virginia, who has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, or ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Langhorne was arrested in Roanoke, Virginia, on Nov. 15, 2019, pursuant to a criminal complaint, and he has been ordered detained pending trial.
According to an affidavit supporting the criminal complaint, Langhorne has been a follower of ISIS since 2014 and has recently publicly reaffirmed his support for ISIS. Beginning in February 2019, Langhorne began communicating with an undercover employee (UCE) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was posing as someone working on behalf of ISIS. Langhorne told the UCE about his plans to create and disseminate an instructional video on making a deadly explosive – triacetone triperoxide, also known as “TATP” – and sought the UCE’s assistance in creating the video. Langhorne told the UCE that, in order to ensure that the video was not removed from the internet by service providers, the video should include disclaimers advising that it was intended for educational purposes. However, Langhorne informed the UCE that his true purpose in making and distributing the video was to arm ISIS adherents and others with knowledge of how to make TATP and use it for terrorism-related purposes in support of ISIS.
The FBI produced a video in accordance with Langhorne’s instructions, but – unbeknownst to Langhorne – it featured an inert chemical formula for TATP that would not produce an explosion. In November 2019, the UCE provided versions of the TATP video to Langhorne, and Langhorne distributed the video by uploading it to a video-sharing website.
An indictment is merely a 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. If convicted, Langhorne faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the FBI, including agencies participating in the Northeast Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force. Investigative support was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor and Trial Attorney D. Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Virginia Man Indicted for Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISISRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, FL – The Department of Justice announced the
indictment of Romeo Xavier Langhorne, 30, of Roanoke, Virginia, who has been charged with attempting to provide material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, or ISIS, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Langhorne was arrested in Roanoke, Virginia, on Nov. 15, 2019, pursuant to a criminal complaint, and he has been ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, Langhorne faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.According to an affidavit supporting the
criminal complaint , Langhorne has been a follower of ISIS since 2014 and has recently publicly reaffirmed his support for ISIS. Beginning in February 2019, Langhorne began communicating with an undercover employee (UCE) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) who was posing as someone working on behalf of ISIS. Langhorne told the UCE about his plans to create and disseminate an instructional video on making a deadly explosive – triacetone triperoxide, also known as “TATP” – and sought the UCE’s assistance in creating the video. Langhorne told the UCE that, in order to ensure that the video was not removed from the internet by service providers, the video should include disclaimers advising that it was intended for educational purposes. However, Langhorne informed the UCE that his true purpose in making and distributing the video was to arm ISIS adherents and others with knowledge of how to make TATP and use it for terrorism-related purposes in support of ISIS.The FBI produced a video in accordance with Langhorne’s instructions, but – unbeknownst to Langhorne – it featured an inert chemical formula for TATP that would not produce an explosion. In November 2019, the UCE provided versions of the TATP video to Langhorne, and Langhorne distributed the video by uploading it to a video-sharing website.
An indictment is merely a 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, including agencies participating in the Northeast Florida Joint Terrorism Task Force. Investigative support was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor and Trial Attorney D. Andrew Sigler of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
Additional Charges Filed Against Two Men Related to 2018 Homicide and Armed Robbery of Florida CoupleRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer (22, Wisconsin) and Craig Austin Lang (29, Arizona and North Carolina) with six federal offenses. In addition to the offenses of conspiracy to commit robbery affecting commerce and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering in commerce, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which resulted in death, Zwiefelhofer and Lang are also charged with conspiring to kill, kidnap, or maim persons in a foreign country and a violation of the Neutrality Act. If convicted on all counts, Zwiefelhofer and Lang face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison or death. Zwiefelhofer’s arraignment on the superseding indictment is set for December 10, 2019, in Fort Myers. Lang is currently in custody, in Ukraine, pursuant to a provisional arrest request from the United States.
According to court documents, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville, Florida to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual that had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Zwiefelhofer and Lang were identified as the individuals that were believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery of the $3,000 that the couple had intended to use to purchase the firearms.
