Northern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
North Carolina Man Sentenced to 27.5 Years in Prison for Enticing and Traveling to Pensacola for Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas G. Peacock, 34, of Salisbury, North Carolina, was sentenced to 27.5 years in prison today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola for enticement of a minor and interstate travel for illicit sexual activity. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In April 2016, S.S. reported that her twelve-year-old granddaughter was missing and that she believed the child had met someone online and left with him. When law enforcement visited S.S.’s residence, the child had returned home. The child said she traveled to North Carolina for the weekend with a white male named “Nick,” who was later identified as Peacock.
S.S. later told officers that she found information on a laptop that she had allowed her granddaughter to use that led S.S. to believe the child had been sexually active with Peacock. In interviews with investigators, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually active with Peacock over the weekend while they were in North Carolina, that she had met Peacock online via Skype, and that Peacock had transported her to North Carolina and then back to Florida after Peacock had found a missing person report.
In addition to telephone and hotel records, investigators reviewed thousands of Skype chats on the laptop from the time period of December 2015 through April 2016, which revealed many sexually explicit conversations, images, and videos exchanged between the victim and Peacock. Peacock pled guilty on July 17, 2017.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and other members of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dayton Michael Cramer, 71, of Tallahassee, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor this afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a three-day trial. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors they meet online. Cramer responded to two Craigslist advertisements in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and also as the stepmother of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sex. Over the course of several days, Cramer discussed sexual activity with various undercover officers and traveled to meet who he thought was the stepmother of the 13-year-old girl to discuss the opportunity to have sex with the girl at a later date. Cramer was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.
Cramer faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “The North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force once again demonstrates why undercover online operations targeting those individuals who want to engage in sexual activity with minors are so crucial to the protection of our children and local community from online predators.”
“It is disheartening that a man in a position of such power and influence would try to sexually abuse a young child,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This verdict highlights the important work of HSI special agents, and the multi-agency North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of such heinous crimes.”
“It does not matter who you are, if you prey on our children, you will be arrested,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez. “These cases continue to be a priority for FDLE.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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 Jury Convicts Palm Beach County Man of Online Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas E. Fogarty, 36, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was convicted today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of advertisement of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During the day and a half trial, the government presented evidence that, beginning in June 2017, an undercover investigator, posing as a minor female on the social media platform Kik, attempted to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Investigators noticed an individual, later identified as Fogarty, created the Kik group “Tweenteenlove,” a group that shared child pornography online. During the investigation, Fogarty instructed others to find and bring young girls to the online group. Fogarty communicated with the undercover agent online, including providing direction to the dark web, which is a hidden Internet where child pornography can be found. Upon Fogarty’s arrest in southern Florida, a search of his electronic devices revealed child pornography and a search browser for the dark web. In all, between 4,000 and 5,000 images and videos of child pornography were captured from Fogarty during this investigation.
For the advertisement charge, Fogarty faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. For the distribution charge, Fogarty faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Boynton Beach Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Tax Preparer Charged with Preparing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Benell English, 57, of Pensacola, was arraigned on Friday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with eighteen counts of preparing false tax returns. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that English, a tax return preparer at Select Tax Service in Pensacola, prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various individuals between 2013 and 2017. The indictment alleges that English falsely represented the taxpayers’ Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule C business losses or profits, or household employee income.
The maximum penalty for each count of preparing false tax returns is three years in prison. The trial is scheduled for April 19, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
Multi-State Drug Trafficking Organization Leads to Federal Indictment and Seizure of AssetsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Uy Nguyen, 34, of Vallejo, California, and Aaron M. Booker, 26, of Pensacola, were arraigned February 8 and today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between February 2015 and December 2017, Nguyen and Booker conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, they conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds and purchasing precious metals and stones from funds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $338,641 in U.S. currency; a firearm and ammunition; a cellular telephone; more than a dozen pieces of jewelry; and approximately 35 pieces of designer clothing and accessories.
Nguyen’s trial is scheduled for April 2, and Booker’s trial is scheduled for April 16, 2018.
If convicted, the defendants face 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.
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 in a court of law.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.
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.
Alachua County Man Pleads Guilty to Harboring Undocumented Aliens and Evading Workers' Compensation and Payroll TaxesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Mac Johnson, 50, of Newberry, Florida, pled guilty yesterday afternoon to tax fraud, wire fraud, structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and harboring undocumented aliens. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Johnson, who owns roofing, tree service, and dumpster businesses, devised a scheme to conceal the amount of wages earned by his undocumented alien employees to avoid paying more than $1.7 million in federal income, Medicare, and social security taxes, as well as more than $1 million in Florida worker’s compensation premiums. Johnson concealed the wages from the State of Florida by inaccurately and incompletely identifying all employees, representing that lower wages were paid than the true amounts, and paying by cash or a non-payroll check in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements.
The investigators discovered that undocumented alien employees on work sites did not speak English or have any personal identification. Their names did not match the names on the insurance policy, and their files contained employment eligibility verification forms that did not match their handwriting. Johnson also provided transportation to the work sites and rented residences he owned to the undocumented workers for which he deducted money from their pay.
The potential penalties are:
- Failure to collect and pay over taxes: a maximum term of 5 years in federal prison;
- Wire fraud: a maximum of 20 years;
- Structuring: a maximum of 10 years; and
- Harboring undocumented aliens: a maximum of 10 years.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory P. McMahon is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 Physician and Ex-Wife Indicted in Health Care Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Erik M. Schabert, 48, a physician, and his ex-wife, Mika Kamissa Harris, 49, both from Gainesville, Florida, have surrendered on a federal indictment charging them with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud. The indictment also charges Harris with multiple counts of money laundering. The charges were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that while owning and operating Reliant Family Practice in Gainesville, Harris and Schabert defrauded health care benefit programs of $4.4 million through the submission of fraudulent claims. According to the indictment, between January 2013 and July 2016, Harris and Schabert caused claims to be submitted to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield for chemical peels, dermabrasions, and acne surgery using false diagnoses of rosacea, acne, and actinic keratosis. The indictment further alleges that Harris laundered approximately $3.1 million dollars in proceeds of the health care fraud scheme.
Schabert and Harris made their initial appearance on the charges at the U.S. District Courthouse in Gainesville. The trial is scheduled for April 24, 2018.
If convicted of charges in the filed indictment, Schabert and Harris face a maximum term of 20 years in prison for health care fraud conspiracy and 10 years in prison for each of the health care fraud counts. Harris faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering counts.
