Northern District of Florida

Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.

Former Gulf Breeze Attorney Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud, Embezzlement, and Money Laundering Charges
2017-09-01 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Richard Michael Colbert, 56, of Pensacola Beach, was sentenced today to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $3.7 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, false statement to a federally insured financial institution, nine counts of money laundering, and two counts of theft, embezzlement or misapplication by a person connected with a financial institution. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2007, Colbert, while working as a title attorney, signed and submitted a false HUD-1 to the now defunct GulfSouth Private Bank in order for one of his business partners, a former builder, Lawrence Wright, to obtain a million dollar loan from GulfSouth. As a result of Colbert and Wright’s fraudulent conduct, GulfSouth ultimately sustained in excess of $636,000 in losses.

In 2010, Colbert again while working as a title attorney, facilitated a bank and mail fraud conspiracy by handling a number of closings that defrauded Bank of America, Beach Community Bank, and the now defunct Premier Community Bank. Bank of America, Beach Community Bank, and Premier Community Bank sustained losses totaling in excess of $2.3 million from the conspiracy.

Additionally, beginning in December 2010, while acting as an escrow agent for Beach Community Bank, Colbert embezzled and misapplied in excess of $400,000 that was being held at Beach Community Bank. Thereafter, between December 2010, and March 2011, Colbert conducted a series of financial transactions laundering the funds he had embezzled. In September 2011, Beach Community Bank personnel contacted Colbert to determine where the money was located. Unbeknownst to Beach Community Bank, Colbert then obtained money from a third party to replace the funds he had embezzled. However, a short time after placing the third party’s money into the Beach Community Bank account, Colbert embezzled in excess of $237,000 from the same account.

In addition to defrauding the financial institutions and embezzling from Beach Community Bank, the government’s evidence also showed that in August 2011, Colbert stole approximately $36,000 from four homeowners/condominium associations that he had been entrusted to oversee.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “This bank fraud case is a reminder that my office will vigorously prosecute financial representatives who abuse positions of trust for their own gain. This defendant held a responsibility to conduct ethical transactions, and I commend the hard work of the investigators and prosecutors who enforce our federal laws and ensure that justice is served.”

“The role of IRS Criminal Investigation becomes even more important in embezzlement and fraud cases due to the complex financial transactions that take our expertise and skill to unravel,” said Mary Hammond, Special Agent in Charge, Tampa Field Office. “Today's sentencing of Mr. Colbert is a strong reminder that those who defraud others to enrich themselves will be held accountable.”

The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of Inspector General, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.

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.
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Bay County Sex Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
2017-09-01 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael Ray Alford, 50, of Youngstown, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 180 months in prison after a jury convicted him on June 20, 2017, of receipt and possession of child pornography. Alford had been previously convicted in the Northern District of Florida of a child pornography offense in 2002. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2014, a Montana retailer reported to law enforcement officers that someone had called their store and stated an intent to commit sexual acts on a minor. Through records, officers discovered the call was made from Alford’s Bay County residence. During a forensic review of computers discovered at the residence, officers located images and online search terms of child pornography. In addition, child pornography was discovered in Alford’s e-mail account.

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton (Montana) Police Department, 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: “Protecting our children from exploitation is a top priority of my office and the Department of Justice. Every day, our hardworking prosecutors and law enforcement professionals seek to protect our innocent victims, keep our communities safe, and bring child predators to justice.”

“This case is an example of the great work that can be done when local and federal law enforcement agencies work together,” said Tampa HSI Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero, “This child predator will be now be held accountable for his crimes.”

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.
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Tips on Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes
2017-08-30 · Northern District of Florida
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The National Center for Disaster Fraud reminds the public to be aware of and report any instances of alleged fraudulent activity related to relief operations and funding for victims. Unfortunately, criminals can exploit disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey, for their own gain by sending fraudulent communications through email or social media and by creating phony websites designed to solicit contributions.

Tips should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud at (866) 720-5721. The line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Additionally, e-mails can be sent to [email protected] (link sends e-mail), and information can be faxed to (225) 334-4707.

The U.S. Department of Justice established the National Center for Disaster Fraud to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when billions of dollars in federal disaster relief poured into the Gulf Coast region. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud from any natural or manmade disaster. More than 30 federal, state, and local agencies participate in the National Center for Disaster Fraud, which allows the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.