The superseding indictment further alleges that Zwiefelhofer and Lang formed and pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund their travel to Venezuela for that purpose.
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 Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Josephine W. Thomas.
superseding indictmentJustice Department Announces More Than $376 Million in Awards to Promote Public SafetyRead the Press Release
Tampa, FL – The Department of Justice today announced that it has awarded more than $376 million in grant funding to enhance state, local and tribal law enforcement operations and reinforce public safety efforts in jurisdictions across the United States. $14,444,949 will support public safety activities in the Middle District of Florida. The awards were made by the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.
“Crime and violence hold families, friends and neighborhoods hostage, and they rip communities apart,” said OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan. “These programs help restore the health and safety of crime-ravaged communities by supporting prevention activities, aiding in the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators, facilitating appropriate sentencing and adjudication, and providing communities and their residents the means for recovery and healing.”
The awards announced today support an array of crime-fighting initiatives, including the quarter-billion dollar Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grants Program, which funds public safety efforts in 929 state, local and tribal jurisdictions. Funding also supports sex offender registration and notification, law enforcement-based victim services, the testing of sexual assault kits, and programs designed to address youth with sexual behavioral problems. Other awards will focus on wrongful convictions, intellectual property enforcement, innovative prosecution strategies and the safety and effectiveness of corrections systems.
“We are confident that our public safety and community partners will utilize these additional resources in the most effective manner possible,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Coupled with various lessons learned, innovative ideas, and a commitment to reduce crime at every turn, we intend to make our communities safer places to live, work and play.”
The following awards were made to organizations in the Middle District of Florida:
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (Local)
Brevard County ($55,079)
Charlotte County ($25,580)
Citrus County ($27,792)
City of Apopka ($15,098)
City of Bradenton ($23,080)
City of Casselberry ($10,650)
City of Cape Coral ($15,915)
City of Cocoa ($22,166)
City of Daytona Beach ($61,305)
City of DeLand ($12,598)
City of Fort Myers ($58,733)
City of Jacksonville ($403,269)
City of Kissimmee ($31,446)
City of Lakeland ($24,979)
City of Largo ($28,032)
City of Leesburg ($14,689)
City of Melbourne ($49,405)
City of Ocala ($31,470)
City of Orlando ($167,472)
City of Ormond Beach ($15,435)
City of Palm Bay ($38,106)
City of Pinellas Park ($16,997)
City of Plant City ($13,103)
City of Sanford ($34,571)
City of Tampa ($143,984)
City of Titusville ($25,219)
City of Winter Haven ($14,809)
Clay County Board of Commissioners ($35,100)
Collier County ($69,407)
County of Volusia ($46,039)
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office ($16,108)
Hendry County ($11,708)
Hernando County ($32,239)
Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners ($144,104)
Lake County ($33,850)
Lee County Sheriff’s Office ($101,022)
Manatee County ($108,907)
Marion County Board of County Commissioners ($57,819)
Orange County Board of County Commissioners ($359,322)
Osceola County Board of County Commissioners ($58,925)
Pasco County ($100,324)
Pinellas County ($185,816)
Polk County ($93,064)
Putnam County ($18,440)
Sarasota County ($37,192)
Seminole County Sheriff’s Office ($42,721)
Winter Garden Police Department ($11,083)
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (State)
Florida Department of Law Enforcement ($10,551,399)
BJA Innovative Prosecution Solutions for Combatting Violent Crime Program
State Attorney’s Office, 4th Judicial Circuit ($360,000)
SMART Adam Walsh Act Implementation Grant Program
Florida Department of Law Enforcement ($399,878)
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office ($150,000)
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office ($39,500)
Information about the programs and awards announced today is available here. For more information about OJP awards, visit the OJP Awards Data webpage.
The Office of Justice Programs, directed by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine T. Sullivan, provides federal leadership, grants, training and technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. More information about OJP and its components can be found at www.ojp.gov.
