Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – Andrew Nikhil Aiyar (28, Temple Terrace) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to four years in federal prison for interstate threats to kill. Aiyar pleaded guilty on July 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents and evidence admitted at the sentencing hearing, between September and November 2025, Aiyar become frustrated with an American media company and began sending harassing and threatening messages to individuals associated with the company. One of these individuals was Alissa Walsh, the wife of political media personality Matt Walsh. Aiyar posted public social media threats to kill her and members of her family including, “I will tear your family to pieces before I shut up. Next time I’m in Nashville I’m finding you,” “I will beat your kids to death in front of you and your husband will do nothing about it,” and “When I get done hacking you to death with a meat cleaver I will turn myself in as a hero.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Temple Terrace Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

Tampa, Florida – Stanley Richardson Joseph (28, Brooklyn, NY), Kallie Nicole Valerie Halliday (26, Brooklyn, NY), and Kristy Marie Bochecchio (47, Tampa) have been charged in a federal indictment with conspiracy, theft of government money or property, and aggravated identity theft. If convicted on all counts, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit the proceeds traceable to the offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Joseph, Halliday, and Bochecchio intercepted U.S. Treasury checks, which had been placed in the mail to be delivered to the victims. Once the defendants obtained the checks, they created counterfeit driver licenses to match the names and identities of the victims. They then used these counterfeit licenses to open new accounts at various financial institutions and deposited the stolen Treasury checks.

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 U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations, New York. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Fort Myers, Florida –Desmond Belmer (25, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to three years and five months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Belmer previously pleaded guilty on June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records and documents, on June 17, 2025, Belmer—a previously convicted felon—unlawfully possessed a loaded Glock firearm. Then, on December 11, 2025, when law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Belmer’s residence, they located and seized a loaded AR-style pistol and assorted ammunition and firearms-related accessories belonging to Belmer. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fort Myers Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods. PSN is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Orlando, Florida – Aljunda Jashae Tompkins (33, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on June 26, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, in September 2024, while driving in Orlando, Tompkins was stopped by officers from the Orlando Police Department. Instead of complying with the stop, Tompkins jumped out of his vehicle, attempted to leave the scene, ignored officer commands, and resisted arrest. Officers recovered a loaded firearm from Tompkins’s vehicle. After making bail in his state case, Tompkins became a fugitive. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined the investigation, and Tompkins was charged federally. Tompkins was located and arrested shortly thereafter.

Tompkins is a five-time convicted felon, including previous convictions for trafficking controlled substances and firearms offenses. He also has multiple violations of domestic violence injunctions. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.    

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. 

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Jacksonville, Florida – A federal jury has found Treashonna P. Graham (42, Lake City) guilty of all charges in a 13-count indictment, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering. Graham faces up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and each wire fraud offense and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each money laundering offense. Graham will be sentenced on January 19, 2027. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court records, Graham and her conspirator/co-defendant, Joey Williams, created a company called “Grant Bae,” which purportedly assisted minority business owners to obtain government grants. Graham charged a fee for her services and advised clients that the company was in the process of obtaining grant money on their behalf. The evidence at trial proved that Graham never hired companies to help locate or obtain grants nor did she help to write any grant applications for her clients. More than 1,000 individuals were victimized by her fraudulent scheme. In total, Graham stole approximately $2,.9 million and used those funds to live an extravagant lifestyle. Graham used the fraudulent proceeds to purchase vehicles, jewelry, clothing, and other personal property. She also gambled away hundreds of thousands of dollars at local casinos.    

Williams previously pleaded guilty for his role in this case and is pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – Jonathan Edward Veselka (45, Arizona) was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti to 27 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Veselka pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.      

According to court documents, for approximately three weeks, Veselka communicated with an undercover officer, believing it was a 14-year-old girl. Veselka sent the undercover officer sexual photos and videos of himself, asked the undercover explicit sexual questions, and detailed the sexual activity he wished to engage in with the individual he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. Veselka arranged for the purported 14-year-old girl to travel to Las Vegas to engage in sexual activity with him. Veselka had never been arrested prior to this criminal offense.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Courtney Derry.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Orlando, Florida – Khayyam Arif Oglu Farajov (40), an Azerbaijani national, has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain payments from the United States Postal Service (USPS). Farajov faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, Farajov owned and operated Talishco LLC, a trucking and freight brokerage company in Orlando. In May 2022, Farajov enrolled Talishco in the USPS “Freight Auction” program to transport bulk mail for the USPS. Between June 2022 and January 2023, Farajov bid on and was awarded hundreds of contracts to transport mail across the country on behalf of the USPS. 

After being awarded the contracts, Farajov routinely and intentionally did not send trucks to do the work. When USPS staff asked where the trucks were, he made false excuses, such as claiming he had lost contact with his drivers or that they were running behind schedule, which forced the USPS to reassign the work to other carriers. Farajov then went back into the platform and exploited the system by falsely marking the loads as delivered and triggering payment from USPS even though he had not performed the contracted routes.

Farajov obtained more than $1 million from this scheme. After he received the funds, he funneled them through a series of bank accounts belonging to shell companies he owned. After reconsolidating the fraud proceeds into two personal investment brokerage accounts, Farajov invested the fraud proceeds in the stock market for his personal enrichment. The United States traced the fraud proceeds and seized the contents of Farajov’s brokerage accounts. Farajov has agreed to forfeit the seized brokerage accounts and pay an additional $993,979 in restitution to the USPS.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Arthur Williams (34), a/k/a “Snow,” a/k/a “Art,” and Timothy Colon (42), both of Spring Hill, with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, specifically the murder of A.S. Additionally, Williams is charged with making false statements to agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). If convicted, Williams and Colon each could face the death penalty or otherwise will face up to life imprisonment. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment and evidence presented during the detention hearing, on October 16, 2018, at approximately 1:00 a.m., a group of individuals committed an armed robbery at a residence in Spring Hill where 23-year-old A.S., his girlfriend, and their infant child were present. During the robbery, A.S. defended himself and his family. The perpetrators beat and shot A.S., causing his death. An autopsy report found that A.S. had died from blunt force trauma to the head and gunshot wounds to his lower body.

For nearly eight years, the investigation remained open. In 2025, during the successful homicide prosecution of Lenard White and Sheldon Robinson, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and ATF developed additional witnesses and information that had not previously been available to investigators. That breakthrough provided new avenues to pursue in the 2018 murder investigation. Working together, ATF agents and detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office conducted additional interviews, obtained and executed additional search warrants, uncovered new leads, and developed previously undiscovered evidence.

