Northern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Federal Jury Convicts Panama City Man in Meth BustRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Calvin Leon Jackson, 40, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. John Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the verdict today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and this successful prosecution by my office, this criminal will be held accountable for peddling poisonous drugs in our community. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities, and with more aggressive prosecutions of criminals like this defendant that is exactly what my office will deliver.”
Trial testimony and court records revealed that, on June 28, 2026, law enforcement stopped a vehicle in which Jackson and his co-conspirator were passengers. During the stop, a drug canine alerted to the vehicle. During a subsequent search, officers discovered a large vacuum sealed package containing a white crystalline substance under the front seat where Jackson’s co-conspirator had been sitting. Subsequent forensic testing confirmed the white crystalline substance was 448 grams of methamphetamine with an approximate purity of 97%, amounting to 434.5 grams of pure meth.
Jackson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years’ imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment. He also faces a minimum of five years of supervised release up to a maximum of life on supervised release.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Panama City Beach Police Department, and the Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Armed Drug Trafficker & Serial Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Christopher Adams Jr., 34, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker to seven years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute synthetic cathinone, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to this successful prosecution by my office, this serial felon will be kept off our streets for several years. Anyone who thinks they can peddle poisonous drugs in the Northern District of Florida should be on notice that our state and federal law enforcement partners are coming for them, and my office will send them to federal prison.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department encountered the defendant as the driver of a vehicle with a stolen tag and illegal window tint. The officer could smell the odor of synthetic cathinone (“molly”) coming from inside the vehicle and conducted a search. The officer found a pistol in the driver’s side door pocket. Directly next to the handgun was a zippered pouch approximately the size of a make-up bag, which was found to contain an ounce and a half of synthetic cathinone split up into one large bag and multiple smaller baggies, along with small unused baggies typically used by street-level drug dealers. The defendant acknowledged ownership of the “molly” in the car and knowing the firearm was present.
The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions for armed burglary, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. He has been to prison on four separate occasions, with his longest prior sentence being 5 years.
The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Life Sentence in Pensacola Federal Murder CaseRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Charles Carson-Dowdy, 31, of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced in federal court to life imprisonment for cyberstalking, interstate domestic violence, murder through use of a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in relation to the death of Starmichael L. Tucker in Pensacola in early 2025. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My heart goes out to the victim’s family members and friends, who were robbed of Ms. Tucker’s presence in their lives by the depraved actions of this violent thug. We cannot lessen the profound sadness caused by Ms. Tucker’s murder, but thanks to this aggressive prosecution by my office that secured a life sentence for Carson-Dowdy’s heinous crimes, we can guarantee that this criminal will spend the rest of his pathetic life locked behind bars where he belongs.”
Court documents reveal that Carson-Dowdy, who resided in Mobile, Alabama, and the victim, Ms. Tucker, who resided in Pensacola, Florida, began dating in or about October 2024. During the dating relationship, Carson-Dowdy used cellular telephones, the internet, and a ridesharing business to engage in a course of conduct with the intent to harass and intimidate the victim. At the end of December 2024, Ms. Tucker flew to California to visit family for the holidays. During her trip, Ms. Tucker and Carson-Dowdy had an escalating series of arguments via text message.
On January 1, 2025, as Ms. Tucker traveled back to Florida from California, she and Carson- Dowdy had a conversation via text message during which the victim attempted to end the relationship with Carson-Dowdy. In response, Carson-Dowdy hailed a ride via the Uber ridesharing service to travel from his residence in Mobile, Alabama, to the victim’s residence in Pensacola, Florida, to confront her about their relationship. Despite being a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition, Carson-Dowdy brought a Taurus handgun and an extra loaded magazine with him as he traveled from Alabama to Florida.
Upon his arrival in Pensacola, Carson-Dowdy entered Ms. Tucker’s home without her permission. She returned home to discover Carson-Dowdy waiting for her in the apartment. At approximately 8:00 p.m. on January 2, 2025, Ms. Tucker left her apartment, but Carson-Dowdy followed her outside and shot her in the back with his Taurus handgun, causing her to collapse in the parking lot. Carson-Dowdy then walked over to where Ms. Tucker was lying wounded on the ground and shot her approximately ten more times at close range. Carson-Dowdy then entered the victim’s vehicle parked nearby, and deliberately drove the car over Ms. Tucker’s body. He then reversed the car to drive over her body again, and then drove forward running over the victim’s body a third time. Carson-Dowdy then fled from the apartment complex in the victim’s vehicle. Ms. Tucker died from the injuries inflicted by Carson-Dowdy.
Carson-Dowdy was ultimately located by law enforcement in the victim’s vehicle in Spanish Fort, Alabama. He was taken into custody, and the Taurus handgun used to murder the victim was found inside the car.
“This defendant’s actions took an innocent life and devastated a family,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Today’s sentence holds him accountable and hopefully, helps the victim’s family take one step toward closure.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, and the Spanish Fort Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jordane New.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of unregistered firearm. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state law enforcement partners, and this aggressive prosecution by my office, this violent felon has been taken off our streets and he’ll be kept locked in federal prison where he belongs.”
Court documents reflect that on January 21, 2026, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a disturbance complaint at a residence in Pensacola, Florida. Upon arrival, deputies encountered the defendant and his wife. The deputies learned that firearms were missing from the residence and that the defendant had been previously convicted of multiple felonies, including Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer with Violence, and Fleeing to Elude Police and Destroying or Tampering with Evidence. Based on these felony convictions, the defendant was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. With the wife’s consent, deputies searched the property for the missing firearms and discovered several loaded AR-style magazines and an unregistered multi-caliber short-barreled rifle among the defendant’s belongings.
Hudson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of unregistered firearm count.
Hudson’s sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gainesville Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Terry Lajace Lee, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “We will not stop strictly enforcing the law, and we will not be deterred from keeping our streets safe from dangerous criminals, like this repeat felon. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live on safe, crime-free streets, and that is exactly what my office will deliver with continued successful prosecutions like this.”