This indictment is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felon Sentenced to 147 Months in Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Savario Beshawn Champion, 29, of Pensacola, was sentenced this week to 147 months in prison after pleading guilty on December 5, 2017, to carjacking, possessing a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In July 2017, two men from Georgia were carjacked by Mr. Champion at gunpoint at a local hotel in Escambia County. Mr. Champion approached the two men pointing a black 9 millimeter pistol at the vehicle owner. He told the men to get out of the BMW and to give him their money and phones. The men got out of the vehicle, ran to the hotel, and called the police.
Later that morning, a Pensacola Police Department officer arrested Mr. Champion in Pensacola. At the time of the arrest, Mr. Champion was in possession of the stolen vehicle and a firearm.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Pensacola Police Department; and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Russell Scott Hardman, 57, of Panama City, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 84 months in prison for distribution, receipt, and production of child pornography after pleading guilty on November 30, 2017. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, Homeland Security Investigations received a tip from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in which a user of the social media platform Kik was uploading child pornography. Agents were able to determine that Hardman was using his cellular telephone to access Kik, as well as using his e-mail to upload images of child pornography while at work and at home. A forensic review of Hardman’s cellular telephone revealed 561 images and 135 videos of child pornography. Investigation disclosed that Hardman distributed at least 20 of those videos in a group chat. At least 20 videos of child pornography depicted infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “We will continue to utilize the resources of our office to aggressively prosecute anyone who attempts to steal the innocence of a child while hiding in the shadows of the Internet.”
“This child predator thought he could hide in anonymity behind the Internet,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Thanks to the investigative skills of our HSI special agents, and partners at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, his crimes were exposed, and he will now be held accountable.”
“The Bay County Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining strong working partnerships with fellow law enforcement agencies,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said. “These partnerships serve to increase our success in finding and bringing criminals like Hardman to justice.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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.
Jackson County Man Sentenced to 360 Months in Prison for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Ralph Herman Fox Jr., 61, of Graceville, Florida, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography. Fox pled guilty on December 4, 2017, which was the first day of his trial. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In September 2016, a concerned citizen reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that Fox had been sexually abusing two young girls. A forensic examination of Fox’s cellular telephone revealed multiple video screen shots of Fox sexually assaulting one of the victims. The sexual abuse captured in the screen shots occurred for approximately one year, sometimes in the presence of other children.
U.S. Attorney Canova said, “The bravery of the 11-year old victim in this case exposed a predator, and her courage in coming forward helped protect other children from abuse. The sentence imposed on Fox sends a strong message that those who take advantage of our innocent children will pay a steep price.”
“The deviant nature of this crime is beyond comprehension,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Together with our partners at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, our greatest hope is that today’s sentencing will play a part in the recovery of his young victims.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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 Woman Convicted of Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – After a day and a half trial, Jamila Takiyah Hunter, 32, of Tallahassee, was convicted yesterday afternoon of possession with intent to distribute the controlled substance α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone or “Alpha-PVP.” The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Hunter’s four co-defendants pled guilty in late 2017 and early 2018 as follows:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:
Travis L. Glasco, Charik James, Tyrail Gallman, and Dora Williams; - Possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: Glasco, James, and Williams;
- Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Glasco; and
- Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon: Glasco.
In November 2016, law enforcement officers identified a kilogram package of alpha-PVP destined for delivery to a commercial UPS mailbox rented by Hunter. Agents conducted a controlled delivery of the drug-laden parcel and arrested Hunter after she signed for and accepted the parcel. When agents attempted to contact her co-conspirators, Glasco fled from the parking lot and abandoned a vehicle in the middle of Capital Circle during lunch hour traffic. Subsequent investigation revealed the identity of Hunter’s co-conspirators, who were charged in a superseding indictment.
Glasco, James, Gallman, Williams, and Hunter face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each controlled substance conviction. Additionally, Glasco faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The sentencing hearings are scheduled as follows at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee:
- February 23, 2018: Williams (9:30 a.m.);
- April 20, 2018: James (9:00 a.m.) and Gallman (10:30 a.m.); and
- May 10, 2018: Glasco (9:30 a.m.) and Hunter (3:00 p.m.).
This case resulted from investigations by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Leon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Harwin.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
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 mcoore information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:
Former Director of Arts Center Charged with Wire Fraud and Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Vicki Dyer Middlemas, 48, of Panama City, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging her with five counts of wire fraud and four counts of filing false tax returns. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that between May 2010 and May 2015, Middlemas used her position as Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida (“the VAC”) in Panama City to fraudulently obtain money by writing herself checks on the VAC bank account and by making unauthorized charges for personal expenses on the VAC debit card. The indictment further alleges that Middlemas falsified invoices and VAC records to conceal her thefts. In addition, Middlemas is charged with filing false federal income tax returns that underreported her income and tax owed.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for filing false tax returns is 3 years in prison. The trial is scheduled for April 16, 2018, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Panama City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
Local Bingo Operators Convicted of Conspiracy, Illegal Gambling Operation, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – After an eight-day jury trial, Larry L. Masino, 67, of Gulf Breeze, and Dixie L. Masino, 65, of Pensacola, were convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of wire fraud conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and money laundering conspiracy. In addition, Larry L. Masino was convicted of 18 counts of money laundering, and Dixie L. Masino was convicted of 20 counts of money laundering. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Larry and Dixie Masino owned and operated Racetrack Bingo Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, which purported to conduct bingo games and provide the proceeds to a group of local charities in Okaloosa County. Between 2006 and 2015, the Masinos conspired to defraud the charities out of more than $8 million dollars. The Masinos specifically falsely assured the charities they were complying with provisions of the Florida statute. In fact, the Masinos were unlawfully paying themselves and their employees to conduct bingo games and were charging the charities a lease fee based on inflated expenses. Racetrack Bingo was an illegal gambling business because it was conducting bingo games and unlawfully retaining profit, rather than returning the net proceeds of the bingo games back to the players in the form of prizes. The Masinos conspired to launder more than $5.8 million of the bingo proceeds through profit distribution checks that the Masinos and their three children received as shareholders of Racetrack Bingo.
