Northern District of Florida

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, 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.

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 32308

Date: 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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Zamfir Nitu, 48, and Irinel Irimia, 42, both of Romania, were sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal bank card numbers, and possession of bank card numbers. Each defendant was ordered to serve a term of 1-year supervised release following their prison sentence and will face deportation. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

“These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations by federal and local agencies working to identify and arrest those attempting to profit from fraud and theft,’” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The protection of our citizens’ financial information is paramount, and with the help of our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminals accountable, no matter their national origin.”

In April of 2023, the Eglin Federal Credit Union discovered that Nitu and Irimia had installed skimming devices at two of its ATMs and skimmed several hundred bank card numbers. The defendants then used the skimmed numbers to create fake bank cards and withdraw money from multiple ATMs in the area. They successfully obtained approximately $17,000 and were denied on attempts to withdraw another $35,000. 

“This case underscores the importance of investigators from both local and federal law enforcement agencies working together to protect the financial well-being of our good, hardworking citizens,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudulent activity compromising victims’ financial safety and security.”

“Crimes that steal people’s identities and threaten to destabilize their financial security and wellbeing of unsuspecting victims will not be tolerated,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Alongside every state and local law enforcement partner, HSI vows to investigate criminals who pick the digital pockets of U.S. citizens by hiding behind the virtual anonymity of the internet.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.  Additionally, the assistance of Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Fraud Investigation Division was critical in gathering the necessary evidence.  Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore 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.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason Patrick Alday, 39, of Quincy, Florida, has been arrested on a federal criminal complaint. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge after Alday made his initial appearance in federal court in Tallahassee.

The criminal complaint alleges that Alday engaged in sending threatening communications, making threats against the President of the United States, and threats against federal officials.

Alday was arrested by the United States Marshals Service Task Force, and the United States Secret Service on Monday. Alday was ordered detained pending trial.

The case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch.

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 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, FLORIDA – Adam Joseph King, 42, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty for distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm 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.”

Court documents reflect that King, and others, were actively receiving and distributing pound quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida, as well as illegally selling firearms. During targeted drug operations, between September 2022 and March 2023, King sold smaller quantities of high-purity methamphetamine and expressed his willingness to illegally obtain and sell firearms. In March 2023, King sold investigative agents approximately an ounce of methamphetamine and a semi-automatic handgun.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous and addictive drug that destroys families and devastates communities,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA remains committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate those who distribute this poison in our communities and hold them accountable for their actions.”

King’s prison sentence will be followed by 8 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, in coordination with the Tallahassee Police Department, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Task Force (HIDTA). Assistant United States Attorney Eric Mountin 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.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dustin M. Hatcher, 39, of Sale City, Georgia, was found guilty by a federal jury of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The guilty verdict returned yesterday afternoon, at the conclusion of a day-and-a-half trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Between February 15-17, 2024, multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies conducted a proactive joint undercover investigative operation aimed at identifying and locating adults who were interested in engaging in sexual activity with minors. During this operation, an undercover investigator posted an ad on a website advertising that he and his (fictitious) 14-year-old niece—who another undercover investigator was posing as—were available for a sex encounter. The undercover investigator received messages from Hatcher indicating that he was interested in meeting and having sex with the undercover investigator and the (fictitious) niece. Hatcher agreed to meet up at a gas station in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was arrested by members of the Leon County Sheriff's Office and Homeland Security Investigation.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 4, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Mark E. Walker. Hatcher faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum of life imprisonment, followed by a term of 5 years to life of supervised release.

This conviction was the result of a joint undercover investigative operation conducted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tallahassee Police Department. 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.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tamylon Williams, 28, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been sentenced to 96 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty for 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.

“The investigation and prosecution of violent crime – in this case a fatal, mass casualty shooting by an armed 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 such federal crimes of violence.”

On October 29, 2022, at approximately 11:48 p.m., Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) Officers responded to gunshots being fired from the area of Half Time Liquors at 2101 West Pensacola Street in Tallahassee, Florida.  TPD found several people who were wounded during the incident, and one individual who was killed by the gunfire.

“We are grateful that justice has prevailed, ensuring that Williams will be held accountable for his senseless actions and face the consequences," said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Following this tragic shooting, TPD officers and detectives worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and provide closure for the victim’s families. Today, we find solace in knowing that our justice system stands firm in prosecuting those who seek to disrupt our safety and harm our community.”

