Northern District of Florida

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Octavius Durdley, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison following his conviction on one count of failing to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentenced.

Durdley was convicted by a federal jury in February 2022. Evidence introduced at trial revealed Durdley was originally convicted and sentenced in 2010 of a federal sex offense which required him to comply with both state and federal registration requirements. Upon his release in May 2019, he initially complied with SORNA’s registration requirements. However, in October 2019, he announced his intention not to comply with any supervision or registration requirements. In December 2019, he was found to have violated his federal supervision and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment. Following his release from prison in January 2021, he again failed to comply with his supervision or registration requirements until he was arrested in April 2021.  

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Coody.  “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

Durdley’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, with requirements that he continue to register under SORNA.

United States Marshal Don Ladner remarked, “The U.S. Marshals are committed to ensuring that sex offenders follow all federal registration requirements. If these offenders fail to do so and break the law, we will fully investigate and prosecute their violations.”

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney F.T. Williams prosecuted this case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are alerting the public of several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be United States Attorneys, FBI Agents, or other law enforcement officials. Individuals receiving such calls are encouraged to report the solicitations to their FBI Jacksonville Division  and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.

During the calls, appearing to come from the Northern District United States Attorney’s Office telephone number, the imposters attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest purportedly related to a claim of human trafficking, or other similar offenses. The intended victims are advised they can avoid arrest by paying a monetary fine.

The tactics utilized appear credible, such as providing information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and physical courthouse addresses. The fraudsters also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency.

If you have been contacted or believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center and to the Federal Trade Commission.

Things to remember:

• The United States Attorney’s Office will never contact individuals about criminal investigations and never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
• You should never divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
• Report scam phone calls to your local FBI office and to the FTC.
• You may remain anonymous when you report suspicious or criminal activity.

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 – A federal grand jury has returned a twenty-one count indictment against Andrew Demetric Gillum, 42, and Sharon Janet Lettman-Hicks, 53, both of Tallahassee, Florida. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The Indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2019, defendants Gillum and Lettman-Hicks conspired to commit wire fraud, by unlawfully soliciting and obtaining funds from various entities and individuals through false and fraudulent promises and representations that the funds would be used for a legitimate purpose. The Indictment further alleges the defendants used third parties to divert a portion of those funds to a company owned by Lettman-Hicks, who then fraudulently provided the funds, disguised as payroll payments, to Gillum for his personal use. Both defendants are charged with 19 counts of wire fraud. Gillum is also charged with making false statements to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The initial appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee in the Magistrate Judge’s Courtroom on the main floor.

The maximum terms of imprisonment for the offenses are as follows:

• 5 years:  Making False Statements
• 20 years: Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

• 20 years: Wire Fraud

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen M. Kunz and Andrew J. Grogan.

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.

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 – Alexander Clifford Nelms, 43, and Jorvin Jermaine Cockran, 36, both of Miami, Florida, were convicted and sentenced to ten years in federal prison for their crimes. Nelms pled guilty to one count of possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine on July 27, 2021, and was sentenced on November 15, 2021. Cockran was convicted at trial on February 11, 2022, of one count of possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and sentenced this week. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Concerted law enforcement partnerships like the Alachua County Drug Task Force serve a vital role in protecting our communities from armed drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “These brave law enforcement officers place their lives in danger each day to remove firearms and addictive drugs from our streets. We remain vigilant to hold these criminals accountable.”

On January 20, 2021, a Gainesville Police Department officer assigned to the then Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task Force’s Domestic Highway Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop on a minivan for speeding. Nelms was identified as the driver and Cockran was the front seat passenger. The pair were travelling northbound on I-75 from Miami, Florida. While conducting his traffic enforcement duties the officer detected the odor of cannabis coming from the vehicle and received conflicting information from the subjects as to their travel plans. An Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Deputy who supervised the Domestic Highway Enforcement team arrived on scene as backup and deployed his narcotics detection canine partner to conduct an open-air sniff of the minivan. When the canine alerted to the odor of narcotics, officers detained Nelms and Cockran in the rear of a patrol vehicle and searched the minivan, ultimately locating one kilogram of cocaine in a gym bag between the driver and passenger seats, another two-ounce package of cocaine, some marijuana and THC cartridges, and two loaded firearms within ready reach and access of Cockran. Nelms attempted to claim the drugs while Cockran claimed the firearms, but conversation between the two of them in the rear of the patrol vehicle confirmed they were acting in concert to traffic in the cocaine.

"These sentences speak to the strength of the relationships we have with our local law enforcement partners as well as the dedication of the investigators, who work daily to ensure communities in northern Florida continue to be safe places to live,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “We will continue our collaborative efforts with our partners to ensure those who seek to harm our communities are brought to justice.”

“By collaborating with our partners on the local, state, and federal level, we will continue to make Alachua County a safe and welcoming community for all,” said Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr. “If you want to commit crimes, we are going to work together at every level to make sure criminals are held accountable.”

Nelms had multiple prior felony convictions, to include a prior trafficking in Roxicodone in the State of Florida. Nelms’ 10 years’ imprisonment will be followed by eight years of supervised release, and Cockran’s 10 years’ imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervise release.

“We are proud to have the Domestic Highway Enforcement Task Force working every day to take violent criminals off our highways,” said Acting Chief Lonnie Scott, Sr. “If you see one of these members on the highway, know that they are doing their best to keep our streets, community, and neighbors as safe as possible.”

This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the Gainesville Police Department, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Elsey. 

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 – Jennifer Woods, 46, of Panama City, Florida, and Jeffrey Cannon, 48, of Orlando, Florida, were sentenced on March 9, 2022, and today, respectively, after previously pleading guilty to charges relating to a bank fraud conspiracy. Woods was sentenced to a total of twenty-four months in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Cannon was sentenced to a total of forty-one months in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“This investigation and the associated sentences should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would engage in fraudulent transactions, especially financial representatives who abuse their positions of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for their dedication, investigating and recovering the victim’s hard-earned funds.”

Court documents reflect that between October 2006 and August 2019, Woods was employed with Centennial Bank in Panama City, Florida, with her last position being the Vice President of Commercial Lending.  Court documents further reflect that Woods met Cannon, a real estate developer in Orlando, Florida, several years before Woods left Centennial Bank. Cannon was looking for private lenders to “invest” with him, and Woods connected Cannon with other Centennial Bank customers (against Centennial Bank’s policies and procedures). Beginning in February 2018, Woods began embezzling funds from Centennial Bank customers and transferring the stolen funds to Cannon. At times, some of the embezzled funds were used to repay moneys owed by Cannon or to replace previously embezzled funds before the accountholders became aware that their funds were missing. In total, Cannon fraudulently obtained over $3 million from Woods as a result of their bank and wire fraud conspiracy.

“Fraud erodes the faith that citizens have in our financial institutions,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “We appreciate the teamwork with our partners at the United States Secret Service and the United States Attorney’s Office for helping to restore the public trust.”

“This successful investigation and prosecution is a testament to the high level of law enforcement proficiency and cooperation in the Northern District of Florida,” said Resident Special Agent in Charge Seth Reister, United States Secret Service, Tallahassee Resident Office. “The Bay County Sheriff’s Office was a dutiful and indispensable partner in this investigation and produced value added results through their tenacity and professionalism. In combination with the expertise provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, this prosecution grants closure to both the victims and the community at large.”    

Woods’ imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release, and Cannon’s imprisonment will be followed by three years supervised release. The court ordered both defendants to pay over $3 million in restitution to Centennial Bank and its customers and entered a $3,069,114.39 forfeiture money judgment against Cannon. 

This case was jointly investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 – Thomas Joe Obregon, a/k/a Tommy Gun, 47, of Okaloosa County, Florida, was sentenced to seventeen and half years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and are to be commended for apprehending this armed fugitive and bringing his trafficking of addictive and deadly controlled substances to an end. Our community is safer due to their valiant efforts.”

In November 2020 and October 2021, Obregon, a convicted felon at-large on state arrest warrants and a bond violation, was arrested by Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputies in conjunction with the United States Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and found in possession of distribution amounts of heroin and a loaded Glock 9mm pistol. As part of the investigation into Obregon’s drug trafficking activities, the Government was able to link Obregon to over 100 grams of “super blues” (pressed pills containing fentanyl), 400 grams of methamphetamine, and 100 grams of heroin. 

“It’s extremely rewarding to see this sentence and these concrete results arising from local, state, and federal partnerships focused on keeping dangerous felons and deadly drugs off our streets. Thomas Obregon is a habitual violent drug trafficker who is now going to be exactly where he needs to be, behind bars,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.

“DEA will not waiver in our pursuit of holding individuals like Mr. Obregon accountable for their crimes,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This case is a testament to what we can accomplish with strong collaborative partnerships with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Gordon 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 – Arthur Desean North, 32, of Port St. Joe, Florida, was the second man from Port St. Joe to be sentenced to federal prison this week for his part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. North received a sentence of ten years in prison. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Rural communities throughout our district are plagued by methamphetamine distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We are committed to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and aggressively prosecute those recidivist offenders who continue to distribute such addictive and deadly controlled substances. This sentence is further proof of this resolve.”

North pled guilty to conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Court documents show that North was responsible for distributing at least ten pounds of methamphetamine.