That investigation revealed that Colon had been stalking A.S. and his girlfriend in preparation for the robbery. Colon conducted surveillance of their home, identified the vehicles they drove, and used social media to track their whereabouts. Investigators further determined that, before the robbery, Colon enlisted several individuals—including Arthur Williams—to assist him in carrying out the robbery.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. Assistance was also provided by the State Attorney’s Office for the Fifth Judicial Circuit (Hernando County). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

Fort Myers, Florida – A federal jury has found Jesus Pujol Hernandez (Naples, 42), Miguel Marquez Romero (Naples, 30), and Paulo Sabon Montero (Naples, 55) guilty of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and use of interstate facilities for murder-for-hire. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearings will be held on January 27, 2027. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, testimony, and evidence presented at trial, in April 2025, the FBI was investigating Marquez in an unrelated investigation in the Southern District of Florida. On April 16, 2025, agents learned that Marquez had advised Sabon that he had a “sweet play” which involved a millionaire in Marco Island who wanted to kill their brother for $30,000. Marquez made plans to introduce Sabon to Hernandez—the person who put him onto the murder-for-hire—the following day. Sabon agreed and requested they receive payment upfront. As part of the investigation, FBI Miami coordinated with FBI Fort Myers and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to monitor Marquez’s apartment in Naples. Marquez, Hernandez, Sabon, and another individual were later detained. 

Upon arrest, the FBI searched Hernandez’s pockets and located a large printed out photograph of the intended victim. The FBI also located latex gloves, a mask, a bandana, and more than $2,300 in Marquez’s vehicle. Subsequent investigation also revealed that Hernandez was on the phone with the intended victim’s brother when the group had met up in a grocery store parking lot earlier. 

This case was investigated by the FBI (Miami Field Office) and FBI (Fort Myers Resident Agency), with assistance from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Redavid, Jesus M. Casas, and Patrick Darcey.

Orlando, Florida – Colleen Kieran (57, Clermont) has pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud in connection with a long-running embezzlement scheme. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. The court ordered forfeiture money judgment of approximately $3.9 million against Kieran and ordered her to pay restitution in the same amount to the victims of her wire fraud. The United States can collect those penalties from any asset Kieran owns now or later acquires. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the plea agreement, Kieran worked for a business in Seminole County where she oversaw accounting and operations. Beginning in 2009, Kieran abused her access to the company’s financial accounts to divert customer payments to her personal accounts without authorization. Over time, the theft escalated to thousands of transfers, ultimately totaling more than $3.9 million. Kieran used the stolen money for personal expenses, including clothing, travel, dining, entertainment, and consumer electronics. 

To conceal the scheme and the growing financial loss to the company, Kieran prepared false financial statements and spreadsheets and withheld information from the company’s owners and tax preparer. As the shortfalls grew, Kieran also obtained more than $1.5 million in loans in the company’s name, without the owners’ knowledge, to mask the missing revenue and keep cash flow appearing stable. After the fraud was uncovered and Kieran was fired, her employers discovered that she had also been intercepting the company’s incoming mail and that several years’ worth of emails from her company account had been selectively deleted.

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Longwood Police Department, and the Seminole Financial Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Farid Alberto Morales Araya (40, Costa Rica) and Jose Franklin Cuesta (44, Colombia) have been charged by an indictment with conspiracy to distribute, distribution of, and attempted distribution of methamphetamine for the purpose of unlawful importation into the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, from approximately May 2 through May 5, 2025, in the country of Costa Rica and elsewhere, Araya and Cuesta, who were first brought into the United States in the Middle District of Florida, conspired to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for its eventual importation to the United States. Both were extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on October 1, 2026.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office, and the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security Sensitive Investigative Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division worked with authorities in Costa Rica to secure the arrest and extradition of the defendants.

Jacksonville, Florida – Andres Felipe Restrepo Uribe (51, Colombia), Luis Alberto Sinisterra Lozano (33, Colombia), and Yon Freddy Sanchez Chavarro (45, Venezuela) have been charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation into the United States, and attempted distribution of cocaine for the purpose of unlawful importation. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, from about May 31 through June 1, 2025, in the country of Costa Rica and elsewhere, the defendants, who were first brought into the United States in the Middle District of Florida, conspired to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine for its eventual importation to the United States. The defendants were extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on October 1, 2026.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office, and the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security Sensitive Investigative Unit. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. The Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division worked with authorities in Costa Rica to secure the arrest and extradition of the defendants.

Jacksonville, FL – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has reached an agreement with Central Florida Pain Management (CFPM) to resolve allegations that the medical practice violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide auxiliary aids and services to a patient with communication disabilities. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

“ADA enforcement is a significant feature of our district’s civil rights practice,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This settlement sends a firm message to our communities that disabled persons will be protected from practices that violate this important body of federal statutes.” 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into CFPM after receiving a complaint from an individual who is legally blind (“Complainant”). The Complainant alleged that, on or about November 19, 2024, CFPM staff denied his request for assistance with completing medical history documentation on a digital tablet when he came for his new patient appointment. The Complainant alleged that, without this assistance, he could not complete the documentation before the appointment, which CFPM required him to do. Further, the Complainant alleged that because he was unable to complete the documentation, CFPM prohibited him from attending his new patient appointment, as scheduled, and required him to reschedule his appointment. As a result of CFPM’s failure to provide auxiliary aids and services, the Complainant was denied the opportunity to access CFPM’s health care services.

Title III of the ADA requires public accommodations, including professional offices of health care providers, to take such steps as may be necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently than other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, CFPM must: adopt a written effective communication policy that specifies its office’s obligations to provide auxiliary aids and services pursuant to Title III of the ADA; implement effective communication training for all employees regarding their obligations to provide auxiliary aids and services pursuant to Title III of the ADA; maintain a log documenting all requests CFPM receives for auxiliary aids and services, as well as how it handled those requests; report any complaints received alleging CFPM violated Title III of the ADA to the United States; and pay the Complainant $2,000 in compensatory damages. 

Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran represented the United States in this case.

For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) or (833) 610-1264 (TTY). Accessibility specialists are available to answer questions from individuals, businesses, and state or local governments. All calls are confidential.