The public should remember to perform due diligence before giving contributions to anyone soliciting donations or individuals offering to provide assistance to those affected by the tornadoes. Solicitations can originate from social media, e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, flyers, mailings, telephone calls, and other similar methods.

Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including:
- Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
- Be skeptical of individuals representing themselves as members of charitable organizations or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
- Beware of organizations with copy-cat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
- Rather than follow a purported link to a website, verify the legitimacy of nonprofit organizations by utilizing various Internet-based resources that may assist in confirming the group’s existence and its nonprofit status.
- Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files because the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
- To ensure contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make contributions directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
- Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use such tactics.
- Be aware of whom you are dealing with when providing your personal and financial information. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
- Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
- Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services. Most legitimate charities’ websites end in .org rather than .com.
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Alachua County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Operating Illegal Internet Pharmacy
2017-08-29 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Larry Burstein, 69, of Alachua, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 48 months in prison after pleading guilty in November 2016, to involvement in a drug conspiracy arising from his operation of a multi-million dollar internet pharmacy. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Co-conspirator Edward Leonforte, 56, of Gainesville, pled guilty in September 2016 to conspiracy, distribution of the controlled substance codeine, and money laundering. Leonforte is scheduled to be sentenced September 25, 2017, at 3:30 p.m.

Leonforte and Burstein operated multiple internet pharmacy websites from various locations in the Alachua, Florida area. Between 2007 and 2014, Burstein’s websites sold more than $7 million in prescription drugs without requiring customers to provide a prescription. Through his website, Burstein made nationwide sales of more than 148,000 pills containing codeine, a Schedule II opiate. On several occasions in 2012 and 2013, an undercover DEA agent was able to order and receive codeine pills from Burstein’s websites without providing a prescription.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Gainesville Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff's Office, the Alachua Police Department, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton 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.
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Gainesville Physician Sentenced for 162 Counts of Health Care Fraud
2017-08-21 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ona M. Colasante, 60, a physician who formerly practiced in Gainesville, was sentenced Friday afternoon to 12 months in prison and ordered to pay a $1,134,000 fine and more than $1 million in restitution after being convicted on May 2, 2016, of 162 counts of health care fraud. As part of the sentence, the Court ordered that more than $1 million be forfeited to the government. Colasante was also ordered to perform 1,200 hours community service while serving a term of 3 years of supervised release. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Colasante owned and operated medical businesses known as the Hawthorne Medical Center in Hawthorne, Florida, between 1998 and March 2009, and the Colasante Clinic in Gainesville, Florida, between January 2010 and January 2013. Through these businesses, Colasante defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida through a series of false billing schemes. During the five-week trial, the government presented evidence that Colasante, and employees acting at her direction, ordered non-FDA approved drugs at a drastically reduced price, administered them to unsuspecting patients, and then fraudulently billed insurance companies for the cost of FDA-approved drugs. The evidence showed that Colasante also billed insurance companies for medically unnecessary tests and submitted false diagnosis codes in support of her fraudulent claims for reimbursement.

In addition, Colasante billed insurance companies for counseling, treatment, and training that was never performed. Her businesses repeatedly submitted fraudulent billings for smoking-cessation treatment purportedly administered to patients who were non-smokers.

United States Attorney Canova praised the work of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, whose joint investigation led to the convictions in this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tiffany H. Eggers and J. Ryan Love.

“Health care programs and patients depend on ethical practices by medical providers,” said United States Attorney Canova. “I commend the diligent investigators and prosecutors who uphold our federal laws and bring to justice those who abuse their positions of trust.” The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
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Jackson County Man Indicted for Federal Child Pornography Offenses
2017-08-10 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Ralph Herman Fox Jr., 60, of Graceville, Florida, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with production and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between June 2015, and September 2016, Fox enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a visual depiction. The indictment further alleges that, in September 2016, Fox possessed child pornography. The defendant is in custody. The trial is scheduled for October 16, 2017, at 8:15 a.m.

The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
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Track and Field Athlete Sentenced to 75 Months for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud
2017-08-04 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Teona N. Rodgers, 28, of Tampa, was sentenced today, after being convicted after a jury trial on May 3 of theft of government funds, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, use of unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, and false claims. Rodgers was sentenced to 75 months in prison and ordered to pay $151,577 in restitution. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

While on a track and field scholarship at Florida State University, Rodgers participated in a scheme to file fraudulent income tax returns during the 2011 and 2012 tax years by using other people’s personal information. The scheme was discovered in November 2013, when two notebooks and 12 debit cards in other people’s names were discovered in the Tallahassee apartment Rodgers had recently vacated.