“In partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Attorney’s Office, we remain committed to identifying and holding those who distribute deadly drugs to account,” said Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith. “Significant sentences like this should deter those who would engage in such acts.” 

North was part of a conspiracy which was obtaining methamphetamine from Atlanta, Georgia. North was provided with one-pound quantities of methamphetamine which he resold in various communities in North Florida. North had four prior convictions for drug-trafficking offenses and was on probation for sale of cocaine at the time he conspired to distribute methamphetamine.

“Methamphetamine is a dangerous and destructive drug. This sentence sends a strong message that those who bring this poison into our communities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA remains deeply committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to target these individuals who threaten the safety of our communities.” 

Following North’s 120-month sentence, he will be on federal supervised release for ten years. This sentence was the result of an investigation conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain 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 –Roderick L. Robinson, 55, of Port St. Joe, Florida, also known as “Raggedy” and “Rags,” was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for his part in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Those who repeatedly commit serious crimes are deserving of significant prison sentences,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners work tirelessly to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to remove addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities. Moreover, this sentence should serve as a strong deterrent to those who would distribute drugs in North Florida.”

Robinson pled guilty to conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Court documents show that Robinson was responsible for distributing at least 180 ounces (5.1 kilograms) of methamphetamine.

“DEA’s top priority is to protect our Florida communities from individuals like Mr. Robinson who threaten the health and safety of our citizens with their illegal actions,” said Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA remains committed to our partnerships with the law enforcement community in northern Florida to bring these drug trafficking organizations to justice and keep our communities safe.”

Robinson had an extensive criminal history which included eight prior convictions for sale of cocaine and a 1994 conviction for attempted second degree murder with a hate crime enhancement for which Robinson had previously served over 15 years in state prison.

Following Robinson’s 168-month sentence, he will be on federal supervised release for 10 years. This sentence was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf County Sheriff’s Office, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain 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 – Brian Stanton, 38, of Athens, Georgia, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison following his trial conviction on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Cooperative and concerted efforts like Operation Arrowhead enable our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those distributing addictive and deadly controlled substances in both our urban and rural communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We remain vigilant to support their investigative efforts and will aggressively prosecute those engaged in drug trafficking throughout North Florida.”

Stanton was already serving federal sentences for possession of a firearm and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine when he was arrested on the new charge. While incarcerated at a federal prison in Atlanta, Stanton used a contraband cellular telephone to arrange for the distribution of at least 24 pounds of methamphetamine through various sources of supply outside the prison between June 2019 and November 2020. His new sentence will run consecutive, meaning Stanton will not begin serving the 300 months, until after his current period of incarceration is complete. Upon release, Stanton will be on supervised release for ten years.

“This sentence demonstrates the commitment of the DEA to work with our local, state, and federal partners to ensure that those who continue to engage in criminal activities and bring this poison into our Florida communities will be held accountable for their actions,” said Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “I commend the men and women who worked tirelessly on this investigation to dismantle this criminal drug network in order to keep their communities safe and healthy.”

“It is a constant battle to keep drug dealers off the street, and protect our families from their poisonous grip,” said Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett.  “It takes federal, state, and local agencies working together as one team to make it happen.  All law enforcement officers who came together for the success of Operation Arrowhead are to be commended.  However, our mission would have been unsuccessful without the assistance of public citizens who take the initiative to say something when they see something.” 

“When it comes to those who endeavor to commit serious crimes, jurisdictional boundaries are of no concern or consequence,” said Perry Police Chief Cruse. “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. The investigation and prosecution of all those convicted in Operation Arrowhead 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.”

In addition to Stanton, the operation resulted in the conviction of 23 other individuals, including:

• Erica Keeler, 22, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to time served
• Kristin Walker , 32 of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to time served
• Audrey Newmeyer, 56, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 18 months in federal prison
• Jeffrey Thomley, Jr., 32, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 18 months in federal prison
• Russell Walker, Jr., 34, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 24 months in federal prison
• Carlton Hull, 50, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 30 months in federal prison
• Kammra Witt, 53, of Silver Springs, Florida; Sentenced to 36 months in federal prison
• Heather Vann, 40, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 48 months in federal prison
• Connie Sullivan, 52, of Trenton, Florida; Sentenced to 48 months in federal prison
• Roger Slaughter, 36, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 60 months in federal prison
• Kathryn Comolli, 41, of Edgewater, Florida; Sentenced to 72 months in federal prison  
• Mark Johns, 50, of Lake City, Florida; Sentenced to 72 months in federal prison
• James Watkins, 37, of Fort White, Florida; Sentenced to 108 months in federal prison
• Abel Guerra, 60, of Perry, Florida; Sentenced to 114 months in federal prison
• Cedrick Gaddy, 44, of Perry, Florida, Sentenced to 120 months in federal prison
• Paul Pridgeon, 73, of Mayo, Florida; Sentenced to 144 months in federal prison
• Robert Murphy, 53 of Tallahassee, Florida; Sentencing set for June 15, 2022
• Kevin Lambert, 48, of Brooksville, Florida; Sentencing set for June 16, 2022
• Brian Morgan, 43 of Brooksville, Florida; Sentencing set for July 13, 2022
• Fawn Hurley, 37, of Mayo, Florida;   Sentencing set for July 14, 2022                    
• Beyah Besha,44, of Perry, Florida; Sentencing set for July 27, 2022                       
• Robert Segrest , 40, of Perry, Florida; Sentencing set for August 4, 2022
• Stephen Gamble, 49, of Perry, Florida, Sentencing set for August 22, 2022

This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Operation Arrowhead was a joint investigation targeting methamphetamine traffickers in several rural North Florida counties.

Operation Arrowhead was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Milligan, Eric Mountin, James A. McCain, Kaitlin Weiss, and Christopher Elsey.

The operation was conducted by a multi-agency task force through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply. More information on the OCDETF program is available here: https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf/about-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.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Eddie D. Starks, 41, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney, for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.

“Our law enforcement partnerships play such a vital role in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentencing is another example that working jointly with our partners is making our communities safer.”

Law enforcement responded to Starks’ apartment because of a 911 call alleging that he had a firearm and was threatening to kill his wife. When Tallahassee Police Department officers arrived, they heard screaming and yelling coming from inside the apartment. Starks’ wife answered the door and told officers that he was armed inside and had threatened to kill her with the gun. Officers arrested Starks and located where he had hidden a firearm in a backpack inside the apartment. As officers removed the backpack containing the firearm from the residence, Starks admitted that they would find a quarter pound of marijuana and a firearm in the backpack.

“We are pleased to see another violent felon brought to justice and taken off our community’s streets,” said Deputy Chief Jason Laursen. “Our officers and detectives work tirelessly every day to enhance the safety of citizens. Ensuring felons do not have access to a firearm is crucial in this continued effort to protect the community we serve.”

Starks was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he was a convicted felon. Starks had 12 prior felony convictions and qualified for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal because he had three or more convictions for violent felonies and/or serious drug offenses committed on separate occasions. He had been released from federal prison approximately three months before this arrest and remained on supervised release out of the Middle District of Georgia.

“ATF prioritizes investigations of armed and violent felons to disrupt the cycle of violence and make our communities safer,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Craig W. Saier. “Collaboration with our law enforcement partners in this investigation and prosecution demonstrates armed felons, recently released from prison, and committing alleged acts of domestic violence, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” 

Following his 188-month prison sentence, Starks will be on federal supervised release for five years. This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. 

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 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 – Carlos A. Urena, 38, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney, for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.

“Removing ‘ghost guns’ from the hands of convicted felons is essential in fighting violent crime and protecting the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This investigation and the resulting sentence demonstrate that cooperation between law abiding citizens and law enforcement makes our communities safer.”

After receiving a tip that Carlos Urena was illegally in possession of a large number of firearms, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD), began a joint investigation. Financial documents revealed that Urena had spent approximately $8000 at various websites which sell firearm parts and part-kits between June 17, 2021, and July 7, 2021. On July 22, 2021, ATF and TPD executed federal search warrants at Urena’s home and business. They recovered eight AR-15 style firearms, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, three polymer-80 Glock-style pistols, a Springfield Armory 9-millimeter pistol, an ATA Arms 12-gauge shotgun, thousands of rounds of ammunition in various calibers, firearm parts including high-capacity magazines and AR-style firearm receivers, and tools related to assembling firearms. Most of the firearms recovered were privately made firearms, commonly called “ghost guns” because they do not have serial numbers and are difficult to trace, which Urena had assembled himself from parts ordered from the internet.

“ATF continues to work vigorously with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and protection of the communities that we serve,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Craig W. Saier, “and to make sure the felons in possession of firearms are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Urena was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because he was a convicted felon. Urena had nine prior felony convictions. Less than a month before the search warrants, he had been placed on state probation for child abuse and for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

“Our officers and detectives work diligently to rid our community of illegal guns and reduce the likelihood of those guns ending up in the wrong hands,” said Deputy Chief Jason Laursen of the Tallahassee Police Department. “This conviction is a testament to the vital role the judicial system plays in holding those accountable who aide individuals in the illegal possession of firearms that could be used in violent crimes against the citizens of Tallahassee.”

Following his 87-month prison sentence, Urena will be on federal supervised release for three years. The Court also imposed a $50,000 fine. This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. 