10 Individuals Charged with Social Security Fraud in Operation Dead RingerRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the filing of federal charges against 10 individuals in Operation Dead Ringer. The individuals are charged in 10 separate cases with cumulatively stealing more than $500,000 by collecting benefits from the Social Security Administration on behalf of beneficiaries who were actually deceased. The maximum penalty for stealing federal benefits is 10 years in federal prison per count.
Those charged include:
Shayontay Johnson (32, Belleair) was charged with theft of government funds. According to her plea agreement, from February 2016 through July 2018, Johnson fraudulently collected more than $22,300 of her mother’s Social Security benefits following her mother’s death on February 6, 2016.
Robert Miller (53, Valrico) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from December 2009 through June 2019, Miller fraudulently collected approximately $75,000 of his mother’s Social Security benefits following her death in December 2009.
Santos Flores (62, Lakeland) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through June 2019, Flores fraudulently collected approximately $82,900 of his sister’s Social Security benefits after her death in August 2013.
Susan Hatfield (45, Brooksville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from May 2013 through May 2019, Hatfield fraudulently collected approximately $61,000 of her father’s Social Security benefits after his death in May 2013.
Peggy Etheridge (56, Brooksville) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from January 2015 through June 2019, Etheridge fraudulently collected approximately $49,000 of her mother’s Social Security benefits after her mother had died in December 2014.
Dina Salem (64, Tampa) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through February 2017, Salem fraudulently collected approximately $59,500 of her former partner’s Social Security benefits after his death in August 2013.
Deborah Leonhardt (60, Sebastian) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from October 2013 through April 2019, Leonhardt fraudulently collected approximately $82,000 of her partner’s Social Security benefits after his death in October 2013.
Sondra Luke (45, Cocoa) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from August 2013 through March 2019, Luke fraudulently collected approximately $83,000 of her mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in August 2013.
Alex Keith (34, Ormond Beach) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from December 2014 though May 2019, Keith fraudulently collected approximately $50,800 of his mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in December 2014.
James Heide (37, Summerfield) has been charged with theft of government funds. According to the indictment, from November 2013 through July 2019, Heide fraudulently collected approximately $84,900 of his mother’s Social Security benefits after her death in November 2013.
Operation Dead Ringer, initiated in the Middle District of Florida, aggressively targets those individuals who steal Social Security benefits inadvertently paid to deceased beneficiaries.
“Theft of government program dollars will not be tolerated,” said United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Those who steal Social Security benefits threaten the integrity of the program and divert vital resources away from those who have earned them and need them most.”
“We will continue to work closely with the Social Security Administration and other agencies to identify beneficiary deaths and pursue those who misuse those payments after someone dies,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for its support of our investigations and its efforts to bring these individuals to justice and recover funds for Social Security.”
The cases are being investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from other federal and local law enforcement agencies. Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler is coordinating the Operation. She, along with Assistant United States Attorney Michael Felicetta, will be prosecuting the above cases.
An information and an indictment are merely formal charges that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
Orlando, FL – Marek Harrison (56, Plant City) has pleaded guilty to bank fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the plea agreement, between September 2007 and December 2008, Harrison created and executed a mortgage fraud scheme involving Saratoga Resort Villas, a condominium conversion of a former hotel located in Kissimmee. Harrison’s scheme to defraud financial institutions involved kickbacks of mortgage proceeds to buyers and co-conspirators, as well as misrepresentations regarding the source of down payment funds for the transactions. None of the incentives and kickbacks were disclosed to the mortgage lenders. Harrison also recruited otherwise unqualified buyers, and provided down payment money for the buyers.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
Jacksonville Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Nicole Johnson to 24 months in federal prison for aiding and assisting in the filing of a false tax return. Johnson had pleaded guilty on August 28, 2019.