Individuals who believe they may have been victims of discrimination may contact the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida by calling our Civil Rights Hotline at (813) 274-6095 or emailing us at [email protected]. To fill out our civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights-complaint-form. 

Tampa, FL – Javion Ward (22, Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday to 28 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The court also ordered Ward to forfeit the firearm used in the robberies. Ward pleaded guilty on June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.           

According to court documents, in September 2025, Ward personally robbed five convenience stores and aided a co-conspirator in attempting to rob a sixth store. The robberies took place in Hillsborough, Sumter, Manatee, and Sarasota counties, all in close proximity to I-75. During each robbery, Ward entered the store armed with a firearm and demanded money from the clerk. On September 16, 2025, Ward entered a convenience store in Tampa, brandished a pistol, demanded money, and obtained about $600. In the early morning hours of September 19, 2025, Ward robbed four more stores—in Gibsonton, Ellenton, Nokomis, and North Port—where each time Ward entered with a firearm and demanded cash. In Gibsonton, Ward jumped over the counter to attempt to access the safe. In Ellenton, he threatened to pistol whip the employee if they did not move faster. 

This arrest was the result of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the North Port Police Department, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Venice Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Kenneth.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. 

Tampa, Florida – Andrea Catanese (60), an Italian national, has been charged by federal indictment with voting by an alien, attempting to procure naturalization unlawfully, and making a false statement related to naturalization. If convicted on all counts, Catanese faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. U. S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Catanese, voted in the 2024 general election despite not being a citizen of the United States. The indictment further alleges that afterward, Catanese falsely stated he had never voted in a federal election on an Application for Naturalization and then made the same false statement to an immigration official who was reviewing the application. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Andreu.

Tampa, FL — The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq’s associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security. 

“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Gregory W. Kehoe. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”

“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”

“The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving - disrupting over 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organizations and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attaché's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case.”

“Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, “These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities.”

According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:

Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens. 

Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq’s associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas. 

Raed Yousef, a 56-year-old resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. He is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. One count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count. One count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. And, one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.       

Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries. 

Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

The Yousef case is being handled by the National Security and International Narcotics Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan are prosecuting the case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case.

The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Justice Department announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Saleem Alzaq, as well as the arrests of Omar Adhami, Abdel Adhami, and Raed Yousef, for their involvement in paying, soliciting and collecting funds for Hamas. In a coordinated law enforcement operation in France, three of Alzaq’s associates, Faouzi Barika, Amel Oualid, and Nordine Barika were arrested by the French General Directorate for Internal Security. 

“Anyone who finances or assists terrorist organizations responsible for the deaths of American citizens should expect to be prosecuted by the Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For decades, members of Hamas have raised funding to carry out brutal terrorist attacks. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Department of Justice will continue pursuing terrorists who kill Americans, dismantling terrorist finance networks, and delivering justice for the families of victims.”

"The FBI will never forget the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 – and we will never stop our efforts to cut off funding to Hamas terrorists," said FBI Director Kash Patel. "These subjects allegedly engaged in a conspiracy that extended beyond national borders to funnel money to Hamas and fuel violent attacks, using cryptocurrency, to try to hide their criminal activity. Today's announcement shows the abilities of this FBI and our interagency partners to follow the money and shut down resources going to terrorists under the guise of charitable giving – with 4,000 Foreign Terrorist organization related disruptions and stopping 1,100 alleged terrorist actors here at home and around the world since last year. Special thanks to our FBI New York, New Orleans, and Tampa Field Offices, our Counterterrorism Division, as well as the Paris Legal Attaché's Office and French authorities for their outstanding work with us in this case.”

“Money is the lifeblood of terrorist organizations, and the arrests announced today disrupted a global financing network that was supplying Hamas with the funds needed to continue its campaign of destroying innocent lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, “These coordinated investigations and arrests spanned multiple jurisdictions in the United States and across international borders, and demonstrate that we will use all of our capabilities to eradicate terrorism. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors who worked together to dismantle this network, and I also want to thank Joint Task Force 10-7 for its leadership in seeking justice for the victims of the Hamas-led attack in Israel on October 7, 2023, that killed more than 1,200 men, women, and children. My thoughts are with all who are still suffering from the losses of that terrible day, and the National Security Division will never stop working to hold the perpetrators, and those who enabled them, accountable for their atrocities.”

“This Office and our law enforcement partners will root out and prosecute those who finance Hamas, no matter where they are located,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald for the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, Saleem Alzaq was the center of a Hamas financing network that operated around the globe, soliciting more than a million dollars from individual donors including here in the United States. The close cooperation of law enforcement and prosecutors’ offices to dismantle Alzaq’s alleged Hamas financing network demonstrates our commitment to depriving Hamas of the funding it relies on in Gaza and to commit terror attacks like the brutal October 7, 2023, massacre of more than a thousand innocent victims, including dozens of Americans.” 

“According to the indictment and complaint filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, Saleem Alzaq solicited financial donations on behalf of Hamas, a terrorist organization responsible for the commission of heinous attacks worldwide,” said U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Omar Adhami and Abdel Adhami are accused of providing Alzaq with resources intended to fund Hamas’ relentless reign of terror. The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana are laser focused on the identification, prosecution, and eradication of terrorist networks, and the individuals who financially support these networks.” 

“Providing financial assistance and support to terrorist organizations like Hamas place the safety and security of everyone, anywhere in the world, at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The diligence and cooperation exhibited by our domestic and international law enforcement partners during this investigation demonstrates our collective resolve to relentlessly pursue, disrupt, and prosecute those who engage in these illegal activities.”

“The NYPD’s counterterrorism work knows no borders,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “Our intelligence analysts uncovered this international finance network and built the case that exposed more than $2 million being funneled to Hamas. Saleem Alzaq, a leader in Hamas’ military arm responsible for planning and carrying out terrorist attacks, and the other defendants allegedly solicited donations under the guise of humanitarian aid and then directed that money to Hamas. This is the kind of extraordinary counterterrorism work the NYPD does every day to disrupt threats before they reach New Yorkers, and I thank our law enforcement partners for helping us dismantle this network.” 