Court documents reflect that during a traffic stop on February 21, 2026, the defendant was found to be driving with a suspended license. A subsequent search of the defendant and his vehicle revealed marijuana and a handgun. The defendant is not permitted to have a handgun due to four prior felony convictions.
Lee faces a maximum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Marianna Man Sentenced to Forty-Five Months in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Andy Dean Biggs, 63, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to forty-five months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution strikes another blow against the peddlers of drugs who have plagued our streets with addiction and devastation. Through aggressive prosecutions like this, we will continue to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.”
According to court records, law enforcement identified Biggs’ co-conspirator, Michael Termaine Bell, as a significant source of narcotics in the Jackson County, Florida area, and Biggs was identified as assisting in that distribution. After several months of investigation, law enforcement obtained a federal search warrant for the residence of Bell and an adjoining family residence in Marianna, Florida . Biggs was present at the property at the time of the search. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators located over 1,000 grams of cocaine, five firearms, over 3,000 grams of marijuana, approximately $10,000 in cash and other evidence of drug distribution.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Eric W. Welch.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Serial Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Curtis Lee Smith-Carter, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens deserve to live in communities without dangerous, armed criminals – like this serial felon – threatening their safety. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to ensure we deliver on that promise.”
Court documents reflect that on November 8, 2025, shortly after midnight, the defendant attempted to flee from police as they approached him behind a Gainesville convenience store. At that time, the defendant was in possession of a loaded .32 caliber pistol, which he threw over a fence. The defendant has been convicted of nine prior felony offenses, including possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya said: “Those who have been convicted of a felony and choose to possess a firearm put our community at risk and will be held accountable.”
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gainesville Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Kenneth Ellis Wetherington, 60, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison for one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping firearms out of the hands of dangerous criminals, like this serial felon, is necessary to ensure the safety of our communities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like these to ensure our citizens can enjoy the safe streets they deserve.”
Court documents reflect that on the evening of November 21, 2025, law enforcement was dispatched to an apartment complex in reference to multiple reports of shots fired. Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned that the defendant had discharged several “warning shots” from a firearm during a confrontation with other individuals on the property. Law enforcement detained the defendant and obtained a search warrant for his apartment, where they located a handgun, a shotgun, and multiple types of ammunition. The defendant is not permitted to have any firearms or ammunition because he has eleven felony convictions, including a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
“This sentence is a reminder that there are consequences for violating the law,” said Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya. “We will continue to work with our federal partners to hold those who illegally possess firearms accountable and help keep our community safe.”
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea by Pensacola Armed Drug TraffickerRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Marquis Dy’Monte Bethea 32, of Pensacola, pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the excellent investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, to identify and remove an armed drug trafficker from our streets. The Homeland Security Task Force is continuing to deliver wins for public safety in the Northern District of Florida, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these armed drug traffickers until our citizens get the safe, drug-free streets they deserve.”
Court documents reflect that in September 2025, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for an infraction. The defendant was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. After a drug detection K9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics, law enforcement searched the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a loaded pistol, $10,350 cash, and over 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Bethea faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on the drug distribution count, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, for the firearm count, consecutive to the sentence imposed on Count 1.
Sentencing is scheduled before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida on September 24, 2026.
The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
This prosecution 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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gainesville Felon Sentenced for Federal Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – DaMorie Lamontay Miles, 20, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of receipt, possession, transfer, or production of a firearm which is not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution and sentence notches another win for the Department of Justice, and continues to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche that we will devote the full might of the federal government toward delivering safe, drug-free streets for our citizens.”
Court records reflect that the defendant was communicating via text message and social media with others to buy and sell marijuana and to obtain a machine gun conversion device (MCD). The defendant was arrested after a search of his residence discovered over 600 grams of marijuana and the MCD.
“Our goal is to make Gainesville a safer place, and that means keeping dangerous drugs and illegal firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others,” said Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya.
Miles’ sentence will run consecutive to another state sentence involving the possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and the possession of a weapon or ammunition by a Florida delinquent.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Indicted for Possession of a Machine Gun & Postal CrimesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Yasir Jaimon Za’Quis Hawkins, 20, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal possession of a machine gun, possession of Postal Service key, and possession of stolen mail. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Hawkins appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 29, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
Hawkins faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a machine gun count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of Postal Service key count; and up to five years’ imprisonment on the possession of stolen mail count.
This case was jointly investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun & Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – EP Hall, 42, of Pensacola, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the plea.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these cases until criminals realize we have zero-tolerance for lawlessness in the Northern District of Florida. The citizens of our District deserve to live on safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what I intend to deliver with more successful prosecutions like this one.”
Court documents showed that, in March 2026, the defendant was encountered by law enforcement while walking in a public roadway in Pensacola with a loaded revolver in his waistband and wearing a fanny pack containing crack cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine. As a previously convicted felon, the defendant was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 10, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Hall faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and up to three years’ imprisonment for possession of a controlled substance due to a prior drug-related conviction.
The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Six Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Tyler D. Ogden, 27, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our excellent state and federal law enforcement partners continue to work hard every day to stop the flow of drugs into our communities. Meth, in particular, has had a devastating impact on our District for several years, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward delivering the safe, drug-free streets that the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve.”
Court documents reflect that in April 2025, during a Tallahassee-area undercover law enforcement operation, the defendant purchased methamphetamine. Later, the defendant separated four ounces from a larger quantity of methamphetamine and distributed the controlled substance.
“Methamphetamine is trafficked regularly in the Florida Pan Handle and our agents and law enforcement partners are very active in this region,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “Like Mr. Ogden, we have brought many criminals who sell this poison in our communities to justice.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Indicted for Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – James Dalton Bryant, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for bank robbery. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.