Video evidence from Half Time Liquors was obtained which shows Williams walking in the parking lot with the barrel of a rifle protruding out of the bottom of his jacket; other video shows Williams taking a stance consistent with firing a gun.  Williams is later seen entering a vehicle and placing an AK-style rifle into the backseat. Officers located the vehicle at a gas station within a couple hours of the shooting, and the rifle was recovered from the backseat. Williams had prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing the rifle.

Williams is still pending related charges in State Court for the 2nd Judicial Circuit, where he is presumed innocent.

Williams’ prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

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.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Frederick Anthony Forbes, 52, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison, after previously having been found guilty by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and vigorous prosecution of criminals bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentence illustrates the significant consequences of harming our citizens through illicit drug trafficking activities.”

The evidence showed that Forbes, who was previously convicted of cocaine trafficking in 1994, was engaged in a longstanding conspiracy with other individuals to distribute cocaine. The conspiracy used coded language and counter-surveillance to avoid detection, as well as a commercial trucking business as a cover for narcotics trafficking.

“Drug trafficking has a devastating impact on our communities, and drug distributors, like Mr. Forbes, put profits over the lives of our citizens,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division. “This investigation highlights DEA’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those who threaten the safety and health of our Florida communities accountable for their actions.” 

Evidence, including testimony, surveillance, wiretap intercepts, and two kilograms of powder cocaine seized from Forbes in September of 2022, established that Forbes coordinated the purchase, delivery, and re-sale of cocaine, acting as a supplier for dealers in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation led to the seizure of nearly four kilograms of powder cocaine from Forbes and co-conspirators, seizure and forfeiture of a commercial tractor trailer used by Forbes to transport narcotics, and the indictment and conviction of two co-conspirators.

Forbes’ prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney David Byron prosecuted the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jeru-Ahmad Jibad Shakur, 49, of Hampton, Georgia, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 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.”

The evidence showed that Shakur, along with co-conspirators, conspired to receive and distribute pound quantities of high-purity methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida and elsewhere. Investigation revealed that Shakur supplied three pounds of high-purity methamphetamine to a co-conspirator, and personally sold four pounds of high-purity methamphetamine to an undercover agent in the Northern District of Florida. Investigation led to the seizure of approximately seven pounds of methamphetamine, as well as the indictment and conviction of two co-conspirators.

“Methamphetamine is a highly-addictive substance that destroys families and communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Our DEA agents will continue to work with law enforcement partners to stop those who traffic this illicit and dangerous drug.”

Shakur’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration in coordination with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, Suwanee County Sheriff’s Office, Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perry Police Department. 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”

In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence.  Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography.  Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography.

“We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.”

Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.

“This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donovan E. Whidden, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to online receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Protecting innocent children from sexual predators remains one of our highest priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors who work tirelessly to identify these predators and bring them to justice so that they may never exploit a child again. Due to their collective efforts, our community is safer, and this repeat offender is exactly where he belongs – behind bars.”

In September 2023, the Pensacola Police Department received cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that led back to Whidden’s residence.  Law enforcement was aware that Whidden was on state court probation for a conviction for Promoting Sexual Performance by a Child in 2022. A search warrant was obtained for his residence, and law enforcement located evidence of Whidden utilizing the media platform Discord to upload and obtain child pornography.  Whidden also used a cloud storage platform to maintain his child pornography.

“We must always protect our children. Our relentless pursuit to hunt down sexual predators remains a top priority for our law enforcement partners,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “Let this sentence be a reminder to anyone that wants to hurt our children, we will find you and use every available law enforcement resource to get justice.”

Whidden’s prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions.

“This recidivist predator once again showed no respect for humanity by actively collecting and trading child sexual abuse material online,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Thanks to the investigative efforts of our persistent special agents and the Pensacola Police Department, this repeat offender will now spend well deserved time behind bars.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other investigate agencies that comprise the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in Northern Florida. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ethan Anderson, 44, of Gainesville, Florida was sentenced to 144 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, U.S. 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 swift action, a habitual felon who discharged a firearm during a heated argument 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.”

On February 28, 2023, the Gainesville Police Department responded to reports of an armed disturbance. Officers learned that a subject, later identified as Anderson, possessed, and discharged a firearm during an argument with others. Anderson was subsequently located inside a nearby residence. A search of the residence revealed a firearm containing Anderson’s DNA. Anderson later admitted to possessing and discharging the firearm.

"The FBI is committed to safeguarding our communities from violent crime,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This sentencing should serve as a message that we will continue to join forces with our law enforcement partners and use all tools available to tackle the issue of gun violence in our neighborhoods and ensure those who commit violent acts are punished to the full extent of the law.”