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 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 – Brian Brainard Wedgeworth (a/k/a “Dr. Brian Anderson,” a/k/a “Dr. Anthony Watkins,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Adams,” a/k/a “Dr. Edward Chen,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Chris,” a/k/a “Dr. Chris Williamson,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Christopher Williamson,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Edmonds,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Ammerson,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Lamar Wilson,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Wilson,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Mims,” a/k/a “Dr. Brian Lamar Sims”), 46, formerly of Tallahassee, Florida, and Center Point, Alabama, plead guilty today to 25 counts of wire fraud, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Court documents reflect that between October 2016 and March 2021, Wedgeworth devised a scheme to defraud women he met through online dating forums by falsely representing that he was a physician in order to fraudulently obtain money and property from them.  In so doing, Wedgeworth made promises to the women to induce them to send him money and buy him jewelry and watches. Wedgeworth admitted to causing, or intending to cause, a total loss of over $1.3 million to over 30 women who he victimized as a result of his scheme.

“Our citizens should not be preyed upon by fraudsters who steal 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 engage in all acts of fraud.”

Sentencing in this case is set for August 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Wedgeworth faces up to 20 years in prison on wire fraud and mail fraud counts, up to 10 years in prison on the money laundering counts, and a minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison, consecutive to any other imprisonment that is imposed, for the aggravated identity theft count.

“Rooting out fraudulent schemes furthered by the U.S. Mail, such as romance scams, remains a top priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Juan A. Vargas, Acting Inspector In Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division. “Our agency will continue to investigate those that target innocent individuals and abuse their trust for financial gain.”

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the United State Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), and work is ongoing to ensure that all potential victims are identified.  If you believe that you were in contact with Brian Brainard Wedgeworth, or through one of his aliases, and would like to speak with an investigator, please contact the USPIS by email at [email protected].  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA –Jirard Quin Kincherlow, 40, of Montgomery, Alabama, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Kincherlow’s sentence was the result of a federal jury returning a guilty verdict on June 11, 2021, finding Kincherlow guilty on the sole count of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution.

“This sentence is yet another example of the unwavering commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable, and it should serve as a significant deterrent to those who would attempt to harm them,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“We are grateful to see justice prevail for the victim in this case,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Kincherlow’s sentencing is a testament to the judicial system’s tireless efforts to hold accountable those who break the law and reiterate to the community that human trafficking will not be tolerated.”

“The partnership between HSI and the Tallahassee Police Department, specifically Operation Stolen Innocence, has had a marked impact in making our communities safer,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “This significant sentence serves as notice, these heinous crimes will be investigated, and prosecuted, to the fullest extent of the law.”

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

This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area.  First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven prosecuted this case.

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

 May 11 - May 17 is National Police Week

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Jason R. Coody will recognize the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.

“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”

“Every day our brave law enforcement officers face dangerous and difficult situations without reservation or expectation of thanks,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “These courageous individuals serve, not for fame or fortune, but act selflessly to protect their fellow citizens and keep our communities safe. It is fitting and proper to express our unwavering support and appreciation to our law enforcement officers and their families, while remembering those among their ranks who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation.”

In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers died nationwide in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. Twelve officers have died in the line of duty in the Northern District of Florida.

Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed as a result of felonious acts, whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year.  In 2021, unprovoked attacks[1] were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. Additional LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.

The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.

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.

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Reference to any specific organization or service(s) offered by an organization is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Department of Justice.

[1] An unprovoked attack is defined as an attack on an officer not prompted by official contact at the time of the incident between the officer and the offender.  Source:  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – This afternoon, a federal jury in Gainesville convicted Matthew Lee Ostrander, 36, of Missouri, on possession of obscene visual depictions of minors. The conviction, which followed a 2-day trial that began on Wednesday, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Evidence introduced at trial revealed that in September 2020, Ostrander was arrested in Gainesville, Florida for an outstanding warrant from Missouri. At the time of his arrest, he had also failed to register as a sex offender in the State of Florida. He knowingly possessed electronic devices that contained over four hundred computer-generated images depicting children engaged in sexual activity. The activity included sadistic and masochistic abuse and sexual intercourse with children.  

According to court documents, Ostrander is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted of possession of child pornography on October 18, 2017.

Ostrander’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2022, at 11:00 am, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before the Honorable United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. Ostrander faces 20 years imprisonment.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams prosecuted this case.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA –Travonta Deangelo Rivers, 34, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison following his conviction on two counts of receipt of child pornography. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentenced.

Rivers was convicted by a federal jury in July 2021. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that a search warrant at Rivers’ residence in May 2020, resulted in the seizure of computers which Rivers used to receive and share numerous videos of child pornography. Rivers was located and arrested in December 2020, and again found in possession of a computer which he had used to receive and share child pornography.

“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,” said U.S. Attorney Coody.  “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“Crimes against children will always be a primary focus for HSI and our law enforcement partners,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. "Law enforcement partnerships, such as with the Gainesville Police Department, and targeted predator operations will continue to make our communities safer for everyone."

Rivers’ prison sentence will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

“We will continue to work together to keep our children safe from victimization,” said Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr. “We’ve been effective in our collaboration and will continue to be. We are better together.”

This conviction was a result from the collaborative investigation of Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office as part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams 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 – Last week, Cody Dewayne Jones, 27, of Laurel Hill, Florida, was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison after pleading guilty on January 11, 2022, for attempted enticement of a minor, attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and for committing a felony while a registered sex offender. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“This sentence acknowledges the deviant acts of a child predator,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority. With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, we remain vigilant to investigate and prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.”

In December 2020, an undercover Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) investigator began chatting online to identify individuals interested in exploiting children. An individual, later identified as Jones, sent a private message via a social media platform to the investigator, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl. Over the next few days, Jones solicited pornographic photographs and discussed engaging in sexual activity with “her.”  Law enforcement identified Jones as a previously convicted sex offender. On December 17, 2020, Jones traveled from Laurel Hill, Florida, to a predetermined location for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl and was arrested by law enforcement.

“Protecting innocent children is one of the most important missions we have,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Our HSI special agents moved quickly to identify and take a child predator off the streets. HSI will always protect our children and will act swiftly to prosecute those who seek to do them harm.”  

Jones’ federal prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Jones will continue to be required to register a sex offender and will be subject to all registration conditions. 

“It’s very gratifying to see this lengthy sentence, to be followed by a decade of supervised release, for a registered sex offender who had attempted to continue to exploit and molest children,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “Through the joint efforts of all involved, that opportunity has been extinguished for decades to come.”

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp 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 – Last week, Kameron C. Stone, 30, of Fairfax, Virginia, was sentenced to one year in federal prison for interfering with flight crew and assault by striking and wounding in special aircraft jurisdiction after pleading guilty on February 8, 2022. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“The safety and security of the traveling public and the professionals who provide this service are paramount,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “Given the swift actions of the flight attendant, passengers and a Deputy United States Marshal, an incredibly dangerous situation was averted.  Perilous acts such as this will be investigated by our law enforcement partners and vigorously prosecuted by this office.”        

On April 16, 2021, Stone boarded a flight departing from Dulles International Airport in Virginia bound for Pensacola International Airport. During the flight, passengers noticed Stone was behaving obnoxiously and smelled strongly of alcohol. A flight attendant warned Stone on several occasions about his behavior, which included pretending to shoot at passengers, refusing to remain seated or wear a seatbelt, and reaching for the cockpit door. As the flight began its final descent, Stone approached the front of the aircraft and tried to open the cabin and cockpit doors. A flight attendant attempted to prevent Stone from opening the doors and, as a result, Stone pushed her, grabbed her shoulders, and shoved her into the galley wall, injuring her in the process. During the altercation, Stone successfully breached the main cabin door to the external portion of the plane, triggering the alarm and causing the pilots to declare an emergency with the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight attendant prevented Stone from fully opening the door while three passengers, to include an off-duty Deputy United States Marshal, subdued Stone until landing.

FDLE Pensacola Regional Operations Center Special Agent in Charge Chris Williams said, “It is paramount that aviation employees and passengers can trust that the planes flying across our skies are safe and secure.”  “I am proud of the work of our members and our federal partners in ensuring that Stone is held to account for his actions. I hope this case and prison sentence will serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten the safety of those who work or travel in our skies.”

Stone’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. The court ordered Stone to pay all civil penalties assessed by the Transportation Security Administration, as well as a fine of $7,500.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted the case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Tyron Columbia Watson, 39, of Tallahassee, Florida of two counts of Sex Trafficking of a Minor Under the Age of 14. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday, at the conclusion of a three-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“The jury’s verdict provides justice for this child victim and affirms our commitment to the protection of our most vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“Operation Stolen Innocence was part of the Tallahassee Police Department’s collective commitment to dismantle sexual exploitation in our community,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “We are pleased to see another offender found guilty of their crimes against those most vulnerable in our community. The continuous arrests resulting from this operation are a true testament to the diligent work of our investigators and every agency we have worked with in this mission.”

“The successful federal prosecution of this child predator is a testament to the partnership, dedication and commitment of HSI, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Northern District of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office, to aggressively protect our most vulnerable victims, the children in our communities,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips.

Watson faces a mandatory minimum term of fifteen years imprisonment to Life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a maximum term of Life on supervised release.