For the wire fraud conspiracy, the Masinos face a maximum of 20 years in prison. For the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges, the Masinos face a maximum of 10 years in prison. For operating an illegal gambling business, they face a maximum of 5 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Arnow Federal Building in Pensacola.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Gainesville Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking CrimesRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – After a three-day trial, Arthur Larange Lee Jr., 34, of Gainesville, was convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville of sex trafficking by force and use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Lee abducted a drug-addicted woman from the parking lot of a Gainesville church where she was attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. After taking the victim’s phone, he ordered her to drive to a nearby hotel where he took photographs of her for use in a Backpage.com advertisement. Lee told the victim he would “break her in,” after which he raped her, burned her, and committed other acts of violence against her. Lee then fed the victim small amounts of cocaine and instructed her that she had to pay off her “debt.” Over the span of two days, Lee forced and coerced the victim to engage in sexual acts with numerous “johns.” He kept all the money derived from the sex acts that took place at local hotels and private residences. While at one hotel, the victim texted a “john” who agreed to help her escape by picking her up outside the hotel. The victim then fled with Lee’s phone and called police. Responding officers were able to quickly locate and arrest Lee, who was still inside the hotel.
For the sex trafficking charges, Lee faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison. For using a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution, Lee faces a maximum of 5 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.
The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.
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.
Jury Convicts Panama City Beach Man of Online Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – After a one and a half day trial, Brandon Royce Phillips, 34, of Panama City Beach, was convicted yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City of production, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During November 2016, the grandmother of a 14-year-old boy advised the Clay County Sheriff’s Office that an unknown person had sent the boy sexually graphic videos during chats on Kik, a social media application. The investigation disclosed that Phillips, posing as a 17-year-old female named “Katie Davis,” had sent the boy pornographic videos of a female that Phillips claimed to be “Davis.” Phillips then convinced the boy to take sexually explicit videos of himself and send them to Phillips via Kik. Further investigation revealed videos of other children engaged in the same sexually explicit conduct.
Phillips faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography, a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison for receipt, and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for possession. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.
The case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, and Franklin County School will present a BLAST Program event on Thursday to approximately 50 students.
Event: BLAST Program
Location:
Franklin County School1250 Hwy 98
Eastpoint, Florida 32328Date: Thursday, January 18, 2018
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting. Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
- Franklin County School
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
- Homeland Security Investigations
- United States Postal Inspection Service
- Florida Highway Patrol
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.
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
Panama City Beach Man Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Curtis Jason Jones, 39, of Panama City Beach was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday after pleading guilty on October 12, 2017, to possession of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In March 2015, law enforcement officers received information that Jones was in possession of child pornography. In June 2015, officers executed a search warrant on Jones’s residence. Forensic examinations of the electronic items seized during the search revealed hundreds of images and one video of child pornography, including 56 images and one video file containing known child victims previously identified by law enforcement. The child pornography images that Jones possessed showed children who appeared to be 10 years of age and younger, with some as young as five years of age.
“Children deserve to be protected from online exploitation, and my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing child predators who target innocent children,” said United States Attorney Canova.
“While already serving time for sexual battery, this criminal’s electronic devices were searched, and he was also discovered to be a child predator,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “HSI special agents and our partners at the Panama City Beach Police Department and the Northern District Florida United States Attorney Office have now ensured he will be held accountable for his crimes against children, in addition to the sentence he is already serving for sexual battery.”
The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Beach Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael Shawn Garrett, 45, of Panama City Beach, Florida, a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard, was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday after being convicted on October 17, 2017, of attempted enticement of a minor for sex. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, undercover investigators conducted an operation to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Garrett responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old boy. During ninety minutes of conversation with the undercover officer, Garrett discussed the sex acts he wished to perform with the boy. Through his e-mail communications, Garrett repeatedly requested the physical address of the boy, offering to pick up the boy to engage in the sexual encounter. Garrett was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting place.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “My office is committed to pursuing public safety, and a top priority is protecting young, innocent children from becoming victims of exploitation crimes. Child predators tragically use the Internet to try to reach their victims and take advantage of their vulnerabilities.”
“This defendant attempted to victimize and exploit a child,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “The FBI is committed to protecting children in our community, and will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify these predators. We also encourage parents to take time to educate their children about dangers lurking online.”
“This predator thought he was going to molest a young boy,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Instead, he faced HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners, and now he will be held accountable for his crimes.”
The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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.
California Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child Pornography in PensacolaRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Eladio L. Vazquez, 38, of Indio, California, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty on December 26, 2017, to distribution of child pornography. As part of his sentence, Vazquez will also be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Beginning in December 2016 and continuing for the next six months, a law enforcement officer using an undercover online account in Pensacola observed that an individual with multiple online identities was posting image and video files on social media platforms. Vazquez also used the dark web to engage in child pornography behavior. In June 2017, based upon investigative information, law enforcement officers in California executed a search warrant at Vazquez’s residence and located child pornography on Vazquez’s cellular devices and laptop. Forensically, law enforcement also located, within Vazquez’s cloud account, significant amounts of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Child predators use the internet as a powerful tool to exploit innocent children, but together with our law enforcement partners, we will pursue those who seek to victimize the most vulnerable members of our society.”
“This criminal thought he had anonymity because of his use of social media,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “We want to use this child predator as a warning to those who will prey on children – we will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, the Riverside County (California) District Attorney’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michael A. Chmielewski, 38, of Tallahassee, a former State of Florida legislative staffer, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison after being convicted on September 29, 2017, of attempted enticement of a minor. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Chmielewski responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl named “Sara.” Over two days, Chmielewski continued his conversation with “Sara” on the chat messaging application Kik, discussed sexual activity with “Sara,” and traveled to meet “Sara” in person to have sex. Chmielewski was arrested after arriving at a store to meet “Sara.”
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Together with our law enforcement partners, my office will prosecute to the fullest extent any child predators who lurk in the shadows of the internet seeking to destroy the lives of innocent young children.”
“When this man thought he was going to sexually assault a minor, law enforcement stopped him in his tracks,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “Working with our law enforcement partners in the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, HSI special agents have ensured this predator is held accountable for his crimes.”
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Cocoa Police Department, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Tallahassee Man Indicted for Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Cody Daniel Davis, 23, of Tallahassee, was arraigned Friday in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with receipt, possession, and access with intent to view child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between May 2016 and June 2017, Davis received and possessed child pornography. The trial is scheduled for February 12, 2018, at 8:15 a.m.
For the receipt charge, the minimum penalty is 5 years, and the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison. For the possession charge, the maximum penalty is 20 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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 in a court of law.
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.
Law Enforcement Officers Join Students for a Day of LearningRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Godby High School will present a BLAST Program event on Tuesday to approximately 50 students.
