Northern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two Florida Men Plead Guilty for Their Roles in Years-Long Off-the-Books Payroll SchemeRead the Press Release
Two Florida men pleaded guilty today before Magistrate Judge Leslie Hoffman Price for the Middle District of Florida for their roles in a years-long off-the-books payroll scheme. The pleas must be accepted by a U.S. district court judge.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Michael Mayorga and Francisco Alvarez conspired with others to operate an illegal, off-the-books cash payroll system for construction workers to avoid paying employment taxes to the IRS and to defraud workers’ compensation insurance companies. Through the scheme, Mayorga and Alvarez facilitated the employment of undocumented aliens working illegally in the United States.
From 2015 to 2022, Alvarez and Mayorga and their co-conspirators created a series of shell companies to run an unlicensed check cashing and cash courier service business that cashed approximately $89 million in checks from subcontractors in the construction industry. The subcontractors used the cash to pay their workers. Mayorga provided bookkeeping and tax preparation services for some of the shell companies, and Alvarez and others facilitated the distribution of millions in cash to subcontractors. Mayorga also prepared false returns for the shell companies and members of the conspiracy that Alvarez, and others, filed. Specifically, Alvarez caused the filing of false tax returns and tax documents on behalf of one of the shell companies.
In total Mayorga caused a tax loss to the IRS of $8,647,824.
In total Alvarez caused a tax loss to the IRS of $2,331,731.
In addition to the tax crimes, Alvarez filed a false worker’s compensation insurance application. This allowed the shell companies to pay small insurance premiums. After fraudulently getting the insurance, Alvarez “rented” it to subcontractors so that the subcontractors could falsely provide proof of insurance when placing bids with contractors. Mayorga also provided false documents to insurance companies auditing them.
Alvarez and Mayorga will be sentenced at a later date. They each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating.
Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty and Trial Attorneys Kavitha Bondada and Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Daniels for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Gainesville Man Found Guilty of Possession of a MacHine Gun in Furtherance of a Drug-Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Lagarius Joseph Johnson, 20, of Gainesville, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury of possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The guilty verdict was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence at trial demonstrated that officers from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department were conducting surveillance of the Majestic Oaks apartments due to reports that Johnson and others were in possession of firearms, including a machinegun. Johnson was prohibited under state law from possessing a firearm due to prior criminal history. Officers identified Johnson and tried to approach him, but Johnson spun around and pointed with his hand inside his jacket pocket, making officers believe he was armed with a pistol. As officers identified themselves as police, Johnson ran. Officers were able to apprehend Johnson with a police canine. As Johnson fled, he threw a cellphone, backpack, and pistol. Officers discovered a distribution-quantity of marijuana, empty baggies, and a digital scale, in Johnson’s backpack. Examination of the Glock pistol discarded by Johnson revealed a machinegun conversion device, rendering the pistol fully automatic. Officers obtained search warrants and reviewed material from Johnson’s cellphone, as well as his social media accounts, and found dozens of pictures of Johnson posing with guns, large amounts of cash, and advertising marijuana for sale, including on the day of his arrest.
Johnson was convicted during a previous trial on April 16, 2025, in United States District Court for the charges of possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances, and possession of a machinegun.
Sentencing for each of the firearm and drug trafficking charges is scheduled for August 12, 2025, at 10:00 am. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.
Johnson also faces unrelated charges of attempted first degree murder involving a machinegun in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in and for Alachua County where he has entered a plea of not guilty and is presumed innocent.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Eric Welch 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.
Gainesville Man Sentenced to 121 Months for Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Stephen Christopher Young, 58, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 121 months imprisonment for receipt/attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Crimes against children are unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “Those who seek to view and maintain child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that we aggressively prosecute these offenders.”
In March 2024, investigators executed a federal search warrant at Young’s residence and discovered Young had been exchanging child pornography with others using various applications intended to avoid detection by using end-to-end encryption.
Young’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He was ordered to pay $20,500 in restitution. Young will also be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions.
“It’s crucial to prioritize the protection of children from sexual abuse,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott.
The case was investigated by Internet Crime Against Children Task Force Gainesville Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith Steer and Adam Hapner prosecuted the case.
“This case is another example of the FBI's relentless commitment to protecting children by removing predators from our community,” said Jason Carley, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville. “Let this be a lesson to others who prey on vulnerable kids; the FBI and our partners will never stop working to identify, pursue, and hold child predators accountable.”
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.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Multiple Federal Crimes Relating to Mail Theft and Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Romeo Wilson, 20, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to more than 24 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, 14 counts of bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, possession of fifteen or more access devices, possession of a stolen United States Postal Service mail key, and possession of stolen mail. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our citizens and their personal identifying information are the constant targets of devious criminals,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to aggressively prosecuting those individuals who steal the identities of others and disrupt essential government services such as the U.S. Mail.”
Court documents reflect that between February 1, 2023, and March 4, 2024, Wilson and others worked together to defraud or otherwise fraudulently obtain money from numerous federally insured financial institutions located in Tallahassee, Florida. During the scheme, Wilson and others created, deposited, or attempted to exchange fraudulent checks, altered and deposited checks which were stolen from the U.S. Mail, and made unauthorized withdraws from bank accounts of local victims using the victims’ personally identifying information. Wilson furthered the fraud by supplying vehicles and recruiting individuals to open bank accounts to receive fraud proceeds. Officers with the Tallahassee Police Department arrested Wilson on March 4, 2024, after he fled during a traffic stop.
In addition to his prison sentence, Wilson was also ordered to pay more than $65,000 in restitution to his victims, which include multiple financial institutions, businesses, and individuals. Wilson’s imprisonment will also be followed by three years of supervised release with home detention during the first year.
“The successful outcome of this investigation is a reflection of the hard work and dedicated service demonstrated by the entire law enforcement community in Tallahassee, FL,” said Bladismir Rojo, Acting Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will continue to investigate, identify, and hold mail thieves accountable.”
The case is the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Florida Department of Financial Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordane New and Justin M. Keen.
“It takes a community working together to solve cases like this,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. “The public played a key role in helping to connect the dots and bring this defendant forward. We’re asking residents to stay alert, check their security cameras, and report anything unusual.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those anyone who thinks stealing U.S. Mail will go unpunished,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “But for those who do, our special agents, along with our federal and local law enforcement partners, will aggressively investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the public’s trust.”
Florida Department of Financial Services Criminal Investigations Division (“CID”) Director Simon Blank said, “CID is committed to working with agencies across the state to protect Floridians from fraud, waste, and financial abuse. Thank you to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff's Office, and our federal and state law enforcement partners for helping deliver justice in 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.
Marianna Man Found Guilty of Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lorenzo Heatrice, 70, was found guilty by a federal jury of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one involving five grams of methamphetamine and the other involving 50 grams. The guilty verdict was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In 2023, Heatrice was identified by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office as a methamphetamine distributor. According to evidence presented at trial and court records, between June 2023 and April 2024, Heatrice conspired with other known drug traffickers in the Marianna, Florida area to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine into the community. On two separate occasions in September 2023, Heatrice also sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant.
The conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Mark E. 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Jamaican Citizen Arrested for Making a False Claim of Citizenship in Order to Register to Vote in the 2024 United States Presidential Primary ElectionRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Jacqueline Dianne Wallace, 52, a Jamaican citizen, has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint and charged with unlawfully making a false claim of citizenship in order to register to vote in the 2024 Florida Presidential Primary Election. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge after Wallace made her initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.
According to the criminal complaint, Wallace entered the United States in December 2010 on a six-month B2 tourism visa and did not return to Jamaica as required. In January 2024, Wallace registered to vote in federal elections using an online system that required certification of United States citizenship, which she did not have. Wallace submitted the fraudulent voter registration form via a community college computer network.
In August 2024, still without United States citizenship, Wallace cast a ballot in the federal 2024 Florida Presidential Primary, which included election of a United States President.
Wallace was arrested by agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and investigators of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
If convicted, Wallace faces up to five years in prison and will be subject to removal from the United States.
HSI Tampa Field Division and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Office of Executive Investigations, Election Crime Unit investigated the case, with the assistance of the Florida Department of State, Office of Election Crimes and Security; the Bay County Sheriff’s Office; the Bay County Supervisor of Elections; and the United States Citizenship Immigration Service. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch is prosecuting 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).
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation by a sworn affiant 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 due process, to include a fair trial, during which it is 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.
Five People Sentenced for Fraud and Identity Theft Targeting Elderly Retired Florida School District EmployeesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Five defendants who were convicted of a conspiracy scheme to defraud the retirement accounts of elderly and retired Florida school district employees have been sentenced after three defendants pleaded guilty and two defendants were found guilty by a federal jury. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of the following defendants:
- Lambert Aguebor, 33, of Miramar, Florida, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison after previously being found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
- Floyd Bostic, 42, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after previously being found guilty by a federal jury of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, three counts of Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, 16 counts of Money Laundering, and Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business.
- Grace Aguebor, 36, of Miramar, Florida, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
- Ronald Vargas, 38, of Osteen, Florida, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
- Sarina Levy, 34, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, has been sentenced to 6 months and 1 day in federal prison, to be followed by 6 months of home detention, after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly,” said Acting United States Attorney Spaven. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and aggressively prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens.”
Evidence presented at trial and court records show that Vargas worked as a Retirement Specialist at a Tallahassee-based company that administers a retirement 401(k) savings program whose participants are comprised largely of Florida school district employees or prior employees. Between January 2022, and March 2022, Vargas conspired with siblings Grace Aguebor and Lambert Aguebor to steal the retirement funds from the accounts of elderly retired school district employees—some of whom were deceased. Through his position, Vargas had access to the retired employees’ personally identifiable information (“PII”) and oversaw the processing of withdrawal requests from the 401(k) accounts. Vargas provided Grace and Lambert with PII of elderly 401(k) participants whose retirement accounts appeared to be dormant so the PII could be used to prepare fraudulent withdrawal request forms for these accounts.