This conviction was the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area.  First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven and Special Assistant United States Attorney Khari James prosecuted this case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Mark Robert Clow, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, pled guilty to receiving material constituting child pornography. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Between June 2017, and September 2021, Clow distributed, received, and possessed material containing child pornography. The pornographic material found in Clow’s possession involved a minor under the age of 12.

Sentencing in this case is set for July 8, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States Chief District Judge Mark E. Walker. Clow faces 20 years in prison, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison, followed by a term of 5 years to life of supervised release following his prison sentence. 

The case resulted from an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Brian G. Kolfage, of Miramar Beach, Florida, pled guilty today for crimes charged in the Northern District of Florida relating to the filing of his 2019 federal income taxes.  The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida today.  

Kolfage entered a guilty plea to three federal charges related to filing false income tax returns for the tax year 2019.  With this plea, Kolfage admitted, under oath, that between January 2019 and July 2020, he engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States in relation to his 2019 federal income tax returns. Kolfage admitted receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from multiple organizations during 2019, including We Build the Wall, Inc., which were deposited into his personal bank account. Kolfage failed to report this income to the Internal Revenue Service.  Upon learning of an investigation into his federal income taxes, Kolfage then filed amended tax returns for 2019 that were also false.  These amended tax returns continued to falsely fail to report income deriving directly from We Build the Wall and indirectly from We Build the Wall after being routed through other organizations in order to obfuscate where the money came from.

Kolfage’s plea was entered in the District Court for the Southern District of New York along with a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for fraud related to donors of “We Build the Wall.”

Sentencing in this case is currently set for September 6, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in the Southern District of New York before the Honorable United States District Judge Analisa Torres.

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields.  

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 – Eugene Huelsman, 59, of Thousand Oaks, California, pled guilty today to one count of transmission of a threat in interstate commerce. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the plea hearing, Huelsman admitted that, on January 9, 2021, he telephoned United States Congressman Matthew Gaetz’s congressional district office in Pensacola. When no one answered, Huelsman left a profanity laced voicemail threatening to kill Congressman Gaetz.  This included threatening to “put a bullet in” Congressman Gaetz and members of his family.

The United States Capitol Police were contacted when the threat was made, which triggered security protocols related to the victim. The investigation revealed this was not the first time Huelsman made threats involving political figures. Huelsman had previously been investigated for threatening a member of a former President’s family via social media.   

Sentencing is currently set for June 30, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge T.K. Wetherell, II. Huelsman faces up to five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.    

The case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields.   

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 – Eric Matthew Lipman, 60, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute, receive, and possess material constituting child pornography, and distributing material constituting child pornography after pleading guilty on December 13, 2021. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Those who seek to view and share child pornography facilitate the abuse of children by those who produce and profit from this illegal content,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, we will ensure that those who engage in such heinous conduct will be held accountable for their actions.”

Between February 8, 2021, and February 11, 2021, Lipman, along with others, was a participant in Mega.NZ chat groups that distributed, received, possessed, and discussed child pornography images and videos. Mega.NZ was an Internet cloud storage and file hosting service based in New Zealand. Lipman conspired with the members of the chat groups to distribute, receive, and possess material constituting child pornography, and posted child pornography material within Mega.NZ chat groups for the benefit of other like-minded participants. The pornographic material that Lipman distributed, and that was found on Lipman’s electronic devices, involved prepubescent minors as well as minors under the age of 12.

Lipman’s prison sentence will be followed by 9 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

“This child predator was part of a conspiracy to sexually exploit young children,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “Because of the investigative work of HSI and our law enforcement partners at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, he will no longer be able to harm our most vulnerable.”

“LCSO applauds the work of investigators and the collaborative efforts by all entities involved in seeing justice carried out in this case,” said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. “We must continue to do our due diligence in protecting our most vulnerable and precious members of our community.”

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Gregory Ralph Whitman, 58, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to thirty-five years in federal prison after pleading guilty on December 9, 2021, to attempted enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and for committing a felony while a registered sex offender. The sentence was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“This sentence acknowledges the deviant acts of a child predator,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority. With the assistance of our law enforcement partners, we remain vigilant to investigate and prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.”

In September 2020, a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) undercover operation revealed that Gregory Whitman, who resided in Panama City, Florida, used social media to solicit pornographic photographs from a person he believed to be a 14-year-old boy. The FBI identified Whitman as a previously convicted sex offender in Florida. Through collaborative efforts, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) obtained and executed a search warrant for Whitman’s residence. The search revealed Whitman was in possession of multiple images and videos containing child pornography.   

Whitman's federal prison sentence will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will also be required to pay $15,000.00 in restitution. Whitman will continue to be required to register a sex offender and will be subject to all registration conditions. 

“The exploitation of children is a heinous crime that requires swift and intense law enforcement action,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “This case is a direct result of the commitment by the FBI and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office to protect innocent children and to identify, investigate and arrest online predators.”

“This case proves again that those that prey on children adapt and use the latest technology and law enforcement must keep up to stop them,” said Bay County Sheriff Ford. “We will continue to actively combat this terrible crime with our local and federal partners, but parents and guardians are the first line of defense against child predators. Sheriff Ford asks parents and guardians to monitor children’s activities on the internet closely, including what sites they visit and with whom they communicate.”

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven 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 – Last week, three men were sentenced following their guilty pleas to crimes involving the victimization of a child. George Williams, 44, of Perry, Florida, was sentenced to 180 months federal prison for coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution and attempted production of child pornography. Durrell Johnson, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 235 months federal prison for coercing or enticing a minor to engage in prostitution and receipt of child pornography. Joshua Curry, 34, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 324 months federal prison for conspiracy to sex trafficking a minor and two counts of sex trafficking of a minor. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“These convictions demonstrate 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,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Through concerted efforts like Operation Stolen Innocence we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who prey upon our children.”

“Operation Stolen Innocence represents the strong partnership between HSI and Tallahassee PD, combining law enforcement efforts and expertise to ensure the safety of children and to combat child exploitation,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “The sentencings of these child predators hold them accountable for targeting our most vulnerable.”

Williams’ prison sentence will be followed by a Lifetime of supervised release, and he will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions. Johnson and Curry’s prison sentence will be followed by ten years supervised release and both will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

“We are grateful to see justice prevail for the victim in this case,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “These sentences are a testament to the judicial systems’ tireless efforts to hold accountable those who break the law and reiterate to the community that human trafficking will not be tolerated.”

The convictions were the result of a collaborative investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations as part of Operation Stolen Innocence, a multi-agency coordinated effort by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit to combat human trafficking in the Tallahassee area. First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven prosecuted the cases.

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 – Jeffrey W. Boone, Jr., 32, of Shalimar, Florida, was sentenced to seventy years in federal prison on multiple counts of child sexual exploitation after pleading guilty on November 18, 2021. 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. “Acts of such depravity are horrific and will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for the swift, collaborative efforts, which resulted in the rescue of this child.”

The federal charges related to Boone’s involvement on the social media platform Kik Messenger.  In October 2021, undercover agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) noticed Boone, utilizing an anonymized username, possessing and distributing images of child pornography.  It appeared to the agents that Boone was producing the images himself with a small minor female.  Based upon what they were witnessing, the FBI immediately obtained online records relating to the anonymous username that Boone was utilizing, and the agents were able to trace the illicit activity back to Boone in Shalimar, Florida. That same day, FBI agents obtained a search warrant and executed it on Boone’s residence along with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The minor female was rescued at that time, preventing further abuse from Boone. Law enforcement also seized digital devices resolving back to Boone, confirming his victimization of the child.

Boone’s prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

“Whether a local, state, or federal agency, there is nothing more fundamental to the law enforcement mission than protecting our children from abuse and exploitation,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “We are proud to have partnered with the FBI in its determined and detailed investigation to locate a person responsible for producing and distributing child pornography, and to gather the evidence necessary to hold that individual accountable for his vile actions.”

“The exploitation of children is a heinous crime that requires swift and intense law enforcement action,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “We at the FBI are prepared to do everything in our power, with a sense of urgency and alongside our partners, to protect innocent children and bring predators to justice.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and other members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Amanda Gordon.   

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 – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Lamar Anthony Dukes, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday, at the conclusion of a two-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Evidence introduced during the trial revealed that Dukes distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl on June 9, 2021, and that he later distributed methamphetamine on June 17, 2021. On June 24, 2021, after executing a search warrant at Dukes’ residence, law enforcement seized distribution amounts of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as drug paraphernalia and approximately $48,558 cash.   

“I am proud of our federal, state, and local partners for their tireless efforts to keep us safe and serve a critical role in our efforts to remove addictive and deadly controlled substances from our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “We will continue to support the efforts our law enforcement partners as we work together to investigate and prosecute criminals bringing drugs into North Florida.”

Dukes’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 23, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. Dukes faces a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and five years to life of supervised release.

“With over 100,000 drug overdoses last year and in the midst of a crippling opioid epidemic, the defendant made the decision to distribute these substances in his own community. This verdict demonstrates that our communities will hold drug dealers responsible for their actions,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This case is also strong reminder that DEA and its law enforcement partners will be relentless in pursuing those who seek to harm our communities.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Capital Area Drug Response and Evaluation Group. Assistant United States Attorney Lazaro P. Fields 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 –Jimmy Lee Highsmith, 42, of Marianna, was sentenced to forty-eight months in federal prison following his conviction on one count of sexual abuse of a ward while on duty at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentenced.