Event: BLAST Program
Location: Godby High School
1717 West Tharpe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32303Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Time: 7:45 a.m. – noon EST
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting. Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers. (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Leon County Sheriff’s Office
- Godby High School
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- FAMU Police Department
- Florida Highway Patrol
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.
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
Local Nurse Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Tax Return FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tangela Lawson-Brown, 41, of Midway, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 60 months in federal prison after her conviction at trial in October 2017 for crimes arising from the filing of fraudulent federal income tax returns. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The court imposed concurrent sentences of 36 months in prison on each of two counts of wire fraud, one count of theft of government funds, and one count of possessing fifteen or more access devices. Those sentences must be served consecutively to the 24-month sentence imposed upon Lawson-Brown for using the identities of other persons in her fraudulent scheme. Lawson-Brown was also ordered to pay $141,790 in restitution to the IRS.
Between October 2011 and December 2012, Lawson-Brown worked as a nurse at a Tallahassee nursing home. In January 2013, the Tallahassee Police Department seized a notebook containing the personally identifiable information (“PII”) of more than 150 people from Lawson-Brown’s vehicle.
More than two hundred fraudulent income tax returns were filed for the 2011 and 2012 tax years as part of the scheme. These returns sought a total of $1,018,121 in refunds and actually caused $141,790 to be disbursed. Of the fraudulent returns filed, 105 were under names listed in the notebook, with 38 of the victims having been residents at the nursing home where the defendant worked. Another 42 victims were residents at nursing homes in central Florida, where friends and relatives of Lawson-Brown worked. Fraudulent returns were filed as quickly as six days after a patient checked in to the defendant’s nursing home.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “This case illustrates the lengths to which criminals will prey upon the vulnerability of elderly and disabled persons. Relatives and other caregivers should be alert to unauthorized tax returns, bank accounts, credit cards, and financial transactions, and should immediately report identity theft crimes to law enforcement agencies. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute identity theft crimes to deter those who may be tempted to participate in such activities, especially where it involves persons in positions of trust.”
“Tax season is almost here, and today’s sentencing of Tangela Lawson-Brown for filing false tax returns is a powerful reminder of what can happen when you decide to steal from honest taxpayers,” said Shawn Batsch, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa Field Office. “Through their partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies, IRS Criminal Investigation’s Special Agents will continue their aggressive pursuit of those who would attempt to defraud America’s tax system.”
“It is devastating when people in positions of trust victimize the people in their care. I am proud of the collaboration demonstrated during this investigation as we worked diligently to protect and care for our most vulnerable citizens,” said Chief Michael DeLeo of the Tallahassee Police Department.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Simpson prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Officers of Biodiesel Facility Convicted of Federal Grant Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – After a six-day trial, Lee John Maher, 59, of Orlando, Florida, was convicted yesterday afternoon of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and with retaining and concealing federal funds, knowing that they were wrongly taken. Co-defendant Larry Kenneth Long, 75, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, previously pled guilty to mail fraud conspiracy. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Maher and Long were officers of Clean Fuel Lakeland, which operated a biodiesel facility in Lakeland, Florida, in 2009 and 2010. When federal money became available for energy initiatives under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the men applied for a $2,480,000 grant from the United States Department of Energy through the Florida Governor’s Energy Office. The Act was designed to encourage new energy investment by reimbursing grantees for monies invested in energy businesses. The defendants fraudulently obtained funds under the grant by falsely claiming that Clean Fuel had spent $2,480,000 to buy and install a generator to run the biodiesel plant. As proof that the generator had been purchased, the defendants submitted eight bogus bank checks to the Governor’s Energy Office, reflecting generator payments that had never actually been made. Based upon their submissions, $2,232,000 in grant funds were disbursed to the Clean Fuel bank account in December 2010. Immediately, the grant funds were disbursed through Maher’s other bank accounts, with Long receiving 1%, $22,320. None of the grant funds were ever spent toward the purchase of a generator. The defendants kept the fraud going until November 2012, through the submission of false progress reports. The grant funds were ultimately recovered through federal asset seizure and forfeiture actions.
Maher’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee. Maher faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on each count. Long’s sentencing is scheduled for later this week.
This case resulted from an investigation by the United States Secret Service, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael T. Simpson 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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Navy Sailor Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – William Charles Huff Jr., 32, a former active duty Navy sailor stationed in Pensacola, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty on October 6, 2017, to attempted enticement of a minor for sex. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In October 2016, Huff began text messaging a 13-year-old girl from central Florida. Huff knew the child from a church they both attended. When the child’s parents discovered the content of the text messages, they told her to stop communicating with Huff and contacted law enforcement officers. The child’s parents gave permission for an undercover officer to assume her identity and take control of her cellular telephone.
In February 2017, Huff and the undercover officer, acting as the child, began communicating via text message and later through a shared e-mail account that Huff set up. During this time, Huff told the undercover officer about his sexual desires for the child. The undercover officer indicated that the child would be going to Destin, Florida, for spring break with a friend. In March 2017, Huff drove from his residence at the Naval Air Station Pensacola to Destin and was arrested when he arrived at the designated meeting location.
The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beech Grove, Indiana, Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Three Conspirators Sentenced to Federal Prison for Marijuana Trafficking and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Three defendants were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On November 8, 2017, Sanford Eugene Johnson III, 31, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Yesterday, William Brett Brownell, 26, of Milton, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, and his father, William Ezra Brownell, 60, of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between 2014 and 2017, Johnson and the Brownells, along with co-defendants Charles Zachariah Sindylek, Brandon Craig Remeyer, David DelGiacco, Andrew Paul Marcelonis, and Steven Ryan Michael Sholly, conspired to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. During the same time period, Johnson, the Brownells, Sindylek, Remeyer, DelGiacco, and Marcelonis conspired to launder the proceeds of their drug conspiracy through cash deposits and withdrawals at financial institutions for the purpose of promoting and concealing the drug conspiracy. More than $3.5 million in cash proceeds from the sale of marijuana was laundered during the time frame of the conspiracy.
The remaining defendants are awaiting sentencing on the following dates at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola:
- Remeyer: December 12, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. CST;
- Sindylek: December 19, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. CST;
- Marcelonis: December 19, 2017, at 2:30 p.m. CST;
- Sholly: January 16, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. CST; and
- DelGiacco: January 16, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. CST.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Pensacola Police Department, the Mobile Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gulf Breeze Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Mailing Threats to Escambia SheriffRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Regis L. Walker, 31, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison today, after pleading guilty on January 17, 2017, to mailing threatening communications. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In June 2016, Walker mailed a threatening letter on notebook paper to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, addressed to the sheriff. In the letter, Walker claimed several people who had joined ISIS would simultaneously attack military bases, beaches, and schools at a nonspecific time and could not be stopped by law enforcement officers. Walker made specific reference to the attack in Orlando, Florida, that killed approximately 50 people. Walker wrote that the attackers planned on “not giving up,” and that they “plan on dying.” He appeared to sign the note as “ISIS ALLAH.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg 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.