The fraudulent withdrawal request forms were then faxed to the company where Vargas worked so he could process them. Grace and Bostic personally faxed some of the fraudulent withdrawal request forms; in other cases, the fraudulent forms were given to other conspirators, including Levy, to fax. Once Vargas processed the forms, the stolen retirement funds were transferred to bank accounts controlled by Grace, Bostic, and other conspirators. In total, the conspirators withdrew and attempted to withdraw retirement funds from 25 different 401(k) accounts, resulting in a net total of $1.1 million actually being stolen.
Evidence presented to the jury showed that Bostic also served as a money launderer who received over half of the stolen funds into his personal bank accounts and those of his Tallahassee-based music promotion businesses. Bostic then transferred some of the stolen funds between his various bank accounts in an effort to conceal or disguise its nature, location, source, or ownership. Evidence also showed that Bostic used some of the stolen funds to purchase a residence and pay for his personal and business expenses. Bostic also withdrew over $400,000 worth of stolen funds in cash at various banks and ATMs in Tallahassee and central Florida. The jury also saw evidence which showed that Bostic communicated and coordinated with Lambert Aguebor about the transfer of the stolen funds and to arrange meetings in central Florida.
In addition to their prison sentences, the defendants were ordered to pay restitution totaling approximately $1,000,000 to the victims. The defendants’ imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
“Motivated by sheer greed, these individuals conspired to take advantage of Florida's public servants, and their punishments mark an important step in holding these fraudsters accountable,” said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Carley. “Fraud and corruption pose a fundamental threat to our national security and our way of life, and the FBI and our partners will continue to identify and bring to justice anyone who takes advantage of hardworking Americans, and especially educators who dedicate their lives to supporting our children.”
“As law enforcement professionals, it is our duty to protect our community, especially our most vulnerable members, from those who seek to exploit them for personal gain,” said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “This case is a clear example of how greed can drive individuals to harm others, and we remain committed to working alongside our federal partners to ensure those who commit such crimes are held accountable.”
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
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 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 Charged in Federal Indictment for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Austin James McCastler II, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with 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, attempted murder and assault of a Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.
McCastler is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Pensacola, Florida. If convicted, McCastler 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 are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton are 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.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 46 Months’ Federal Prison for Reentry OffenseRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Rafael Sanchez-De La Rosa, 51, a Mexican citizen, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for Illegal Reentry by Removed Alien. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Enforcing immigration laws is a priority of the Department of Justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of committing crimes while being in our country illegally. The Northern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe.”
“This case highlights the serious public safety risks posed by individuals who repeatedly violate our laws, both criminal and immigration,” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Office (ICE-ERO) Miami Acting Field Office Director Juan Agudelo. “Despite being removed from the United States on multiple occasions, Mr. Sanchez-De La Rosa unlawfully re-entered the country and continued to endanger lives through repeated DUI offenses. ICE remains committed to working with local law enforcement partners to identify and remove those who present a threat to our communities.”
On May 5, 2024, at around 1:30 a.m., Sanchez-De La Rosa was arrested by the Pensacola Police Department (PPD) and charged with his third driving under the influence (DUI) within ten years, amongst other offenses. Sanchez-De La Rosa had been speeding nearly twenty miles over the speed limit. PPD located two open containers in the center console of his vehicle, and Sanchez-De La Rosa admitted to consuming at least eight beers. Federal officers with ICE subsequently determined Sanchez-De La Rosa was present in the United States illegally. Sanchez-De La Rosa had been previously removed from the United States to Mexico in 2017 and again in 2018. Sanchez-De La Rosa has now been convicted of DUI in Escambia County three times, in 2014, 2015, and 2024, two of which cases were felony convictions. During his first DUI offense, Sanchez-De La Rosa seriously injured his passenger, requiring hospitalization.
Sanchez-De La Rosa has an ICE detainer lodged against him and will begin deportation proceedings after he serves his federal prison term. Sanchez-De La Rosa’s imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release, meaning if he returns to the United States during such timeframe, he will potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Pensacola. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Callahan 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.
Government Receives $100,000 to Resolve Fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program LoanRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Mac C. Johnson and a company he owned and operated, Mac Johnson & Sons Dumpster, Crane & Demolition, LLC, agreed to pay $100,000 to settle allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing false information in support of a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan application.
In 2019, Johnson was sentenced to one year and a day in prison after pleading guilty to tax fraud, wire fraud, structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and harboring undocumented aliens.
Following his conviction, Johnson knowingly submitted false claims to the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) in support of a PPP loan made to Defendant Mac Johnson & Sons Dumpster, Crane & Demolition, LLC. Specifically, in the April 2020 loan application, Johnson failed to report that the owner of the company had been convicted of a felony within the prior five years. Knowing that his company was ineligible to participate in the PPP, Johnson used false information to secure a loan for $48,514.
“This settlement, which is more than twice the fraudulently obtained amount, reflects the diligence and determination we will use to pursue businesses who defraud the government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven. “Here, a defendant who was punished for fraud and harboring aliens continued to take funds unlawfully. Our Civil Division ensured that this fraudster will not benefit from what rightfully belongs to the American people.”
This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The criminal matter is detailed at the following link: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/alachua-county-man-sentenced-prison-harboring-undocumented-aliens-and-evading-workers
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.
High Springs Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Sean Walker, 34, of High Springs, Florida, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for wire fraud in connection with COVID-19 relief fraud. The sentence was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our office will continue to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money, including holding those accountable who conspired to falsely obtain government funds during the COVID‑19 pandemic,” said Acting United States Attorney Spaven.
Court documents reflect that Walker obtained over $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California, which were funded in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These funds were intended to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Walker’s benefits application contained materially false and fraudulent statements. Walker knew that he had never lived or worked in that state and was not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits from California.
In addition to his prison sentence, Walker was also ordered to pay $21,690 in restitution to California’s Employment Development Department. Walker’s imprisonment will also be followed by three years of supervised release.
Walker is one of nine defendants who were convicted of similar COVID-19 relief fraud as a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and David P. Byron.
“While many were facing hardship and uncertainty, these defendants sought to exploit government programs intended to help those in need,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS-CI, Tampa Field Office. “Their actions were driven by greed and a blatant disregard for the law, undermining the purpose of critical relief efforts. We remain committed to holding accountable those who abuse these programs for personal gain and ensuring that justice is served.”
“The sentencing of Sean Walker conveys the important message that you cannot steal money from Americans without consequence,” said Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The funds stolen by this defendant and other co-conspirators add to the massive amount of COVID-19 relief fraud that will ultimately be paid for by taxpayers. The FBI’s investigation into these schemes exemplifies our commitment to hold thieves accountable, and we will continue to work in coordination with our partners to protect the pocketbooks of hard-working Americans.”
The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force marshals the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds can report it by calling the Department of Justice's National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form.
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.
Florida Businessman Patrick Walsh and Affiliated Companies Agree to $20M Consent Judgment to Settle False Claims Act Liability Relating to Fraudulent Pandemic Relief LoansRead the Press Release
Patrick Walsh and 10 companies he owned or operated have agreed to enter into a consent judgment totaling $20,074,458.70 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly providing false information in support of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan applications. The 10 companies for which Walsh obtained fraudulent loans include American Blimp Company LLC; Walsh Family Land Corp.; Airsign Inc.; Airsign Airship Group LLC; Airsign Group LLC; Airsign Airships Latin America LLC; Airsign Airships Asia Pacific LLC; Airsign Airships Repair Station LLC; Aero Capital LLC; and Eagle Ridge Management Group LLC doing business as Shiloh Oil Company.
Congress created the PPP loan program and expanded access to the EIDL program in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), was designed to provide low-interest, forgivable loans to applicants to help fund certain permissible expenses for qualifying businesses amidst the COVID‑19 pandemic, which included payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. The EIDL program, also administered by the SBA, provides low-interest loans to small businesses in regions affected by declared disasters. PPP loans were guaranteed by the SBA, and EIDL loans were direct loans made by the SBA. To qualify under either program, a corporate representative submitted a loan application that, among other things, stated the number of the entity’s employees and certified that the borrower was an operating business that would use loan proceeds for eligible business expenses.
In this case, Walsh entered into a civil settlement in which he admitted to submitting PPP and EIDL loan applications on behalf of the companies listed above that provided false information about the companies’ employee rosters and payrolls. Some of the entities for which Walsh submitted loan applications were dormant or inactive. Walsh submitted additional EIDL applications in his wife’s name on behalf of certain corporations. In total, Walsh received approximately $7.8 million in fraudulent loans on behalf of various corporate entities. Walsh used those loan proceeds for impermissible personal purposes, including the purchase of a private island, investment in Texas oil interests, and paying off personal debts. When Walsh defaulted on the PPP loans, the SBA paid the lenders in full pursuant to its guarantee obligations. The SBA also paid for certain interest and processing fee expenses incurred by the lenders related to the loans. Under the terms of the consent judgment, Walsh and the companies he owned or operated have agreed to the entry of judgments against them totaling $20,074,458.70.
In January 2023, Walsh pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with the fraudulent loans and was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison, which he is currently serving. The court also ordered him to pay $7.8 million in restitution and entered a forfeiture order in the same amount.
“PPP and EIDL loans were intended to help small businesses during the pandemic,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to holding accountable those who undermined the purpose of these programs by knowingly obtaining and retaining loan proceeds for which they were not eligible.”
“Today’s civil resolution and the previously imposed 66-month period of incarceration should serve as a significant deterrent to others like the defendant who would attempt to steal millions of dollars from the American people and exploit Federal relief programs,” said Acting United States Attorney Michelle Spaven for the Northern District of Florida. “The Northern District of Florida is committed to protecting government programs from fraud, and we will hold those accountable who steal from the American taxpayers.”
“This settlement is a victory over bad actors seeking to exploit taxpayer-funded programs,” said Wendell Davis, General Counsel for the U.S. Small Business Administration. “SBA is committed to vigorously protecting the hard-earned money of the American people and ensuring that those who fraudulently obtain those funds are held accountable.”