Highsmith was convicted by a federal jury in December 2021. Evidence introduced at trial revealed that Highsmith abused his authority as a correctional officer to engage in sexual acts with an inmate on various occasions. The jury received testimony and exhibits showing that between March and April 2014, Highsmith ordered a female inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee to meet him in his office and the officers’ bathroom to engage in illicit sexual acts. Surveillance video footage confirmed that, on April 30, 2014, Highsmith and his victim were caught by other inmates engaging in sexual acts between 11:30 p.m. and midnight in his office. The victim disclosed the illicit sex acts the next day and was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where a sexual assault examination confirmed injuries resulting from sexual activity.

“The sexual abuse of inmates by federal correctional officers is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Those sentenced to prison are to atone for their crimes and gain skills that will enable them to return as productive members of society. They should not be preyed upon by officers who violate their oath of office. This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute any officer who engages in such acts of abuse to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Abuse of inmates of any kind is unacceptable, and Highsmith will rightly serve time for sexually abusing an inmate under his supervision. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to bring to justice anyone who engages in this type of conduct,” said James F. Boyersmith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Miami Field Office.

Highsmith’s prison sentence will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be subject to sex offender conditions.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields 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 R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencings of Joe Nicholas Catala, 21, of Port St. Lucie, Florida (formerly of Tallahassee, Florida); Nicholas Carl Ramirez, 20, of Port St. Lucie, Florida (formerly of Tallahassee, Florida); and Clonet Junior Charmant, 21, of Port St. Lucie.  Catala was sentenced to a total of thirty-six months in prison, Ramirez was sentenced to a total of two months in prison, and Charmant was sentenced to a total of 26 months prison. All defendants were ordered to pay restitution to financial institutions and individuals.

The sentences imposed were the result of guilty pleas which were entered in November 2021, when all three defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Catala also pleaded guilty to passing or uttering a Treasury check bearing a false or forged endorsement. Charmant also pleaded guilty to identity fraud.

“Identity thieves would rather steal the personal identifying information of hardworking citizens than earn an honest living,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Thanks to the dedication of our law enforcement partners, these criminals will have steady employment cleaning the toilets and dormitories of a Bureau of Prisons facility for some time; a task that hopefully will deter them from future criminal conduct upon release.”

Court documents reflect that between April 1, 2019, and May 2, 2020, Catala, Ramirez, and Charmant unlawfully obtained and shared with each other and others the credit and debit card numbers, bank account numbers, and personal identifying information of third parties without authorization.  Further, the defendants communicated with each other and others about how their scheme would be executed and how they would share the proceeds.  The trio then fraudulently transferred funds from accounts belonging to customers of financial institutions into their own accounts using Zelle and the Internet. Additionally, the defendants used the proceeds of their scheme to purchase merchandise and services from merchants and restaurants, and to make cash withdrawals at automated teller machines (“ATMs”). 

Further, Catala fraudulently used the names, addresses, and debit card numbers of others to purchase theme park admissions tickets. Catala also fraudulently used the name, social security number, and date of birth of the previous tenant of his Tallahassee apartment in a false application to open a bank account. Catala used the falsely opened bank account to deposit the proceeds of the previous tenant’s Economic Impact Payment (“EIP”) check, also known as a “Coronavirus Stimulus Check,” which was mailed to Catala’s apartment.  Catala deposited the EIP check knowing that it had a forged endorsement, and then electronically transferred some of the proceeds to Charmant via Zelle.

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration continues to aggressively pursue those who attempt to corruptly interfere with Federal tax administration, including those who fraudulently obtain Economic Impact Payments through the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act which were intended for Americans to assist them through the pandemic,” said J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. “We appreciate the work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners to ensure this criminal activity is held to account.”

Catala’s imprisonment will be followed by five years of supervised release. Ramirez’s and Charmant’s imprisonment will both be followed by three years of supervised release. All three defendants were ordered to pay restitution to financial institutions and individuals. As part of the sentences imposed, the Court also ordered the forfeiture of the defendants’ cell phones, computers, U.S. currency, an Xbox gaming system, and various debit/credit/gift cards.

“U.S. Postal Inspectors are committed to protecting the nations mail system and our customers from crimes involving the mail,” said Joseph Cronin, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service - Miami Division.

This case was jointly investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Eugene A. Light, 74, of Bronson, Florida, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for receipt of child pornography after pleading guilty on January 18, 2022. 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.”

Court documents reflect that a detective with the Levy County, Florida Sheriff’s Office received information that a subject residing in Bronson, Florida, had distributed images of child pornography on the Internet. After further investigation, on January 6, 2021, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence of Light. Inside of the residence, detectives found numerous computers and electronic storage devices. A forensic review of the computers and storage devices revealed Light had received and saved over 1,000 images and videos of child pornography. The materials included prepubescent children and sadistic and masochistic sexual abuse of children

Light's prison sentence will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. He will also be required to pay $39,000.00 in restitution, register as a sex offender, and be subject to all sex offender conditions.

“Thanks to the outstanding partnership between HSI Gainesville and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, this child predator will face the consequences of his crimes,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips.

"These dedicated Sheriff's Office Detectives invested countless hours examining the evidence they seized during this investigation. Ensuring the safety of our children cannot be more serious and the men and women assigned to this division are subjected to the most heinous criminal element that plague our society. I am most proud of their professionalism and dedication to this mission in working with our partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which led to this successful conclusion and Justice was served,” said Sheriff McCallum.

The case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams 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 – Kristopher Blake Hill, 40, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to charges of bank fraud, identity fraud, access device fraud, possession of stolen mail, and aggravated identity theft. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.

“Our citizens and their personal identifying information are the constant targets of devious criminals who would rather steal than earn an honest living,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “With our law enforcement partners, we remain committed to vigorously identifying and prosecuting those individuals who steal the identities of others and use that identifying information to fraudulently obtain money to which they are not entitled.”  

Court documents reflect that between July 1, 2020, and December 4, 2020, Hill passed multiple counterfeit checks at grocery stores and retail stores in Tallahassee, Florida, Crawfordville, Florida, and in the state of Georgia. Hill was subsequently arrested at a hotel in Tallahassee where he was found in possession of stolen mail, stolen checks, and counterfeit checks. The investigation revealed that Hill used the stolen checks to create counterfeit checks that he fraudulently passed as genuine financial instruments. Additionally, a search of Hill’s computer revealed numerous fraudulent Georgia Driver’s Licenses, each bearing Hill’s own image, name, and the names of other individuals.  Hill’s computer also contained personal identification information of third parties, to include more than 100 genuine social security numbers.

“Postal Inspectors will continue the long tradition of protecting the sanctity of the U.S. Mail system and protect our customers,” said Joseph Cronin, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service - Miami Division.

Hill’s imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release. The court ordered Hill to pay restitution to Capital City Bank, SunTrust Bank, and Thomasville National Bank. As part of the sentence imposed, the Court ordered the forfeiture of Hill’s computer and cell phones, 14 Georgia Driver Licenses, 30 blank plastic cards, 101 fraudulent and blank checks, and currency.

This case was jointly investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thomas County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Kaitlin Weiss 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 –Justin Michael Lewis, 39, of Ocala, Florida was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison following his conviction for six counts of wire fraud. The sentenced was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

“Notwithstanding the size of the corporation, fraud schemes harm companies and their customers,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “The deceptive, persistent, and sophisticated acts employed by this defendant demonstrate the danger posed to both corporations and their consumers. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of corporate fraud.”

Evidence introduced at trial revealed that between September 2015, and February 2018, Lewis engaged in a scheme to defraud a wireless carrier by obtaining unlimited cellular data lines through fraudulent means and reselling them to the public for a 1500% mark-up. During most of this time-period, unlimited plans were not widely available to the public. When his actions were discovered, Lewis made false representations to the carrier, created new companies in other people’s names, and submitted altered documentation to conceal his activities. Finally, he used a technique to manipulate the carrier’s customer website portal to obtain unlimited data for free through accounts he had opened in other people’s names.

In addition to the prison term, Lewis’ sentence included 3 years supervised release, the forfeiture of two residences and several bank accounts, a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $1,349,398.98, and restitution to the victim in the same amount. 

“This case is an example of the FBI’s relentless effort to protect American companies and their customers,” said Sherri E. Onks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “When individuals defraud corporations, it is ultimately citizens – the corporation’s customers – who pay the price. The FBI remains committed to pursuing investigations into corporate fraud in an effort to protect consumers from bearing the costs associated with criminal activity.”

This conviction was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Gary Milligan and David P. Byron prosecuted the case. 

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida i/s 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 – Mark Robert Clow, 54, of Tallahassee, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with distributing, receiving, and possessing material constituting child pornography. The indictment was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Clow made his initial appearance in federal court to face the charges this afternoon.

The indictment alleges that, between June 2017, and September 2021, Clow distributed, received, and possessed material containing child pornography. The pornographic material allegedly found in Clow’s possession involved a minor under the age of 12.

Trial for Clow is set for April 25, 2022, at 8:15 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States Chief District Judge Mark E. Walker.