According to the plea agreement, Johnson was the owner and operator of Financial Asset Tax Service, which offered tax return preparation services. During the tax years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, Johnson prepared more than 1,900 returns for individuals in which she falsified the amounts of deductions and tax credits owed to the taxpayers. As a result, those taxpayers received undeserved tax refunds. Johnson fraudulently claimed the General Business Credit and False Tax Credit for taxpayers who were not entitled to them, and she also inflated itemized deductions. As a result of the false returns prepared by Johnson, the IRS issued more than $1.3 million in undeserved refunds. Johnson was ordered to repay the IRS that amount in restitution.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.
Jury Convicts Georgia Attorney for Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Transmitting Obscene Material to A MinorRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Richard Franklin Jensen, III (33, Atlanta) guilty of attempted enticement of a minor and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2020.
Jensen was indicted on February 20, 2019.
According to evidence presented at trial, between May 23 and June 1, 2015, Jensen communicated on a social media website, via email, and over text messages, with someone he believed to be a single mom looking for a man to sexually abuse her 12-year-old daughter. In reality, Jensen was talking to an undercover agent. During the conversations, Jensen told the “mom” that he was the guy that she had been looking for, who was interested in sexually abusing the child, and that he was willing to travel from Atlanta to the Tampa Bay area to teach the “child” about sex and the “art of pleasing a man.” In addition to providing graphic details about the sexual abuse he wanted to perform on the child, Jensen asked the “mom” to prepare the child for the sexual encounter by breaking the child’s hymen in advance of his visit to Tampa. Jensen planned to abuse the child over a period of time, stating that “it couldn’t be a one-time thing.” In his process of grooming the child, Jensen promised to buy “sexy big girl clothes and underwear,” complimented the child’s “sexy little body,” and wanted the “mom” to let the child watch pornography so the child could prepare for sex with Jensen.
Jensen also emailed and messaged the purported child, and graphically described the sexual abuse that he wished to engage in with the child. He sent multiple pictures of his genitalia to the “mom,” to share with the child.
This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lisa M. Thelwell and Francis D. Murray.
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.
Winter Park Man Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Images and Enticement of A Minor to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul E. Byron has sentenced Eric Bales (31, Winter Park) to life imprisonment for the enticement of a minor to produce child pornography and 20 years’ imprisonment for the distribution of child sex abuse imagery, to be served consecutively. Bales had pleaded guilty on May 22, 2019.
According to testimony and court documents in August 2018, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police referred an internet-based case lead to Homeland Security Investigations in Orlando, who then executed a federal search warrant on Bales’s residence. HSI agents arrested Bales the same day. The investigation revealed that Bales was using an internet chat room to arrange a meeting with another minor the same morning that HSI had arrested him.
In 2009, Bales was the subject of a state child enticement investigation. He avoided prosecution but, in 2014, was arrested for lewd and lascivious battery on a 14-year-old child. Bales was convicted of willful child abuse and spent two and a half years in prison. After Bales was released from prison in October 2017, he immediately began viewing and collecting images and videos of children being sexually exploited. Bales collected and distributed the explicit imagery over internet using peer-to-peer applications. He also elicited the production of pornographic images from a 16-year-old girl, and shared those images via messaging applications with other minors.
“This serial child predator used social media to spread vile images across the digital spectrum,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “This investigation highlights HSI’s authority to work with international and local partners, ultimately making our communities a safer place.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Brandon Bayliss, on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Real Estate Developer and Loan Officer Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Make False Statements to BanksRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Mordechai Boaziz (68, Fort Lauderdale) and Jonathan Marmol (41, Odessa) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to make false statements to financial institutions. Each faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to their plea agreements, 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. Boaziz was converting The Preserve from an apartment complex into a condominium complex and hired Marmol to market the units.
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 from the financial institutions the cash-to-close payments made on behalf of the buyers.
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 condominium 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. As a result of the conspiracy, the financial institutions that financed the condominium unit purchases at The Preserve sustained a total loss of approximately $5 million.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency–Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor and Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.