The civil settlement stems from a whistleblower complaint filed in 2020 by Andrew Hersh, who performed information technology services for Walsh. The qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act permit private persons to bring a lawsuit on behalf of the government and to share in the proceeds of the suit. The qui tam lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Andrew Hersh v. Patrick Walsh et al., No. 1:20‑cv‑231 (N.D. Fla.). The amount that Mr. Hersh will receive as a share of the recovery has not yet been determined.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel and the SBA’s Office of Inspector General.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, except for the matters admitted in Walsh’s guilty plea.
Tallahassee Realtor Sentenced to Prison for Willfully Failing to File Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Sedita Charles Cayson, 59, of Panacea, Florida, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison after being found guilty of five counts of willfully failing to file his income tax returns for tax years 2017-2021, at the conclusion of a prior day-and-a-half bench trial. The sentence imposed was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The United States relies on the honest payment of taxes to defend our country and maintain its operations,” stated Acting United States Attorney Spaven. “We will investigate and prosecute those who falsely misrepresent their income. On behalf of the hard-working American taxpayers, we will continue to partner with the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation to ensure those who steal are held accountable.”
Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Cayson—a Florida real estate agent known as the “Land Man”— had been a serial non-filer of his personal income taxes for multiple years. Evidence showed that Cayson had a history of tax delinquencies with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and that he was assessed liens for his federal income tax delinquencies for years 2004-2007 and 2011-2013. Despite earning real estate sales commissions averaging over $150,000 per year, Cayson willfully failed to file his income tax returns for tax years 2017-2021. Further evidence indicated that beginning in 2017, Cayson instructed his real estate broker to split his commission checks into amounts that were less than $10,000, the majority of which Cayson cashed at the bank immediately upon receiving them. Between 2017-2021, Cayson accrued $158,840 in income taxes due and owing to the United States.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that evading your tax obligations will not be tolerated, particularly by individuals who repeatedly and willfully game the system. The “Land Man” case demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that all citizens are held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Tampa Field Office. “We will continue to work diligently to enforce the law and pursue justice for American taxpayers."
In addition to a 14-month prison sentence, Cayson was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $158,840 to the IRS and cost of prosecution in the amount of $34,755. Cayson’s prison sentence will be followed by one year of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley Ferguson and Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
U.s. Attorney’s Office Collects $10,739,347.57 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024Read the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced today that the Northern District of Florida collected $10,739,347.57 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, $6,129,268.26 was collected in criminal actions and $4,610,079.31 was collected in civil actions.
“Our office’s civil and criminal divisions, in coordination with our federal, state, and local law partners, have continued to work tirelessly to collect funds owed the America people in both criminal and civil matters,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Spaven. “These efforts recover funds owed in civil and criminal debts and are used to punish criminals, make victims whole, and return funds to the federal treasury.”
For example, in November, 2023, Chad Wade pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and bankruptcy fraud, for acts of COVID-related fraud. He was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, ordered to pay restitution to the United States Small Business Administration in the amount of about $1.58 million, and ordered to pay a fine of $100,000.00. In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida collected the full amount of the restitution. In addition to the criminal judgment, the Northern District of Florida obtained a civil judgment under the False Claims Act for over $4 million, of which over $2.2 million has been collected. The total amount collected from Wade is over $3.8 million.
In November, 2022, Kathleen Jasper pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. She was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution to the Florida Department of Education in the amount of $135,026.00. In FY 2024, the Northern District of Florida recovered the full amount of the restitution, including over $20,000 through the Treasury Offset Program.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Northern District of Florida, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $10,417,393 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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.
Two Tallahassee Men Found Guilty in Large-Scale Conspiracy to Distribute MarijuanaRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tyquan M. Watson, 28, and Dezaneil D. Cosby Jr., 27, both of Tallahassee, Florida, were found guilty by a federal jury of conspiring to distribute marijuana as part of a large-scale conspiracy distributing hundreds of pounds of marijuana per week. The guilty verdict, returned at the conclusion of a four-day trial, was announced by Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Watson was purchasing hundred-pound quantities of marijuana per week from farms and brokers in California and reselling the marijuana in Tallahassee and surrounding areas. Evidence demonstrated that Watson had purchased at least 3169 pounds of marijuana between September 24, 2023, and January 10, 2024, with proceeds of at least $2.4 million during that period.
The long-term investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). On October 13, 2022, FDLE conducted a controlled purchase of 28 pounds of marijuana from a subsequently charged codefendant. During the surveillance, FDLE agents observed the codefendant obtaining the marijuana from Cosby’s residence immediately prior to the controlled purchase. Both the codefendant and Watson’s fingerprints were identified on packaging material associated with the purchased marijuana. On October 28, 2022, DEA executed a federal search warrant at Cosby’s residence and seized 238 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.
Watson and Cosby were both convicted of distribution of marijuana related to the October 13, 2022, controlled purchase. Cosby was also convicted of possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana for the October 28, 2022, search warrant.
Watson and Cosby were arrested together on federal arrest warrants on March 11, 2024, at another residence in Tallahassee. During that arrest, law enforcement seized another 183 pounds of marijuana and a firearm.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 2, 2025, at 11:00am (Watson) and 2:00pm (Cosby) at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Five People Convicted in $1 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Five defendants who participated in a conspiracy and a fraud scheme involving 401(k) accounts of elderly retired Florida school district employees have been convicted after three defendants pleaded guilty and two defendants were found guilty by a federal jury. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the convictions of the following defendants:
- Ronald Vargas, 38, of Osteen, Florida, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2024, to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
- Sarina Levy, 34, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, pleaded guilty on August 8, 2024, to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
- Lambert Aguebor, 33, of Miramar, Florida, and Floyd Bostic, 42, of Tallahassee, Florida, were both found guilty by a federal jury on February 3, 2025, at the conclusion of a six-day jury trial. The jury found Lambert Aguebor guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Bostic was found guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, three counts of Wire Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, 16 counts of Money Laundering, and Operating an Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business.
- Grace Aguebor, 36, of Miramar, Florida, pleaded guilty on February 6, 2025, to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft.
Evidence presented at trial and court records show that the defendants were involved in a conspiracy to steal retirement funds from participants in a retirement 401(k) savings program comprised largely of Florida school district employees or prior employees. Between January 2022, and March 2022, Vargas, who worked for the company handling the retirement fund, conspired with the other defendants to have fraudulent withdraw forms faxed to the company requesting that the victims’ retirement funds be transferred to accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy. In total, the conspirators withdrew and attempted to withdraw retirement funds from 25 different 401(k) accounts, resulting in a net total of $1.1 million being stolen. Evidence presented at trial also established that Bostic was engaging in money laundering with the stolen funds.
Sentencing hearings for all defendants are scheduled for April 28, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. All defendants face up to 20 years’ imprisonment and up to three years on supervised release for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Vargas, Levy, Grace Aguebor, and Bostic face a mandatory minimum sentence of two years imprisonment—consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed by the court.
These convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
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 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.
Army Veteran Sentenced to Federal Prison for over Three-Quarter Million Dollar Benefit FraudRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Kevin Paul McMains, 44, of Milton, Florida, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of theft of government money and two counts of making false statements to a federal agency. The sentence was announced today by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our service members, and their families, make incredible sacrifices to defend our country and are deserving of our deepest respect and the disability benefits intended for our injured patriots,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Consequently, the defendant’s fabrication of documents and false claims of service-connected injuries, to include his assertion he was awarded a Purple Heart, is not only criminal, but repugnant. We remain committed to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who defraud government disability programs, stealing benefits earned by our veterans.”
Court documents reflect that for nearly 14 years, McMains received over $779,000 in government disability benefits by providing false information to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). McMains submitted fraudulent documentation and made false statements to medical professionals and in his applications claiming that post-traumatic stress was affecting his life to the extent he was unable to work, do normal daily activities, or care for himself, knowing that was not true. In addition, he also falsely claimed he was awarded a Purple Heart as proof of his service-connected injuries. As a result of his fraud, McMains also qualified for and received Social Security disability benefits and Medicare coverage to which he would not have otherwise been entitled.
“This sentence sends a clear message that veterans who defraud VA by exaggerating their disabilities will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov of the VA Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “VA’s programs and services are established to justly compensate deserving veterans and the VA OIG is committed to investigating those who would exploit these programs.”
“Mr. McMains defrauded the Social Security Administration (SSA) of $357,847 with fabricated documents that falsely reported his medical condition. His malicious acts are inexcusable. and this 33-month prison sentence holds him accountable for his crimes,” said Jermaine Jack, Acting Special Agent in Charge, SSA Office of the Inspector General, Atlanta Field Division. “I commend the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General and Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General for their invaluable work in this investigation. Further, I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting this case.”
“Individuals who fraudulently obtain Medicare benefits that they are not entitled to divert taxpayer funds meant to pay for essential health services for legitimate enrollees, including the elderly and disabled,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG remains committed to thoroughly investigating health care fraudsters to hold them accountable for their actions and to send a warning to those considering such fraudulent schemes.”
In addition to a 33-month prison sentence, McMains was ordered to pay restitution of $378,380.82 to the VA, $357,847.80 to the SSA, and $43,451.56 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. McMains’ prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Former Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love and Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes 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.
