Northern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Forty-Six Individuals Charged with Federal Crimes in October and NovemberRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced today that 46 individuals were indicted across three divisions of the Northern District of Florida during the lapse in appropriations.
The following indictments were filed in the Gainesville division:
- Peter Daniel Ring, of Bell, Florida, indicted for three counts of threatening communications.
- Deshawn Russ, of Jacksonville, Florida, indicted for a prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition.
- Khalil Keari Barnett, of Gainesville, Florida, indicted for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possessing a firearm in connections with drug trafficking and one count of a prohibited person in possession of firearm and ammunition.
The following indictments were filed in the Pensacola division:
- Pedro Lopez Calderon, Jonathan Callejas-Callejas, Mateo Linares-Aparicio, Jose Del Carmen Perez-Gomez, and Eduardo Ramierez-Francisco, all citizens of Mexico, indicted separately for illegal reentry after deportation or removal.
- Nicholas Mencho-Lucas and Augustin Bello Rodriguez, both citizens of Mexico, indicted separately for illegal reentry after deportation or removal (with a prior aggravated felony conviction).
- Joel Nahum Sanchez Montoya and Selvin Ramos Vasquez, both citizens of Honduras, indicted for illegal reentry after deportation or removal.
- Abel Dejesus Ronquillo-Martinez, a citizen of El Salvador, indicted for illegal reentry after deportation or removal (with a prior aggravated felony conviction).
- Juan De La Cruz Mejia-Castro, a citizen of El Salvador, indicted for illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
- Belarmino Basilio Godinez, Miguel Angel Gomez-Ical, Luis Maldonado, Carlos Eulogio Mortero-Sipac, and Jose Julian Maldonado-Ramas, all citizens of Guatemala, indicted separately for one count of use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of use of fraudulent social security number.
- Treivorn McLeod, 24, living in Mary Esther, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, four counts of mail fraud, and four counts of wire fraud.
- Christopher Gene Summers, an inmate in a Florida State Prison, indicted for mailing threatening communications.
- Gustavo Ramirez-Guillen, a citizen of Honduras, indicted for one count of use of fraudulent immigration documents and one count of use of fraudulent social security number.
- Tamal Jenkins, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for one count of interstate threatening communication with intent to extort and one count of interstate threatening communication.
- Damian Pressley, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, and one count of possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
- Logan Schoonmaker, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, indicted for one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
- Matthew Murillo and Tiffani Harris, both of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for one count of conspiracy to distribute/possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Murillo was also indicted on one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Marquis Dy’Monte Bethea, of Pensacola, Florida, indicted for distribution/possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm during a drug tracking crime.
- Terrance Goodman, of Panama City, Florida, indicted for one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (armed career criminal).
- Daniel Bookout, of Milton, Florida, indicted for mailing threatening communications.
The following indictments were filed in the Tallahassee division:
- Paul Hart, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
- Michael Duane Dyson, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for theft of government funds in the form of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
- Edward Cromartie, Timeka Griffin, and Robert Rundles, all of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Justin Luis Ruiz, Jr., of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for two counts of transferring obscene materials to a minor, enticement of a minor, attempted enticement of a minor, production of child pornography, receipt and distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
- Dalvert Encarnacion Francisco, of Dubuque, Iowa, indicted for distribution of child pornography.
- Theodore Robinson, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Johnny Robinson, of Orlando, Florida, indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
- Michael McDonald, of Tallahassee, Florida, indicted for attempted enticement of a minor.
- Dani Cordoba Munoz, of Geneva, Alabama, indicted for one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
- Howard Martin, of Sopchoppy, Florida, indicted for one count of possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- Jose Vasquez-Martinez, a citizen of Mexico, indicted for illegal reentry of a removed alien.
- Cordelle Collier, a federal inmate in the Bureau of Prisons, indicted for assault with a deadly weapon.
- Miguel Hatcher, of Albany, Georgia, indicted for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
- Jose Neftali Monge-Guevara, a citizen of El Salvador, charged with illegal reentry of a removed alien.
Law enforcement agencies conducting the investigations included the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Rapid City (Iowa) Police Department.
The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brooke A. DiSalvo, Christopher C. Patterson, Ward Narramore, James A. McCain, Eric K. Mountin, Harley W. Ferguson, Joseph Ravelo, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Meredith L. Steer, Christie S. Utt, Alicia Forbes, Jessica Etherton, Jason Coody, David L. Goldberg, Justin M. Keen, and Eric W. Welch.
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.
Thirty-four cases are part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Four cases are 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Returned to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dwyone N. Dugan, a/k/a DeWayne Dugan, 59, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison today for distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the excellent collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners to dismantle this repeat felon’s drug trafficking activities. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute those who flood our streets with deadly drugs, and will pursue substantial prison sentences like this one to keep our communities safe and drug-free.”
Dugan had been sentenced in 1997 to life in prison for federal drug trafficking charges. Following a change in the law, Dugan’s sentence was reduced, and he was released from federal prison on November 10, 2020. Less than four years later, on November 4, 2024, law enforcement caught Dugan selling a pound of methamphetamine during an undercover operation.
“This joint investigation is a great example of law enforcement partners working toward a shared mission,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Bringing a career offender like Mr. Dugan to justice will make North Florida communities safer.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Star Multijurisdictional Task Force, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jujuan Andre George, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of distribution of controlled substances, one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition 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: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners, this offender’s drug trafficking enterprise has been dismantled and he has been stopped from continuing to flood our streets with deadly drugs. My office is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent drug traffickers who have terrorized our communities for far too long, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward achieving that goal.”
Court documents reflect that in May of 2025, the defendant sold cocaine and fentanyl during an undercover operation. In June 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a suite in a Pensacola strip mall that the defendant was known to distribute drugs out of. Law enforcement located approximately 285 grams of fentanyl as well as methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, six firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution. The defendant is a multi-time convicted felon.
George faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 11:00am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Chad Ryan Puffinbarger, 39, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to receipt of child pornography. 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 the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate this matter to help bring this sick individual to justice. My office is committed to protecting our children from sexual exploitation and victimization, and will continue to aggressively prosecute offenders like this defendant to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court documents reflect that the defendant came under investigation in 2021 when it was suspected he had been using a peer-to-peer network to download child pornography from the internet. Law enforcement sought a search warrant for the defendant’s residence, and he admitted to viewing child pornography. Examination of his electronic devices resulted in locating more than 3,000 images of minors being sexually abused by adults.
Puffinbarger faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment, and lifetime supervision upon release.
The case involved a joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Office of the State Attorney for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 10, 2025, 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Cross City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking in MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Khiri Jackson, 31, of Cross City, Florida, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 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: “This case exemplifies the excellent partnerships between our state and federal law enforcement partners that are forged in the unified commitment to rid our communities of deadly drugs and the criminals who traffic this poison. My office stands ready to aggressively pursue drug traffickers with the full force of the law.”
Court documents reflect that the Drug Enforcement Administration had been investigating the drug trafficking activities of Jackson since late 2024. On April 15, 2025, a traffic stop was conducted as Jackson returned to Old Town from the Ocala area, where officers believed his source of supply was located. After a canine alerted on Jackson’s vehicle, approximately a pound of methamphetamine was located in a vacuum sealed bag on the driver’s floorboard. Jackson has prior state convictions for selling methamphetamine.
"This sentence sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Dixie County. Methamphetamine has devastated too many families in our community, and we will continue to work side by side with our federal, state, and local partners to hold offenders accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe," said Sheriff Darby Butler.
“Stopping drug traffickers and keeping deadly drugs out of our communities is our mission,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Every Mr. Jackson we bring to justice is one step closer to protecting our communities.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James A. McCain.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Crawfordville Felon Sentenced to Fifteen Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason Rigdon, 44, of Crawfordville, Florida was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine 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: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners did a great job removing this violent, drug-dealing felon from our streets, and my office will continue to support their efforts with aggressive federal prosecutions to keep our communities healthy and safe. President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi promised to Take Back America from the drug traffickers who have flooded our communities with deadly drugs, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward achieving that goal.”
According to court records, in February 2025, investigators developed information indicating that the defendant, who was a multi-time convicted felon, was involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine and illegal firearms. After a series of controlled operations during which methamphetamine and a handgun were purchased from the defendant, investigators executed a search warrant in March 2025 at his residence. During the search of the residence and a vehicle the defendant was arrested in, thirteen firearms, two of which had been reported stolen, were recovered. Ammunition and methamphetamine were also seized. The defendant has prior felony convictions for Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Trafficking in methamphetamine, Carrying Concealed Firearms, Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
“The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to protect our community,” said Sheriff Walt McNeil. “We will not tolerate dangerous crimes like drug trafficking and illegal firearms anywhere in our region, and we will continue to collaborate to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
“Protecting our community from violent offenders remains one of our highest priorities,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “This outcome demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and the determination of law enforcement to hold accountable those who traffic dangerous drugs and illegally possess firearms. Together, we are making Tallahassee a safer place for everyone.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Attempting to Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s DeputyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Darrion K. Finley, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, has pled guilty in federal court on charges related to a shooting incident in late 2024. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea.
The Indictment charged Finley with Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Attempting to Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to Prevent Certain Communications, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case shows the deadly threats our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day as they fight to remove violent criminals from our communities. My office remains firmly committed to aggressively prosecuting those violent offenders, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in the fight to keep our streets safe.”
Court documents reveal that on December 17, 2024, the defendant was driving in Pensacola in a stolen vehicle. When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the defendant, he accelerated and law enforcement began its vehicle pursuit. The defendant was eventually stopped when a Deputy Sheriff conducted a precision immobilization technique on the stolen vehicle. As the defendant and his vehicle were being stopped, he fired a 9 millimeter round into the Deputy’s vehicle. The defendant then attempted to escape on foot, with his Glock 9 millimeter pistol and loaded extended magazine still in hand, but the Deputy released his K9 partner, who put the defendant down onto the ground. The defendant, still armed, then tried to run but was shot by the Deputy. The defendant survived his wounds and was thereafter indicted by a federal grand jury for his crimes.
Sentencing is scheduled on January 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II. Finley faces up to life imprisonment.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the State Attorney’s Office; and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Illegal Alien Convicted for Participation in Scheme to Defraud Elderly Victims of Millions in Cash and GoldRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, 22, of India, was found guilty by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution was made possible by the outstanding investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners, and this criminal alien will be held accountable for his role in the financial exploitation of several vulnerable, elderly victims. I am incredibly proud of the work by my office to pursue justice on behalf of the defrauded victims in this case, and we will see to it that fraudsters are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Trial testimony and court documents demonstrated that the defendant was a courier in an international fraud scheme that defrauded elderly victims of approximately $8 million. As part of the scheme, elderly victims were convinced to liquidate their retirement accounts to obtain cash and/or gold. While illegally in the United States, the defendant picked up the cash and gold from the elderly victims and then delivered the assets to unknown individuals in parking lots. To coordinate the transfers of cash and gold, the defendant worked with other individuals, some of which were in India, the defendant’s native country. After an elderly victim suspected the fraud, local law enforcement coordinated a ruse to apprehend the courier in Gainesville, Florida. Law enforcement arrested the defendant upon his arrival at the elderly man’s residence to pick up more gold. A subsequent search of the defendant’s cellular phone confirmed his involvement in the extensive elder fraud scheme, including the defendant’s participation in over 30 transactions in numerous states. Numerous American citizens had lost their entire life savings or experienced substantial financial hardship.
Sathawane faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. Elder fraud complaints can be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, at www.ovc.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Gulf Breeze Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Brock A. Westrom, 36, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, was found guilty in federal court of attempted enticement of a minor. The conviction was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly appreciative of the invaluable investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and arrest the predators who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children, like this defendant. My office stands ready to aggressively prosecute these sick individuals to the fullest extent, and we will not rest until we can all be assured that the most vulnerable members of our communities are safe from these types of threats to their safety and innocence.”