Anderson’s prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

This case was investigated by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant United States Attorney Harley W. 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Paul J. Freeman, 68, of Niceville, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with unauthorized possession and transmission of classified national defense information. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today after Freeman made his initial appearance in federal court in Pensacola, Florida.

As alleged in the indictment, Freeman, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and March 2021, transmitted classified national defense information about United States Air Force aircraft and weapons to people not authorized to access the information. 

A detention hearing has been set for July 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States Magistrate Judge Zachary Bolitho.

If convicted, Freeman faces up to a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment on each of the nine counts in the indictment.

The United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg for the Northern District of Florida, Senior Trial Attorney Heather M. Schmidt, and Trial Attorney Yifei Zheng of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section 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.

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, FLORIDA – Shawn Lei Burge, 50, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison after having previously pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement of a minor for sexual activity 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,” stated 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.”

During July 2023, a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), serving in an undercover capacity, met the defendant in a social media chat group focused on child pornography. During chats, Burge asked for videos or photographs depicting girls younger than 15 years of age. Over the course of a week, Burge and the undercover FBI agent communicated through private direct messaging about the undercover agent’s fictious girlfriend’s 11-year-old daughter. Burge requested photos of the fictious 11-year-old girl and indicated that he wanted to meet in-person so he could engage in sexual activity with the child.

“Child predators use the pseudo-anonymity of the internet to locate those who would help them feed their perversion of molesting children,” said HSI Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno.  “This more than a decade sentencing is yet another example of the unwavering dedication and commitment of HSI special agents and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, alongside our law enforcement partners with Leon County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Attorney’s Office, to bring to justice those who prey upon our children.”

On August 6, 2023, Burge traveled to an agreed upon location for his stated purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the fictious 11-year-old child. Instead, Burge was promptly arrested by law enforcement. A search of Burge’s cell phone revealed a child pornography video shared during previous group chats with undercover agents. Further investigation revealed that Burge had 14 other child pornography photos and videos depicting children—including toddlers—being sexually abused.

Burge’s prison sentence will be followed by twelve years of supervised release, and 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 Burge’s cell phone which was used in the commission of the offenses.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations as part of a larger undercover operation conducted along with the Tallahassee Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ion Halmac, 35, and Marian Vasilache, 45, both of Romania, were sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal bank card numbers, possession of bank card skimming equipment, and possession of bank card numbers. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“These cases demonstrate the success of cooperative investigations by federal and local agencies working to identify and arrest those attempting to profit from fraud and theft,’” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The protection of our citizens’ financial information is paramount, and with the help of our law enforcement partners, we will hold criminals accountable, no matter their national origin.”

On April 17, 2023, the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Halmac and Vasilache for speeding as they were traveling on I-10. Both individuals provided false identification, and once properly identified, investigators learned that they were both in the country illegally. A search of their vehicle revealed card skimming equipment, blank cards, and a laptop computer with over 3,000 bank card numbers.  Investigators later searched a storage facility in New Orleans belonging to the defendants and found additional skimming equipment.

“Crimes that threaten the identities, financial security, and future of American citizens will not be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Nicholas Ingegno. “Alongside our state and local partners, HSI will investigate criminals who steal the identities of U.S. citizens and lurk in the shadows of the internet to pick the digital pockets of unsuspecting victims.”

Each defendant was ordered to serve a term of 1-year supervised release following their prison sentence, which will likely be negated due to their immediate deportation proceedings.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Darnell Devaughn Burnett, 40, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to serve 150 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing heroin, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of cocaine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through their efforts, this defendant – a prior offender currently serving a probationary sentence – will face the significant consequences of his continued criminal conduct. We will continue to support our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals distributing drugs in North Florida.”

On June 13, 2023, a state search warrant was executed at Burnett’s residence in Pensacola, Florida. During the search of the residence, law enforcement located and seized 829 grams of methamphetamine, 137.9 grams of heroin, small quantities of fentanyl and cocaine, a digital scale and bags used for drug distribution. Evidence introduced at the sentencing hearing established that at the time the search warrant was executed at his residence, Burnett was on state probation for drug distribution charges.  

“This case is another example of how our strong law enforcement partnership enhances public safety in Pensacola,” said Pensacola Police Chief Eric Randall. “We are committed to utilizing every resource available to hold accountable those responsible for the distribution of dangerous drugs in our community.”

“The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to pursuing those who continue to put personal profits over the lives of our citizens by distributing this poison in our communities and hold them accountable for their actions,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne Reuter. “With the support and cooperation from our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to succeed in our mission of keeping our Florida communities safe and healthy.”