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 case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Yesterday afternoon, a federal jury in Gainesville convicted Octavius Durdley, 43, of Gainesville, for one count of failing to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The conviction, which followed a 1-day trial that began on Tuesday, was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Convicted sex offenders are legally required to comply with registration requirements,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Ensuring the safety of our communities is a top priority. The aggressive prosecution of sex offenders who fail or refuse to adhere to registration requirements is essential to that task.”

Durdley was originally convicted and sentenced in 2010 of a federal sex offense which required him to comply with both state and federal registration requirements. Upon his release in May 2019, he initially complied with SORNA’s registration requirements. However, in October 2019, he announced his intention not to comply with any supervision or registration requirements. In December 2019, he was found to have violated his federal supervision and was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment. Following his release from prison in January 2021, he again failed to comply with his supervision or registration requirements until he was arrested in April 2021.  

United States Marshal Don Ladner remarked, “The U.S. Marshals are committed to ensuring that sex offenders follow all federal registration requirements. If these offenders fail to do so and break the law, we will fully investigate and prosecute their violations.”

Durdley’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before the Honorable United States District Judge Allen Winsor. Durdley faces up to ten years imprisonment, lifetime supervision, and a $75,000.00 fine.

The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), which was passed by Congress in 2006 as part of the Adam Walsh Act, provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States and seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In part, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the United States Marshal’s Service. Assistant United States Attorney F.T. Williams prosecuted this case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On February 2, 2022, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.

Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”

“Human trafficking is an abomination,” said United States Attorney Jason R. Coody. “With no regard for human dignity, traffickers inflict indescribable physical harm to their victims and often leave emotional scars that cannot be healed. With our law enforcement partners, our office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting those who must be held accountable for their despicable crimes.” 

The United States Attorney’s Office joins law enforcement’s combined efforts to inform and protect communities across the district throughout the year. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families and based on the human trafficking intake rate per 100 children in the population, the Panhandle had one of the highest rates of reporting of human trafficking between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. U.S. Attorney Coody highlights efforts by federal, state, and local partners to prevent and combat human trafficking in the Northern District of Florida (NDFL) held during January’s National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month.

Numerous human trafficking trainings and events included the following:

• On January 6, 2022, Perspectives Call in Radio Show on WFSU (88.9 FM): A panel of representatives from the community and beyond, including Sheriff Walt McNeil, Marsha Crowell from Capital City Bank, STAC, and a survivor of human trafficking, discussed the role of the business sector and local governments in recognizing and safely responding to human trafficking issues.
• On January 11, 2022, the 14th Circuit (Panama City area) Human Trafficking Task Force: The Task Force hosted a candlelight vigil lighting at the foot of the Hathaway Bridge in hopes of lighting the way to freedom for many victims. The purpose of the event was to bring awareness to the community, as well as to focus on human trafficking trends in the Florida Panhandle.
• On January 14, 2022, the North Central Florida Human Trafficking Task Force: “HT8” held its annual meeting in Gainesville, Florida. The purpose of the meeting was educate and engage members of the community in the fight against human trafficking. Various members of the community were recognized for their efforts by receiving the RISE (Recognition of Individuals Service with Excellence) Award.
• On January 20, 2022, 5th Annual Gadsden County Anti-Human Trafficking Forum: This program focused on social justice and human trafficking in Gadsden County and a call to action by and for the community and survivors.
• On January 20, 2022, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: conducted a special human trafficking training session in Gainesville, Florida for area law enforcement officers. The training was designed to provide a better understanding of human trafficking in its various forms.  The presentation included a guest speaker who spoke about human trafficking victim trauma and was followed by a panel discussion with local area experts.
• On January 20, 2022, the Circuit 1 (Pensacola area) Human Trafficking Task Force: The Task Force partnered with the University of West Florida and other community leaders to host their Annual Human Trafficking Summit. This year’s theme was “A Survivor-Centered Approach: Bringing Their Voices to the Table.”  The summit kicked off with a “Human Trafficking 101” training which tackled the real-life facts and truths of human trafficking while demystifying the common myths and misconceptions about what it is and what it is not. This presentation was followed by a survivor panel discussion which detailed the stories of three human trafficking survivors and their trauma. The summit concluded with discussions on how we can better respond as a community and as service providers.
• On January 21, 2022, Human Trafficking and Businesses: The Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center (STAC), with funding from Leon County, Florida, developed a training initiative to give the thousands of businesses and others in our area information about what to look for, how to recognize signs and patterns of sex or labor trafficking and what to do if they suspect human trafficking is occurring.
• On January 24, 2022, Whole Child Leon Professional Network Community Conversation – Human Trafficking: Prevention, Intervention and Victim Services: In observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month, The Starr Institute and the Open Doors Outreach Network teamed up to share information and provide resources to help us stay informed and make a difference.
• On January 25, 2022, the Impact of Human Trafficking on Campus: This panel discussion focused on how human trafficking can occur in our state’s higher education campuses and how institutions of higher learning can and should respond. Presenters were from Florida State University, Tallahassee Community College, Florida A&M University, Florida International University, the International Rescue Committee, and STAC.
• On January 27, 2022, Human Trafficking, and the Law: Labor Trafficking: Labor Trafficking: This program focused on both the civil and criminal sides of the justice system – and our entire community – are vitally important to recognizing this reality, preventing forced labor, and fully supporting survivors.

In addition to providing education, prevention, and technical and training assistance, the USAO-NDFL also vigorously prosecutes human trafficking crimes. Most recently, NDFL joined its federal, state, and local partners in Operation Stolen Innocence, which resulted in the investigation and federal prosecution of 19 defendants for victimizing a child in the Tallahassee area. In 2021, three defendants were convicted following jury trials. Thirteen defendants pled guilty, and three cases are pending trial. A collective 840 months in federal prison have been imposed for those have been sentenced thus far.

Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:

• Strengthen engagement, coordination, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
• Establish federally funded, locally led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
• Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
• Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
• Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
• Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
• Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance, and expertise.
• Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.

The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.

To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.

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 – Kameron C. Stone, 29, of Fairfax, Virginia, pled guilty on Tuesday to interfering with flight crew and assault by striking and wounding in special aircraft jurisdiction. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

On April 16, 2021, Stone boarded a flight departing from Dulles International Airport in Virginia bound for Pensacola International Airport. During the flight, passengers noticed Stone was behaving obnoxiously and smelled strongly of alcohol. A flight attendant warned Stone on several occasions about his behavior, which included pretending to shoot at passengers, refusing to remain seated or wear a seatbelt, and reaching for the cockpit door. As the flight began its final descent, Stone approached the front of the aircraft and tried to open the cabin and cockpit doors. A flight attendant attempted to prevent Stone from opening the doors and, as a result, Stone pushed her, grabbed her shoulders, and shoved her into the galley wall, injuring her in the process. During the altercation, Stone successfully breached the main cabin door to the external portion of the plane, triggering the alarm and causing the pilots to declare an emergency with the Federal Aviation Administration. The flight attendant prevented Stone from fully opening the door while three passengers, to include an off-duty Deputy United States Marshal, subdued Stone until landing.

Sentencing in this case is currently set for April 28, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge T.K. Wetherell, II. Stone faces a maximum term of 20 years imprisonment.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan.

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 – Kenneth Michael Burton, 48, of Alachua, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on August 17, 2021, to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney, for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentence.

“The collaborative efforts of our partners in the Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative continue to produce impactful results, and we will continue working tirelessly to make North Florida safer,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “This sentence ensures that our community will be safer and sends a message that there are real and severe consequences for federal firearm offenses.”

On the night of July 10, 2020, Burton confronted his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of Bahama Breeze in Gainesville, Florida in violation of a permanent domestic violence injunction. After Burton initiated a verbal confrontation with the ex-girlfriend and her male friend, Burton struck the male in his face, leaving a deep laceration to his chin. Burton then unlawfully entered the ex-girlfriend’s vehicle and retrieved a pistol she had purchased to protect herself from Burton. Once the ex-girlfriend saw that Burton had armed himself with her firearm, she quickly jumped into her vehicle and fled the area. As she was driving away, she observed Burton chasing after her vehicle with the gun still in his possession, she then heard a gunshot go off.  As she was fleeing the area, she and other witnesses called 911 to report the incident. Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officers responded and quickly began tracking a blood trail from the Bahama Breeze parking lot towards a retention pond nearby. Ultimately, a GPD officer located the stolen firearm in the rocks along the edge of the retention pond. GPD officers were eventually able to speak with Burton on the phone and convince him to surrender. When officers made contact with Burton, they observed that he had suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. While receiving treatment at the hospital, Burton admitted to a detective that he retrieved the firearm from his ex-girlfriend’s car and claimed that he accidentally shot himself in the leg as he was running away from the scene. Burton was arrested on numerous state charges stemming from this incident.

“The Gainesville Police Department is extremely satisfied with the outcome of this case as it demonstrates a commitment to both our victims of domestic violence as well as our firm conviction to combating armed suspect violence in every available venue. This incident could have very easily escalated into a domestic-related homicide investigation had it not been for the quick retreat of the intended victims. The cooperation of all the agencies involved in the Gun Violence Initiative has once again culminated in a violent felon being delivered an impressive sentence commensurate with the history and proclivities, he demonstrated that summer day.”

After Burton’s arrest, his case was adopted for federal prosecution by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as part of the Gainesville Gun Violence Initiative (GVI). The Gainesville GVI was established in April 2019, by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida in an effort to stem the escalating gun violence in Gainesville and the surrounding area. As GVI partners, the State Attorney’s Office for the Eight Judicial Circuit, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Alachua Police Department, the University of Florida Police Department, and the Florida Department of Corrections share this commitment to protecting public safety.