Evidence at trial demonstrated that in July 2024, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, along with other law enforcement partners, conducted an undercover operation, directed at finding people who were soliciting minors online for sex. On July 19, 2024, the defendant began talking with someone he believed was a fifteen-year-old child. He told the purported child the sexual acts he wanted the child to perform, the price he was willing to pay for those sexual acts, and he arranged a meeting location. When the defendant traveled to meet the purported child at the agreed upon location, he was arrested by law enforcement. Electronic evidence seized pursuant to a search warrant confirmed the defendant had, in fact, talked to the person he believed was a child and traveled to meet them.
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Eric W. Welch.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Jury Convicts Pensacola Man for Shooting at DEA Special AgentRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Austin James McCastler II, 36, was convicted by a federal jury on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, assault with a deadly weapon of a Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. John Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the verdict today.
US Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplified the extreme dangers faced by the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from violent criminals. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding trial work by the talented prosecutors in my office that resulted in this successful verdict.”
Trial testimony and evidence revealed that, after undercover law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from McCastler’s Pensacola residence on two occasions, a search warrant was obtained to search for and seize illicit narcotics from his home. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement attempted to execute the lawful warrant. McCastler would not comply with orders to surrender to law enforcement, and he armed himself with his American Tactical Imports assault rifle. As law enforcement surrounded the residence, McCastler opened fire, including one shot intended for the DEA Special Agent. McCastler then fled from the residence, jumped in his vehicle, and a high-speed chase ensued. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was immediately on the tail of McCastler and eventually immobilized his vehicle in traffic. McCastler then tried to flee on foot, but law enforcement captured him. A search of his residence ultimately revealed the loaded assault rifle, a second firearm, dozens of rounds of ammunition, fentanyl, and marijuana, amongst other things.
McCastler is scheduled for sentencing on February 10, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. McCastler, who has more than five prior state felony convictions, faces up to life imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Jury Convicts Panama City Beach Man of Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jerry Thomas McCarigie, 49, of Panama City Beach, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, of possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud of this successful prosecution, which was made possible by the excellent investigative work of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office with the support of our federal law enforcement partners. Methamphetamine has been a scourge on our communities for far too long, but my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these crimes to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals who have flooded our streets with drugs and violence.”
Evidence and testimony admitted at trial established that on November 15, 2023, the Bay County Sheriff's Office’s Special Investigations Division conducted a drug trafficking investigation at a motel located in Panama City Beach. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s motel room. During the execution of the warrant, the defendant was detained and searched. Law enforcement located fentanyl, multiple baggies containing more than 48 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale in the defendant’s pockets.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. The defendant faces a minimum mandatory term of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment.
The verdict was the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Bank FraudRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Shawn Steele, 52, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of bank fraud. 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 the excellent investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners that uncovered and stopped this fraudster’s scheme. This successful prosecution should serve as a warning to others who think they can fraudulently enrich themselves by ripping off banks. Doing so will only book you a one-way ticket to prison.”
Between January 3, 2023, and June 30, 2023, the defendant obtained loans from PenAir Credit Union and Central Credit Union of Florida for a Jeep Wrangler, a Ferrari 488 Pista, and a Cape Horn boat. The defendant made knowingly false statements about in his income in the loan applications for the purpose of influencing the financial institutions.
The defendant faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervision upon release. Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 11:00 am, before District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Felon Charged for Illegally Possessing a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ernest L. Thomas II, 35, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Thomas appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 10, 2025, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Thomas faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Violent Criminal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Reentering the CountryRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Elpidio Abelardo Perez-Perez, 33, of the country of Mexico, was sentenced to a year and one day in federal prison for illegal reentry by a removed alien. The sentenced was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This violent criminal alien repeatedly illegally re-entered our country after numerous prior deportations, and while unlawfully present here he continued to violate our laws. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from violent criminal aliens like this defendant who amply demonstrate a complete disregard for our national and state laws.”
Court records reflect that, on February 17, 2025, Perez-Perez was arrested for aggravated assault with a weapon and discharging a firearm in Escambia County. Through various record checks, investigators learned that Perez-Perez is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally in the country after having previously been encountered and deported by immigration authorities in 2010, 2012, and 2013.
The sentence was the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of a MacHinegunRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Anthony Lamorris Davis Jr., 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of illegal possession of a machinegun. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I appreciate the excellent work of our local and federal law enforcement partners to remove this violent felon from our streets. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward achieving that goal.”
Court documents reflect that Davis was the passenger in a car stopped by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office on July 21, 2024. Under Davis’s seat, deputies found a stolen Glock 9-millimeter pistol which had a machinegun conversion device attached and an extended magazine. Davis was not arrested at the time. On October 25, 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department observed Davis wearing a ski mask and jacket, despite it being 87 degrees outside, and stopped him for pedestrian violations. Officers found a pistol with an attached machinegun conversion device in Davis’s jacket pocket. The conversion devices attached to the July 21 and October 25 were both 3D-printed and bore identical markings. Davis has prior felony convictions for aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal use of personal identification information.
Davis faces imprisonment for up to 15 years per count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 10 years per count of illegal possession of a machinegun.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Fort Walton Beach Man Charged with Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Travaess McLemore, 41, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted by a federal grand jury, charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
McLemore appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 10, 2025, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, McLemore faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Identity of U.s. CitizenRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Alfredo Mendoza Montero, 45, of Mexico, was sentenced to two years and one day in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of passport fraud, false impersonation of a citizen, and aggravated identity theft. 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 investigative work of our incredible federal law enforcement partners, this criminal illegal alien will be held accountable for stealing the identity of a U.S. citizen that he used to conceal his unlawful presence in our country. Prison and a swift removal from our country awaits him, and should be a warning to others that violations of our immigration laws will not go unpunished.”
Court documents reflect that Montero illegally entered the United States in 2019 and purchased identification documents belonging to a real American citizen. He knowingly used those documents to fraudulently apply for a United States passport in 2022 and obtain a Florida driver’s license in 2023. Montero lived under that assumed citizen’s identity while living in the Pensacola area until he was arrested by federal authorities on April 1, 2025.
“Safeguarding U.S. passports and visas is critical to the Diplomatic Security Service mission and supporting the Trump administration's goal to make America safer,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McSeveney of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service Miami Field Office. “We are firmly committed to prosecuting criminals who misuse U.S. travel documents to commit fraud, further criminal activity, and endanger the security of our nation.”