The notebooks contained handwritten names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, tax refund amounts, account numbers, and other personal data of more than 150 individuals. The notebooks also included notations such as “rejected” and “filed,” and detailed instructions on how to file a return reporting $47,196 of interest income. This amount was used on multiple tax returns in this scheme (including Rodgers’s own 2011 and 2012 returns). Investigators determined that the returns had been filed from IP addresses linked to Rodgers and that the false returns had funded the debit cards. Rodgers used these debit cards to make purchases. In total, the information contained in the notebooks was used to file 64 fraudulent tax returns, seeking $465,948 in refunds.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Emerald Coast Financial Crimes Task Force, comprised of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the United States Secret Service and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
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Six People Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy
2017-08-03 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – The last of six defendants was sentenced this week for conspiring to distribute heroin and other drug-related charges. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The defendants are:
- Joe Lee McQuay, 39, Ocala, 240 months in prison (180 months for the heroin conspiracy to be served consecutively to a 60-month sentence for a prior narcotics trafficking offense);
- Ivan Jermaine Wims, 41, Gainesville, 144 months in prison;
- Jordan Christopher Wims (Ivan’s son), 22, Gainesville, 36 months in prison;
- Albert Devon Kitchen, 35, Gainesville, 240 months in prison;
- Ticco Earl Wright, 33, Gainesville, 120 months in prison; and
- Danielle Nicole Duncan, 36, Gainesville, 24 months in prison;
The DEA began this drug trafficking investigation in June 2013. The investigation revealed that McQuay supplied heroin to distributor Ivan Wims. After Ivan Wims was arrested on an unrelated case in April 2014, he continued to coordinate his drug activities from custody, directing his son Jordan Wims and Albert Kitchen how to obtain, process, and distribute heroin to the customers. Duncan and Wright were two of these customers. The undercover agent purchased heroin from Jordan Wims, Kitchen, Duncan, and Wright on multiple occasions.

In the fall of 2016, Ivan and Jordan Wims, Kitchen, Wright, and Duncan pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute heroin and distribution of heroin. Ivan Wims and Jordan Wims and Kitchen were responsible for more than one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of heroin in the conspiracy, and Wright and Duncan were responsible for quantities of 100 grams or more of heroin. Additionally, Wright pled guilty to possessing a firearm while trafficking in heroin. In January 2017, McQuay pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.

These cases resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gainesville Alachua County Drug Task Force, comprised of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, and the University of Florida Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. McMahon prosecuted the cases.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Multiple Defendents Charged in Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracy
2017-07-26 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging eight defendants with conspiracy to distribute marijuana, four of whom were charged with being involved with 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Additionally, seven of the defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The defendants are:
- Charles Zachariah Sindylek, 31, Pensacola, Florida;
- Brandon Craig Remeyer, 34, Mission Viejo, California;
- Sanford Eugene Johnson III, 31, Pensacola, Florida;
- William Brett Brownell, 26, Milton, Florida;
- William Ezra Brownell (Brett’s father), 60, Mobile, Alabama;
- David Delgiacco, 55, Lake Forest, California;
- Andrew Paul Marcelonis, 31, Pensacola, Florida; and
- Steven Ryan Michael Sholly, 30, Pensacola, Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between January 2014 and June 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. It specifically alleges Sindylek, Remeyer, Johnson, and William Brett Brownell were responsible for involving 100 kilograms or more of marijuana in the conspiracy. The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, Sindylek, Remeyer, Johnson, both Brownells, Delgiacco, and Marcelonis conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy through financial institutions. The trial is scheduled for August 28, 2017 at 9:00 AM at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

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.