Tallahassee Area Realtor Found Guilty of Willfully Failing to File Income Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Sedita Charles Cayson, 59, of Panacea, Florida, was found guilty by a federal judge of five counts of willfully failing to file his income tax returns during a five-year period, spanning tax years 2017-2021. The guilty verdict returned at the conclusion of a day-and-a-half bench trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that Cayson—a Florida real estate agent known as the “Land Man”— had been a serial non-filer of his income taxes for multiple years. Evidence showed that Cayson had a history of tax delinquencies with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) and that he was assessed liens for his federal income tax delinquencies for years 2004-2007 and 2011-2013. Despite earning real estate sales commissions averaging over $150,000 per year, Cayson willfully failed to file his income tax returns for tax years 2017-2021. Further evidence indicated that beginning in 2017, Cayson instructed his real estate broker to split his commission checks into amounts that were less than $10,000, the majority of which Cayson cashed at the bank immediately upon receiving them.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Robert L. Hinkle. Cayson faces up to one year in federal prison and a $25,000 fine for each count, followed by a term of up to one year of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Harley Ferguson and Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Threatening A Judge and Assault on A Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Wayne Andrew Miller, 41, of Lucasville, Ohio, and an inmate with the Bureau of Prisons was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to threatening a judge and his family, assaulting a federal employee, and possession of a weapon while in federal custody. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“We must protect our dedicated government employees, so that they may carry out their jobs without fear,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence sends a strong message that we will take all measures to protect those who enforce the law is crucial to maintaining our democracy and keeping our communities safe.”
Miller was serving a 20-year sentence in Ohio for kidnapping a female university student. That kidnapping occurred 9 days after Miller was released from state prison after completing a 9-year sentence for rape and kidnapping. In November 2022, Miller mailed a letter to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office in Gainesville, Florida. The letter contained threats to kill a Judge of the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida, in Gainesville, Florida, and to rape the Judge’s wife and daughter. A federal grand jury returned an indictment for transmitting a threat in interstate commerce and using U.S. Mail to transmit a threat.
"This investigation exemplifies the FBI's commitment to protecting public servants and their families," said Kristin Rehler, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. "Together, with our law enforcement partners, we remain dedicated to identifying, investigating, and holding accountable violent criminals who threaten the safety and security of others."
On February 18, 2024, Miller was in custody at the Federal Detention Center in Tallahassee, Florida, awaiting court proceedings on the threat charges. A BOP (Bureau of Prisons) nurse conducted a medical assessment of Miller and providing care. Miller stabbed her in the head above her eye with a plastic shank, intending to take her hostage. A federal grand jury returned a separate indictment charging Miller with assaulting a federal employee with intent to cause bodily harm and, possession of an object intended to be used as a weapon in the Federal Detention Center.
Miller pleaded guilty to all four charges. On December 3, 2024, U.S. District Judge Allen Winsor sentenced Miller to 30 years of imprisonment consecutive to Miller’s previous sentence in Ohio. Miller’s imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
- Colorado Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children over the Internet and Receipt of Child Pornography
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Federal Prison for Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Alan Joseph Clark, Jr., 45, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to a term of 240 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to six counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Crimes against children are among the most heinous types of offenses and deserving of the most significant sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sexual abuse of children robs them of their innocence and results in devastating psychological pain. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.”
In May 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was investigating a file-sharing peer-to-peer network for users/computers possessing and/or sharing digital files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation led to the execution of a federal search warrant at Clark’s residence, where it was discovered that Clark had received and possessed child pornography obtained through the internet, as well as produced explicit videos of minors.
“This individual’s disgusting and deviant behavior of producing sexual images of children inflicts irreparable psychological damage upon innocent lives.” “This cannot and will not be tolerated,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI will continue to work with its partners to eliminate this plague on society.”
Clark’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of electronic devices used in the commission of the offenses by Clark and he was ordered to pay a minimum of $15,000, in restitution to the identified victims of the child pornography in his possession.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith Steer prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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.
Tallahassee Couple and Ghanaian Man Sentenced for Participating in A Ghana-Based Romance Scam Which Victimized the ElderlyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of three defendants who were convicted for their participation in a Ghana-based romance scam:
- Sadia Alhassan, 35, a citizen of Ghana who resided in Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- Shawn William Smith, 26, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to serve 1 day in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, to include 150 hours of community service, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
- Mohammed Saaminu Zuberu, 39, a citizen of Ghana who was naturalized as a dual U.S. citizen and who resided in Aldie, Virginia, was sentenced to serve approximately 5½ months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmitting business.
"Given our large elder population, Florida experiences far too many instances of fraud against unsuspecting, vulnerable seniors through overtures of affection,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and vigorously prosecuting those who seek to steal the hard-earned savings of our senior citizens."
Each will also be required to pay $581,261.67 in restitution to their victims.
“Whether you are spearheading the scheme or acting as a “money-mule,” there is no tolerance for those who are knowingly involved with defrauding citizens throughout the United States in a romance scam,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate those who target innocent people, especially our elderly, and use the U.S. Mail to abuse their trust for financial gain.”
Court documents reflect between March 2019, and March 2022, unknown individuals in Ghana engaged in a military romance scam in which they used telephone and online platforms to contact (usually) elderly victims in the United States and trick them into believing that they were involved in a romantic relationship with another person. Eventually through continued communications, the victims were duped into sending money to their supposed romantic partner (who they had never actually met in person). Sadia Alhassan, who was in the United States on a student visa, and her husband, Shawn Smith, knowingly served as money launderers (also known as “money mules”) for the unknown scammers in Ghana. Smith and Alhassan did not have any direct communications with the scam victims; rather, the victims were instructed by the “romantic partner” to send money via the United States Postal Service (“USPS”) or a commercial interstate carrier to an address in Tallahassee which turned out to be used by Smith and Alhassan, or to bank accounts that they controlled.
“Targeting the elderly for financial gain is morally reprehensible,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Protecting this vulnerable population is not just the responsibility of family members, but also law enforcement agencies like HSI and our partners. We are committed to apprehending those who target our seniors.”
Court records also show that Mohammed Zuberu served as an intermediary between Smith and Alhassan and the unknown Ghana scammers. On at least one occasion, Zuberu sent a screenshot of USPS receipt (including the tracking number of a package en route to Smith and Alhassan) to Alhassan via a social media phone application. The receipt was consistent with having been sent from one of the elderly victims to a “romantic partner” during their communications. Once Smith and Alhassan received the package in Tallahassee, Alhassan sent a photo of the received package back to Zuberu to alert the scammers that the fraud money was received. The money and/or money orders contained in such packages were then used, in part, to buy money orders which were deposited into bank accounts of Zuberu and others. Within a few days of being deposited in Zuberu’s account, the money was usually withdrawn at ATMs located in Ghana.
“I want to remind everyone to be extremely careful when sending money to someone you barely know,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in charge of IRS – Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “These manipulators preyed on the good nature of their elderly victims, plain and simple. We all have a desire to feel close to someone and this group sought to exploit that for their own greed. We will continue to do everything we can to bring the criminals who run these types of scams to justice.”
Court records also reflect that the defendants used and operated multiple registered and unregistered business entities to transfer funds on behalf of the public without an appropriate money transmitting businesses license as required by Florida law. Further, the defendants operated such money transmitting businesses knowing that the funds being transported and transmitted were derived from a criminal offense or were intended to be used to promote or support unlawful activity. As a result of their conduct, Smith, Alhassan, Zuberu, and others fraudulently received more than approximately $500,000 to which they were not entitled.
These convictions were the result of a joint investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.
If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available.
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 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.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for A Day of LearningRead the Press Release
BLAST
(Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community)
The BLAST Program Brings Law Enforcement and Communities Together
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, and Leon High School will present a BLAST event at Leon High School on Thursday, November 7. The BLAST event offers students an opportunity to meet and ask questions of prosecutors and law enforcement officers. The program is based on the belief that young people and law enforcement officers can benefit from spending time together discussing challenges and perspectives on law enforcement to reach a better understanding of each other. This productive interaction enhances relationships and replaces doubt with familiarity and trust.During the three-hour program, law enforcement officers share the challenges in responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the actions officers and civilians can take to de-escalate situations.
Agencies participating in the program include the ATF, DEA, FBI, United States Marshals Service, and the Tallahassee Police Department.
Members of the media are welcome to attend and photograph/video most segments of the BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community) program.
Event: BLAST
(Building Lasting Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Community)
Location: Leon High School
550 East Tennessee Street
Tallahassee, FL 32308Date: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. EST
Media: Please RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend.
The BLAST program schedule includes the following discussion sessions, during which students have a chance to participate in role-play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media permissions will be identified)
• Federal Crimes Scenario: Students evaluate video scenarios and learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing. This session is open to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.
• Domestic Response / K-9 Demonstration: Students participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. The discussion includes the challenges officers face, the rights of witnesses and suspects, and the benefits of providing information to law enforcement. Officers explain the role and capabilities of police K9s. This session is open to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.
• Traffic Stop Simulation: Students and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. The discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop. This session is open to the media, and videography and photography are permitted.
• Use of Force: Facilitators and students discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation. This session is closed to the media. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
• The Way Forward - Returning from Prison: A formerly incarcerated individual shares his journey from prison to a productive citizen.
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. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Prior Felon Sentenced to 128 Months in Federal Prison for Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEEE, FLORIDA – Durrell Marquis Lee, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 128 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to multiple counts of distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and for violation of his federal supervised release for a 2016 federal firearms conviction. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses.”
Court documents reflect that Lee, despite being released from federal prison in July 2021, along with others was actively receiving and distributing pound quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation revealed that over the course of several weeks during May 2023, Lee sold smaller quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in three targeted drug operations of Lee and others associated with him. The investigation led to a May 25, 2023, law enforcement operation during which FHP Troopers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lee, the sole occupant, who was thought to be in possession of additional illegal narcotics. After initially stopping for the Trooper, Lee fled from Troopers who attempted to give chase. Shortly thereafter and several miles away, officers located Lee’s abandoned vehicle; inside investigators discovered several ounces of cocaine, “crack” cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, Alpha-PVP, drug paraphernalia, and almost $3,000 in U.S. currency. Lee was located and arrested later that evening in Tom Brown Park in Tallahassee during which arrest officers were confronted by a female who fired upon officers, who returned fire. No connection between Lee and the female could be determined.
"Illegal drug activity is dangerous and has no place in our community," said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell. "We are pleased to see justice served with this sentencing and appreciate the collaborative work by everyone involved in this case. We will continue to conduct thorough investigations into those who seek to endanger our community with such harmful and addictive substances."Lee’s prison sentence will be followed by four years of supervised release.