“This sentencing highlights the seriousness of identity theft, and the extent individuals will go to falsely claim U.S. citizenship to obtain government credentials.” said Acting Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson. “By working closely with our law enforcement partners, SSA OIG helped uncover the true victim in this case—a U.S. citizen living in Puerto Rico—who had their identity misused. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of Social Security records and ensuring that those who commit identity-related crimes are brought to justice.”
“Identity theft is a serious crime that can have devastating, long-lasting effects on the lives of its victims,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “It is not a victimless crime; it affects real people, causing emotional distress, financial instability, and legal complications that can take years to resolve. HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of U.S. identification systems and safeguarding the personal information of American citizens.”
The sentence was the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Illegal Online Drug Market Dismantled and More Than $28 Million in Cryptocurrency ForfeitedRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Matthew Simon Grimm, 51, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was sentenced to nine years in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States, four counts of importation of a controlled substance into the United States, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Dismantling this criminal enterprise required close collaboration between our federal and international law enforcement partners, and I am incredibly proud of the successful prosecution of this offender by my office. This is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug traffickers flooding our communities with poison, and this substantial forfeiture of the criminally obtained proceeds of this drug distribution operation resoundingly confirms that my office will ensure that offenders cannot profit from their crimes.”
From 2015 until November 8, 2022, Grimm ran a website offering federally controlled substances for sale online. Grimm, along with co-conspirators, would receive orders and then ship controlled substances into the United States. The controlled substances varied, but included synthetic cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids, and analogues of methamphetamine. Records from Grimm’s website indicated he had shipped at least 44,000 orders.
The Drug Enforcement Administration in Gainesville, Florida, began investigating Grimm, and ordered multiple controlled substances from his website, which were shipped to Gainesville.
Grimm would receive payment in the form of various cryptocurrencies. As part of his sentence, Grimm was ordered to forfeit cryptocurrency worth more than $28,000,000.
Co-defendant Carrie-Ann Tooley, 54, of Northport, Maine, worked for Grimm and was previously sentenced on April 14, 2025.
“Technology brings more ways for criminals to flood our streets with poison,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA pursues cyber criminals with the same energy as street-level drug distributors. We will not stop until they have been brought to justice.”
“The United States Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our domestic and international partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling transnational drug tracking organizations,” said Bladismir Rojo, Postal Inspector in Charge, Miami Division. “We will pursue those who use the U.S. Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impact the safety of postal employees and the communities they serve.”
“This defendant and his co-conspirators pushed poison into our communities, profiting off the addiction, violence, and destruction these dangerous substances bring,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI and our partners remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the devastating impact of controlled substances.”
These sentences were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police, and the Netherlands National Police Corps. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and July 2024 extradition of Grimm from the UK. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain, Adam Hapner, and Kaitlin Weiss prosecuted the case, along with former Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Elsey and David P. Byron.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Forfeiture Actions Result in Remission of More Than $2.8 Million to Okaloosa Victim CharitiesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced today that more than $2.8 million in unlawfully retained bingo profits forfeited through criminal asset forfeiture actions have been sent to ten Okaloosa County charities as part of the Department of Justice’s remission process.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Victims of crime too often suffer losses at the hands of criminals that cannot ever be restored, but my office is committed to taking action to ensure those offenders cannot reap or retain the benefits of their wrongdoing, and we will remit the proceeds of those forfeitures whenever possible to compensate victims to the greatest extent. This case required substantial effort from our state and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and bring the defendants to justice, and this multi-million dollar recovery by my office and remission to victim charities will have a meaningful impact on our community.”
Larry and Dixie Masino were federally prosecuted and sentenced for illegal gambling and money laundering charges stemming from their ownership and operation of Racetrack Bingo in Fort Walton Beach, which purported to conduct bingo games and provide the proceeds to a group of local non-profit organizations. The Masinos made it appear that Racetrack Bingo was running charitable bingo when they were actually illegally conducting bingo and pocketing a substantial amount of the proceeds for themselves. Between 2006 and 2015, the Masino family personally retained and laundered over $5.8 million in illegal gambling profit that should have either gone to charities running the bingo games or returned to the players in the form of prizes.
As part of their sentences, the Masinos were ordered to forfeit substantial sums of money seized from bank accounts and three real properties. Funds forfeited and deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund may be used to compensate victims and restore losses caused by criminal conduct. The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida requested and received permission from the Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) to remit the forfeited funds back to the victim charities. MLARS administers the Department’s Asset Forfeiture Program victim compensation process to ensure forfeited funds are returned to victims when possible.
The forfeited assets in this case were converted to over $2.8 million, which will be shared among the following member non-profit organizations making up Fort Walton Beach Charities LLC:
- The ARC of the Emerald Coast, formerly Horizons of Okaloosa County, Inc.;
- Boys and Girls Club of the Emerald Coast;
- Emerald Coast Science Center;
- Habitat for Humanity in Okaloosa County;
- Horizons Foundation of Okaloosa County;
- Mental Health Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties;
- Northwest Florida Ballet;
- Northwest Florida Fair Association;
- Okaloosa County Festival Association; and
- Order Sons of Italy in America, Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge 2422.
“After all these years of investigation and legal battles, I am thrilled to see these forfeited funds returned to the deserving charities of Okaloosa County,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “This long-awaited justice not only holds the perpetrators accountable but also restores vital resources to organizations that uplift our community.”
“Through financial fraud, Larry and Dixie Masino betrayed charities providing important services to their communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “I am proud of the work IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office did to ensure these charities were made whole again.”
The forfeiture actions were the result of a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case was 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Tallahassee Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Gabriel Michael Stoelzel, 26, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, formerly of Tallahassee, pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity, distribution of child pornography, and receipt of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “It is one of our highest duties to protect our children from the predations of sex offenders like this defendant, so I applaud the outstanding investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and catch this offender. My office will continue to prosecute these sick individuals with the full force of the law to keep our children safe both online and in our communities.”