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.
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Twenty People Convicted and Sentenced in Long Term Methamphetamine Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
2017-07-20 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The last of twenty defendants have been sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale, methamphetamine trafficking organization operating primarily within Taylor County. During the fall of 2014, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force began investigating the distribution of methamphetamine—commonly referred to as “ice”—within Taylor County and the surrounding area. The defendants were charged in a series of indictments returned over the course of 2016. In total, twenty defendants were convicted and sentenced to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute varying amounts of methamphetamine. The investigation also involved numerous undercover controlled purchases by law enforcement made during the trafficking conspiracy. The convictions and sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The defendants are:
- Joshua Oneal Faulk, 26, Zephyrhills, Florida, 240 months in prison;
- Robby Lynn Wilson, 36, Perry, Florida, 180 months in prison;
- Camelia Faulk, 49, Zephyrhills, Florida, 144 months in prison (84 months from the Northern District consecutive to 60 months from the Middle District of Florida);
- Fairley Trey Pitts, 31, Perry, Florida, 108 months in prison;
- Cody Aaron Jacobs, 26, Perry, Florida, 108 months in prison;
- Darrius Demond Beasley, 26, Perry, Florida, 101 months in prison;
- Kendall Lamar Smith, 29, Perry, Florida, 66 months in prison;
- Micah Todd Archer, 34, Perry, Florida, 60 months in prison;
- George Kevin Cook, 40, Perry, Florida, 60 months in prison;
- Craig Michael Hathcock, 47, Tallahassee, Florida, 60 months in prison;
- Bryan Joseph Bowden, 29, Perry, Florida, 48 months in prison;
- Dewey Randall Bright, Jr., 39, Perry, Florida, 48 months in prison;
- Nicholas Wayne Pharr, 35, Perry, Florida, 48 months in prison;
- Corey James Rucker, 22, Perry, Florida, 48 months in prison consecutive to 27 months in state prison;
- Christopher Ryan Sessions, 35, Perry, Florida, 48 months in prison;
- James Oglesby Stephens, 53, Perry, Florida, 39 months in prison;
- Lindsay Anne Overstreet, 33, Perry, Florida, 24 months in prison;
- Shanna Nicole Leigh Pittman, 23, Perry, Florida, 24 months in prison;
- Michael Jared Borklund, 30, Perry, Florida, 12 months and 1 day in prison; and
- Calista Bryce Hedricks, 36, Perry, Florida, 1 day in prison.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, Florida Highway Patrol, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, High Springs Police Department, and with the assistance of the State Attorney’s Offices in Taylor, Lafayette, and Alachua counties. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann prosecuted the cases.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Enticing and Traveling to Pensacola for Sex with a Minor
2017-07-18 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas G. Peacock, 33, of Salisbury, North Carolina, pled guilty yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola to enticement of a minor and interstate travel for illicit sexual activity. The guilty plea 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.

For the enticement charge, Peacock faces a maximum of life and a minimum of 10 years in prison. For the sex traveling charge, Peacock faces a maximum of 30 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 11, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case is being 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 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.
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Gulf Breeze Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Receipt of Child Pornography
2017-06-30 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Thomas E. Matassa, 24, of Gulf Breeze, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release as a sex offender for receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In February 2016, a detective interviewed Matassa, who admitted to downloading child pornography online. A forensic examination of Matassa’s laptop revealed approximately 200 images of child pornography and more than 30,000 chat messages with underage males to exchange videos and images of child sexual acts. Matassa pled guilty on April 10, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted the case.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Protecting our children from exploitation is a top priority of my office and the Department of Justice. I commend the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who protect our communities and bring child predators to justice.”

“The FBI is committed to protecting children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “We appreciate the efforts of our many law enforcement partners in this case, and remain committed to working tirelessly with them to identify these predators, and find justice for their victims.”

“HSI special agents, with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, have ensured this predator will not continue to re-victimize children,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, acting special agent in charge of HSI Tampa.

“Matassa is a dangerous predator who was aggressively targeting young boys online in an attempt to establish relationships with them,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Jack Massey. “I thank our FDLE agents and law enforcement partners for their dedication and hard work to take this suspect off the street.”

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.
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Former Bank President Sentenced to Five Years for Bank Fraud Scheme
2017-06-29 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Anthony J. Atkins, 51, of Eufaula, Alabama, was sentenced yesterday to 63 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $2.4 million in restitution for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of false statements to a federally insured financial institution, bank fraud, and mail fraud affecting a financial institution. Atkins was convicted by a jury on March 10, 2017. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2007, an individual went to Anthony J. Atkins, the president of GulfSouth Private Bank, and notified Atkins that the individual’s company, which had been loaned $3.4 million, was no longer able to make payments on the mortgage loans issued by GulfSouth Private Bank that had been secured by three condominiums. To conceal that the $3.4 million in loans were going into default, Atkins devised a scheme to conceal the bad debt.