Former Hillsborough Community College Professor Sentenced to More Than 11 Years for Possessing and Distributing Child Sex Abuse VideosRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Howard Joseph Vorder Bruegge, III (36, Tampa) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for possessing and distributing child pornography.
Vorder Bruegge had pleaded guilty on March 29, 2019.
According to court documents, Vorder Bruegge, using the internet monikers “JoeBlow73” and “JoeBlowFL,” distributed child sex abuse videos on multiple occasions. He also collected child pornography on his cellphone, including sex abuse videos of babies and toddlers. His collection included more than 200 images and 47 videos depicting child sex abuse, including videos known by law enforcement to have been produced in the Tampa Bay area. Vorder Bruegge’s devices also contained conversations where he discussed a desire to sexually abuse his friend’s children.
Vorder Bruegge also used his phone to film and publically share voyeur videos on the internet and utilized peepholes in college campus bathrooms to film students while they were in restroom stalls. He then distributed those videos on websites that hosted voyeur content. Vorder Bruegge’s phone contained at least four videos capturing adult males through peepholes in public HCC restrooms.
“All child exploitation is sickening, but it is deeply disturbing when a person who held a position of trust is the criminal who magnified the harm to the child victims,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Cochran.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.
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.usdoj.gov/psc.
St. Augustine Man Sentenced to More Than 14 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice Two Young Children for SexRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Brian Ray Dunlap (67, St. Augustine) to 14 years and 7 months in federal prison for attempting to entice two young children to engage in sexual activity. Dunlap was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender.
Dunlap had pleaded guilty on July 25, 2019.
According to court documents, evidence, and testimony, on October 6, 2018, a detective with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, who was posing online as a custodial family member of two children ages 9 and 12, received an email message from Dunlap. Over the next three days, Dunlap and the undercover detective exchanged emails and text messages about Dunlap’s desire to meet the children to engage in sexual activity with them. Dunlap advised that he was an amateur photographer and that he wanted to “[t]ake their pictures naked” and perform oral sex on them. Dunlap provided the undercover detective with graphic details about the sexual acts that he wished to perform on the two children, and he offered to pay the undercover detective $200 for sex with the children. Dunlap told the undercover detective that finding someone that would permit him to have sex with their children was “a dream come true.”
On October 9, 2018, Dunlap traveled to a prearranged location in St. Johns County to meet and have sex with the two children and was arrested.
This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.
It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.
Members of the 69ers Motorcycle Club Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murdering Chapter President of Rival Outlaws Motorcycle ClubRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Christopher Brian Cosimano, a/k/a “Durty,” (31, Gibsonton) and Michael Dominick Mencher, a/k/a “Pumpkin,” (53, Tarpon Springs) to life in federal prison plus ten years, and life in prison plus five years, respectively, for conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, and related firearms offenses. A federal jury found Cosimano and Mencher guilty on August 12, 2019.
Cosimano and Mencher were indicted, along with three co-defendants who later pleaded guilty, on May 22, 2018.
According to testimony and court documents, Cosimano and Mencher were members of the 69’ers Motorcycle Club, a criminal organization engaged in acts of violence and narcotics distribution.
In 2017, the 69’ers Motorcycle Club was entangled in an increasingly violent feud with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. The feud escalated, culminating with the murder of Paul Anderson, President of the Cross Bayou Chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club, on December 21, 2017. On that date, Cosimano, Mencher, and their three co-defendants stalked Anderson for several miles down the Suncoast Parkway. Cosimano and Mencher rode their motorcycles with their faces covered and license plates obscured.
After following Anderson for miles, Cosimano and Mencher pulled alongside his truck and shot him repeatedly at the busy intersection of Suncoast Parkway and State Road 54, during rush hour. After the murder, the defendants took steps to cover up the crime, including removing identifying markings from and disassembling their motorcycles.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office for the Sixth Judicial Circuit. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and 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.