Bryant appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for October 5, 2026, before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
Bryant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gainesville Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Federal Prison for Spree of RobberiesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Antrell Jermaine Hillard, 33, of Live Oak, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to steal postal keys, theft of postal keys, and postal robbery/assault. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This serial, violent felon has shown that the only way we can keep our communities safe from his criminality is by keeping him behind bars in federal prison, so that is exactly what we will do. I appreciate the excellent investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office that supported this successful prosecution. The Department of Justice launched Operation Take Back America to devote our full might toward removing the perpetrators of violent crime from our streets, and my office will continue to deliver aggressive prosecutions like this to accomplish that task.”
Court documents reflect that between March 21, 2025, and March 29, 2025, the defendant conspired with others to steal Postal Service keys in Gainesville and Ocala. The defendant planned and participated in three separate incidents involving the theft of keys directly from United States Postal Service carriers while they were delivering mail. In one of the incidents, the defendant snatched a key that was still physically connected to the carrier’s belt, causing it to break from the carrier’s belt. The court also found that shortly before the postal robberies, the defendant held a man at gunpoint during an armed robbery of a Gainesville convenience store.
“This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who is considering committing a violent crime against a U.S. Postal Service employee.” said Bladismir Rojo, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. The Inspection Service will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure that those who chose to engage in these types of crimes will be held accountable.”
“This sentence holds Hillard accountable for his actions and serves as a reminder to those who choose to commit serious crimes,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue working together to investigate and pursue dangerous offenders who threaten our communities.”
Upon his release, Hillard will be subject to three years of supervised release.
The case involved a joint investigation by United States Postal Inspection Service, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Fort Walton Beach Felon Indicted for Federal Drug & Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Anthony Bernard Allen, 54, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving less than 500 grams of cocaine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Allen appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke D. Lindsay.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Florida Inmate Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution & Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Edward G. Winn, 47, an inmate at Okaloosa Correctional Institution who is formerly of Sarasota, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping our kids safe from predators, like this disgusting defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize them remains one of my office’s top priorities. As this substantial prison sentence demonstrates, we will not hesitate to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward holding such sexual predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court documents reflect that since September 2, 2015, the defendant had been incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections after being convicted of multiple counts of possession of child pornography. While the defendant was an inmate at Madison Correctional Institution, investigators discovered he used a prison-issued tablet to receive child pornography from the Internet which he also distributed to other inmates between May 6, 2024, and July 9, 2024. A search of the defendant’s tablet revealed that it contained almost 400 child pornography images.
“Edward Winn was already serving time for his crimes, but that didn’t stop him from exploiting children,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Even from behind bars, he continued to seek out child sexual abuse material. There is no place to hide from accountability. The FBI will continue to protect children and pursue those who exploit them.”
Winn’s federal sentence will begin after completing his remaining state sentence, which is expected to end in 2051. Upon release, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections-Office of Inspector General.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Justice Department Awards Nearly $290 Million to Improve Safety, Including More Than $12 Million for Northern District of FloridaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON ―The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded almost $290 million to support state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep American communities safe. United States Attorney John P. Heekin of the Northern District of Florida highlighted nearly $12.5 million in grant monies were awarded to law enforcement components operating within the Northern District of Florida.
The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses.
“This funding strengthens our state, local, and tribal partners’ ability to address violent crime, support officers on the front lines, and keep our Nation’s communities safe,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “The JAG Program continues to provide essential resources that help jurisdictions meet today’s public safety threats and uphold the rule of law.”
U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “Our state and local law enforcement partners are vital to my office’s mission to eradicate crime within the Northern District of Florida. Through these grant awards, the Department of Justice is making critical investments in the brave men and women of Florida’s law enforcement agencies who stand on the front lines in the fight against crime to keep our communities safe.”
JAG Program awards will be used in support of the following law enforcement agencies within the Northern District of Florida:
- Florida Department of Law Enforcement, based in Tallahassee, Florida;
- Alachua County Sheriff’s Office;
- Bay County Sheriff’s Office;
- Escambia County Sheriff’s Office;
- Leon County Sheriff’s Office;
- Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office;
- Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office;
- Gainesville Police Department;
- Panama City Police Department;
- Panama City Beach Police Department;
- Pensacola Police Department;
- Tallahassee Police Department
In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship.
BJA awarded more than $199 million in state JAG funding across 56 awards and more than $90 million in local JAG funding across 895 awards.
Examples of initiatives supported by these grants include:
- Providing specialized training to strengthen the prevention, detection, and response to human trafficking and to enhance proactive crime‑reduction efforts through improved officer readiness and increased patrol capacity.
- Enhancing local crime‑fighting efforts by integrating innovative technology, training, and equipment, and using comprehensive crime‑data analysis to guide decision‑making, measure performance, and strengthen strategies addressing violent crime and other public safety issues.
- Strengthening enforcement efforts by supporting investigations related to gang activity and narcotics through targeted operations carried out by specialized units.
- Improving officer safety and readiness by replacing outdated ballistic helmets with modern protective equipment used during high‑risk incidents, tactical operations, active threat responses, warrant service, civil disturbances, and other dangerous calls for service.
All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here.
About the Office of Justice Programs
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.
Iowa Man Sentenced for Distributing Child Pornography to a Panama City ResidentRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Dalvert Encarnacion Francisco, 37, of Dubuque, Iowa, was sentenced to serve 70 months in federal prison for distributing child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I truly appreciate the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners that helped to identify and bring this heinous predator to justice. Anyone who views, possesses, or distributes child sexual abuse material will face an aggressive prosecution by my office to ensure they are held fully accountable for their horrific crimes and spend years in federal prison.”
The defendant’s sentencing followed a guilty verdict returned after a three-day jury trial in May 2026. Court records and evidence showed that the Bay County Sheriff’s Office investigated multiple child sexual abuse material tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During that investigation, law enforcement discovered the defendant distributed child pornography to an individual named Marcus Creel who resided in the Panama City area. Creel was later prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. With the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, further investigation revealed the defendant requested online payments for the child sexual abuse material he distributed.
“There is no place in our society for those who exploit children for profit or gratification,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “This sentence sends a clear message: if you prey on children or contribute to their exploitation, we will work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to identify you, arrest you, and ensure you are held accountable. Protecting our children will always be one of the Bay County Sheriff's Office's highest priorities.”