“Highly addictive and destructive, methamphetamine poses a serious danger to the safety and health of our Florida communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We remain committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold those who distribute this deadly poison in our communities accountable for their actions.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Mountin prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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
Ship Management Company Fined $1.75M for Failing to Maintain an Accurate Oil Record Book that Concealed Unauthorized Discharges at SeaRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Gremex Shipping S.A. de C.V., a Mexican corporation that managed several ships including the M/V Suhar, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today in federal district court in Pensacola, Florida, for creating and providing false records to the U.S. Coast Guard to conceal its illegal discharge of oily bilge waste into the ocean, which is a felony violation of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS). Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Environment and Natural Resources Division and United States Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida made the announcement.
The charge stems from a Coast Guard investigation of the ship once it arrived in Pensacola on Aug. 25, 2023. The Suhar is a 7,602 gross ton Panamanian-flagged ocean-going bulk carrier that routinely hauled cement from Tampico, Mexico, to Pensacola. Since March 2021, day-to-day operation of the ship was undertaken by Gremex, which was responsible for hiring all crew, and ensuring compliance with all policies on protection of the environment in accordance with international regulations. After boarding the ship to determine compliance with all applicable laws, Coast Guard personnel determined that the vessel’s crew had regularly discharged untreated oily bilge water into sea in a manner that bypassed onboard pollution control equipment, and then falsified the ship’s oil record book to conceal these discharges.
As part of normal vessel operations, large ocean-going ships like the Suhar generate oily bilge water that periodically needs to be discharged for the vessel to operate safely. The United States and Panama are both parties to an international treaty known as MARPOL, which regulates and limits the at-sea discharge of oily bilge water. To satisfy these marine pollution requirements, vessels typically discharge oily bilge water after it has been processed through an oily water separator, a piece of onboard pollution control equipment which removes oil from bilge water prior to discharge. Ships are required to maintain an oil record book that documents all discharges of oily bilge water so authorities can monitor ships for compliance with these international requirements. Federal law requires that foreign ships arriving at United States ports maintain an accurate oil record book.
Consistent with a sentencing recommendation jointly proposed by the government and Gremex, the court sentenced the company to pay a $1.75 million fine, serve a four-year term of probation and commit to developing and implementing an environmental compliance plan that will be in effect during the time the company is on probation.
The Coast Guard’s Investigative Service investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Joel La Bissonniere of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Love for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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
Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions LawsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.”
“As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.”
“Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.
Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.
In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.
Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
The BIS is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Foreign National Convicted of Conspiring to Export US-Made Drill Rigs to Iran in Violation of US Sanctions LawsRead the Press Release
A federal jury convicted Brian Assi, also known as Brahim Assi, yesterday of conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR), attempted unlawful export of goods from the United States to Iran without a license, attempted smuggling goods from the United States, submitting false or misleading export information, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
“The defendant schemed to unlawfully export U.S.-origin mining drills to Iran, while deceiving his employer into believing that they were being sent to Iraq,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This conviction affirms the Justice Department’s resolve to disrupt and hold accountable those who evade our sanctions against Iran, wherever in the world they may be.”
“As this verdict makes clear, no matter how hard you try to obfuscate your scheme to send restricted U.S. items to Iran, we will work tirelessly to bring your conduct to light and ensure you face justice,” said Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Matthew S. Axelrod of the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). “We take action whenever we uncover attempts to evade our sanctions, especially when those efforts are designed to support adversaries like Iran.”
“Efforts to conceal impermissible transactions and circumvent imposed sanctions represent a threat to both the United States economic and national security interests,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “Today’s verdict demonstrates our collective resolve to hold those who violate regulatory restrictions accountable for their criminal conduct.”
According to evidence presented at trial, Assi was a Middle East-based salesman of a multinational heavy machinery manufacturer with a U.S.-based subsidiary and production plant located in northern Florida. Assi conspired with individuals affiliated with Sakht Abzar Pars Co. (SAP-Iran), based in Tehran, Iran, to export U.S.-made heavy machinery indirectly to Iran without first obtaining the required licenses from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
Assi and his Iranian co-conspirators orchestrated the scheme by locating an Iraq-based distributor to serve as the forward-facing purchaser of two U.S.-origin blasthole drills from the U.S. subsidiary of Assi’s employer. The drills are a type of heavy machinery used to create holes in the ground that are then filled with controlled explosives for mining.
Assi facilitated the sale of the drills and attempted to export them to Iran and used freight forwarding companies to ship the heavy equipment from the U.S. to Turkey. In doing so, Assi concealed any Iranian involvement in the transaction from his employer, claiming the drills were ultimately destined for use in Iraq. But in truth, Assi intended for his Iranian co-conspirators to transship or reexport those items from Turkey to Iran, in circumvention of U.S. export control and sanctions laws.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Assi concealed his activities with his Iranian co-conspirators by causing false information to be entered into the Automated Export System (AES), a U.S.-government database containing information about exports from the United States. The U.S.-based plant hired a U.S. freight forwarder to arrange the drill’s export from the United States to Iraq. As part of the shipping process, the freight forwarder submitted information to AES about the shipment, including the ultimate consignee’s name and the ultimate delivery destination. Assi misled his employer by claiming that the Iraqi distributor was the ultimate consignee, and that the ultimate delivery destination was Iraq. In fact, Assi knew that his coconspirators in Iran were the true intended recipients, and Iran was the ultimate intended delivery destination.
In furtherance of the illicit transaction, Assi and his coconspirators caused the transfer of approximately $2.7 million from Turkey to pass through the United States.
Sentencing for Brian Assi is scheduled for Jan. 7, 2025.
The BIS is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew J. Grogan and Harley W. Ferguson for the Northern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
Perry Woman Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Conspiracy and Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Miranda Marie Stafford, 57, of Perry, Florida, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine, distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence, by a habitual drug trafficker, acknowledges the defendant’s continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses.”
Court records show that from March 1, 2023, through April 11, 2023, Stafford, who was already serving an active term of supervised release for a 2019 federal methamphetamine trafficking conviction, conspired with other individuals to possess with intent to distribute and distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine. During the investigation, undercover officers made several purchases of multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from Stafford; then as a result of ongoing surveillance of Stafford and her associates, on April 11, 2023, she was found in possession of over 700 grams of methamphetamine during a traffic stop after returning from the Jacksonville area where she was suspected of having been supplied the drugs.
“We will continue to go after bad actors who poison our communities with illicit substances,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This operation was the result of great teamwork with our law enforcement partners. These relationships allow us to do our jobs more effectively and for that I’m grateful.”
Stafford’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
“Those who endeavor to distribute methamphetamine do not observe jurisdictional boundaries. The only way to disrupt the abilities and markets of those dedicated to distributing illicit substances in our rural communities is through strong cooperative enforcement efforts,” said Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse. The investigation and prosecution in this case was made possible by means of collaborative efforts. To have state, local, and federal partners dedicate competent professionals to this investigation are a positive example of an effective alliance with substantive results. The Perry Police Department and the City of Perry are appreciative of all who participated in this investigation.”
This conviction was the result of a large-scale, regional investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perry Police Department, as well as members of the NorthStar Drug Task Force, including the Wakulla, Bay, Gulf, and Leon County Sheriff’s Offices. Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. More information about OCDETF may be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
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.
Man Who Murdered Fellow Soldier on Military Base in Germany Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — A former U.S. soldier was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for the murder of a pregnant, 19-year-old fellow soldier on a U.S. Army base in Germany over 22 years ago.
On May 7, a jury in Pensacola, Florida, found Shannon L. Wilkerson, 44, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Amanda Gonzales.
According to court documents, Wilkerson beat and strangled Amanda Gonzales to death on Nov. 3, 2001, in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne, then a U.S. Army base in Hanau, Germany. Evidence introduced at trial indicated that Wilkerson feared he was the father of Gonzales’ unborn child and that her pregnancy would interfere with his military career and his marriage to another soldier on the base. Wilkerson was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of the offense but was later discharged.
“Shannon Wilkerson brutally murdered Amanda Gonzales, a fellow soldier who Wilkerson knew was pregnant at the time,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “While nothing we can do will reunite Amanda with her family, we hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure and comfort to Amanda’s loved ones. I am proud of the dedicated and hardworking members of the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners, who are committed to pursuing justice for victims of violent crime, no matter how challenging that pursuit may be.”
“The murder of Amanda Gonzales and her unborn child was a horrific act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “This decades-long investigation and resulting prosecution demonstrate the unwavering resolve of our law enforcement partners and their commitment to obtain justice for the victims and their family. The defendant took the life of a 19-year-old woman serving her country far from home — knowing that he was killing her unborn child. The sentence acknowledges the brutal, selfish nature of his crime and imposes just punishment.”
“Justice for victims is not just a promise, it’s a commitment, no matter how long it takes,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing comes just as Amanda Gonzales’ family will mark 23 years since she and her unborn child were brutally murdered by Shannon Wilkerson on Nov. 3, 2001. While no amount of prison time will bring the young Army solider back, we hope this will close another chapter in the Gonzales family’s grieving process.”
The FBI New York and Jacksonville Field Offices investigated this case, with assistance from the Army Criminal Investigative Division, which originally investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Man Who Murdered Fellow Soldier on Military Base in Germany Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A former U.S. soldier was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for the murder of a pregnant, 19-year-old fellow soldier on a U.S. Army base in Germany over 22 years ago.
On May 7, a jury in Pensacola, Florida, found Shannon L. Wilkerson, 44, guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Amanda Gonzales.
According to court documents, Wilkerson beat and strangled Amanda Gonzales to death on Nov. 3, 2001, in her barracks room at Fliegerhorst Kaserne, then a U.S. Army base in Hanau, Germany. Evidence introduced at trial indicated that Wilkerson feared he was the father of Gonzales’ unborn child and that her pregnancy would interfere with his military career and his marriage to another soldier on the base. Wilkerson was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces at the time of the offense but was later discharged.