Ft. Lauderdale Man Pleads Guilty to Flying without CertificationRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Mark Lewis Pullen, 45, of Ft. Lauderdale, pled guilty today to serving as an airman without an airman’s certificate. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In October 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration notified Homeland Security Investigations that an unregistered aircraft planned to land at the Pensacola airport. The last registered owner of the aircraft was Pullen, but his airman’s certificate was revoked. The plane landed at the airport, and Pullen, the pilot, notified law enforcement officers that he had been piloting the aircraft from Texas and was returning home. The law enforcement officers asked to see Pullen’s airman and medical certificates, which he was required to carry with him while operating an aircraft. In response, Pullen told the agents that he did not have his certificates. Between July 2012 when his certificates were revoked and October 2015, Pullen’s aircraft was flown on approximately 46 separate dates.
Pullen faces a maximum of three years in prison and a maximum of a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 2, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “It is important that pilots follow the regulations in place to ensure that everyone is safe while flying in our skies.”
“This investigation demonstrates that ensuring the safety of the Nation’s air transportation system remains a high priority for both the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Transportation (DOT),” said Marlies T. Gonzalez, DOT-OIG Regional Special Agent-in-Charge. “Working with the Federal Aviation Administration and prosecutorial partners, we will continue our efforts to prevent and punish those who seek to compromise the safety of our National Airspace System.”
“The unique investigative authorities of HSI special agents enabled us to close this breach of aviation security,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “With this investigation, HSI, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Aviation Administration have helped protect the integrity of our nation’s aviation systems.”
The case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General, Department of Transportation and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Sentenced to 144 Months in Prison for a Methamphetamine chargeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Joshua Ray Fountain, 40, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced today to serve a total term of 144 months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute over five grams of methamphetamine, and admitting to violating the terms of his federal supervised release by possessing the methamphetamine while on federal supervision. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Documents introduced at the time of the guilty plea reflect that Joshua Ray Fountain was serving a five-year term of federal supervised release following his 150-month term of incarceration in federal prison for the offense of possession with intent to distribute over fifty grams of methamphetamine. On May 2, 2017, while on federal supervised release for the previous federal drug violation, Walton County Sheriff’s Deputies and Drug Enforcement Administration officials found Fountain in possession of over 25 grams of methamphetamine.
The case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida . For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Pensacola Tax Preparer Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christopher Jacob Rankins, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced on Friday to serve 18 months in prison after pleading guilty on June 16, 2017, to twelve counts of aiding or assisting others in the preparation of false tax returns. In addition, Rankins was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $356,172. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Documents introduced at the time of the guilty plea reflect that, between January 1, 2011, and May 8, 2012, while working as a tax preparer at American Tax Service in Pensacola, Florida, Rankins aided, assisted, counseled, and advised others in the preparation and presentation of fraudulent and false tax returns. The tax returns prepared by Rankins falsely represented the taxpayers’ business expenses and falsely claimed educational credits which resulted in taxpayers receiving approximately $356,172 in refunds and credits that the taxpayers were not entitled to receive.
The case resulted from the investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Police and Prosecutors Join Students at the Bay County Youth Crime Prevention SummitRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will join the LEAD Coalition of Bay County and the following agencies to present a youth summit on Friday to approximately 220 high school and middle school students.
Participating agencies include:
- LEAD Coalition of Bay County
- U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Florida Highway Patrol
- Bay County Sheriff’s Office
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Panama City Police Department
- U.S. Secret Service
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General
Participating schools include: (Students with media permissions will be identified.)
- Bay High School
- Rosenwald High School
- Rutherford High School
- Everitt Middle School
- Jinks Middle School
- AMIkids, Panama City Marine Institute
- C.C. Washington Academy
Event:
3rd Annual Bay County Youth Crime Prevention Summit
BLAST Program (for 100 high school students)
“Chasing the Dragon” film screening (for 120 middle school students)Host: LEAD Coalition of Bay County
Location:
Gulf Coast State College
Student Union East, 2nd Floor
5230 West Highway 98
Panama City, FL 32401
Date: Friday, November 3, 2017
Time:
9:30 a.m. CDT Opening Remarks. Please note Central Time.
10:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. CDT Breakout Sessions
Press:
To RSVP for the event, to coordinate interviews, and for BLAST Program-specific questions:
Amy Alexander
850-491-0367(cell)
For questions related to Chasing the Dragon:
Amanda Videll
FBI Public Affairs Specialist
904-349-7750 (cell)
For questions about the Bay County Youth Crime Prevention Summit or the LEAD Coalition:
Janice Lucas
850-913-3263
BLAST Program
The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with officers in a familiar setting. Officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.
The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate and role play with law enforcement officers.
- Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which police respond to a domestic disturbance. Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to the police.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop. Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
- Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
This session is closed to the media and public. Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.
Chasing the Dragon
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) co-produced a 45-minute documentary titled Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict. The film features several stark, first-hand accounts of the dangers of opiate addiction. A free download of the film is available online, along with a teacher discussion guide.
Over the past year, law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, have hosted screenings of the film to educate students on the dangers of opiate abuse and to discuss how the issue could impact their lives and future careers.
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 Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 224 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Donald Santoriello, 60, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 224 months in prison. He received 200 months as the result of his guilty plea on August 10, 2017, to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and 24 months consecutive for violating his federal supervised release. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In March 2017, Santoriello was under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for being convicted of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Probation Office received information that Santoriello was in possession of a firearm, and subsequently law enforcement agents found a firearm in his residence. Santoriello previously had been convicted of crimes dating back to 1987, including first degree robbery, grand theft auto, aggravated assault, and second degree murder.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes 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.
Okaloosa County Sex Offender Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Richard D. Waterson II, 47, a registered sex offender living in Crestview, was sentenced yesterday to 480 months in prison after pleading guilty on January 26, 2017, to attempted enticement of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and for committing a felony involving a minor, while a registered sex offender. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May and June 2016, Waterson and an undercover officer conversed online regarding sexual contact with the undercover officer’s fictitious 13-year-old daughter “Amber.” Waterson was arrested when he approached the hotel where he had agreed to engage in sexual activity with “Amber.” After his arrest, multiple computers were seized from Waterson. A forensic examination located more than 600 child pornography images and videos, downloaded from the internet, on his electronic devices.