Upon his release from prison, Francisco will be required to serve five years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.
“This sentence holds a predator accountable for distributing inappropriate child sexual abuse material and contributing to the exploitation of innocent children,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This case demonstrates the strength of our partnerships with our law enforcement partners. Their dedication and investigative efforts helped ensure this offender was identified and brought to justice. We will continue to pursue those who exploit children and work tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Fort White Man Indicted for Conspiring to Transfer Firearms to MexicoRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Jose Manuel Barron, 31, of Fort White, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for conspiracy to transfer firearms to a nonresident. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.
Barron appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 2, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
Barron faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Five Year Prison Sentence for Tallahassee FelonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Kelveont’a Lamar Dennis, 32, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor to 5 years in federal prison following his conviction at a jury trial on May 22, 2026. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office continues to deliver successful prosecutions of targets of the Homeland Security Task Force, which is fighting to eradicate the criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations flooding our streets with drugs and violence. Our HSTF partners are committed to delivering the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to fulfill that promise in the Northern District of Florida.”
Evidence at trial, and court documents, showed that Dennis was routinely selling drugs and possessing firearms, despite the fact he was a convicted felon who was legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. A federal search warrant was executed by law enforcement and electronic evidence seized. A jury found him guilty of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute it.
Dennis had previous convictions for carjacking, false imprisonment, two instances of possession of a controlled substance, possession of firearm by a convicted felon, and felony battery, and had previously served prison sentences of 48 months, 12 years, and 394 days.
“This recidivist criminal routinely shows a complete contempt for the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingengo. “This kind of behavior cannot be allowed to poison our communities. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continually work to hold these criminals accountable.”
Dennis’ 5-year federal prison sentence will be followed by 20 years on supervised release.
The case involved an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, DHS Customs and Border Protection, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
This prosecution 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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Crestview Man Indicted for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida –John Martin Elmore, 37, of Crestview, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine or 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and one count of possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine or 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Elmore appeared in federal court for his arraignment before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank. Trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida.
If convicted, Elmore faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on each count.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Crestview Police Department, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Thomas S.P. Geeker.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Masked Gunman who Robbed Leon County Z Mart Pleads Guilty to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Laquinton Harris, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to Hobbs Act Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplifies the outstanding investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners, who swiftly identified and caught this defendant despite his efforts to conceal his identity during his violent crime. This successful prosecution delivers a clear message: the safety of our community is not negotiable, and my office will aggressively prosecute these cases to keep violent offenders, like this defendant, off our streets and behind bars where they belong.”
Court records showed a masked gunman robbed the Z Mart convenience store at 4015 Fred George Road on January 30, 2026, during which the gunman discharged his firearm into the floor:
During the investigation of the armed robbery, Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies found an apparent bullet strike on the wooden flooring and a spent .22 caliber shell casing. On April 2, 2026, ATF executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence and found a .22 caliber rifle, which ballistic testing showed matched the shell casing found in the Z Mart. They also found distinctive clothing that matched clothing worn by the robber.
Distinctive ripped pants worn by the robber, found in the defendant’s home
Gloves worn by the robber, found in the defendant’s home
The defendant’s DNA was found on both the pants and gloves recovered during the search warrant.
The defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison, which must be consecutive to his sentence for the robbery, and a maximum of up to life imprisonment, up to 5 years of supervised release, and up to a $750,000 fine.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Jackson County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Adolph Sutton, Jr., 65, of Malone, Florida, and Michael Peak, 56, of Bascom, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distributing 50 grams or more methamphetamine. The pleas were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Operation Take Back America continues to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice will devote its full might toward eradicating the scourge of drug trafficking and violent crime from our streets. My office remains committed to keeping drug-peddling criminals, like these defendants, off our streets and behind federal bars to ensure the citizens of the Northern District of Florida can live in the safe, drug-free communities they deserve.”
Court documents reflect that on two occasions, Sutton and Peak sold methamphetamine to law enforcement as part of an undercover operation. On May 6, 2025, the defendants sold 223 grams of methamphetamine to law enforcement. On May 29, 2025, an additional 438 grams of methamphetamine were sold to law enforcement.
Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the three counts.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch are prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Justin Luis Ruiz, 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of production of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography, two counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material are horrific crimes that rob the most vulnerable members of our society of their innocence, and re-victimize those exploited children each and every time the videos and images of their abuse are shared. I deeply appreciate the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and apprehend this despicable defendant, and I am proud that my office’s successful prosecution will ensure he spends the next 15 years behind federal bars where he belongs.”
Court documents reflect that a 2024 investigation by the Rapid City (South Dakota) Police Department uncovered that the defendant had solicited a minor to send him nude photographs depicting child pornography. Further investigation, including law enforcement’s search of a Tallahassee residence, identified the defendant had communicated online with known and unknown persons, many of them minors, and exchanged child pornography with those individuals.
“The vile sexual exploitation of children by these predators leaves lifelong scars on children who should never be subjected to corruption,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. This sentence is a measure of accountability for the harm he caused and a warning to others who solicit, trade, or possess child sexual abuse material. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue these offenders relentlessly, across jurisdictions and online platforms, until they are brought to justice.”
Upon release from prison, Ruiz will be on supervised release for the rest of life.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Tallahassee Police Department and the Rapid City Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Crestview Cocaine Traffickers Plead GuiltyRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Arzalea Teshean McLaughlin, 37, Benjamin Eugene Mack, 54, and Roger Cornell Daniels, 38, all of Crestview, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and cocaine base, conspiracy to unlawfully use a communications facility, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the coordinated investigative efforts of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this trio’s days of trafficking drugs in the Northern District of Florida are at an end. With every successful prosecution by my office we are taking back our streets from these peddlers of poisonous drugs to deliver the safe, drug-free communities that the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve.”