“This sentence highlights how strong partnerships with our local law enforcement, help us to pursue, and bring to justice felons in possession of firearms, in our continued efforts to protect the public,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Craig W. Saier.

Burton had multiple prior felony convictions, including six-armed robberies, and attempted armed robbery convictions from South Carolina, and Florida convictions for felony battery – repeat offender (x2) and battery on a law enforcement officer. Burton was determined to qualify as an Armed Career Criminal, which provided for an enhanced sentence, including a fifteen year minimum mandatory term of imprisonment.

This sentencing resulted from the collaborative work of the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Elsey. 

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 – Jesus Lopez-Garza 37, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, being an alien in the United States after a prior removal, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal alien. Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentence.

“Drugs and a weapon in the hands of a convicted felon is a threatening and potentially deadly combination,” stated U.S. Attorney Coody. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our federal and local law enforcement partners are dedicated to making sure such criminals are punished appropriately.”

“Convicted felons and individuals illegally in the United States in possession of firearms in ammunition is illegal. When these prohibited individuals possess and use firearms in furtherance of their drug trafficking activities, it poses a serious threat to the safety of our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. “This sentencing in another example that working jointly with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners makes our streets safer.”

In April of 2021, Lopez-Garza came to the attention of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as an individual involved in armed narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement determined that Lopez-Garza was at a hotel in Panama City. Search warrants were obtained and executed by the Regional Area Gang Enforcement Taskforce, which is staffed by ATF Special Agents and investigators from the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.  Law enforcement ultimately discovered 10.7 pounds of methamphetamine, 12.4 pounds of marijuana, a quarter kilogram of para-fluorofentanyl, more than thirty thousand dollars in cash, a firearm, and ammunition. Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined that Lopez-Garza is a citizen of Mexico with no lawful immigration status in the United States.

“This criminal, who had previously been removed from the United States, thought he could again thwart our nation’s laws by illegally possessing a firearm and deadly narcotics,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is proud to support our partners with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office during this investigation, ultimately making our local community safer for everyone.”

“ICE is committed to protecting our communities from criminals who show no regard for our laws or our borders,” said ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Field Office Director Michael W. Meade. “ICE is pleased to be working closely with the U.S. Attorney to hold criminals like this accountable.”

In October of 2021, Lopez-Garza pled guilty to charges including possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense, being an alien in the United States after a prior removal, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal alien.

This sentencing resulted from the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaitlin Weiss.

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 – Scott P. Haines, 49, of Milton, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on multiple counts of wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents, announced Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Haines made his initial appearance in federal court to face the charges on January 25, 2022.

The federal indictment alleges that, between January 2015 and May 2021, Haines engaged in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim out of over $10,000. The scheme, as articulated in the indictment, is alleged to be based upon Haines’s attempt to obtain the money after inserting himself into the personal and business affairs of the victim. The indictment also alleges that, when confronted with these allegations by federal agents, Haines made multiple material false statements about his relationship in the personal and business affairs of the victim.

In addition to the federal indictment, Haines was arrested on state charges of exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult, theft from a person 65 years of age or older, and unauthorized access of a computer system or network. He appeared in state court after his initial appearance in federal court in Pensacola in order to be advised of the charges against him.

Trial in the federal case has been set for March 7, 2022, at 8:30 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable M. Casey Rodgers.

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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg and Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Karen C. Murillo.

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 – Kathleen M. Jasper, 43, and Jeremy M. Jasper, 41, of Estero, Florida, were sentenced today to ten months and four months in federal prison, respectively, plus six months of home confinement, after previously pleading guilty to charges of racketeering conspiracy and conspiracy to commit theft of trade secrets. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“The defendants’ profiteering scheme is an insult to the dedicated public school teachers and administrators of Florida, who studied and worked hard to become certified in their professions,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “Floridians expect and deserve to know that the public schools to which they entrust their children to learn are being led by teachers and administrators who properly earned their certifications. Today’s sentence reiterates a valuable, but basic lesson. Notably, that hard work and diligence are rewarded, but acts of theft and dishonesty, as demonstrated by these defendants, are to be punished.”

Court documents reflect since January 2016, the Jaspers, who were both certified Florida teachers, stole content and conspired with others to steal content from the Florida Teacher Certification Exams (FTCE) and the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE), and included the stolen content in the test preparation materials and services that were sold through their business, NavaEd, LLC (“NavaEd”) for personal profit. 

NavaEd, LLC, was a company that offered tutoring and training to prepare prospective Florida educators to successfully take and pass the FTCE and the FELE. Passage of these exams are required for certification in the state of Florida. NavaEd offered training publications for sale worldwide directly through its website and through third-party e-commerce websites such as Amazon and Shopify.  Both Kathleen and Jeremy Jasper took the FTCE and FELE multiple times – after having already passed the exams – in order see and memorize, or harvest, as many different exam questions as possible. After being barred by the Florida Department of Education from taking more offerings of the FTCE and FELE, the Jaspers directed NavaEd employees and independent contractors to take the FTCE and FELE for the purpose of harvesting exam questions and answers.

“These so-called ‘educators’ knowingly and willfully preyed on the unsuspecting teachers who trusted them. The Jaspers bullied their employees into committing felonies in order to line their own pockets, and that is unacceptable,” said Reginald France, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General’s Southeastern Regional Office. “I’m proud of the work of our special agents and colleagues in holding these criminals accountable for their unlawful actions.”

The Jaspers and NavaEd customers shared the stolen FTCE and FELE test content with each other and the Jaspers republished the stolen FTCE and FELE test content – verbatim and almost verbatim – into NavaEd publications that were written to prepare future Florida teachers and school administrators for the certification exams. These publications and other NavaEd FTCE and FELE preparation materials were also disseminated and used during NavaEd training seminars and tutoring sessions.

Both defendants’ imprisonment will be followed by three years of supervised release. The court ordered both defendants to pay approximately $135,000 in restitution to the State of Florida Department of Education, and also entered a $690,879.96 forfeiture money judgment against both defendants. As part of the sentences imposed, the Court ordered the forfeiture of the NavaEd website (www.NavaEd.com), multiple electronic devices, and NavaEd publications relating to the FTCE and FELE.

This case was jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the United States Department of Education – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Education, with assistance by Pearson VUE, the company with whom the Florida Department of Education contracted to administer, and provide test security for, the FTCE and FELE. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen prosecuted the case.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.

Attorney General Merrick Garland tapped Jason R. Coody to the be the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, effective December 26, 2021.

Coody was appointed Acting United States Attorney in March 2021, after the resignation of then U.S. Attorney Larry Keefe. Coody served as Acting U.S. Attorney under the Vacancies Reform Act, prior to the recent Attorney General appointment.

“It is an honor to serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida and work every day to keep our communities safe,” said United States Attorney Coody. “I am privileged to serve with an incredibly talented team of professionals in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and exceptional local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, who are all dedicated to the mission of justice.” His primary office will be in Tallahassee.

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.

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencing of Jeremie Saintvil, 46, of Delray Beach, Florida. Saintvil was sentenced to a total of 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Further, Saintvil was ordered to pay $1,560,628.38 in restitution to several banks, credit unions, and credit card companies, and to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

Saintvil’s sentence was the result of an eight-day jury trial that resulted in guilty verdicts on September 24, 2021. Saintvil was found guilty of bank fraud, making false statements to a federally insured financial institution, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements to a federal agency.

“The theft of vital taxpayer relief funds and victimization of our elderly is reprehensible,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “The deceptive and sophisticated acts of this defendant not only diverted emergency financial assistance from small businesses necessary for job retention, but also victimized our elderly citizens, many of whom due to advanced age or illness, were more vulnerable and unable to readily discern their identities had been stolen and used for illegal acts. With the assistance of our dedicated law enforcement partners, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in acts of elder abuse and covid-related fraud.”

Between February 2018 and June 2020, Saintvil submitted fraudulent applications seeking more than $1.5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster (EIDL) loans offered by the SBA. As part of his scheme, Saintvil fraudulently obtained the identities of elderly individuals who were residents of senior living facilities, whom he then represented were principles in the fictitious businesses seeking the forgivable loans. The fraudulent applications, which were directed to nine different federally insured credit unions, banks, and the SBA, misrepresented the number of employees and payroll expenses of the alleged companies, and made numerous other inaccurate statements in support of the PPP and EIDL loan applications, including submitting falsified tax documents and bank account information.

“Today’s sentencing is the final chapter in this investigation and can hopefully begin the healing process for all of those impacted by the defendant’s nefarious actions,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Brian Payne. “We will continue to investigate criminals like Saintvil who steal identities, rob vital taxpayer relief funds, and victimize the elderly.”

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal law enacted March 29, 2020. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans which are funded by participating financial institutions. The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP then allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spent the loan proceeds on qualifying expenses within a set time-period and used at least a certain percentage of the loan proceeds for payroll expenses.   

“In a time of national turmoil and uncertainty, this defendant flagrantly defrauded programs intended to assist Americans and their businesses,” said Sean T. Ryan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “His total disregard for his fellow citizens during the pandemic – especially vulnerable elders – revealed his true colors as a fraudster. The FBI will continue to allocate resources to investigate COVID-19 and elder fraud, and work alongside our partners to hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others.”