Court documents reflect that in 2024, the Tallahassee Police Department received CyberTips that were generated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on information provided by online social media platforms. Records show that the defendant uploaded child pornography to social media servers while he sent the files to other users. An investigation revealed that the defendant had been communicating with other users, some of whom said that they were as young as 14 years of age, to convince them to meet for sex. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the defendant sent and received child pornography through an online application.
The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by five years to life of supervision upon release.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
Sentencing is scheduled for January 5, 2026, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Charged with Possession of a MacHine Gun and Other Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – James Wiley Kelley, Jr., 50, of Altha, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act weapon, possession of a machinegun, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Kelley, Jr. appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on September 24, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 27, 2025, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
If convicted, Kelley, Jr. faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unregistered NFA weapon, an identical penalty for possession of a machinegun, and up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case, with the assistance of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Romanian National Pleads Guilty in ATM Skimming SchemeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Daniel Balan, 46, of Bacau, Romania, pleaded guilty in federal court to five counts of bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, and one count of possessing 15 or more access devices, in connection with an ATM “skimming” scheme. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This offender exploited numerous innocent victims for his own financial gain, but thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners he will enjoy an extended stay behind bars. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to vindicate the victims exploited by these offenses and hold the fraudsters accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court documents reflect that beginning on January 28, 2025, the defendant placed “skimming” devices and cameras on multiple ATMs in the Tallahassee, Florida area. The devices and cameras were used to capture customer account and access device information. Then, between February 8 and 9, 2025, the defendant used the stolen information to fraudulently obtain $56,340 in customer funds. At the time of arrest, law enforcement found 28 gift cards in the defendant’s pocket that had been encoded with stolen account information and labeled with a corresponding PIN.
Balan faces up to thirty years’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release on each bank fraud count, up to ten years’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release on the possession of 15 or more access devices count, and a consecutive two years’ imprisonment and one-year of supervised release on each aggravated identity theft count when he is sentenced.
The case involved a joint investigation by the U.S. Customers and Immigration Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Eric W. Welch.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 2:00 pm 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 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Charged with Federal Drug and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Tre’Veonce Ezekiel Sanders, 19, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Sanders appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2025, before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, Sanders faces up to ten years’ imprisonment for each of the firearms offenses and up to five years’ imprisonment for the drug crime.
The case was joint investigation by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Felon Charged with Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marcel Kamill Mickles, 49, of Pensacola, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Mickles appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on September 23, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2025, before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
If convicted, Mickles faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the drug trafficking crime and up to 15 years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a consecutive five-year term with a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case was a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez , 34, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal alien has brazenly and repeatedly violated our laws while illegally present in our country. I deeply appreciate the work of our local law enforcement partners and Homeland Security Investigations to stop his flagrant criminal behavior. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminal aliens who violate our federal laws by prosecuting those offenders to the fullest extent.”
On July 15, 2025, a Gulf Breeze Police Department officer responded to the Pensacola Bay Bridge in reference to a pickup truck stopped in the emergency lane. The officer arrived at the scene and identified the sole vehicle occupant as Teodoro Rodriguez-Alvarez by his Mexican passport. After speaking with the defendant, law enforcement arrested him for multiple driving offenses. A vehicle inventory was conducted before the truck was towed. During the inventory, a pistol was found in a bag near the driver’s seat. The defendant is a citizen of Mexico and was illegally in the United States.
Mr. Rodriguez-Alvarez faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
The case involved an investigation by the Gulf Breeze Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Felon Pleads Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Lee Keith, 41, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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 the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, another dangerous criminal has been removed from our streets. The message from my office is clear: to the criminals who flood our communities with deadly drugs and violence, your days are numbered. We will continue to aggressively prosecute these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
Court documents reflect that in August 2024, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by the defendant in Panama City, Florida. During the traffic stop, the vehicle was checked by a trained K-9 unit which alerted to the presence of drugs. During the subsequent search of the vehicle, investigators located fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, alprazolam, a loaded handgun, as well as other items indicative of drug distribution. The defendant is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of numerous felony offenses, including Tampering with a Witness, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Battery, Trafficking Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Cocaine.
If convicted, Keith faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment for the drug trafficking crime and up to 15 years for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a consecutive five-year term with a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Madison Man Pleads Guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Willie Frank Hicks, Jr., 42, of Madison, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 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 outstanding work by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, to remove this offender and the deadly drugs he was peddling from our streets. This successful prosecution is yet another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the drug dealers flooding our communities with poison.”
Court documents reflect that on May 29, 2025, Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies on patrol conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by the defendant. During the traffic stop, the defendant attempted to flee the scene on foot and was subsequently apprehended by deputies. After being detained, the defendant was found in possession of approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine.
Hicks faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Marlow Levell Allen, 46, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances 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: “Thanks to the excellent investigative work of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, this repeat offender has been stopped from continuing to flood our streets with deadly drugs. My office will stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement in the fight to keep our communities safe and healthy, and we will achieve that goal by continuing to aggressively prosecute offenders like this defendant.”
Court documents reflect that in June 2022, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant at multiple residences connected to Allen in Panama City, Florida. During the search of the two residences, investigators located “crack” cocaine, powder cocaine, marijuana, two firearms, as well as other items indicative of drug distribution. Allen is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of numerous felony offenses, including Possession with Intent to Deliver Cocaine, Sale of Cocaine, Possession of Cocaine, Unlawful Firearms Possession, Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, and Tampering with a Witness.
Allen faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Mark Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ramon Velazquez Rodas, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances 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 demonstrates the value of close collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement officers to target, investigate, and arrest the criminals flooding our streets with deadly drugs. My office remains committed to backing up the hard work of our law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to keep our communities safe.”
Court documents reflect that in August 2022, as part of an ongoing drug investigation targeting multiple individuals, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence where Velazquez Rodas was found in Tallahassee, Florida. In a bedroom where Velazquez Rodas and another occupant were found, officers located methamphetamine and fentanyl, a stolen handgun, $2,900, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Velazquez Rodas is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of numerous felony offenses, including Burglary of a Dwelling, Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Possession of Burglary Tools, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Possession of Controlled Substances.