Burnett’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

This sentencing resulted from a joint investigation by the Pensacola Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can 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, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Dr. Mustafa A. Hammad, M.D., a neurologist and pain management physician who formerly practiced medicine at the NeuroMedical Institute (“NMI”) in Panama City, Florida, entered into a consent judgment and settlement agreement to resolve a pending lawsuit filed by the United States pursuant to the False Claims Act and the Controlled Substances Act. The judgment and settlement were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“This lawsuit and resolution demonstrate our resolve to hold physicians accountable for the blatant fraudulent billing of our federal health care programs,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to defend the fiscal integrity of federal healthcare programs. This agreement results in the return of fraud proceeds to the American taxpayers and through the surrender of his DEA registration, ensures the defendant’s fraudulent billing practices have come to an end.”

In March 2023, the United States filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida alleging numerous violations under the FCA and CSA. See United States v. Mustafa A. Hammad, M.D., Case No. 5:23-cv-00063-TKW-MJF. The lawsuit alleged that Hammad established medical centers in Palestine and Israel in approximately 2017 and has resided outside the United States since approximately September 2019. The United States alleged that Hammad conducted and interpreted approximately 582 sleep studies while he was physically located outside the United States and thereafter billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for such services in violation of the FCA. The United States also alleged that Hammad issued multiple prescriptions on dates he was physically outside the United States in violation of the CSA.  Finally, the United States alleged that Hammad also billed the Government for approximately 4,787 additional services allegedly performed at NMI while he was physically outside the United States in violation of the FCA.

To resolve the pending litigation, Hammad agreed to the following, among others: (1) a consent judgment in the amount of $550,000; (2) the United States’ sale of Hammad’s real property in Panama City; (3) not contest a forfeiture judgment entered against Hammad in the amount of $506,017.40 in United States v. $42,924.20, et al., Case. No. 5:22-cv-00065-TKW-MJF; and (4) to not reapply for a DEA registration.  

“Doctors, like Hammad, who falsify prescriptions and medical records increase the likelihood of prescription misuse and abuse,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This consent judgement demonstrates our resolve to hold those accountable who misuse their DEA Registration.”

“Physicians who participate in federal health care programs must follow the law when billing federally funded health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid,” said Stephen Mahmood, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to protecting the integrity of these taxpayer-funded programs and the people they serve. Working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners, we will continue to thoroughly investigate such fraudulent billing schemes.”

This civil settlement agreement is not an admission of any liability by Dr. Hammad, nor a concession by the United States that its claims were not well-founded. 

Assistant United States Attorneys Mary Ann Couch, Marie Moyle, Katherine Kerwin, Kaitlin Weiss, and Andrew Grogan represented the United States in this matter and related forfeiture action, which was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (Diversion Control Program), Bay County Sherriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and United States Department of Health and Human Services. 

The U.S. 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal judge sentenced a husband, wife, and their son after previously having been found guilty by a federal jury for trafficking methamphetamine in Walton County. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

The defendants and their sentences were:

• Philip Beck, 48, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, 262 months in prison
• Florence Beck, 47, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, 120 months in prison
• Joshua Martinez, 28, of DeFuniak Springs, Florida, 258 months in prison

All will be on supervised release once they are released from custody.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain committed to support their efforts through the investigation and vigorous prosecution of criminals bringing drugs into North Florida. The imposed sentences illustrate the significant consequences of harming our citizens through illicit drug trafficking activities.”

The investigation revealed that on January 16, 2023, the DeFuniak Springs Police Department stopped a Ram truck operated by Philip Beck and discovered approximately 28 grams of methamphetamine. On March 10, 2023, the U.S. Postal Inspection service intercepted two packages mailed from California to addresses in Niceville and Mossy Head, each containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine. Subsequent investigation revealed that Philip Beck and Joshua Martinez were the intended recipients of the drug parcels and Florence Beck was assisting them. 

"The partnership between the Postal Service and our VICE/Narcotics Unit was critical in getting deadly drugs off our streets," said Sheriff Adkinson. "We are grateful our federal partners were able to achieve significant sentences in this case, keeping these dealers out of our communities for the next two decades."

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service objectives are to preserve the integrity of the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse, rid the mail of illicit drugs, and to keep our communities throughout Florida, safe,” said Juan A. Vargas, Inspector in Charge of the Miami Division. “The sentencings should be a reminder to criminals that we will aggressively pursue those that aim to misuse the mail system.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the DeFuniak Springs Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore 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.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Sean Kurt Paolo Macalacad, 24, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of 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.”