According to the Alzaq indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, the Adhami complaints filed in the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the Yousef indictment filed in the Middle District of Florida:

Alzaq, 45, of Gaza, is a Hamas member in the Gaza Strip and a battalion deputy in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (the Al-Qassam Brigades), Hamas’s armed wing responsible for planning and executing terrorist attacks. Alzaq serves in the Photography Department of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ Shujaiyya Brigade Media Office, a Hamas propaganda office. In this role, he has photographed Hamas events, including events led by senior Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar. He distributes these photographs and descriptions of Hamas events to others involved in the Hamas propaganda apparatus. He has also posted Hamas propaganda across multiple social media platforms, including posts glorifying deceased leaders of Hamas (such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Haniyeh, and Sinwar); supporting Al-Qassam Brigades terrorists and glorifying Al-Qassam Brigades “martyrs;” and promoting and celebrating Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks against Southern Israel, in which more than 1,200 victims were murdered and more than 250 were taken hostage, including 46 American citizens. 

Since at least about January 2020, Alzaq has operated an international Hamas fundraising network that collects donations from individuals around the world, including from individuals in the United States. Alzaq promotes this fundraising through social media campaigns purportedly providing humanitarian aid to people in Gaza, while the money is funneled to Hamas. Since January 2020, Alzaq has collected more than $1.7 million through purported charitable campaigns. Alzaq’s associates in France, Barika, Amel Oualid, and others assisted Alzaq in collecting and transferring money raised for Hamas. 

Abdel Adhami, 35, and Omar Adhami, 33, both of Covington, Louisiana, donated funds to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. Beginning in approximately February 2021, and continuing through approximately September 2026, Abdel Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $94,000 and Omar Adhami allegedly contributed approximately $11,000 to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, knowing that the organization engaged in terrorist activities, and attempted to conceal their contributions to Hamas through wire transfers, and the use of intermediaries. Yousef, a resident of Lutz, Florida, provided almost $50,000 to Alzaq’s Hamas financing network. 

Alzaq is charged with conspiring to provide material support to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to defraud the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Omar Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Abdel Adhami is charged with providing material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to provide material support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; and conspiring to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

Raed Yousef, 56, of Lutz, Florida, is charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; five counts of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count; one count of providing funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of attempting to provide funds, goods, and services to a specially designated terrorist, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in person on each count; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison; five counts of money laundering, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count; and one count of passport fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.       

The Alzaq case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the New York Police Department (NYPD). Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Markewitz, Ben Arad, Sarah L. Kushner, Juliana N. Murray, and Keith Savino for the Southern District of New York are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Rob MacDonald and A.J. Dixon of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.

The Adhami case is being investigated by the FBI New Orleans Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Kennedy for the Eastern District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case. 

The Yousef case is being investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Schmidt and Michael Buchanan for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tampa, Florida – Richard Plummer (45, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday to more than 27 years in federal prison for distribution and possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM) and escape. Plummer pleaded guilty on May 11, 2026.  United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.       

According to court documents, in 2018, Plummer was convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment in the Middle District of Florida. In October 2025, while serving his prison sentence at the Tampa Residential Re-Entry Center, law enforcement discovered Plummer in possession of a cellphone containing CSAM. Further examination of the phone revealed Plummer had distributed and possessed CSAM. During the investigation, on November 1, 2025, Plummer escaped from the re-entry facility where he was serving the sentence imposed in his 2018 case. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, FL – Dominique Bowden (34, Riverview) has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Bowden faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. He has been ordered detained pending trial. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

The charges stem from a months-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) that culminated with the execution of two search warrants—one at Bowden’s residence in Riverview, and one at Bowden’s mother’s residence in Tampa. Between the two houses, agents seized over 22 kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drugs, 14 firearms, and over $590,000 in cash. 

According to court documents, beginning in April 2026, agents from the DEA and HCSO detectives began an investigation into Bowden’s drug distribution activities. Between April and September 2026, DEA and HCSO employed various techniques in furtherance of the investigation. Bowden was observed by law enforcement meeting with various individuals in his vehicle and at his mother’s residence to conduct narcotics transactions. Upwards of ten narcotics transactions occurred each day between Bowden and his customers.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Daab.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 20 (Tampa) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Kelvin Undray Cokley, II (31, Sarasota) guilty of conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, possessing a firearms as a convicted felon, and possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking. Cokley faces a minimum penalty of 40 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 30, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in November 2024, Cokley was the subject of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation involving fentanyl trafficking in Sarasota. Cokley used an apartment in Sarasota to store and process fentanyl. Agents observed Cokley conducting drug transactions in a hotel parking lot in Sarasota. During their surveillance, Cokley called Elijah Jones, a charged co-defendant, to discuss suspected police surveillance in the area. Cokley and Jones became concerned about law enforcement activity and Cokley declared it was time to “clean house.” Agents obtained three search warrants and executed them within hours of the call. They seized 10 firearms and ammunition from Cokley’s bedroom as well as approximately 12.5 grams of a fentanyl mixture from a satchel with his wallet and a scale. 

Next, agents searched the stash apartment and found over 200 grams of fentanyl mixtures as well as xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer. Agents located blenders, cutting agents, baggies, ammunition, and a machinegun in a cabinet in the kitchen. The machinegun had an extended magazine with ammunition loaded inside.

Figure 1 Trial Exhibit 67C

Figure 2 trial exhibit 67D

Agents also recovered a blender with fentanyl residue in a tub of male clothing in the bedroom. A Pioneer Arms Hellpup rifle, loaded with ammunition, was tested and determined to have Cokley’s DNA on the grip and trigger. The tub was recovered next to bulk currency and the vacuum sealed fentanyl. 

Figure 3 trial exhibit 83Q

Cokley has been ordered to forfeit the firearms and currency used or gained by the crimes of conviction. He is also subject to enhanced penalties for committing these crimes within 15 years of release from prison on a serious violent felony. According to records from the Florida Department of Corrections, Cokely previously served 10 years in prison for an aggravated battery.

Co-defendant Elijah Jones was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in this case. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Tampa Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Lindsey Schmidt. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky will handle the forfeiture.

Ocala, Florida – Bahamian national Terrance Patrick Evans, 37, a lawful permanent resident, has been charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of up to one year in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the information, Evans voted in the 2024 federal general election despite knowing that he was not a citizen of the United States. 

An information is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until proven guilty.  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of State - Office of Election Crimes, and the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerry M. Harre.

Ocala, Florida – Joseph Stephen Branton (56, High Springs) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, while working in Haiti in July 2025, Branton began chatting online with an individual whom he believed to be a 14 to 15-year-old girl. That “minor” was actually an undercover special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. During their communications, Branton engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the minor. On September 3, 2025, Branton sent a sexually explicit photograph of himself to the minor. 