“Shannon Wilkerson brutally murdered Amanda Gonzales, a fellow soldier who Wilkerson knew was pregnant at the time,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “While nothing we can do will reunite Amanda with her family, we hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure and comfort to Amanda’s loved ones. I am proud of the dedicated and hardworking members of the Criminal Division and our law enforcement partners, who are committed to pursuing justice for victims of violent crime, no matter how challenging that pursuit may be.”
“The murder of Amanda Gonzales and her unborn child was a horrific act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody for the Northern District of Florida. “This decades-long investigation and resulting prosecution demonstrate the unwavering resolve of our law enforcement partners and their commitment to obtain justice for the victims and their family. The defendant took the life of a 19-year-old woman serving her country far from home — knowing that he was killing her unborn child. The sentence acknowledges the brutal, selfish nature of his crime and imposes just punishment.”
“Justice for victims is not just a promise, it’s a commitment, no matter how long it takes,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “This sentencing comes just as Amanda Gonzales’ family will mark 23 years since she and her unborn child were brutally murdered by Shannon Wilkerson on Nov. 3, 2001. While no amount of prison time will bring the young Army solider back, we hope this will close another chapter in the Gonzales family’s grieving process.”
The FBI New York and Jacksonville Field Offices investigated this case, with assistance from the Army Criminal Investigative Division, which originally investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Patrick Jasperse of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg for the Northern District of Florida prosecuted the case.
Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Election Day ProgramRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Jason R. Coody announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Grogan will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Grogan has previously been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Northern District of Florida, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the district’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Coody said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice has and will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying, and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Coody stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Grogan will be on duty in the district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at (850) 216-3838.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (904) 248-7000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Coody said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
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.
Former Vice President of SDVOSB Disgorges Profits and Pays $35,000 to Resolve FCA AllegationsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Robert Bechtold, former Vice President of Certified Manufacturing Enterprises, LLC (“CME”), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and Native American Owned Small Business previously operating in Holt, Florida, entered into a settlement agreement to resolve allegations that he falsely represented CME’s status to obtain set-aside government contracts. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“This resolution demonstrates our commitment to ensure that socially disadvantaged small businesses can fairly compete in the award of government contracts,” said U.S. Attorney Coody.
“Individuals who fraudulently misrepresent eligibility for set-aside contracts will be held accountable.”
The United States contended that Mr. Bechtold was responsible for violations under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729-3733, related to his representations to the federal government regarding CME’s status as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (“SDVOSB”). In particular, the United States alleged that Mr. Bechtold falsely represented CME’s status as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business to obtain Contract No. SPE4A6-18-P-M255 with the Defense Logistics Agency, which was intended for a true SDVOSB. Mr. Bechtold agreed to pay $35,000 to resolve the allegations, of which $11,285 is restitution.
“We extend our gratitude to the Northern District of Florida’s United States Attorney’s Office and our joint partners for their commitment to integrity in all contractual dealings. This settlement sends a clear message that any attempts to undermine fair competition will not be tolerated, ensuring our nation's defense is supported by principled partners," said Derrell D. Freeman, Special Agent-in-Charge, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Office of Procurement Fraud Detachment 5, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, GA.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle represented the United States in this matter, with assistance from the Defense Logistics Agency, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Felon in Possession of A FirearmRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Damian J. Brown, 32, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partnerships play such a vital role in fighting violent crime and is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with federal firearm violations.”
On March 22, 2024, Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers were conducting routine patrol operations in Gainesville, Florida when they spotted Brown. Officers were aware that Brown had an active warrant for violation of probation. GPD Officers attempted to take Brown into custody. He then fled on his bicycle before he was apprehended by a GPD K9 unit after a brief chase. During a search incident to arrest, officers discovered that Brown was in possession of a black Beretta 9mm pistol in the pocket of his pants. The firearm contained a loaded magazine and a chambered round. A second loaded magazine was found in Brown’s other pocket.
“I want to assure the citizens of Gainesville that we are fully committed to reducing gun related violence in our community. Through strategic partnerships, intelligence led policing, and community engagement, we will continue to focus those who unlawfully possess and use firearms. Every arrest we make and every illegal gun we take off the streets brings us one step closer to making Gainesville a safer place for everyone. We are deeply grateful to our federal partners for their unwavering support in this endeavor. Together, we continue to build a stronger, safer future for our city,” said Gainesville Police Chief Moya.
Brown’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Gainesville Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Harley Ferguson prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Government Contractor Pays $450,000 to Resolve Breach of Contract AllegationsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Science Applications International Corporation (“SAIC”) entered into a settlement agreement to resolve breach of contract claims related to work to be performed in Bahrain in 2019. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“American taxpayers work hard each day to provide for their families and through their efforts fund both the security and essential functions of our government,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Accordingly, our fellow citizens should receive the full measure of those services. This resolution demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure that government contractors fulfill all contract obligations and are held accountable for the failure to do so.”
The United States contended that SAIC was responsible for breach of a government contract awarded in January 2019 to Engility Holdings, Inc. (“Engility”), a publicly traded company that provided mission support services to federal agencies. In 2019, SAIC acquired Engility. The United States contended that Engility breached the Contract when three employees of its subcontractor, Trace Systems, Inc. (“Trace”), failed to regularly report to work while abroad in Bahrain from September 2019 to November 2019. The United States contended Engility thereafter billed the Government (and the Government paid) for the Trace employees’ work.
“When companies do not provide the items or services they were contracted for, it can pose an unacceptable threat to warfighter readiness and to our national security,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross, NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our partners remain diligent in our efforts to ensure allegations of procurement fraud that could lead to mission failure are thoroughly investigated.”
SAIC agreed to pay $450,000 to resolve the United States’ claims.
This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by SAIC, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded.
Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Couch represented the United States in this matter, with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Economic Crimes Field Office and Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Federal Jury Convicts Former Law Enforcement Officer of Firearm OffenseRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jesse Rance Moore, 47, of Bell, Florida, was found guilty by a federal jury for possession of short-barreled rifles not registered to him in the National Firearm Registration and Transfer Record. The guilty verdict was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
According to court documents, Moore was employed as a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper from January 13, 2003, to February 27, 2017. FBI Jacksonville was investigating Moore in relation to a string of pharmacy robberies that occurred in 2021. A search warrant was obtained and executed at Moore’s residence in Gilchrist County, Florida. While searching for evidence related to the robberies, law enforcement discovered numerous firearms, boxes of ammunition, and firearms accessories throughout the property. ATF identified three of Moore’s firearms as short-barreled rifles (barrels less than 16 inches) that Moore did not have registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
Sentencing in the case is set for January 7, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States District Judge Allen Winsor. Moore is already serving a 21-year prison sentence out of the Middle District of Florida for offenses related to the pharmacy robberies, and faces up to 10 additional years in prison, 3 years on supervised release, and a $10,000 fine.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorneys James McCain and David Byron prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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.
Federal Inmate Convicted of Drug Distribution Offenses Conducted from Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Antoine D. Wilson, 41, currently incarcerated in Yazoo City, Mississippi, was found guilty by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to use communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. The guilty verdict was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Wilson is currently serving his second federal prison sentence for drug distribution conspiracy at the Federal Correctional Institute in Yazoo City, Mississippi. In 2023, law enforcement discovered Wilson was using a contraband cell phone to orchestrate a large-scale cocaine trafficking organization operating in the Northern District of Florida from his prison cell. Trial testimony demonstrated Wilson’s coordination of multiple cocaine shipments and the receipt of drug payments for in excess of 50 kilograms of cocaine into Pensacola, Florida.
Sentencing is set for January 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida, before the Honorable United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Wilson faces a mandatory minimum 25 years up to life imprisonment based upon his two prior federal drug trafficking convictions out of Pensacola, Florida.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (HIDTA). Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton prosecuted the case.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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 to 22 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Willie Frank Gordon, 42, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to twenty-two years in federal prison after previously being found guilty at trial for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and federal supervised release violations. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The investigation and prosecution of armed drug traffickers – in this case by a repeat offender – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with federal drug and firearm violations.”
On March 15, 2022, Gordon was arrested during a traffic stop for driving without a license. During an inventory search of the vehicle, law enforcement located a black backpack containing approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, and associated drug paraphernalia, along with a loaded, chambered pistol. Law enforcement also located a firearm holster in the glove box of the vehicle, three cell phones, and over $2,000 on Gordon’s person. Gordon initially denied knowledge of the controlled substances and the firearm, but ultimately admitted to his possession of the items during an interview with investigators. Law enforcement also located surveillance footage of Gordon approximately 30 minutes prior to the traffic stop where he was observed carrying the black backpack to a vehicle before driving away.
Prior to committing this offense, Gordon had been convicted in six state felony cases and one federal felony case, which included a prior drug trafficking conviction, several drug possession convictions, and firearms convictions. At the time of his current offense, Gordon was on federal supervised release for his federal convictions of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition after serving 85 months in prison. He also had additional violent convictions in his history to include assault and battery.
Gordon’s imprisonment will be followed by 5-years of supervised release.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
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.
Former Bronson Coach Sentenced to 480 Months in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Billy McCall, Jr., 41, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to a term of 480 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to three counts of production of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Crimes against children are among the most heinous types of offenses and deserving of the most significant sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sexual abuse of children – here by a trusted educator – robs them of their innocence and results in devastating psychological pain. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and vigorously prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.”
In July of 2022, the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received a report from a 15-year-old boy who was a student at Bronson Middle/High School, located in Bronson, Florida. The child, who played for the Bronson basketball team, reported that McCall, his basketball coach, had inappropriately touched the child, and had solicited explicit videos from the child. Further investigation by the LCSO led to the interview of two other child victims, who were also members of the Bronson basketball team coached by McCall.