According to court documents, between 2023 and 2025, McLaughlin, Mack, and Daniels conspired with each other and others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine.” McLaughlin obtained cocaine for sale through Daniels and used multiple locations in Okaloosa County to store and distribute drugs, including Mack’s and Daniels’ residences. Search warrants at those locations led to the seizure of nearly three-quarters of a kilogram of cocaine from Mack’s residence and almost one-quarter of a kilogram of cocaine from Daniel’s residence.
McLaughlin’s sentencing has been set for September 24, 2026, at 9 a.m., Mack’s sentencing has been set for October 15, 2026, at 2 p.m., and Daniels’ sentencing has been set for November 4, 2026, at 9 a.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. McLaughlin and Mack face a minimum mandatory of 10 years up to life in prison, and Daniels faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years’ up to a total of 74 years’ imprisonment. Each defendant faces enhanced penalties due to having prior qualifying drug or violent convictions.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Crestview Police Department, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Alabama Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Justin William Gifford, 26, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after being earlier found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee of one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to minors, and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to exploit and victimize kids online, and my office will continue to match their efforts with aggressive prosecutions to send these sick offenders to federal prison.”
During the two-day jury trial, court records and evidence showed that the defendant was identified during a multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted in June 2025, after he responded to an online advertisement on a website known for escort services. Over a two-day period, the defendant engaged in increasingly sexually explicit text and telephone conversations with an undercover investigator posing as a 15-year-old child. During the conversations, Gifford sent an explicit photograph to the undercover investigator, then planned to meet the child to engage in sexual activity. The defendant was electronically tracked travelling from his home in Enterprise, Alabama to Panama City Beach, where he was arrested upon his arrival at the agreed location. After his arrest, forensic analysis of Gifford’s seized cellular telephone verified the communications and the obscene image were sent by him from his phone.
In addition to the ten years in prison, upon release he will be required to serve a five-year period of supervised release.
“Predators who exploit children commit truly reprehensible acts that can never be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI Tampa and our law enforcement partners are relentless in our pursuit of those who prey on children and will use every resource at our disposal to stand in the gap to protect our communities and ensure offenders face the full consequences of their actions.”
“Our message to anyone who preys on children is simple: don’t,” said Sheriff Tommy Ford. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you think you can hide. We will work alongside our law enforcement partners to find you, arrest you, and make sure you answer for your crimes. If you target our children, expect relentless pursuit and zero tolerance.”
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K Mountin
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Delivers Federal Jury Conviction of Pensacola Armed Drug TraffickerRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Jovon “Playa Pat” Booker, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was convicted by a jury in federal court on one count of discharging a handgun in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and a separate count of possessing firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Prior to the jury being selected in Pensacola, Booker pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and five counts of money laundering through high end jewelry purchases. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the convictions.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplified the unified commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe by ridding our streets of a violent, drug peddling thug. Thanks to the aggressive prosecution by my office and outstanding trial work by my prosecutors, his reign of terror has come to an end and he’ll spend his days locked behind federal bars where he belongs.”
At trial, the jury received evidence that Booker ran a multi-million dollar interstate drug trafficking network wherein he transported hundreds of kilograms of highly potent marijuana from the Seattle area into Pensacola, Florida, between 2020 – 2025. Booker used the proceeds of his crimes to purchase vehicles, such as a Lamborghini Urus, as well as diamond encrusted jewelry and Cartier and Patek Philippe watches. The jury heard evidence that Booker did not report a single dollar of legitimate income to the government during this timeframe. During the course of his drug trafficking conspiracy, on May 12, 2024, at the Paparazzi Bistro & Lounge in Pensacola, Booker shot one of his own co-conspirators at point-blank range in an attempt to murder him over a drug debt owed to Booker. At a later date, in July 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies executed a federal search warrant at Booker’s residence and located a loaded assault rifle he possessed to protect all the controlled substances in the house. The jury received all of this evidence and found Booker guilty as charged.
Booker is scheduled for sentencing before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, on November 5, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Booker faces and mandatory minimum 20 years up to life imprisonment on the charges. In addition, law enforcement seized over $500,000 of jewelry, vehicles, firearms, and United States currency from Booker that will all be forfeited to the government.
The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas Geeker.
This prosecution 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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Federal Jury Convicts Panama City Man of Attempting to Entice A Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Michael Ray Pennington, 60, of Panama City, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful trial verdict was built upon the excellent investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners and secured thanks to the outstanding courtroom advocacy of my federal prosecutors. My office remains firmly committed to protecting our communities by aggressively prosecuting predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children through online platforms and apps.”
Trial testimony revealed that in November 2025, federal and local law enforcement conducted an undercover operation to identify and apprehend offenders who use the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover law enforcement officer posted a fictitious advertisement on a website commonly used for prostitution. The defendant responded to the ad and was informed by the undercover agent that he was speaking to a 15-year-old child. The defendant then expressed an interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child in exchange for money. Upon arrival at an arranged meeting location, the defendant was arrested. A search of the defendant’s phone confirmed that he was the person communicating with the undercover agent through both text messaging and phone calls.
Pennington faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emma Schwan and Meredith L. Steer.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 13, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offenses and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Amontea Allen John Mitchell, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the continued vigilance of our state and federal law enforcement partners to stay one step ahead of the sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize kids online. Aggressively prosecuting these sick individuals and ensuring they remain locked away in prison is the best way we can ensure our kids stay safe.”
Court documents reflect that in April 2026, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tallahassee Police Department conducted an undercover operation to identify individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, Mitchell responded to an online advertisement for a female escort and began communicating through text message with an undercover officer who was posing as a 15-year-old child. After the undercover officer told the defendant he was speaking to a 15-year-old female, the defendant proceeded to send an obscene photograph and asked the child to produce child pornography to send to him. The defendant ultimately expressed an interest in engaging in sex with the child. Law enforcement arrested the defendant near an arranged meeting location. Inside the defendant’s backpack, agents found three condoms and a firearm. Mitchell is a felon with multiple prior felony convictions, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment, for the attempted enticement of a minor count; up to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment for the attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor count; and up to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case involved a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to over 17 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Antonio Carlos Shine, 38, of Dania, Florida, was sentenced to 17 years and five months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This serial felon’s lengthy criminal record amply demonstrates that the only way we can prevent him from continuing to terrorize our communities with his criminality is by keeping him incarcerated. This successful prosecution and long prison sentence should be a warning to other would-be drug peddlers that the Northern District of Florida has zero-tolerance for these crimes.”