Branton was arrested on January 28, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

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.

Tampa, FL — A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged two individuals, Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals, with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription drug distribution scheme. The indictment alleges that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators sold counterfeit Ozempic to distributors in the United States at deeply discounted prices. Roy was extradited from Italy to the United States and made his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida, today. 

“This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Murray for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will not tolerate bad actors corrupting our pharmaceutical supply chain.” 

“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These defendants allegedly exploited people’s health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs.”

“While the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk,” said Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the U.S. border. FDA takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and the private sector to help protect the nation's drug supply.”

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2023 and continuing to April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China. The counterfeit Ozempic allegedly distributed by Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers into believing they were purchasing authentic Ozempic authorized by the manufacturer. The scheme continued even after the FDA seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning regarding the products.

Roy and Ramancha are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs and holding counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, Roy and Ramancha each face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison. 

FDA OCI is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Peter Leininger of the Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Roy’s continued detention, following his arrest pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice, and then timely filed a request for his extradition from Italy.

The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged two individuals, Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals, with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription drug distribution scheme. The indictment alleges that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators sold counterfeit Ozempic to distributors in the United States at deeply discounted prices. Roy was extradited from Italy to the United States and made his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida, today. 

“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These defendants allegedly exploited people’s health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs.”

“This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Murray for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will not tolerate bad actors corrupting our pharmaceutical supply chain.” 

“While the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk,” said Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the U.S. border. FDA takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and the private sector to help protect the nation's drug supply.”

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2023 and continuing to April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China. The counterfeit Ozempic allegedly distributed by Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers into believing they were purchasing authentic Ozempic authorized by the manufacturer. The scheme continued even after the FDA seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning regarding the products.

Roy and Ramancha are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs and holding counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, Roy and Ramancha each face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison. 

FDA OCI is investigating the case. 

Trial Attorney Peter Leininger of the Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Roy’s continued detention, following his arrest pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice, and then timely filed a request for his extradition from Italy.

The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tampa, Florida – Trang Johnny Nha Phan (34, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to eight years in federal prison for attempted arson of federal property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Phan pleaded guilty on June 2, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on February 14, 2025, a law enforcement officer saw a fire ignite on the front of an M60A3 Full Tracked Combat Tank displayed as a war memorial outside a VFW facility in Sarasota. The VFW was open, with customers inside. The officer saw Phan walking away from the tank toward his vehicle. Officers recovered a white spray-painted glass liquor bottle and burned paper towels that smelled of gasoline. Phan’s fingerprints were found on a spray-paint canister and his DNA was found on the bottle. A destructive device expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that the bottle and paper towel wick constituted a Molotov cocktail and a destructive device. The device failed because the bottle did not break on impact.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Whitney Mackay and Adam W. McCall.

Tampa, Florida – Crispian Atkins (52, Valrico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Atkins to pay $3,017,667.53 in restitution and to forfeit $1,563,292.24, the proceeds of his criminal conduct. Atkins pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between May 2021 and March 2024, Atkins and several co-conspirators defrauded 10 victim-companies, located throughout the United States, that provide employment and payroll services, as well as financial funding. Atkins falsely represented to the victim-companies that he had business contracts with other companies to perform IT-related work, and that he needed the victim-companies’ services to fulfill those contracts. The victim companies agreed to provide financial funding or hire Atkins and his co-conspirators as “temporary employees” to complete the purported work. Atkins submitted fraudulent timesheets to the victim-companies that reflected work performed by the “temporary employees,” and the victim-companies paid Atkins and his associates, via wire transfers, according to those timesheets. Atkins and co-conspirators then transferred the fraudulently obtained proceeds to other accounts, withdrew proceeds in cash to conceal their source, and shared in the fraudulently obtained proceeds.

This case was investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Division, Reno Resident Agency, and the FBI Tampa Division, with assistance from the Norwood (MA) Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Ocala, Florida – Ashley Dillard (22, Dunnellon) and Jahlique Debanairr Lawson (28, Ocala), a/k/a “Gang Gang,” have been charged by federal indictment with obstruction of the due administration of justice. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Dillard and Lawson are both currently detained pending the resolution of the case. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, between August 11 and August 22, 2026, Dillard and Lawson, aiding and abetting each other, endeavored by threats and threatening communications to impede the due administration of justice in a pending federal criminal case in the Middle District of Florida. The indictment alleges that Dillard and Lawson committed the offense by intimidating, pressuring, and threatening an individual they perceived to be a witness in an attempt to influence and prevent the testimony of the perceived witness. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an 11-count superseding indictment charging Kelvin Leon McChriston (56, Ocala), a/k/a “Big Pole,” Jahlique Debanairr Lawson (28, Ocala), a/k/a “Gang Gang,” and Corey Jarrell Tavares Rocker (27, Ocala), a/k/a “Spin,” with distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

McChriston is charged in seven counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute, or aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. If convicted on all counts, he faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Lawson is charged in four counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute, or aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted on all counts, he faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having a qualifying prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. Rocker is charged in one count with aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for having a prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. 

According to court records, between December 11, 2025, and July 27, 2026, 10 controlled purchases were made involving either methamphetamine, fentanyl, or cocaine, from McChriston, Lawson, or Rocker. 

On December 11, 2025, Lawson and Rocker, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine. On December 18, 2025, Lawson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine. Lawson and McChriston, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 450 grams of methamphetamine, on December 23, 2025, and approximately 14 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, on January 14, 2026. 

McChriston then distributed and possessed with intent to distribute the following controlled substances: approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine and 16 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine on February 12, 2026; approximately 354 grams of methamphetamine on April 2, 2026; approximately 29 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl on both May 12, 2026, and July 6, 2026; and approximately 434 grams of methamphetamine on July 27, 2026. McChriston is further charged with possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine on August 11, 2026. 

In 2016, Lawson was convicted of robbery with a firearm. He was released from the Florida Department of Corrections for that conviction in October 2025.