On July 27, 2022, McCall was arrested by the LCSO on state charges related to lewd and lascivious molestation of a person 12 years of age or older but under 16 years of age. During the arrest, law enforcement seized a cellular telephone from McCall, which was later forensically examined. Extraction of that device led to discovery of numerous videos, recorded at the defendant’s house through use of a camera installed in the bathroom, depicting nude male child victims engaged in sexual conduct, at least one of which included the defendant personally engaged in sexual contact with the child.
“The betrayal of trust by a coach, who is meant to guide and protect the children in his care, highlights the darkest side of humanity and warrants the toughest accountability,” said Homeland Security Investigation Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Those who exploit the innocence of our youth not only commit an unthinkable act but also perpetuate a life-long cycle of suffering. We stand united with our law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served, and that we protect the vulnerable from those who seek to harm them.”
McCall’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of an electronic device used to store the child pornography produced by McCall. McCall’s prison sentence will run concurrent to a twenty-year state prison sentence imposed in the State case for which McCall was arrested on July 27, 2022.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Williams and David Byron prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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.
Gadsden County Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEEE, FLORIDA – Cedrick Campbell, 49, of Quincy, Florida, was sentenced to a term of 24 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to eleven counts of aiding in preparing false tax returns and ordered to pay $378,041 in restitution. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The United States relies on the honest payment of taxes to defend our country and maintain its operations,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our dedicated partners at the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who steal from hard-working American taxpayers – whether by traditional evasion or the filing of fraudulent claims to further their criminal schemes.”
Between 2018 and 2022, Campbell, ran an unofficial tax preparation business from his home in Quincy, Florida, where he prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service. Campbell falsely represented the taxpayers’ deductions, credits, and the refund due.
“A tax preparer who fraudulently inflates your refund isn’t doing you any favors,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Instead, it exposes clients to penalties and interest to be paid and dealt with for years to come. An honest preparer will be transparent and willing to explain everything that you’re entitled to. Unscrupulous preparers, like Mr. Campbell, should know that they will be investigated and face serious consequences.”
This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
Branford Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking OffenseRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Harvey Jennings Starling, 56, of Branford, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and hydrocodone and one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and hydrocodone. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, particularly the North Star Drug Task Force, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal drug offenses.”
Court documents reflect that Starling, and others, were suspected of methamphetamine trafficking. A search warrant executed at Starling’s residence led to seizure of approximately one pound of high-purity methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills, and a firearm. Subsequent review of an electronic device used by Starling revealed communications between Starling and other individuals related to the purchase and resale of marijuana, methamphetamine, and opioid pills.
“I’m extremely proud of our deputies working along with our partner agencies and I cannot say enough about how hard they worked to remove these destructive drugs and drug dealers from our county,” said Lafayette County Sheriff Brian Lamb.
Starling’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
"The North Star Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force was proud to partner with the Lafayette County Sheriff's Office and other agencies involved in this complex investigation," said Det. Will Hudson, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office Task Force Commander. "The results show the dedication, and hard work put forth by the investigators and the U.S. Attorney's Office."
Starling, a registered sex offender based on a 2006 conviction for sexual battery, was also arrested on State charges related to seven counts of failure to register as a sex offender. Those charges remain pending in Lafayette County Circuit Court and may result in a consecutive sentence.
The case was investigated by the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the North Star Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
Florida Couple Sentenced to Federal Prison for Interstate Transport of A Minor and Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of two defendants who were convicted for child pornography offenses.
Timothy Frederick Murphy-Johnson, 40, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to life in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of interstate transportation of a minor to engage in sexual activity, one count of conspiracy to produce child pornography, and two counts of production of child pornography.
Olivia Ashford Henn, 21, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 276 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography, and two counts of production of child pornography.
“The extreme acts of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse to which this child was subjected over six weeks are indescribable, and nothing short of horrific,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “These sentences account for the defendants’ vile acts of depravity and send a strong message that those who exploit children will face justice. Due to the tireless efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners this child was saved and returned to her family. We will continue to work together to protect our children and hold such dangerous criminals accountable.”
In July of 2023, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with locating and recovering a 16-year-old girl that had been reported missing since June 10, 2023, from Corpus Christi, Texas. Investigation at that time had revealed evidence that the child may have been transported to the Gainesville area, although the identity of the responsible parties remained unknown.
“Justice demands that this couple, who committed the unspeakable acts of kidnapping, physically restraining, drugging and repeatedly sexually abusing a child, be held to the fullest extent of the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This life sentence serves as a solemn reminder HSI, alongside our partners at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, are committed to protecting the innocent and ensuring that such egregious violations of human dignity are met with unwavering accountability.”
FDLE and ACSO engaged in extensive investigation using IP address information and prior contacts with Murphy-Johnson, a citizen of the United Kingdom residing in Gainesville, Florida, to locate the victim. Based on that information, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Murphy-Johnson’s residence, which was executed on July 25, 2023. Execution of that warrant led to the discovery of the missing child, who appeared severely fatigued and malnourished, within Murphy-Johnson’s residence. Law enforcement documented several injuries to the child, including ligature marks on her wrists and ankles, bruising, and several cuts and scrapes in various stages of healing.
“Thank you to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations agents and investigators who so swiftly and meticulously worked this case and rescued the child from these heinous predators,” said FDLE Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Keesha Nauss. “These sentences help ensure that no other children will be terrorized by this criminal duo.”
Investigation later revealed that Murphy-Johnson had met the child in a chat on the online platform Discord and had arranged for the child to be transported to his residence in Gainesville, Florida. Following the child’s arrival, Murphy-Johnson, along with co-defendant Olivia Henn, physically restrained the child within Murphy-Johnson’s residence, administered narcotics to the child, and engaged in the repeated physical and sexual abuse of the child until the child’s rescue on July 25, 2023. Co-defendant Henn was later arrested in Winter Garden, Florida, on August 4, 2023, and admitted to physically and sexually abusing the child on three separate occasions in Gainesville, Florida. Henn also admitted to lying to law enforcement over the phone on June 28, 2023, when ACSO deputies responded to Murphy-Johnson’s residence in reference to the child victim screaming for help.
Forensic extraction of the electronic devices used by Murphy-Johnson and Henn revealed many images and videos depicting the physical and sexual abuse of the child victim. Investigation also revealed that the co-defendants administered narcotics to the victim on a regular basis, resulting in the victim’s overdose and resuscitation on at least two occasions.
Murphy-Johnson, should he ever be released from prison, will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release. Henn’s imprisonment will also be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Both defendants will be required to register as sex offenders, and subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of the residence and property owned by Murphy-Johnson, which was used to house the victim during the commission of the offenses as well as electronic devices used to commit the offenses. Both defendants were ordered to pay $56,000 in restitution to the child victim.
This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Williams and David Byron prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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.
Three Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine Using the United States MailRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentences of three defendants who were convicted for their participation in conspiring to distribute cocaine:
• Omar Josue Morales-Rodriguez, 45, of Freeport, Florida was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
• Marcos Aguilar Gonzalez, 50, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and Edmar Agustin Gonzalez, 34, of Crestview, Florida, were each sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Aguilar Gonzalez also pled guilty to an additional count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Each will also be required to serve a term of supervised release following their prison sentence.
“This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness and collaborative efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners, to identify and intercept shipments of illegal substances via the United States Mail,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and prosecution of criminals bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentences illustrate the significant consequences of harming our citizens through their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
A multi-agency investigation led by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office revealed that between October 2019, and June 13, 2023, the three defendants conspired together and with others to ship cocaine via the United States Mail from Puerto Rico to addresses in Okaloosa and Walton County. The United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted five packages, three of which contained
one kilogram of cocaine each, and one of which contained 125 grams of cocaine. The fifth package, which was shipped from Walton County to Puerto Rico, contained $10,000. In addition to the drugs and cash, law enforcement seized four firearms and several rounds of ammunition that belonged to Morales-Rodriguez who was previously convicted in federal court in Puerto Rico and served three years in federal prison for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. At sentencing, Morales-Rodriguez was found to be the leader and organizer of the conspiracy and held accountable for causing 20 United States Mail packages containing a total of at least 14 kilograms of cocaine to be shipped via the United States Mail from Puerto Rico to Okaloosa and Walton County.
“When people choose to distribute illicit drugs in the U.S. Mail, they should know the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our law enforcement partners, will actively pursue those responsible, and bring them to justice,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The outcome of this case should serve as a significant deterrent for anyone else considering the distribution of illicit drugs through the U.S. Mail. I want to thank our partners in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration."
"The duration of this investigation highlights our commitment to fighting illegal drug activity in Walton County," said Captain Dustin Cosson of the Walton County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Bureau. "This case represents countless hours of work dedicated to holding traffickers accountable. The diligence of our narcotics investigators coupled with our strong partnerships with the DEA and the U.S. States Postal Service should send a clear message to anyone involved in similar activities."
The case resulted from a joint investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.
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 Beach Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Cosme Martin Hernandez, Jr., 34, of Panama City Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable and should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who engage in such heinous conduct.”
In December of 2023, law enforcement, conducting covert operations, downloaded files of child pornography which were being actively shared over the internet from Hernandez’s residential computer in Panama City Beach. On February 6, 2024, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence. On scene, law enforcement quickly located electronic devices containing child pornography and Hernandez was arrested. Several seized devices were subsequently analyzed by an HSI computer specialist. Hernandez received and possessed over 21,000 images and videos of child pornography in approximately 4 months – said files exploited children as young as toddlers. At the time of offense, Hernandez was an active-duty military member who had served approximately fifteen years in the United States Navy; he has since been discharged under other than honorable conditions.
“This sentence sends a strong message that those who exploit children will face justice,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “Child pornography is not just about images; it’s tied to the broader fight against human trafficking. Our collaboration with federal agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office is crucial to this fight, and we will continue to work together to protect our children and hold these dangerous criminals accountable.”
Hernandez’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of various electronic devices that he used to commit the offenses.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Callahan prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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 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.