Court documents reflect that in August 2024, law enforcement officers intercepted a package containing nearly two pounds of methamphetamine addressed to a Tallahassee residence. Law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery at the residence, and the defendant took possession of the package and brought it into the residence. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the residence. The defendant did not answer the door, requiring officers to breach the door, after which the defendant fled through the back door with the package of methamphetamine, where he was immediately taken into custody. Law enforcement searched the residence and located a digital scale, various narcotics paraphernalia, and 44 grams of marijuana packaged for sale. The defendant had previously been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver, and had served several prior terms in Florida state prison.
“This significant prison sentencing should serve as a deterrent to anyone attempting to use the US Mail for narcotics trafficking” said Bladismir Rojo, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Miami Division. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with the Tallahassee Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners to keep these poisons out of our communities.”
Shine’s term of imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release. Thus, once Shine is released from prison, if Shine were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer prosecuted 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 transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Postal Employee Indicted for Theft of MailRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Napeaches Shouetta Blair, 43, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of theft of mail by a postal employee. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.
Blair appeared in federal court for her arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 8, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.
Blair faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment on each count.
This case was jointly investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Jackson County Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Delay or Destruction of MailRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Stacy Michelle Braxton, 39, of Marianna, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of delay or destruction of mail. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens must be able to rely upon the mail to be delivered quickly, securely, and efficiently, and this postal carrier’s reprehensible violation of the public trust placed in her to fulfill that duty deserves serious punishment. I applaud the excellent work of the USPS Inspector General to identify, investigate, and hold accountable this criminal behavior by a postal carrier.”
Court documents reveal that the defendant was a rural mail carrier for the Greenwood Post Office in Jackson County, Florida. In February 2026, law enforcement recovered 498 pieces of mail from the defendant’s mail route that were discarded in a burn barrel in Marianna, Florida. The defendant admitted to investigators that she attempted to discard and burn the mail from her route rather than delivering the mail to the designated recipients.
Braxton faces up to five years in prison.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 16, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Emma Schwan is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
United States Attorney’s Office Joining Law Enforcement, Community Leaders and Residents for National Night Out EventsRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Pensacola & Gainesville, Florida – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities for National Night Out events in North Central Florida and the Florida Panhandle.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to participate in National Night Out, which is an opportunity for law enforcement to interact with members of our community to foster trust and build strong relationships. We look forward to engaging with community leaders and residents in our continued efforts to make the Northern District of Florida the best and safest place in America to live, work, and raise a family.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions of people take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Below is a list of National Night Out Events that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will be attending, all hosted by local participating law enforcement agencies.
Scheduled Events:
- NNO Hosted by the Pensacola Police Department
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Booker T. Washington High School located at 6000 College Pkwy, Pensacola, FL 32504
- NNO Hosted by the High Springs Police Department
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
High Spring Civic Center located at 19107 NW 240th Street, High Springs, FL 32643
- NNO Hosted by the Tallahassee Police Department
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Cascades Park located at 1001 South Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Crestview Woman Federally Indicted for Fraud Offenses Totaling over Four Million DollarsRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Rosemay G. Manzano, 40, of Crestview, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging her with 17 counts of bank fraud, 19 counts of money laundering, one count of aggravated identity theft, and five counts of filing a false tax return. This investigation is a part of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud launched by President Donald J. Trump, a whole-of-government effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
The defendant appeared for her arraignment in federal court before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each of the 17 counts of bank fraud, 2 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each money laundering count, up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each filing false tax return count and, restitution, and forfeiture of assets.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Air Force Active Duty Member Settles False Claims Act Allegations for Fraudulent Government LoanRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Tyndall Air Force Base active-duty member, Negleatta Davis, has agreed to settle civil allegations that she violated the False Claims Act (“FCA”) by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. Davis agreed to pay $24,000 in damages under the FCA. The civil settlement was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “Whether its through aggressive criminal prosecutions or affirmative civil enforcement actions, or both, my office is committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse of federal programs to ensure fraudsters are held accountable. When someone defrauds the federal government, they are victimizing every U.S taxpayer. Under the National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Department of Justice is returning to a zero-tolerance posture for fraud of any kind or amount to fulfill the fiduciary duty we have to the American taxpayer.”
The United States contends that from in or about April 2021, Davis prepared and submitted, or caused to be submitted, false and fraudulent documents and a false and fraudulent application to obtain a PPP loan totaling $14,375, in her name as sole proprietor. The loan was funded directly by the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) or through various PPP-participating financial institutions that were federally-guaranteed by the SBA. The loan was forgiven and paid by the SBA, plus a lender fee of $2,500 and interest of $63.09, for a total of $16,938.09. Davis registered a business, Apple Jreamzz Treats & Things, with the State of Nevada while she was stationed there, on July 1, 2020. The United States contends that Davis fraudulently obtained the PPP loan at least in part because Apple Jreamzz Treats & Things was not established until July 2020, after CARES Act eligibility.
The Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the U.S. Small Business Administration provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Couch represented the United States in this matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Sent to Federal Prison for Sending Multiple Threats to Kill the President and Federal OfficialsRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Diego M. Villavicencio, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for two counts of sending interstate threats, one count of impeding or retaliating against a federal official, and one count of threats against the President. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Criminal threats directed at public officials are becoming alarmingly more common, and this must stop now. We have zero-tolerance for such criminality in the Northern District of Florida, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these violent criminal threats to keep our public officials safe.”
Court documents show that the Defendant made multiple online threats of violence directed at President Donald J. Trump, Former Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell over the course of several months. On September 15, 2025, the Defendant posted on his X account threats directed at Former Chairmain Powell, with one post depicting an image of a red sight and crosshairs pointed at Powell’s head and the text “Jerome. Powell will be shot and killed September 23” (sic), and a second post depicting the same image and the text “Jerome is next.”