In 2022, Rocker was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was released from the Florida Department of Corrections for that conviction in November 2025. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Ervin Jones, III (36, Ocala), a/k/a “Downy,” has pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution or possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, between August and September 2025, Jones distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer on four separate occasions. Additionally, on October 8, 2025, Jones was found to be in possession of fentanyl which was intended for distribution. Jones was arrested on February 26, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Israel Reyes (27, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court records, between October and December 2025, Reyes distributed methamphetamine and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on four separate occasions. He was arrested on June 26, 2026, and remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Qua’Darius Dajohn Lamar Johnson (25, Ocala), a/k/a “GuapBoyz General,” a/k/a “Quavo,” has been charged by indictment with five counts of distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine) and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Johnson was arrested on September 18, 2026, and is detained pending the resolution of the case. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on five occasions between August 26 and September 17, 2026, Johnson distributed either cocaine or 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, on August 26, 2026, Johnson carried a firearm equipped with an extended magazine during and in relation to the drug trafficking offense.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, FL – Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr. (50, Massachusetts) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of government seals. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Dos Santos was the president of an organization called Chaplain Emergency Management Agency, Inc. (CEMA), which he falsely claimed was a government agency endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In doing so, Dos Santos fraudulently used the seals of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to fraudulently portray CEMA as a federal government agency and charge individuals to attend “Chaplaincy Training Courses” in Florida and other states, as well as abroad. Neither Dos Santos nor CEMA have authorization to use the seals of DHS, FEMA, or FBI, nor are they otherwise affiliated with these agencies or any other department or agency of the federal government.

As outlined in the court documents, Dos Santos organized numerous CEMA Chaplaincy Training Courses. At these trainings, Dos Santos falsely told attendees that CEMA partnered with FEMA and that CEMA and its courses were endorsed by FEMA. The courses were free to attend, but Dos Santos charged attendees approximately $400 to $450 to receive a chaplaincy certificate. After attendees completed the course and paid the associated fees, Dos Santos provided them with identification cards, law enforcement badges, and course completion certificates containing the seals of various departments and agencies of the United States. Dos Santos told attendees that the ID cards and badges authorized them to support law enforcement during emergency situations and take control of emergency situations until law enforcement arrived. He also told them that their status as CEMA chaplains would give them a level of immunity from immigration enforcement and would keep them safe from deportation. These claims were false.

As shown in the images below, the ID cards contained one of CEMA’s logos, which consists of the DHS seal, modified to state, “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.” The back of the ID cards contained the DHS/FEMA seal. The certificates contained the FBI seal and a slightly different version of the CEMA logo—an older version of the FEMA seal, modified to state, “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.” 

Dos Santos also offered various CEMA merchandise for sale, including polo shirts, bumper stickers, jackets, badges, and badge holders—all bearing either the DHS or FEMA seal. During an undercover operation conducted at a training held on September 27, 2025, a confidential informant purchased merchandise items, pictured below. Approximately 30 to 45 individuals attended the training. 

As part of the undercover operation, the confidential informant also obtained access to a CEMA group chat which had more than 750 members at the time the investigation began in August 2025. Dos Santos used the group chat to promote upcoming courses, including by sending digital flyers of such courses.   

CEMA’s website and social media accounts all displayed the CEMA logo (an altered version of the DHS seal) and falsely identify CEMA as a government organization or federal agency. The website also falsely claimed that CEMA was “fully accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the American Council on Education (ACE).”

Dos Santos was arrested February 19, 2026, at the Orlando International Airport, after he traveled from Boston to Orlando for a CEMA training that was scheduled for February 21. At the time of his arrest, Dos Santos was wearing a CEMA polo shirt with the DHS seal on the sleeve and chest.

Dos Santos is a Brazilian national who came to the United States in 2016. He has overstayed his visa and is undergoing deportation proceedings. 

“Impersonating federal government agencies and/or officials is a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “The collective values and missions of these agencies represent the communities they serve and must be protected.”

DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “We condemn the misuse of any government seal to defraud victims for personal gain. We want to thank all our federal, state and local partners for their work leading up to this arrest.”

“This plea demonstrates the importance of holding accountable those who misuse the credibility and symbols of the federal government for personal gain,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate fraud schemes that deceive the public and undermine the trust in legitimate government agencies.”

If you believe you have been a victim of this fraudulent scheme, please contact the FBI via email at [email protected] no later than October 30, 2026. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, and the Federal Air Marshal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

Ocala, Florida – Jeremy De Jesus Almonte Contreras (20, Marion County) has pleaded guilty to six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the plea agreement, on six separate occasions between December 2025 and January 2026, Almonte Contreras sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Almonte Contreras was arrested on April 8, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Adeis Jonathan Francis (26, Jacksonville) has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger for attempting to entice and meet a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Francis was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on March 6, 2026, and has remained in custody. He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between February 17 and March 6, 2026, an FBI agent (UC), posing as a 13-year-old child, conducted an undercover operation in north Florida using an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. During this period, UC and app user “Jay,” exchanged several online messages on the app and by text messaging. After UC advised “Jay” that the “child” was 13 years old, “Jay,” who was identified as Francis, asked the “child” if “she” was ok talking with him, and requested the “child” to send him photos. On March 5, 2026, Francis asked the “child” if she was a “virgin” and texted, “I can show you how to have sex ...” Francis also described by text message the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child.” After more text conversations discussing his plans and desire to meet the “child” in person for sex, on March 6, 2026, Francis traveled to the vicinity of the “child’s” purported residence where he was arrested by FBI agents. During an interview, Francis stated, among other things, “I’m not gonna get to go home for months,” and “so I’m going to prison.”     

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Pensacola. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Ocala, Florida – Dontai Lamont Johnson (37, Ocala) has been charged by indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Johnson faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having a qualifying prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on July 13, 2026, Johnson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court records, Johnson was convicted of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon in 2017. Johnson was released from the Florida Department of Corrections in February 2025.  

Johnson was arrested on September 24, 2026, in the Middle District of Georgia. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Tampa, Florida – Miguel Cintron (38, Tampa) and Darrius Gustafson (23, Tampa) have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Badalamenti to life and 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. A federal jury found both guilty on May 4, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Cintron, Gustafson, and two co-defendants distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. At the time, Victim-1 was a freshman at the University of South Florida. After Victim-1’s death, all four defendants continued to distribute fentanyl to undercover deputies and detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. On April 10, 2024, all four were arrested and a search warrant was executed at Cintron’s residence. Law enforcement recovered more than seven kilograms of cocaine, heroin, black tar heroin, fentanyl, firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash from inside Cintron’s home. 