Velazquez Rodas faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Mark Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Escapee Caught and ChargedRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Trashad Laron Roberts, 34, Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court and charged with escape of a prisoner subject to lawful custody from a residential treatment facility. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.
Roberts appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 16, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for November 4, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Alan C. Winsor.
If convicted, Roberts faces up to five years’ imprisonment.
The case is being investigated by the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo.
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 (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Earl Vincent Hudgins III, 32, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court for possession of a firearm and ammunition 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 tireless efforts of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to keep our streets safe, and keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons is a major part of that effort. My office will continue to aggressively pursue prosecutions against repeat offenders, like this defendant, as long as it takes to make our communities safe.”
Court documents reflect that on February 16, 2025, Hudgins was driving a vehicle when he was stopped for a traffic infraction. A subsequent search uncovered an AR-style firearm loaded with 15 rounds of .300 caliber ammunition, which he was prohibited from possessing as a convicted felon. Later, law enforcement identified multiple posts on Hudgins’ social media showing him in possession of the same firearm that was located during the traffic stop. Hudgins also posted a video during the traffic stop which was captioned, “Bout to go to jail.”
Hudgins faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment as a result of his actions. If Hudgins is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, such term could be followed by up to a three year term of supervised release. Thus, if Hudgins were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
This case was a joint investigated by Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher C. Patterson and Jennifer H. Callahan.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 16, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former University Postdoctoral Scholar Sentenced to Prison for Distribution and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dylan Kelby Rogers, 39, formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 96 months 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: “These crimes deserve swift and severe punishment not only because they involve the sexual exploitation of minors, but because those minors continue to be re-victimized each time these horrific videos and images of their exploitation are shared. I am proud of the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners in this case, and my office remains committed to using the full force of the law to hold accountable the predators who victimize our children.”
Court documents reflect that in December 2024, Rogers, a local university postdoctoral scholar, reported to the Tallahassee Police Department that he was extorted online. During an interview with a federal agent, Rogers explained that he and an individual had watched child pornography on an online application and showed the agent a folder on his cell phone that contained several child pornography videos. Law enforcement seized Rogers’s cell phone and conducted a forensic examination of it. A search of the phone revealed more than 30 illegal videos. Rogers’s cell phone also contained evidence of his communications with other online users about child pornography.
“The exploitation of children is one of the most heinous crimes we face, and the Tallahassee Police Department remains dedicated to bringing offenders to justice, said Chief Lawrence Revell. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships in protecting our most vulnerable.”
“Dylan Rogers’ actions represent a deeply disturbing betrayal of trust and highlight the alarming prevalence of child exploitation crimes in our society,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This is not just a law enforcement issue but a societal challenge that requires vigilance, education, and collaboration across all sectors to protect the most vulnerable among us. HSI, alongside our partners, remains unwavering in our efforts to tirelessly combat the scourge of child exploitation, bring offenders to justice, and safeguard our children from harm.”
Rogers’ imprisonment will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration. Additionally, Rogers was ordered to pay restitution to victims and he will be required to register as a sex offender.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of a Loaded FirearmRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Derek Samuel James Hunter, 37, of Pensacola, Florida was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to a 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.
According to court records, in October 2024, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Medical Services responded to a possible shooting in Penscaola. At the scene, Hunter was found in possession of a loaded semiautomatic handgun. Hunter has prior felony convictions for Fleeing and Eluding Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault with a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Cocaine.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the investigative assistance provided by our federal law enforcement partners, this violent felon has been taken off our streets and put back behind bars where he belongs. My office will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute these crimes to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the violent criminals who have victimized our communities for too long.”
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Pleads Guilty to Narcotics and Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Akeem Cornell Shaw, 39, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of an unregistered firearm (short-barreled shotgun). The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud of the continued excellence demonstrated by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners to investigate this repeat offender and help bring him to justice. The hardworking prosecutors in my office are committed to using the full force of the law to keep our streets safe, and we will fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals victimizing our communities.”
Court documents reflect that in February 2025 law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shaw’s residence in Pensacola, Florida. In Shaw’s bedroom, officers located multiple loaded firearms, including a short-barreled shotgun, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Shaw is a convicted felon, who has previously been convicted of several narcotics related offenses, including Possession of Heroin with Intent to Sell.
Shaw faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at 9:00 am 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 (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Contractors for the Florida Prepaid College Program Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy, Fraud, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, FLORIDA – Julie Michelle Shuler, 32, and Taylor Skiey Bradham, 26, both of Tallahassee, Florida, were sentenced to 36 months and seven months in federal prison, respectively, after previously pleading guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. Shuler was also sentenced to prison for four counts of mail fraud. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “These defendants sought to exploit Florida parents’ investments in their children’s futures for their own personal gain, but thanks to the diligent collaboration between my office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, their profiteering scheme has been dismantled and a prison cell awaits them.”
Court documents reflect that Shuler and Bradham worked for the company contracted to provide customer service and records administration service for the Florida Prepaid College Program. According to court records, Shuler and Bradham used their positions to fraudulently access and view the personal identifying information (PII) of Florida Prepaid College Program account owners and beneficiaries. Records show that the women used and conspired to use such PII to fraudulently change ownership of existing Florida Prepaid College Program contracts and plans without the authorization or knowledge of the account owners or beneficiaries. Shuler and Bradham then fraudulently took over control, and conspired to take over control, of such accounts to request termination of those contracts. By canceling the contracts, Shuler and Bradham caused refund checks to be mailed by the Florida Prepaid College Program to addresses that they designated. Once the checks were delivered, Shuler and Bradham, and others working at their direction, cashed or deposited the checks into bank accounts. In doing so, Shuler and Bradham stole or attempted to steal approximately $86,000 in Florida Prepaid College Program funds.
“These defendants targeted students pursuing their education and, stole money intended to pay for college,” said Bladismir Rojo, Acting Inspector in Charge, Miami Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is relentless in pursuing anyone who exploits the financial system to steal money from unsuspecting victims.”