On September 16, 2025, the Defendant again sent threats via his X account, this time directed toward a Member of Congress. Responding to a post by the Member, the Defendant wrote “I’ll kill you and your family and you won’t do anything about it. Corruption listens to bullets.” The Defendant then sent a direct message to the Member, stating “You are going to be shot and killed on September 24.”
On January 25, 2026, the Defendant responded to a post on the online platform 4chan, stating that he would be driving to Mar-a-Lago “to take a couple of shots at trump and some of the other corrupt plutocrats[.]”
“Threats of violence against the President and other federal officials are serious crimes and have no place in our society,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to investigate, prevent harm and ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law.”
“Protective intelligence is one of the most important tools available to the United States Secret Service. Identifying, investigating, and prosecuting individuals who threaten the life of the President of the United States or other protected officials reflects the seriousness with which we treat every threat,” said Seth Reister, Resident Agent in Charge of Secret Service Tallahassee. “The Secret Service will not tolerate threats, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the Office of the President and all our protectees. The conviction and sentencing in this case demonstrate the dedication and professionalism of our agents, law enforcement partners, and prosecutorial partners in carrying out that mission.”
The defendant’s prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release, with the first year on home detention. Special conditions of his supervision include a mental health evaluation and treatment and submitting to computer monitoring by the probation office.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, the Federal Reserve Board Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch.
This case is part of the nationwide National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 initiative, which is a White House-directed, interagency effort to integrate federal, state, and local partners in protecting First Amendment rights while targeting individuals and organizations engaged in political violence and is led by the investigative and prosecutorial Joint Task Force Vanguard.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gainesville Felons Convicted of Possession of Firearm & AmmunitionRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Reginald Duante Davis, 35, Gainesville, Florida, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Gainesville following a two-day jury trial for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “If we are to be effective in our mission to eliminate crime, it is absolutely necessary to incapacitate chronic offenders – like these defendants – with robust prosecutions and strict incarceration. My office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting serial criminals to remove them from our streets and keep our communities safe.”
On April 12, 2024, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for multiple traffic violations. Kelvin Wright was the driver, and Reginald Davis was the passenger in the front seat. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, a loaded firearm was located in the center console. Both Wright and Davis are prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as convicted felons with multiple prior felony convictions. The DNA of both defendants was located on the firearm in various locations. This guilty verdict is the defendant’s second conviction for possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.
Kelvin Wright previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Davis and Wright each face up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The case was jointly investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Woman Federally Indicted for Defrauding Tallahassee Housing Authority of $378,000Read the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Lekishaann Huggins, 45, of Tallahassee, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging her with 39 counts of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, four counts of spending money laundering, and two counts of filing a false tax return. This investigation is a part of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud launched by President Donald J. Trump, a whole-of-government effort to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
The defendant appeared for her arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before United States Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
If convicted, the defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each of the 39 counts of bank fraud, 2 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for each spending money laundering count, up to 3 years’ imprisonment for each filing false tax return count and, restitution, and forfeiture of assets.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Faces 25 Years in Prison After Conviction for Federal Drug-Trafficking and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Christopher L. Daniels, 47, of Tallahassee, Florida, was found guilty yesterday by a federal jury of possession with intent to distribute various controlled substances including more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The guilty verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that the Tallahassee Police Department conducted an investigation into drug-trafficking by the defendant that culminated in the execution of a search warrant at his home on January 21, 2026. Officers found approximately 2.75 ounces of methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, half an ounce of crack cocaine laid out in plain view on an ironing board, approximately an ounce of “molly” (two different synthetic cathinones), 64 suspected MDMA tablets which were found to actually just be low-purity methamphetamine, and a pound of marijuana. Four pistols were also found in the house, including a “Draco” AK-47-style pistol found near the plate of crack cocaine. Evidence on the defendant’s cellphone showed that he was engaged in drug-trafficking.
The defendant is a 12-time convicted felon with convictions dating back to 1996 and he faces enhanced sentencing due to multiple prior convictions for serious drug felonies.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
The defendant faces 25 years to life imprisonment, 10 years to life on supervised release, and a fine of up to $20,000,000.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted 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 transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Niceville Retired Army Sergeant Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Sidney Marc Wilson, Jr., 48, of Niceville, Florida, was sentenced to six years in federal prison for Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Mail Fraud; Mail Fraud; Wire Fraud; Money Laundering; and Subscribing to Materially False Tax Returns. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution was made possible thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our agents at IRS Criminal Investigation, who traced, tracked, and pieced together every illegal transaction executed by this despicable fraudster to bring him to justice. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute fraudsters in the Northern District of Florida, but it remains my hope that by raising awareness of these scams among the general public we will avoid future would-be victims from falling prey to these fraudsters in the first place.”
Court documents reflect that between 2018 – 2022, Wilson operated an online scheme falsely promising victims returns on investments into his purported sales affiliate programs. Victims invested anywhere between $3,000 - $21,000 to be a part of what Wilson claimed would be a way for the victims to make significant amounts of money. However, after the victims mailed or wired Wilson their investments, he simply kept the money or gave some it to his conspirators – the victims did not receive a return on their purported investments. When the victims tried to contact Wilson as to why they were not receiving any returns on their investments, they never heard back from him. Through this scheme, Wilson fraudulently obtained millions of dollars he was not entitled to receive. Some of the ill-gotten money was laundered by Wilson through real property and cryptocurrency transactions. In addition, Wilson filed false federal income tax returns significantly understating his income for multiple years.
Once released from federal prison, Wilson will serve a three-year term of supervision under the Court. During that time, he will be required to pay restitution to the victims, as well as more than $500,000 in owed taxes to the United States Treasury.
“Wire fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, and false tax returns—this case is a masterclass in what not to do. The only blueprint here is for a federal conviction,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “IRS Criminal investigation worked closely with our law enforcement partners to bring justice for those who were misled and financially harmed by this defendant.”