Co-defendants David Chudhabuddhi and Marquis Trant previously entered guilty pleas and were sentenced on June 18, 2026. Chudhabuddhi was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison. Trant was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the University of South Florida Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

Tampa, Florida – Kristopher Lunsford (46, Henderson, Nevada, formerly of Georgia) has been charged by indictment with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each money laundering count. The indictment also notifies Lunsford that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $105,940,214.93, the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Lunsford and others solicited hundreds of victim-investors to invest in his semi-truck business by purchasing leases for semi-trucks. Lunsford falsely and fraudulently represented that he would handle all aspects of the business, including purchasing semi-trucks, hiring drivers, and insuring and employing the semi-trucks while the investors performed no work and earned passive income. Lunsford and others represented to victim-investors that they could invest in a semi-truck, typically in an amount between $25,000 and $40,000 per truck, and, in exchange, earn a guaranteed weekly payout, typically in an amount between approximately $1,000 and $1,250, generated from profits of Lunsford’s operation of the trucks.

Between approximately December 2023 and May 2025, Lunsford and others solicited more than $105 million from victim-investors. Rather than paying victim-investors with profits generated from the business, Lunsford used approximately $75 million of new investors’ funds to pay earlier investors and used over $25 million for his personal enrichment, to include purchases of real estate, sports cars, jewelry, luxury brand items, private charters, and expenditures at resorts, casinos, and nightclubs. Lunsford used approximately $2 million of victim-investors’ funds on business-related expenses and operations.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The SEC has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lunsford, AKL Transport LLC, and Southern Truck Leasing LLC in the Middle District of Florida. 

If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the FBI’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/TruckLeaseFraud/view. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email [email protected]. Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/kristopher_lunsford. 

Tampa, FL - A federal jury in the Middle District of Florida convicted a Cuban National for his role in an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah, Florida, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO), which encouraged thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the U.S. through the southern border. These smugglers charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for the smuggling services, and co-conspirators sometimes chartered private planes to transport groups of aliens. 

“This defendant participated in an elaborate conspiracy to breach our nation’s immigration laws and smuggle illegal aliens into the United States for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our task force partners to thwart these illegal activities and ensure that our borders are protected.”

“Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez used his travel agency as a front to illegally smuggle Cuban aliens into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "His travel agency provided a veneer of legitimacy to evade detection when the defendant falsely completed and filed at least 600 applications for visa waivers, arranged to fly the aliens from Cuba to third countries, further coordinated with other smugglers throughout the Americas, and laundered over $20 million through 57 bank accounts. These criminal offenses targeted our immigration laws designed to keep our borders safe and money laundering laws designed to keep criminal proceeds out of the nation’s financial system.”   

“This was not help, and it was not humanitarian; It was a criminal enterprise built on treating people like cargo and using their desperation for financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “Alien smuggling organizations do not provide a service; they exploit vulnerable people for profit while undermining the integrity of our borders and immigration system. This conviction reflects the strength of our commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that move people, launder money, and enrich themselves through fraud and deception.”

The defendants often used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waivers and advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the country and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. Financial records show that during the course of the conspiracy, over $20 million passed through upwards of 57 bank accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-conspirators.

The ASO advertised services that included assisting Cubans with false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA. The ASO also filed hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using fake addresses. Cuban nationals are not eligible for the ESTA program, but the defendants falsely represented that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. They did this knowing the applicants were in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted. Cabrera-Rodriguez furthered the conspiracy by helping move aliens from their country of origin, including Cuba, into the United States, including by purchasing international and domestic flights to transport aliens into and throughout the United States. 

Cabrera-Rodriguez and his co-defendants also conspired to regularly move funds to companies outside of the United States. Between 2021 and 2024, Cabrera-Rodriguez and co-conspirators transmitted over $600,000 from the United States to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.

The jury convicted Cabrera-Rodriguez of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering concealment. He is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 32, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 41, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, pleaded guilty on May 7 and was sentenced on July 29 to 30 months in prison.

The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP/U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

A federal jury in the Middle District of Florida convicted a Cuban National for his role in an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah, Florida, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO), which encouraged thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the U.S. through the southern border. These smugglers charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for the smuggling services, and co-conspirators sometimes chartered private planes to transport groups of aliens. 

“Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez used his travel agency as a front to illegally smuggle Cuban aliens into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "His travel agency provided a veneer of legitimacy to evade detection when the defendant falsely completed and filed at least 600 applications for visa waivers, arranged to fly the aliens from Cuba to third countries, further coordinated with other smugglers throughout the Americas, and laundered over $20 million through 57 bank accounts. These criminal offenses targeted our immigration laws designed to keep our borders safe and money laundering laws designed to keep criminal proceeds out of the nation’s financial system.”   

“This defendant participated in an elaborate conspiracy to breach our nation’s immigration laws and smuggle illegal aliens into the United States for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our task force partners to thwart these illegal activities and ensure that our borders are protected.”

“This was not help, and it was not humanitarian; It was a criminal enterprise built on treating people like cargo and using their desperation for financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “Alien smuggling organizations do not provide a service; they exploit vulnerable people for profit while undermining the integrity of our borders and immigration system. This conviction reflects the strength of our commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that move people, launder money, and enrich themselves through fraud and deception.”

The defendants often used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waivers and advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the country and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. Financial records show that during the course of the conspiracy, over $20 million passed through upwards of 57 bank accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-conspirators.

The ASO advertised services that included assisting Cubans with false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA. The ASO also filed hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using fake addresses. Cuban nationals are not eligible for the ESTA program, but the defendants falsely represented that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. They did this knowing the applicants were in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted. Cabrera-Rodriguez furthered the conspiracy by helping move aliens from their country of origin, including Cuba, into the United States, including by purchasing international and domestic flights to transport aliens into and throughout the United States. 

Cabrera-Rodriguez and his co-defendants also conspired to regularly move funds to companies outside of the United States. Between 2021 and 2024, Cabrera-Rodriguez and co-conspirators transmitted over $600,000 from the United States to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.

The jury convicted Cabrera-Rodriguez of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering concealment. He is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 32, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 41, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, pleaded guilty on May 7 and was sentenced on July 29 to 30 months in prison.

The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP/U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood.