After their imprisonment, Shuler and Bradham will be required to serve three years of supervision upon their release. Both defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the Florida Prepaid College Program and its insurance carrier.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Interstate Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jafari J. Williams, 48, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his participation in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud of the excellent collaboration between our state and federal law enforcement partners that dismantled this drug trafficking operation, and this successful prosecution ensures this offender will be removed from our community for a long time. My office will not hesitate to target those who flood our streets with deadly drugs for aggressive prosecution and sentencing, and will deploy the full force of the law to keep our communities safe.”
Court documents reflect that Williams was identified during a federal wiretap investigation conspiring with others regarding shipments of cocaine coming from Texas. During execution of a search warrant of a building where Williams maintained his contraband in Pensacola, law enforcement seized approximately seven and a half kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of methamphetamine, drug distribution paraphernalia, an AR-15-style rifle, and approximately $10,000 in United States currency.
“In total, eight law enforcement partners pulled resources and personnel to make this investigation a success,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Pensacola communities will be safer with this drug distributor off the streets.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Pensacola Police Department; the Gulf Breeze Police Department; and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Members of Transnational Fraud Organization Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - Jerelle George William Jones, 29, of Jersey City, New Jersey, and Quint Gasque, 48, of Charlotte, North Carolina, were sentenced yesterday to nine and a half years and six years in federal prison, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and forgery or false use of a passport. The sentences were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “These defendants engaged in a sophisticated scheme to enrich themselves by defrauding financial institutions using stolen identities, but thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners their scheme has been dismantled. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these types of crimes to protect the members of our community from fraudsters like these defendants.”
According to court records, in February 2024, Gasque was recruited by Jones and others to help commit a fraud scheme to obtain money from customer accounts at financial institutions. The scheme involved Gasque falsely impersonating bank customers and presenting fraudulent identification—including counterfeit U.S. passport cards—at several banks and credit unions located throughout the southeastern United States. Jones, Gasque, and others fraudulently obtained $2,600 at a financial institution in Escambia County, and fraudulently obtained, and attempted to obtain, more than $10,000 from multiple branches of a financial institution in Tallahassee.
On March 11, 2024, Gasque was caught by bank employees in Tallahassee who called the Tallahassee Police Department. They reported that Gasque, who was impersonating an elderly bank customer, was attempting to fraudulently withdraw funds from the customer’s account. An investigation revealed that the group traveled from the Carolinas through Florida, Georgia, and Alabama to commit the scheme to defraud at various financial institutions. A search of Jones’s cellular phone contained hundreds of images of other counterfeit driver’s licenses and U.S. passport cards, social security cards, checks, and debit cards.
“This case is yet another example of the relentless work of the men and women of the Tallahassee Police Department, in partnership with our federal counterparts, to protect our community and remove those who seek to exploit it,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “Thanks to the skill and determination of our investigators and all involved, we shut down a counterfeit operation that was targeting Tallahassee and the southern region.”
“The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is dedicated to identifying and investigating passport fraud and pursing criminals who exploit false identities to undermine national security and defraud victims,” said DSS Miami Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Ryan McSeveney. “Protecting the integrity of U.S. passports and passport cards is vital to our nation’s security. Financial fraud tied to identity theft can devastate victims, causing severe economic loss and long-term harm. This investigation underscores DSS’s commitment to securing the U.S. travel system and shielding individuals from these crimes.”
Both defendants’ terms of imprisonment will be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. The defendants were ordered to pay restitution to their victims.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Distributing Drugs While ArmedRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Carlton Shoemaker, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, 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: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this career criminal has been removed from our streets and there will be one fewer drug trafficker flooding our community with deadly drugs. My office is committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the criminals victimizing our communities, and this successful prosecution is yet another step toward that goal.”
Court documents reflect that Shoemaker sold methamphetamine and cocaine from a motel room in Pensacola, Florida. When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s motel room in May 2025, officers located cocaine, marijuana, two firearms, ammunition, and other items indicative of drug distribution. Shoemaker is a convicted felon and has multiple prior convictions, including Burglary, Grand Theft, Possession of Cocaine, and Grand Theft of a Firearm.
Shoemaker faces up to life imprisonment.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica S. Etherton and Christopher Patterson.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 11, 2025, at 10:00 am 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 (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon from Homestead Charged with Unlawful Firearm, MacHine Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Vinson Tavaris Brown, 33, of Homestead, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machinegun. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Brown appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 12, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for October 27, 2025, before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
If convicted, Brown faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and up to ten years’ imprisonment for illegal possession of a machinegun.
The Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Jamaican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Attempted Illicit Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jevan Antonio Miller, 28, a Jamaican citizen residing in Thomasville, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to entice or persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. 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 commitment of our state and federal law enforcement partners to relentlessly pursue the offenders who seek to sexually exploit and victimize our children. It is one of my office’s top priorities to aggressively prosecute predators, like this defendant, who prey upon the most vulnerable members of our community – our children – and we will use the full force of the law to hold him accountable for his heinous crimes.”
Court documents reflect that between April 10, 2025, and April 12, 2025, detectives of the Tallahassee Police Department and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), participated in a joint undercover operation in Leon County focused on identifying individuals using the Internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, investigators identified Miller, an adult male who was soliciting an undercover detective, whom Miller thought was a 15-year-old girl, for sex through an online website. Miller believed he was going to be engaging in sexual activity with a minor when he drove from Thomasville, Georgia, to a meeting location in Tallahassee where he was intercepted by law enforcement and immediately arrested.
Miller faces a minimum mandatory of 10 years’ imprisonment, a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by five years to life of supervision upon release.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2025, at 11:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before United States District 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Leon County Sheriff’s Deputy Charged with Possessing Multiple Illegal FirearmsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Bill Culpepper, 57, of Havana, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for three counts of possession of a machine gun, three counts of possession of an unregistered firearm/short-barrel rifle, and one count of possession of an unmarked silencer. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Culpepper appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 11, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for November 4, 2025 at 8:30 am, before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
If convicted, Culpepper faces up to ten years’ imprisonment for each count.
The case was investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jerney Jabara Purifoy, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.