“For years, this defendant built his scheme on deception and exploiting the trust of hardworking individuals for his own gain,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate complex financial crimes and protecting the community from those who seek to profit from lies and manipulation.”
The case was jointly investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Federal Conviction for Illegal Possession of a MachinegunRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Omarion Laparis Rashad, 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to illegal possession of machinegun. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The Homeland Security Task Force is investing in the safety of our neighborhoods with its whole-of-government approach to rooting out the criminal influence of cartels, trafficking organizations, and foreign gangs in our streets, and with this successful prosecution we are seeing those results. I applaud the excellent investigative work by the Tallahassee Police Department, in close collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners, and I look forward to many more successful prosecutions as we continue the fight to make our communities safe for the citizens of the Northern District of Florida.”
Court documents reflect the Tallahassee Police Department executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on November 25, 2025. Officers found marijuana, synthetic cathinone, and ammunition, along with a Glock .40 caliber pistol that had been converted to fire as a machinegun. A second machinegun conversion device was found in a commercial marijuana bag.
The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.
The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This prosecution 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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Gretna Man Indicted for Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Shanon Dewynn Robinson, 54, of Gretna, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Robinson appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.
Based on his history of prior felony offenses, if convicted, Robinson faces a minimum mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment with a maximum of Life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Local Man Sentenced to Decade in Federal Prison for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor in PensacolaRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Simms, Alabama, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, and one count of traveling in interstate commerce to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is a reminder that parents need to be aware of the online threats facing our kids from sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of these sick individuals preying upon our kids, and my office will continue to follow through on those investigations and arrests with aggressive prosecutions to keep our children safe online.”
Court documents and pretrial hearings revealed that Glover communicated with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female and offered to pay her hundreds of dollars in return for sexual acts in October 2025. Glover then traveled from Alabama, where he worked for the Baldwin County School District, to Pensacola to meet with the minor. The purported minor, however, was an undercover law enforcement officer. When Glover reached Pensacola to engage in the sexual acts with the child, he was taken into custody. He possessed over $200 in cash in order to pay for the illicit sexual acts.
“This case demonstrates the unwavering dedication of our investigators, whose meticulous undercover work helped secure a 10‑year federal prison sentence and protect future victims,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Their steadfast determination is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when law enforcement works tirelessly to pursue justice, making our communities safer and uphold the values we stand for every day."
Glover’s term of imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release. Glover will also be required to register as a sex offender.
The case was jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Crawfordville Man Indicted for Federal Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Todd James Mitchell, 54, of Crawfordville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of an unregistered firearm silencer. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Mitchell appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.
If convicted, Mitchell faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unregistered firearm silencer.
The case was investigated by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Registered Sex Offender Sentenced for Possession of Obscene Materials Depicting MinorsRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Jordan T. Quinones, 30, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for one count of possession of obscene materials involving minors. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the vigilance of our state law enforcement partners in closely monitoring this sex offender, his continued criminal deviance was uncovered and now he will spend the next decade behind bars. Keeping our kids safe from sexual predators like this defendant remains one of my office’s top priorities, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases.”
Court documents revealed that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted routine checks on Quinones as a registered sex offender in late 2025. When suspicious materials were associated with Quinones, law enforcement followed up with an interview of Quinones, which led to obtaining a search warrant of his cellular telephone. Law enforcement located images that depicted obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. Quinones was maintaining them in an online Google Photos account. The images were cartoon or computer generated files, which depicted sexual abuse, sadomasochistic abuse, and bestiality involving minors. Quinones was sentenced to a term of three years of supervised release after his imprisonment.
The case was jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Ohio Woman Pleads Guilty to Child NeglectRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Devon Mae Witryk, 28, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty in federal court to felony child neglect occurring on Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am proud of this successful prosecution in this heartbreaking case of severe child neglect, and deeply appreciate the excellent work of the Eglin AFB Security Forces Investigations to identify and put a stop to this abusive situation.”
Court documents reveal that in June 2023, a welfare investigation was initiated for a child residing on Eglin Air Force Base. The defendant was the child’s mother and a military spouse. Due to the child not receiving appropriate care and supervision, the defendant’s home was inspected and investigators rescued the child. Witryk no longer has custody of or contact with the child.
Witryk faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The case involved an investigation by Eglin Air Force Base Security Forces Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Cedrick Campbell, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle to three years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Those who view, possess, and share child sexual abuse material deserve severe punishment because they re-victimize the innocent, exploited child each and every time one of those horrific images and videos is seen. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these sick offenders to ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our kids safe.”
Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information that the defendant was possessing and viewing child pornography. Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and a search of his cell phone, which revealed that he had also used an overseas server to access and store child pornography.
“Every image of child sexual abuse represents the exploitation of a real child,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “These investigations are an opportunity to protect children, identify victims and hold offenders accountable. The FBI, alongside our partners, will continue to investigate these crimes and ensure offenders face the consequences of their actions.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Ravelo and Meredith Steer prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit theU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Pensacola Felon Pleads Guilty to Federal Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Damien R. Johnson, 47, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping dangerous, armed felons off our streets is the most effective way to improve public safety for our communities. Thanks to the excellent work of the Pensacola Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners, my office was able to deliver this successful prosecution to ensure this defendant is kept off the streets and behind bars where he belongs.”
Court documents reflect that in February 2026, Johnson fled from a Pensacola residence during Pensacola Police Department’s execution of a residential search warrant. Johnson attempted to evade capture but was quickly apprehended by officers. Johnson discarded a firearm during law enforcement’s pursuit. In 2001, Johnson had previously been convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
Johnson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and up to a three-year term of supervised release. Thus, if Johnson were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting the case.
Sentencing is scheduled for October 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Trenton Man Indicted for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Bryan James Shuping, 58, of Trenton, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with thirteen counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Shuping appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for September 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, on each production of child pornography count. He faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child pornography count.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tyler A. Fleming is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.