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Crestview Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Especially today, on Halloween, as many of us enjoy trick-or-treating with our children, it is comforting to know that diligent prosecutors and law enforcement professionals are working tirelessly year round to pursue these child predators and keep our communities safe places to live. This 40-year prison sentence sends a strong message to those who seek to exploit innocent children.”
“This child predator will spend the next four decades behind bars,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “HSI special agents undoubtedly stopped this criminal from victimizing more children.”
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.
Marketing Company President Charged with Wire FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michael D. Towner, 58, of Los Angeles, California, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with sixteen counts of wire fraud. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that Towner was president of Foundation Consultants Corporation (FCC) and the Towner Corporation, companies that provided marketing support for The Dream Foundation. The Dream Foundation is a nonprofit corporation established to create and market the Florida Live the Dream specialty license plate. Florida law permits companies handling marketing for specialty license plates to receive up to 25% of the total funds received from the sale of the plates.
The indictment further alleges that, between July 2010 and November 2015, Towner arranged to issue payments to FCC and the Towner Corporation in excess of the 25% permitted by Florida law. In total, Towner allegedly made or caused to be made transfers of more than $250,000 over the permitted amount to FCC and the Towner Corporation from the funds received through sale of the Florida Live the Dream specialty license plate. Towner also allegedly falsified annual reports detailing the amount of money distributed to the charities supported by the Dream Foundation.
The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison. The trial is scheduled for December 11, 2017, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Department of Financial Services – Division of Investigative and Forensics Services Office of Fiscal Integrity and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Beach Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Yesterday, Michael Shawn Garrett, 45, of Panama City Beach, Florida, a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor for sex. The trial lasted two days and was held in the U.S. District Court in Panama City. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, undercover investigators conducted an operation to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Garrett responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old boy. During ninety minutes of conversation with the undercover officer, Garrett discussed the sex acts he wished to perform with the boy. Through his email communications, Garrett repeatedly requested the physical address of the boy, offering to pick up the boy to engage in the sexual encounter. Garrett was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting place.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 11, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City, Florida. Garrett faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.
The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department, the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession and Selling MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Anthony J. Fountain, 23, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty on July 20 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distributing methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2017, an undercover agent purchased approximately 57.3 grams of methamphetamine from Fountain for $1,800. Several days later, the agent purchased a firearm from Fountain, a previously convicted felon, for $150. The next day, the agent purchased approximately 70.3 grams of methamphetamine from Fountain for $2,350. Upon completion of the last methamphetamine transaction, law enforcement officers approached Fountain, who fled and began to throw potential evidence into Pensacola Bay. The discarded evidence was retrieved, and Fountain was arrrested.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Customs and Border Protection; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pensacola Police Department; and the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg 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.
Niceville Man Sentenced to More Than Eleven Years in Prison for Federal Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jeremy Langston Alford, 34, of Niceville, was sentenced yesterday to serve 135 months in prison after pleading guilty on July 31, 2017, to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, possessing stolen firearms, and theft of firearms from the premises of a federal firearms licensed dealer. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
On February 24, 2017, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies discovered that Jim’s Guns and Supplies, a federal firearms licensed dealer in Niceville, had been burglarized and a number of firearms, ammunition, and other items had been stolen. Evidence recovered from the crime scene led officials to a shed belonging to Alford’s relative. Officials recovered 39 firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition from inside the shed and the residence. Further investigative efforts led to the recovery of more than 60 firearms, as well as numerous rounds of ammunition, and multiple pieces of tactical equipment, including a gas mask that were all stolen from Jim’s Guns and Supplies. On February 26, 2017, Alford was arrested and admitted to burglarizing Jim’s Guns and Supplies and stealing firearms, ammunition, and other items.
This case resulted from investigations by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Ryan Love.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Milton Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Online Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Danny Ray Murphy, 37, of Milton, was sentenced today to 40 years in prison, after being convicted on June 14 of conspiracy, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography involving a minor under age 12. As part of his sentence, Murphy will be required to register as a sex offender. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During the trial, the jury reviewed three months of online communications between Murphy and a co-conspirator, including images and a video of the co-conspirator sexually assaulting a three-year old child. These communications along with forensic evidence from Murphy’s cellular telephone, revealed he was attempting to gain personal access to the three-year-old for the same purpose.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Children’s lives are easily influenced by their early experiences, and they trust adults to keep them safe. As such, it is especially horrific that this long-lasting harm was inflicted upon a vulnerable child. My office and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing these child predators to protect our communities and to rescue defenseless children.”
HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero said: “HSI special agents will continue to investigate these crimes and ensure the criminals are brought to justice for preying on our kids.”
The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Nurse Convicted of Wire Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – After a three-day trial, Tangela Lawson-Brown, 41, of Midway, Florida, was convicted yesterday of wire fraud, theft of government funds, possession of unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identity theft. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between October 2011 and December 2012, Lawson-Brown worked as a nurse at a Tallahassee nursing home. In January 2013, the Tallahassee Police Department seized items from Lawson-Brown’s vehicle after the arrest of her husband. These items included a notebook containing the personally identifiable information (“PII”) of more than 150 people, including 26 patients at the nursing home where Lawson-Brown was previously employed.
Subsequent investigation by the Internal Revenue Service revealed that fraudulent 2011 income tax returns were filed using the PII of 105 persons listed in the notebook, including 24 of the nursing home patients. Over one million dollars in fraudulent claims were filed as part of the scheme. While the IRS detected many of the fraudulent returns, refunds totaling approximately $141,790 were disbursed.