Purifoy appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho for his arraignment in federal court on September 8, 2025, in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is set for October 20, 2025, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
If convicted, Purifoy faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton 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 is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Arkansas Man Convicted of Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Bobby Joe Sheffield, 52, of Paris, Arkansas, was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday 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: “Thanks to the collaboration of our state and federal law enforcement partners in the execution of Operation Safe Summer, and this successful prosecution by the attorneys in my office, this predator is facing justice for his attempt to victimize and sexually exploit a minor child. My office is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community against the predations of offenders who seek to sexually exploit our children, and we will not hesitate to prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”
Trial testimony demonstrated that in July 2024, federal, state, and local law enforcement executed Operation Safe Summer, an undercover operation designed to apprehend individuals who use the Internet to sexually exploit children online. During the operation, Sheffield communicated with an undercover officer, who he believed to be a minor female, and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with the child. When Sheffield arrived at a pre-arranged meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and found condoms in his possession. A subsequent search of his cellular phone confirmed his communication with the undercover officers.
Sheffield faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a term of five years to life of supervised release. 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 the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Joseph A. Ravelo.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail TheftRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Rashaad Tariq Lee, 31, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 25 months in federal prison for Unlawful Possession of Stolen Mail and Means of Identification. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I truly appreciate the outstanding investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service that put an end to this offender’s fraud and theft schemes. Mail theft and identity theft has a devastating impact on the victims of such crimes, and my office will aggressively pursue prosecutions to ensure offenders face maximum consequences for the harm they have caused.”
Court records reflect that on February 22, 2024, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office executed a residential search warrant at an apartment Lee resided at and obtained through fraud, utilizing a senior citizen’s identity. Law enforcement located stolen mail, counterfeiting tools, and identification for individuals’ including driver’s licenses, social security cards, stolen and counterfeit checks. Investigators identified 71 additional victims based on the items located and seized from the residence.
“This prosecution sends the message that mail theft will not be tolerated, and the perpetrators will be held accountable,” said Acting Inspector in Charge, Bladismir Rojo, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to pursue criminals who victimize postal customers.”
“Teamwork delivers results,” said Sheriff Chip W. Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. “Through our partnership with the US Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, a suspect in a stolen mail and ID case has been sentenced to 25 months. If you steal from our community, you will face justice.”
Lee’s imprisonment will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release, meaning if he violates any of the conditions of his supervision, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration.
The case was investigated jointly by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted this 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 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Gainesville Man Indicted for Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Daniel Reginald Hanna, II, 38, of Gainesville, FL, has been indicted in federal court for one count of attempted distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt 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.
Hanna appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry on September 5, 2025, for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida. Trial is scheduled for October 29, 2025, at 8:30 am before Chief Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.
If convicted, Hanna faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each count.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Gainesville Police Department. 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 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Charges Filed Against Madison Man for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Alex Cornelius Smith, 47, of Madison, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Smith appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick on September 5, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for October 27, 2025 at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.
If convicted, Smith faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment with a maximum of life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Harley W. Ferguson and Eric W. Welch.
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 (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Charges Filed in Wire Fraud and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Salvatore John Carpanzano, 66, and Heather Gayle Fisher, 54, both of Pensacola, Florida, have been indicted in federal court on charges related to a multi-year scheme to defraud victims out of millions of dollars. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
Carpanzano and Fisher appeared in federal court for their initial appearances on September 3, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for October 20, 2025, at 8:30 am before Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. in Pensacola, Florida.
The Indictment charges Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
If convicted, Carpanzano and Fisher each face up to fifty years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy charges.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.
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 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Crawfordville Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug and Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lisa Marie Ezell, 39, of Crawfordville, Florida, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
United States Attorney Heekin said, “Our law enforcement partners work hard every day to take dangerous drugs and guns off our streets, and this successful prosecution is another step in keeping our communities safe. My office is committed to aggressively pursuing criminals like this defendant with the full force of the law to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the dangerous drug traffickers who have flooded our streets with deadly narcotics.”
Court documents reflect that in July 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ezell’s residence after previously conducting several controlled purchases of large quantities of methamphetamine from her. During the search, officers recovered large quantities of methamphetamine, 18 firearms, and several thousand dollars believed to be the proceeds of her drug trafficking operations. Due to her prior criminal record, including for a previous serious drug felony, Ezell was prohibited from possessing firearms and now faces a minimum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count, and up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the possession of firearm by convicted felon count. Additionally, Ezell is subject to a consecutive sentence of a minimum term of five years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense count.
The case involved a joint investigation by the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Charged with Stealing Department of Veterans Affairs FundsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Anthony Curtis Brewer, 47, of Tallahassee, FL, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week and charged with theft of government property. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
Brewer appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his arraignment in federal court on September 3, 2025, in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is set for November 4, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.
If convicted, Brewer faces up to ten years’ imprisonment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Criminal Investigations Division investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. Ferguson 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Sex Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Terrance Vertrone Alwayne Lowder III (a/k/a “Trey”), 29, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking a minor, and receiving benefits from sex trafficking a minor. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate not only the excellent investigative work by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office that helped bring this offender to justice, but also the vigilance of the private citizen who reported the suspicious activity that led to his arrest. This offender exploited and victimized a vulnerable minor for his own financial gain, and now a prison cell awaits him for his heinous crimes.”
Court documents reflect that between January 2, 2024, and January 3, 2024, Lowder recruited and directed a 16-year-old to engage in commercial sex acts with adults at a local motel. Lowder conspired with others to transport the minor to the motel and to provide the minor with drugs and alcohol. Lowder offered the minor for sex to multiple adults via text messaging and social media. The motel alerted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to unregistered guests in the motel room which led to the minor’s recovery and Lowder’s arrest.
Sheriff Tommy Ford said: “Thanks to the quick action of our deputies and the strong partnership we share with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, this young victim was rescued, and the offender will never again have the opportunity to harm another child. The Bay County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable among us and to bring to justice those who would prey upon them.”
“Lowder admitted to orchestrating the trafficking of a juvenile, and today’s sentence ensures he can no longer harm vulnerable victims,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Human trafficking is a crime that happens all around us and impacts the safety of our neighborhoods and our quality of life. FBI Jacksonville will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners at every level to disrupt and dismantle the people responsible for this illegal activity.”
Lowder’s sentence of imprisonment will be followed by ten years of supervised release and a requirement to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.