Ocala, Florida – Phillip Washington, Jr. (66, Ocala), a/k/a “Big Phil,” and Reginald Cornelius Sesler (46, Ocala), a/k/a “Hot Boy,” have been charged by indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Washington is charged in three counts and Sesler is charged in two counts. If convicted, Washington faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count. Sesler faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40, in federal prison on each count. Both are currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Washington and Sesler, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine on June 10, 2024. Washington is also separately charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on June 18 and July 18, 2024. Sesler is charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine during another incident on July 25, 2024.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Aspen Chae Cartwright (21, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with distribution of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, in May 2025, Cartwright engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with an individual whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. During that conversation, on May 22, 2025, Cartwright distributed an image depicting child sexual abuse material. The minor was actually an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations. Cartwright was later arrested and is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.  

 An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Fort Myers, Florida – Jacob Lloyd Lashbrook (31, North Fort Myers) has been charged by indictment with two counts of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a member of Congress by threat and one count of interstate communication of threats to injure and kill. If convicted, Lashbrook faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each of the first two counts and a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment on the third count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, in July 2026, Lashbrook threatened to assault and murder a member of the United States House of Representatives. He also threatened to assault family members of the congressmember, with the intent to impede, intimidate and interfere with the congressmember’s performance of official duties. The indictment alleges that Lashbrook transmitted and communicated a true threat to injure the congressmember and members of his family and staff using highly inflammatory, profane, and obscene language.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police – Threat Assessment Section and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

Orlando, Florida – Edwin Guerrero (26, MA) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 9 years and 11 months in federal prison and a $15,000 fine for making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Guerrero pleaded guilty on March 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between August 10 and 15, 2024, Guerrero used his social media account to make a series of antisemitic posts and threats directed to Congressman Randy Fine. At the time of the offense, Congressman Fine was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. The posts included the following threatening statements:

“Looks like I’m taking a little field trip to brevard county Florida let's play a game @VoteRandyFine” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was a photo of an individual holding what appears to be a firearm.

“@VoteRandyFine when he steps out in Florida don't worry your 2 little precious. Jewish boys will suffer the same fate.” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was a photo of a deceased male with significant head trauma.

“This is gonna be Randy Fine very very soon ... see you in Florida !” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was the same photo of a deceased male with significant head trauma.

“Why don't you show us where you're at? @VoteRandyFine your scared of getting your brains blown in ? Don't worry we'll make sure your sons watch ...” from an IP address in Spain.

The investigation revealed that Guerrero was in Spain when he made the threats. Upon his return to the United States, Guerrero was interviewed and admitted to using his social media account to send the above threatening messages to the congressman. A subsequent search of Guerrero’s phone showed search history containing antisemitic and anti-Israel content, including “israel should burn in hell.”

During the sentencing hearing, Congressman Fine stated, “My boys are now victims of a crime;” “I was afraid for me, and I was afraid for my boys.” According to Congressman Fine, Guerrero’s threats involving his sons crossed a line and “made my blood run cold.” He expressed his hope that Guerrero’s sentence sends a clear message that this unacceptable behavior cannot be allowed in the United States of America. 

“Threats of intimidation or harm against public officials or anyone for their political or religious beliefs will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will take such acts seriously and prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Moe held that Guerrero’s threats against Congressman Fine and his minor children were motivated by hate. Judge Moe emphasized the seriousness of Guerrero’s threats against Jewish people, and the need for general deterrence for threats against all people, including elected officials and people in protected classes. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Richardson-Jones.

Jacksonville, Florida – Orlin Eli Gonzalez (27, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Gonzalez was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on September 4, 2025, and has remained in federal custody. Gonzalez pleaded guilty on June 17, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, from August 28 through September 4, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (app) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. UC was posing as a 13-year-old child. UC and app user “Orlean” exchanged several private online messages on the app as well as via text messaging. After UC advised that the “child” was 13 years old, app user “Orlean” asked the “child” about “her” sexual experience and if “she” liked performing a particular sexual act. “Orlean” requested that the “child” send him nude photos and texted, “I wanna see you naked” and asked the “child” if “she” wanted to have sex. Further investigation by the FBI identified app user “Orlean” as Gonzalez.

On September 4, 2025, Gonzalez and the “child” exchanged more text messages. Gonzalez confirmed that he had intended to meet the “child” for sexual activity at “her” home in Jacksonville and asked the “child” to provide “her” address. That same afternoon, Gonzalez was observed biking toward the agreed-upon location. Upon his arrival, Gonzalez was arrested by FBI agents.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Fort Myers, Florida – Christiane Vinette Young (75), a Canadian national illegally present in the United States, has been charged by information with three counts of voting by an alien. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the information, Young voted in three federal elections—the 2024 general election, 2022 general election, and 2022 primary—despite knowing that she was not a citizen of the United States.

An information is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

Ocala, Florida – Gerquon Lavares Thomas (32, Wildwood), a/k/a “Q-Baby,” has been charged by indictment with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Thomas faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count due to having a prior qualifying conviction for a serious felony drug offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on June 5, June 24, and October 10, 2025, Thomas distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Thomas is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

Ocala, Florida – Jimmy Deon Lofton (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to eight years and one month in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lofton pleaded guilty plea on May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to court documents, on July 1, 2025, the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) executed a search warrant at Lofton’s residence. Agents recovered numerous controlled substances, including approximately 173 grams of fentanyl, 31 grams of methamphetamine, 260 grams of MDMA, and over 1,000 grams of cocaine. Some of the substances were buried in an ammunition can in the backyard. Agents also obtained a search warrant for a home security DVR system Lofton had installed. That DVR system revealed numerous videos of Lofton packaging and selling controlled substances at his residence.       

This case was investigated by the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Chan Dara Mean (42, Belleview) has been charged by indictment with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Mean faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on August 25, 2026, Mean was in possession of material which contained visual depictions involving the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. Mean was arrested on September 16, 2026. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

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, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Ocala, Florida – Paul Richardson (56, Leesburg) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to three years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Richardson in May and June 2025, in Lake County, Florida. The total weight of the methamphetamine sold by Richardson was over 50 grams.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and Anthony C. Marek.

Ocala, Florida – Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas (24, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Pedro Tomas pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, between July 22 and August 11, 2025, Pedro Tomas communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old prostitute. That individual, however, was an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. During the conversation, Pedro Tomas discussed the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage and the associated costs. Ultimately, he traveled to a predetermined meeting location in Marion County to meet the minor for that purpose. Pedro Tomas was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at the meeting location.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

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.