“Lying to gain access to SBA’s pandemic response programs is not without consequence,” said SBA OIG’s Eastern Region Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite.  “Our office will aggressively pursue evidence of wrongdoing and bring those responsible to justice.  I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and pursuit of justice.”

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the SBA-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and David Byron prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Since President Trump signed the bipartisan Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) into law, the Department of Justice has participated in hundreds of enforcement actions in criminal and civil cases that targeted or disproportionately affected seniors. In particular, this past March the Department announced the largest elder fraud enforcement action in American history, charging more than 400 defendants in a nationwide elder fraud sweep.  The Department has likewise conducted hundreds of trainings and outreach sessions across the country since the passage of the Act.  Learn more about the Justice Department’s Elder Justice and National Nursing Home Initiatives at http://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/.

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 – A federal jury in Tallahassee convicted Jimmy Lee Highsmith, 42, of Marianna, on one count of sexual abuse of a ward while on duty at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tallahassee. The guilty verdict, returned yesterday afternoon, at the conclusion of a three-day trial, was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Evidence introduced at trial revealed that Highsmith abused his authority as a correctional officer to engage in sexual acts with an inmate on various occasions.  The jury received testimony and exhibits showing that between March and April 2014, Highsmith ordered a female inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee to meet him in his office and the officers’ bathroom to engage in illicit sexual acts. Surveillance video footage confirmed that, on April 30, 2014, Highsmith and his victim were caught by other inmates engaging in sexual acts between 11:30 p.m. and midnight in his office. The victim disclosed the illicit sex acts the next day and was taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where a sexual assault examination confirmed injuries resulting from sexual activity.

“The sexual abuse of inmates by federal correctional officers is intolerable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “Those sentenced to prison are to atone for their crimes and gain skills that will enable them to return as productive members of society.  They should not be preyed upon by officers who violate their oath of office. This office will vigorously investigate and prosecute any officer who engages in such acts of abuse to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Today, Highsmith was brought to justice for abusing his authority and sexually assaulting an inmate under his supervision.  The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to investigate anyone who engages in this type of conduct,” said James F. Boyersmith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Miami Field Office.

Highsmith faces a maximum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life on supervised release. As a result of this conviction, Highsmith is required by law to register as a sex offender.  

This conviction was the result of an investigation by the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields are prosecuting the case.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 – Jared Anderson, 26, of Tallahassee, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury on counts of bribery and introduction of contraband into a federal prison, announced Jason Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, and James F. Boyersmith, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Miami Field Office.  Anderson made his initial appearance on December 17, 2021, in federal court to face the charges.

The indictment alleges that, between September and November 2021, while employed as a U.S. Bureau of Prisons Correctional Officer at the Federal Detention Center Tallahassee, Anderson accepted a bribe in exchange for smuggling synthetic cannabinoids into the detention center.  The indictment further alleges that Anderson provided the synthetic cannabinoids to an inmate.  Anderson faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment on the charged crimes.

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 case was investigated by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lazaro P. Fields.

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 – Eric Matthew Lipman, 59, of Tallahassee, Florida, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute, receive, and possess material constituting child pornography, and distributing material constituting child pornography. Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty plea.

Between February 8, 2021, and February 11, 2021, Lipman, along with others, was a participant in Mega.NZ chat groups that distributed, received, possessed, and discussed child pornography images and videos. Mega.NZ was an Internet cloud storage and file hosting service based in New Zealand. Lipman conspired with the members of the chat groups to distribute, receive, and possess material constituting child pornography, and posted child pornography material within Mega.NZ chat groups for the benefit of other like-minded participants. The pornographic material that Lipman distributed, and that was found on Lipman’s electronic devices, involved prepubescent minors as well as minors under the age of 12.

Lipman faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison, followed by a term of 5 years to life of supervised release on all counts following his prison sentence.  

This case resulted from an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen is prosecuting the case.

Lipman’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2022, at 1:30 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before the Honorable United States Chief District Judge Mark E. Walker.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit 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, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentencing of Rocky M. Thomas, 44, of Tallahassee, Florida. Thomas was sentenced to twenty years in federal prison followed by six years of supervised release. Thomas’s sentence was the result of his guilty plea to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and alpha-PVP, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“This case is another example of the success that can be achieved through collaboration between our local and federal law enforcement agencies,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Coody.  “As a result of the excellent relationship between the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, this armed drug trafficker has been held accountable for his criminal conduct, and the community is safer as a result.”

According to court documents, Thomas was stopped on May 2, 2021, by an officer of the Tallahassee Police Department for running a red light. Thomas was subsequently detained because a small amount of marijuana was in plain view in his vehicle. A fanny pack which Thomas was wearing was searched and found to contain a loaded semiautomatic Glock firearm and approximately 75 small jeweler’s baggies filled with white powder. Some of the baggies of white powder contained cocaine and some contained alpha-PVP, a synthetic cathinone also known as “flakka.” Officers also found two digital scales and various empty baggies in the vehicle.

“ATF is at the forefront in fighting violent crimes and apprehending the criminals involved. This case is another example of our resolve to continue these efforts as we work jointly with our local, state and federal partners to ensure the safety of our communities.” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Craig W. Saier.

Thomas had previously been convicted of multiple felonies and qualified for enhanced sentencing as an Armed Career Criminal and a Career Offender because of prior convictions for armed robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver.

Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case, which was the result of a joint investigation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department.

Court records reflect that the firearm Thomas was caught with had previously been reported stolen. 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 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. In Tallahassee, the Sheriff’s ALLinLEON initiative has focused on enforcement, and engaged community volunteers to regularly take at-risk youth to places of worship, activated Neighborhood Crime Watch programs, and conducted other activities to target neighborhoods that are perennial hotspots for violence. The effort also aims to help connect individuals who are reentering the community from incarceration with education, job skills and substance abuse treatment.

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.

$137,031 Awarded for projects in the Northern District of Florida 

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was awarded $137,031 to administer PSN grant funds in the Northern District of Florida. 

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”

“The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is central to our mission to protect the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jason R. Coody. “Acts of gun violence are far too frequent in communities throughout the Northern District of Florida. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to reducing gun violence through creative, proven strategies developed under the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative.  In the small towns and large cites of our district, these tailored strategies foster collaboration with our law enforcement partners and members of our community to jointly combat violent crime.”
Grant funds will support local programs coupling aggressive investigative tactics and techniques with community outreach aimed at curtailing violence. Funds may be used for equipment, services, law enforcement technology, overtime, analyst/data support, activities for non-federal prosecutors, youth-serving organizations/agencies toward the support of prevention programming, reentry programming support, academic/research partners to assist with relevant assessments, public awareness campaigns, or other projects relevant to the NDFL PSN strategy. With approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects. 

“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”

In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime. 

For a list of all grantees, please visit: FY21-Project-Safe-Neighborhoods-Awards.pdf (ojp.gov)
    
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.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 – William Brett Brownell, 30, of Milton, Florida, was sentenced to an 8-month consecutive prison term after pleading guilty to charges of possession of contraband by a federal prisoner, introduction of contraband to a federal prison, and escape. The sentence was announced today by Jason R. Coody, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Between October 2019 and June 2020, Brownell obtained, possessed, and distributed to fellow prisoners at the Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola various prohibited items, including marijuana, alcohol, phones, SD cards and readers, and tobacco products. Brownell coordinated the contraband “drops” by using a contraband cell phone. The indictment also alleges that around approximately the same time frame, Brownell escaped from custody by leaving prison limits without permission.

Brownell was in the midst of serving a 70-month sentence for marijuana trafficking and money laundering convictions, and he must serve 8 additional months after that as a result of the sentence in this case.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services, the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Eglin Air Force Base 96th Test Wing Legal Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted this case.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Stephen M. Alford, 62, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, pled guilty today to one count of wire fraud related to his attempt to illegally obtain $25 million, purportedly in exchange for securing a Presidential Pardon. The plea was announced by Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

At his guilty plea, Alford admitted that, between March 16, and April 7, 2021, he engaged in a scheme to defraud the victim out of $25 million based upon Alford’s false promises and guarantees to secure a Presidential Pardon for a family member of the victim. The scheme involved a series of meetings and text message exchanges between Alford and the victim, as well as undercover recordings arranged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the exchanges, Alford repeatedly promised the victim that Alford had access to the current President of the United States.

Sentencing in this case is currently set for February 16, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before the Honorable United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Alford faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Lazaro P. Fields are prosecuting this case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jason R. Coody, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencing of Roger Slaughter, 35, of Perry, Florida. Slaughter was sentenced to five years in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.  Slaughter’s sentence was the result of a guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

“This sentence is a reflection of our commitment to work with our state and local partners in our on-going effort to deal with the sale of narcotics in our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Coody. “We will continue to work toward our common goal of protecting our community from this destructive criminal behavior.”

The case was the result of a joint investigation involving the Drug Enforcement Administration, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Perry Police Department. Taylor County investigators made controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Slaughter which culminated in a search warrant of his residence on February 3, 2021. During the search warrant, investigators discovered approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine, 58 grams of marijuana, firearms, ammunition, and currency. 

Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan prosecuted the case, which was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and Perry Police Department.

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.