Two Alabama Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robbing A United States Postal Service Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marquan Deon Johnson, 25, and Keondre Dashown Daniels, 26, both of Montgomery, Alabama, were sentenced to 60 months’ and 117 months in federal prison, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to using a firearm to rob a United States Postal Service mail carrier and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The United States mail must be secure and the dedicated employees who deliver it must be safe from violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “These sentences illustrate our resolve to protect the public servants working on behalf of their fellow citizens and should serve as examples of the significant federal penalties associated with acts of armed violence.”
On July 21, 2023, a United States Postal Service mail carrier was delivering mail in a residential neighborhood Fort Walton Beach, Florida. As she attempted to deliver mail, a vehicle driven by Johnson, pulled up next to the mail carrier’s vehicle and Daniels exited the vehicle. Daniel’s approached the mail carrier and pointed a handgun at the mail carrier. Daniels grabbed the mail carrier’s wrist and stole her mail key. Johnson and Daniels then fled the scene. Officers from the Fort Walton Beach Police Department identified the vehicle driven by Johnson from a nearby traffic camera and issued a Be on the Lookout (“BOLO”) alert. A few hours after the robbery, the vehicle was located in Montgomery, Alabama, by the Montgomery Police Department and Johnson and Daniels were arrested.
"This case is a testament to the swift and coordinated efforts of law enforcement across state lines and the strong partnerships between federal and local agencies,” said Fort Walton Beach Police Chief Robert Bage. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of our community. Let this be a clear message: violence in our community will not be tolerated, and we will make every effort to bring those who commit violent acts to justice."
“U.S. Postal Service employees should be free to service our communities without being subjected to acts of violence, especially armed robberies,” said Juan Vargas, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is proud of its work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our local law enforcement partners on this case. The sentencing of Marquan Johnson and Keondre Daniels upholds the fundamental right of a safe work environment for our nation’s postal employees.”
Johnson’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release and Daniel’s prison sentence will be followed by 2 years of supervised release.
This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, and the Montgomery Police Department. The case was 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Okaloosa County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholus Tysharrow McNabb, 39, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and money laundering. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“This investigation demonstrates the effectiveness and collaborative efforts of our local and federal law enforcement partners, to identify and intercept shipments of illegal substances via the United States Mail,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sentence imposed should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would use the United States Postal Service to conduct illegal activities.”
Between December 2022 and January 2023, the United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted multiple packages containing various quantities of methamphetamine that were to be delivered to an address belonging to Nicholus McNabb. On February 23, 2023, Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service executed a search warrant on McNabb’s residence and discovered approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine and over $23,000 in U.S. currency. The investigation revealed McNabb distributed over 35 pounds of methamphetamine between March 16, 2022, and February 23, 2023.
“I’m proud of how our local, state, and federal partners came together to remove this methamphetamine dealer from our streets,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We will continue to root out bad actors who peddle poisons in our communities.”
“The outstanding work by all law enforcement agencies involved has put this distributor of a dangerous drug in prison for a significant period of time,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure people who elect to distribute illicit drugs in our communities are held accountable and brought to justice.”
This investigation resulted from the collaborative work of the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Escambia County Pays $3.5 Million to Settle FCA LawsuitRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Escambia County, Florida, paid the United States $3,500,000 to resolve allegations that the county violated the False Claims Act by falsely billing government healthcare programs for emergency medical services and transportation. The settlement was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The settlement resolves claims against Escambia County arising from ambulance and emergency medical technicians lacking the requisite certifications who then provided healthcare services via emergency medical services and transportation with Escambia County Emergency Medical Services during the period of January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2020.
“This settlement with Escambia County demonstrates our commitment to protect federal health care funds and to hold providers accountable for fraudulent billing especially when it impacts the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our office will continue to uphold the integrity of taxpayer-funded programs and vigorously pursue health care providers that defraud the government.”
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Rayme Edler. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case filed by Dr. Edler in May 2020 is captioned United States of America ex rel. Rayme M. Edler, M.D., v. Escambia County, 3:20-cv-05503-MCR-HTC.
This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Escambia County, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle represented the United States in this matter.
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 U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Prior Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Possession and Possession of Firearms and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Shaun Edward McBay, 51, of Freeport, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.
“Methamphetamine distribution is a scourge on large and small communities of our district,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to identifying and aggressively prosecuting those who threaten our citizens’ health and safety by distributing such addictive, controlled substances. This sentence acknowledges the defendant’s continued criminal conduct and sends a straightforward message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm and drug offenses.”
On April 9, 2023, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies seized 565 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine from McBay during a traffic stop in Destin, Florida. Eight days later, on April 17, 2023, Walton County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a state search warrant at McBay’s residence in Freeport, Florida. During the search, investigators located and seized 16 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia including digital scales and baggies used for drug distribution, 7 firearms and 146 rounds of ammunition.
McBay’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Meth distribution doesn’t just devastate individuals. It devastates communities,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. Every time we partner together to take a meth dealer like Shaun McBay off our streets, we score a victory for the overall health, safety, and quality of life of our entire region.”
“I cannot stress enough the importance of good partnerships and how those translate into successful investigations, arrests, and prosecutions,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The result is getting dangerous drugs off the streets before they poison our community.”
“Our partnerships with local sheriff’s offices, and our state and federal partners make arrests like this one possible,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This person peddled dangerous substances that rip apart families and communities. Through our joint efforts we were able to take him off the streets.”
This sentencing resulted from the collaborative investigations of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and others with the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Task Force (HIDTA). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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.
Pensacola Tax Preparer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Wesner Jean-Pierre, 33, of Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 26 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to charges of preparing false tax returns. The sentence was by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“The United States and its citizens rely on the payment of taxes to defend our country and maintain its operations,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Efforts to steal from hardworking American taxpayers – here by a corrupt tax preparer – will result in swift and significant sanctions.”
Between 2015 and 2019, Jean-Pierre, owner of WJP Financial Services, LLC., a tax preparation business in Pensacola, prepared and filed approximately 1,949 false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various clients. Jean-Pierre falsely represented the taxpayers’ income, deductions, credits, and the refund due, to steal funds from the American taxpayers for his gain.
Jean-Pierre’s prison sentence will be followed by 1 year of supervised release and he was ordered to pay $830,840.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“Clients place special trust in their tax preparers, who have a duty to prepare their clients’ returns accurately and in compliance with the law,” said Ronald A. Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS CI’s Tampa Field Office. “Mr. Jean-Pierre is now paying the price for violating that trust for his own personal gain. This sentencing should serve as a warning to those tax preparers who choose to line their own pockets rather than do what’s best for their clients.”
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division. The case was 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.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting Children over the Internet, Traveling to Florida to Have Sex with A Child, and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Matthew Gabriel Bergida, 34, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children, enticement of a minor, travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, transportation of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“There is no greater charge than the protection of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable and should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them. I commend our local and state law enforcement partners, who amid a devastating hurricane, identified and rescued a child who was being sexually abused. Their keen observations not only saved this child, but countless others from the heinous conduct of this pedophile predator.”
Court documents reflect that when Category 4 Hurricane Idalia made landfall near Perry, Florida, Bergida travelled to the area to meet with a minor female to have sexual relations. While enforcing the storm-related curfew, local law enforcement encountered the minor female and learned of Bergida’s sexual exploitation of the child. Law enforcement quickly located and arrested Bergida at a local motel. A search of Bergida’s iPhone revealed child pornography depicting the minor female and over 20 other children, whom he had been sexually exploiting since 2019.
“No law enforcement agency or community is immune regardless of size or location from the evil exploits of those who endeavor to harm and purse children for exploitation,” said Perry Police Chief Jamie Cruse. “I also commend everyone involved for their meritorious actions in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting Bergida for his choice to victimize others. The awareness, determination and expertise of all assisting agencies and law enforcement partners in this investigation was necessary to bring this predator to justice while protecting others from future victimization. When full cooperation and communication is paramount in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable citizens, law enforcement can and does make a difference by fulfilling the mission of protecting the life and rights of everyone in society.”
“This predator used manipulation and control to sexually exploit children for his own perverse carnal gratification,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “The sexual exploitation of children is an especially heinous crime that robs victims of their childhood. HSI, alongside our partners with Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Perry Police Department, will continue to exhaust every resource at our disposal to identify and support victims, as well as locate and apprehend the monstruous predators who seek to do them harm.”
While incarcerated in the Taylor County Jail, Bergida made phone calls to family in which he directed a friend to dispose of hard drives and other storage devices in his Brooklyn apartment. Based on these phone calls, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the apartment and found electronic storage devices containing additional child pornography, some which depicted infants and toddlers.
Bergida’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. He will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court also ordered forfeiture of various electronic devices that he used to commit the offenses.
This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Perry Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice 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 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.
Habitual Narcotics Trafficker Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possession of A Firearm by A Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Ronald Richardson, 40, of Panama City, Florida was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
“Our law enforcement partners play a vital role in fighting crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Due to their tenacious investigation – across three states – this habitual drug trafficker is back where he belongs, behind bars. His incarceration will not only make the community safer, but also illustrate the real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”
In July 2022, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, began an investigation into suspected drug trafficking by the defendant. Investigation determined the defendant traveled multiple times to a storage facility in Panama City, and then travel westbound from Panama City to Pensacola, Florida, and on to Lafayette, Louisiana. The investigation culminated in a search of the storage unit in Panama City, which was rented and used by the defendant. During the search investigators recovered items to manufacture and distribute narcotics, a Ruger LCR .357 revolver loaded with three rounds of ammunition and a safe containing $115,000. When later arrested in Mobile, Alabama, 264.4 grams of cocaine was seized from the defendant’s vehicle and more than $3,000 from his possession.
“This sentencing is a monumental win for Florida, Louisiana and Texas,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Thanks to the relentless men and women of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and talented federal prosecutors, this defendant’s days of poisoning our communities with violence and lethal drugs have come to an abrupt halt.”
Richardson’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
This case was the result of a collaborative investigation conducted by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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.