During the trial, the government presented evidence that tax fraud proceeds were deposited into multiple bank accounts controlled by Lawson-Brown and that the fraud proceeds were used to pay Lawson-Brown’s mortgage, car repairs, and other personal expenses. Many of the identity theft victims were elderly patients in Lawson-Brown’s care. In several instances, fraudulent returns were filed within days of the patients arriving at the nursing home.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 4, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee. Lawson-Brown faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for each of the wire fraud counts, a maximum of 10 years in prison for each of the theft of government funds and possession of unauthorized access devices counts, and a consecutive 2 year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Canova said: “This case illustrates the vulnerability of elderly and disabled persons. Relatives and other caregivers should be alert to unauthorized tax returns, bank accounts, credit cards, and financial transactions, and should immediately report identity theft crimes to law enforcement agencies.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Simpson prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Retired CPA Sentenced to Prison for Failure to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Rocky E. Griffith, 63, of Destin, Florida, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay $78,804 in restitution to the IRS. In May 2017, he pled guilty to failure to file tax returns. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Griffith worked as a certified public accountant for nearly 20 years. After retiring from accounting, he ran charter boat and commercial rental businesses in the Destin area. Following the BP oil spill in 2010, despite earning income from oil spill claims and rental properties, Griffith failed to file tax returns for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes 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 Man Convicted of Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Michael A. Chmielewski, 38, of Tallahassee, a former State of Florida legislative staffer, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor this afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a three-day trial. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Chmielewski responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl named “Sara.” Over two days, Chmielewski continued his conversation with “Sara” on the chat messaging application Kik, discussed sexual activity with “Sara,” and traveled to meet “Sara” in person to have sex. Chmielewski was arrested after arriving at a store to meet “Sara.”
Chmielewski faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 5, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Cocoa Police Department, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Correctional Officer Convicted of Violating an Inmate's Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – This afternoon, after a four-day trial, Willie L. Walker, 58, of Lynn Haven, Florida, was convicted in the U.S. District Court of depriving an inmate of his constitutional rights. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In March 2015, Walker, while acting as a correctional officer at the Gulf Correctional Institution, assaulted an inmate, resulting in bodily injury. The government presented evidence that, during his career as a correctional officer, Walker had assaulted at least four inmates. In this case, the testimony demonstrated that Walker sprayed the inmate with a chemical agent and then struck him repeatedly, resulting in a fractured nose and head wound, which required several staples. In an attempt to establish that he had acted in self-defense, Walker planted a homemade weapon or “shank.”
Walker faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.
The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed.
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.
Correctional Officer Charged with Violating an Inmate's Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael J. Baxter, 49, of Grand Ridge, Florida, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging him with falsifying records and depriving an inmate of his constitutional rights. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, in July 2015, Baxter, while acting as a state correctional officer at the Apalachee Correctional Institution, assaulted an inmate, resulting in bodily injury. The indictment further alleges that, in July 2015, Baxter knowingly falsified an incident report to obstruct the investigation.
The trial is scheduled for December 4, 2017, at 8:15 a.m.
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 in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
15 People Charged in Drug Trafficking ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned a nine-count indictment, unsealed today, charging 15 defendants with several federal drug trafficking offenses. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The defendants are:
- Johnny Allen, 26, Panama City Beach, Florida;
- Elijah Segers-Meier, 26, Panama City Beach;
- Alexis Salas, 20, Columbus, Georgia;
- Decorey Walker, 26, Columbus, Georgia;
- Kyle Pate, 33, Panama City Beach, Florida;
- Christopher Pipkins, 28, Columbus, Georgia;
- Kimberly Fuller, 46, Panama City Beach, Florida;
- David Snyder III, 23, Panama City; Florida;
- Ashley Coatley, 36, Panama City Beach, Florida;
- Anthony Servillo, 25, Panama City Beach; Florida;
- Michael Soifert, 24, Panama City Beach, Florida;
- Angela Adams, 26, Columbus, Georgia;
- Mardarrius Collier, 20,Columbus, Georgia;
- John Elliott, 26, Panama City, Florida; and
- Franschwa Riggins, 29, Panama City, Florida.
The charges are:
Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance: All defendants were charged with conspiracy. Allen, Segers-Meier, Salas, Collier, and Adams were attributed an amount of 100 grams or more of heroin. Riggins was attributed an amount of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Allen, Segers-Meier, Salas, and Pate were attributed an amount of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Distribution of a Controlled Substance: Segers-Meier was charged with distributing heroin and methamphetamine. Allen was charged with distributing heroin and fentanyl.
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking: Segers-Meier was charged with possessing a pistol in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance: Adams, Collier, and Allen were charged and attributed with 100 grams or more of heroin. Allen and Salas were charged with possessing heroin with the intent to distribute it.
Allen, Segers-Meier, Walker, Fuller, Snyder, Coatley, Servillo, Soifert, and Elliott’s trial is scheduled for December 4, 2017, at 8:15 a.m., at the United States courthouse in Panama City.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Panama City Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the 14th District Medical Examiner’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.
Jackson County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Wire Fraud Involving Theft from Two Health Care ProvidersRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Melissa Moniz, 44, of Marianna, having pled guilty in May 2017 to wire fraud, was sentenced late Friday afternoon to six months in federal prison to be followed by six months of home confinement. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $41,813.77 in restitution to Gynecology and Obstetrics Associates in Tallahassee. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In December 2012, Moniz applied for employment with the Jackson County Hospital (JCH) in Marianna, Florida. Relying on Moniz’s résumé, which contained false claims of extensive medical management experience, JCH hired Moniz as Director of Physician Practices. As part of her duties at JCH, Moniz urged JCH to use her company, “Billing and Collection Services” (BCS), as a collections agency, and claimed that she had used BCS for collections previously and knew the owner of BCS personally. Based upon Moniz’s recommendation, JCH signed a collections contract with BCS. Moniz failed to disclose the fact that BCS was actually her own company and that the person signing the contract on behalf of BCS was actually her sister. As a result of these misrepresentations and material omissions, Moniz fraudulently obtained $26,775.01 from JCH.
In August 2014, Gynecology and Obstetrics Associates, Inc., (GOA), in Tallahassee, Florida, hired a firm to conduct an audit of all financial activities at the practice. The audit and subsequent investigation revealed that, between March 2007 and April 2013, GOA’s office manager, who was Moniz’s sister, embezzled approximately $1.5 million from GOA through a scheme involving fraudulent invoices, fictitious vendors, and payments funneled to the office manager’s personal accounts.
The investigation later disclosed that the GOA office manager used GOA monies to pay Moniz and BCS to conduct collections services for GOA. The collections services for which Moniz was paid were never performed. The office manager issued 39 checks from GOA to “BCBS,” making the checks appear as if they were issued to Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, the checks were actually provided to Moniz who endorsed and deposited them into her BCS bank account. The checks totaled $116,813.77.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen M. Kunz 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 Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Clifford B. Gandy Jr., 26, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison after an October 2016 jury conviction of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In May 2016, an officer walking on patrol observed Gandy inside a running vehicle in a public parking lot with three bags containing a white powder on Gandy’s lap. Another officer confirmed this observation. As the officers approached, Gandy attempted to reverse the vehicle to escape capture. The officers drew their weapons and prevented Gandy from leaving. While one officer removed Gandy from the vehicle, a digital scale and cocaine bags fell onto the ground. A vehicle search revealed $800 in cash and a loaded semi-automatic pistol in the closed center console along with a bag of marijuana. The firearm was stolen, and Gandy is a multi-convicted felon.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Pensacola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg 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.