Plea documents reflect that law enforcement officers received Cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a user of a social media account had transmitted five files constituting child pornography. The subsequent investigation revealed that the account was Macalacad’s, an engineering student at Florida State University. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers obtained search warrants for two of Macalacad’s cell phones. An examination of the first phone’s contents confirmed that Macalacad was in possession of multiple child pornography images and videos with victims as young as 6 months of age. Additionally, the first phone contained evidence that Macalacad was engaged in sexually explicit chats with a 15-year-old boy through another social media application. During those chats, Macalacad misrepresented his age by claiming to be younger and requested the minor to send sexually explicit photographs of himself. The search of the second phone revealed that it contained additional child pornography videos, and that it had been used to contact two 17-year-old boys through a social media application and obtain sexually explicit photographs of them.

“The conviction of Macalacad for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material is a solemn reminder of the profound harm inflicted upon innocent lives,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “It underscores our collective duty, alongside partners at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, to safeguard the most vulnerable among us and to ensure that those who exploit and victimize children are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Justice has been served, but our commitment to protecting children remains steadfast.”

Macalacad’s prison sentence will be followed by lifetime supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to all sex offender conditions. The Court ordered forfeiture of electronic devices used in the commission of the offenses, including two the cell phones.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. 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. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit 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, FLORIDA – Ennis Alexander Andrews, 44, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute alpha-Pyrrolidinopentiophenone, commonly known as “alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone,” “alpha-PVP,” or “Molly.”  United States Attorney Jason R. Coody, for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe by removing addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” 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.”

During August through October 2022, investigators conducted a series of controlled drug purchases of “Molly” from Andrews, after which warrants for his arrest were obtained.  When officers went to arrest Andrews on October 13, 2022, he attempted to flee.  After being detained, several ounces of “Molly” were found on his person.

“These dedicated efforts by investigators and the prosecution team highlight our shared commitment to addressing illegal drug activity in our community,” said Chief of Police Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. “We know violent crime is often linked to drug activity, and it significantly reduces the quality of life for citizens. We will do everything we can to protect and serve those who call Tallahassee home.”

At the time of the investigation, Andrews was serving a term of federal supervised release imposed after his release from prison in July 2022. Andrews prison sentence will be followed by 6 additional years of supervised release. 

“Collaborations between our DEA agents and local law enforcement are critical to mission success,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter, DEA Miami Field Division. “We truly value our partnerships in our efforts toward eradicating these dangerous drugs from our streets and neighborhoods.”  

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.

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, FLORIDA – Charles Deon Mathews, 30, and Shai Trymaine Fields, 31, both of Houston, Texas, were each sentenced to 51 months in federal prison, having previously pled guilty to bank robbery. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Through the coordinated efforts of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, the defendants’ crime spree has ended, and they have been held accountable for their criminal conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence illustrates our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with federal crimes of violence.”

On July 19, 2023, Mathews and Fields drove from Houston, Texas, to Tallahassee, Florida, where they robbed an ATM technician repairing a Wells Fargo ATM off Mahan Drive. During the robbery, Mathews and Fields jumped out of a rental vehicle wearing hoods and masks and rushed at the ATM technician who backed away. Mathews removed four cassettes of money from the ATM, and the two men then fled. Mathews and Fields then traveled down to Gainesville, Florida, where they paid cash for flights back to Houston.

“This conviction highlights the Tallahassee Police Department's commitment to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors in this city," said Chief Lawrence Revell of the Tallahassee Police Department. "Let this serve as a clear message: Tallahassee is not a haven for criminals looking to evade justice. If you commit a crime here, regardless of where you come from, we will find you, we will arrest you, and you will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

TPD and the FBI cooperated in their initial investigation of the robbery and were able to identify Mathews and Fields. The FBI’s continued investigation showed that Mathews and Fields were both also present in Detroit, Michigan, when another ATM technician was robbed at a Chase Bank ATM on August 18, 2023.

“Communities across the country are safer with these criminals behind bars,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler. “This case exemplifies the FBI’s dedication to protecting communities from violent crime. We will continue identifying and disrupting violent acts through intelligence-driven investigations and close partnerships with state, local, and tribal law enforcement.”

The FBI worked with officers from the Houston Police Department to locate Mathews and Fields in Houston and both were arrested on federal warrants for the Tallahassee robbery.

Mathews’ and Fields’ imprisonment will be followed by 3-years of supervised release, and each was ordered to pay $88,710.00 in restitution to Wells Fargo and to also forfeit $88,710.00 to the government.

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Tallahassee Police Department and the Houston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys James A. McCain and 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.