North Floridians Warned of Opioid AbuseRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – As designated by Presidential proclamation, September 17 through 23 is National Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. In observance, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is urging Northern Floridians to be aware of the rising public health crisis of opioid abuse.
United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova said: “Good people are suffering as a result of this crisis. Compounding the problem is that drug dealers are adding other substances, such as fentanyl and carfentanyl, to the heroin sold, making the mixture so strong that very small doses are fatal. We must educate the community of this danger, while bringing to justice those who peddle this poison. The heroin and opioid epidemic requires a coordinated response from law enforcement agencies, treatment centers, and the public.”
Attorney General Sessions has mentioned that, in 2015, a record 52,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses. For Americans under the age of 50, drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death. Based on preliminary data, approximately 64,000 Americans lost their lives to drug overdoses last year. In 2015, opioids were responsible for most of the fatal overdoses in this country, killing more than 33,000 Americans – quadruple the number from 20 years ago. Last year, 1.3 million hospital visits in the United States were related to these drugs.
During this week and beyond, Americans can learn more about the disease of addiction, join with community members to support evidence-based prevention and treatment programs, and stand with those who are suffering or recovering from a substance use disorder to let them know they are not alone.
Education:
Opioid Overdose and Reversal Training: In July, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) co-sponsored trainings in Pensacola for 85 law enforcement officers, first responders, health care professionals, and military personnel in opioid overdose treatment and reversal options, including the use of the drug Naloxone/Narcan. If administered quickly enough, Naloxone can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose and restart a victim’s breathing. Many agencies within the Northern District of Florida have already equipped their first responders with the opioid reversal drug.
Film Screenings and Panel Discussions: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) co-produced a 45-minute documentary titled Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict. The film features several stark, first-hand accounts of the dangers of opiate addiction. A free download of the film is available online, along with a teacher discussion guide.
Over the past year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has partnered with other law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DEA, to host screenings of the film to educate students on the dangers of opiate abuse and to discuss how the issue could impact their lives and future careers.
On November 3, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and LEAD Coalition will co-host the Bay County Youth Crime Prevention Summit at Gulf Coast State College in Panama City. The Chasing the Dragon film screening will be a part of this program.
Enforcement
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes heroin and other drug-related offenses. This is a recent example.
Six People Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy
In 2017 and 2016, six residents of the Gainesville/Ocala area were sentenced for conspiring to distribute heroin and other drug-related charges. Several of the defendants were responsible for more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin in the conspiracy.
What You Can Do:
- Talk to your family, friends, colleagues, and community about the dangers of heroin and opioid abuse. It can happen to anyone.
- Contact law enforcement officers if you suspect drug-related activity in your neighborhood.
- If you have prescription opioids in your home, ensure they are safely locked away. For information about properly disposing of unused medicines, visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website.
For More Information:
2017 Presidential proclamationDepartment of Justice, Heroin and Opioid Awareness
Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict
Attorney General Sessions Announces Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection UnitThe United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Two Charged with Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Bailegh Noelle Coleman, 20, of Starke, Florida, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging her and co-defendant Rajheem Kwamaine Roddey, 23, with conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, and benefiting financially from sex trafficking of a minor. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between April and June 2017, Roddey and Coleman recruited and transported a person under age 18 for commercial sexual activity. The indictment further alleges that they benefited financially from the sex trafficking. Coleman is in custody, and Roddey has not been arrested yet. Coleman’s trial is scheduled for November 28, 2017, at 8:30 a.m.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, which includes the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Gainesville Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.
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 in a court of law.
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.
North Floridians Reminded to Report Disaster Related FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova is urging North Florida residents and businesses to be aware of and report suspected fraudulent activity related to hurricane relief operations and federal funding for victims of Hurricane Irma.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud from a person or an organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of flood victims, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud toll free at (866) 720-5721. You can also fax information to (225) 334-4707 or e-mail it to [email protected]. The telephone line is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We do not tolerate fraud,” said United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova. “Individuals, families, and businesses have suffered, and will continue to suffer, tremendous losses. Emergency funds are needed to help them get back on their feet. Dozens of agencies, investigators, and prosecutors are ready to respond to credible allegations of fraud and abuse. If you are aware of fraud, we urge you to call the National Disaster Fraud Hotline.”
In anticipation of unprecedented fraud in connection with federal disaster relief following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, a Joint Command Center was established in Baton Rouge, LA, to coordinate reports of fraud. The Command Center, now known as the National Center for Disaster Fraud, has since expanded its mission to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 20 federal agencies participate in the center, allowing it to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information. To date, the National Center for Disaster Fraud has received and screened more than 70,000 complaints involving 40 different disasters, resulting in 50,000 referrals to law enforcement agencies. In connection with Hurricane Katrina alone, there were 1,370 federal disaster fraud prosecutions involving 1,463 defendants in 49 different federal districts.
Members of the public are reminded to apply a critical eye and do their due diligence before giving contributions or personal identifying information to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of hurricane victims. Solicitations can originate from e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings and telephone calls, and similar methods. Please also be sure to undertake necessary inquiries before giving contributions to anyone soliciting contributions on behalf of disaster victims.
Please report any suspicions of fraud to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (toll free at (866) 720-5721, (225) 334-4707 fax, or [email protected]). Fraud may also be reported directly to the United States Attorney’s Office in Tallahassee by contacting Assistant US Attorney Michael Harwin at (850) 942-8430 or [email protected].
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.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Ten Years for Attempted Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Kenneth James Hill, 69, of Slidell, Louisiana, was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison after pleading guilty on June 15, 2017, to attempted enticement of a minor for sex and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In September 2016, Hill responded to an online Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover detective posed as a mother, “Ashley,” of a 14-year-old daughter, “Nikki.” Hill asked sexual questions about “Nikki” and acknowledged her age. He also communicated with “Nikki” online via the undercover detective, described sexual acts he intended to perform on “Nikki,” and arranged to travel two hours to meet “Nikki” in person for the purpose of having sex. Several days later, Hill arrived at the hotel where he believed “Nikki” was staying and was arrested.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Panama City Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.
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.