As a part of the scheme, Atkins and Samuel D. Cobb, who was a vice president at GulfSouth, solicited Bruce A. Houle, Mark W. Shoemaker, Michael Bradley Bowen, and William Blake Cody to take out new loans with the bank to purchase the three condominiums. To persuade Houle, Shoemaker, Bowen, and Cody to engage in the scheme, Atkins and Cobb told these individuals that the loans would be non-recourse, meaning that, if the men defaulted, GulfSouth would have no recourse against them.

Thereafter, Atkins and Cobb caused new mortgage loans and additional lines of credit to be issued for approximately $3.8 million to the men they had solicited. According to the terms of the fraudulent loans issued during the scheme, the men Atkins and Cobb solicited were not required to make any payments on the loans until the loans came due months down the road. These new loans were then used to pay off the old loans that were going into default. Issuing these new loans and new lines of credit created the appearance that the debt was “performing,” which allowed Atkins to avoid having to report the loans associated with the condominiums as bad debt. Further, as a part of the scheme, Atkins and Cobb caused fraudulent security agreements to be prepared that falsely represented that Houle, Shoemaker, Bowen, and Cody were obligated to repay their respective new mortgage loans and lines of credit.

In September 2009, GulfSouth received $7,500,000 in Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) funds from the United States Treasury. Thereafter, Atkins and Cobb allowed the condominiums that were collateral for the mortgage loans to be sold in short sales, resulting in a loss to GulfSouth. Further, Atkins allowed the deficiencies and the lines of credit to be charged off of GulfSouth’s books and records.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG).

“This bank fraud case is a reminder that my office will vigorously prosecute those who do not conduct ethical transactions, especially financial representatives who abuse their positions of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Canova. “I commend the hard work of the investigators and prosecutors who enforce our federal laws and ensure that justice is served.”

“Today, a federal court sentenced to prison a bank president along with the bank’s vice president, who were investigated and arrested by SIGTARP,” said Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero (SIGTARP). “Taxpayers lost $7.5 million in TARP dollars invested in Gulfsouth Private Bank – a bank that failed after being led by the top two officers committing bank fraud. Bank president Tony Atkins brought in friends and family as co-conspirators in this conspiracy to make troubled loans appear current. Each of those co-conspirators have been convicted. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida for unwavering dedication, including Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Eggers who was committed to seeking justice.”

“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General is committed to its partnerships with others in the law enforcement community as we address bank fraud cases throughout the country. The American people need to be assured that we are working to ensure integrity in the financial services industries and that those involved in criminal activities that undermine that integrity will be held accountable.” said Jason Moran, Special Agent in Charge, FDIC-OIG.

Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers 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.
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Panama City Beach Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor
2017-06-27 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael Shawn Garrett, 44, of Panama City Beach, was arraigned yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor for sex. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, in May 2017, Garrett attempted to entice a minor under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. The trial is scheduled for August 21, 2017, at 8:15 a.m.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Panama City Beach Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. 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.
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Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of Learning
2017-06-26 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, together with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department, and Eastside High School, will present a BLAST Program event on Wednesday to approximately 50 students.

Event: BLAST Program

Host: United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida

Location:

Eastside High School

1201 SE 43rd Street

Gainesville, FL 32641

Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Time: 8:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT

Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova said: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”

Sheriff Sadie Darnell said: “Working with the youth of our community is a great way to build trust between law enforcement and our young people so that everyone better understands issues facing each of us.”

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 in 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.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
- Gainesville Police Department
- Eastside High School
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- Florida Highway Patrol
- FAMU Police Department
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Destin Man Pleads Guilty to Shipping Jewelry Stolen from Walton County Burglaries
2017-06-22 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Mark Joshua Mitchell, 39, of Destin, pled guilty today to seven counts of interstate transportation of stolen property. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

On various dates in 2015 and 2016, victims contacted the Walton County Sheriff’s Office to report that their residence had been burglarized and that jewelry and other items had been stolen during the burglaries. The victims reported six different burglaries in Santa Rosa Beach, Panama City Beach, and Destin. The stolen items included multi-carat diamond engagement rings, a three-piece platinum wedding ring set, other jewelry, cash, and Mexican gold coins. Mitchell then shipped diamonds taken from the rings or the entire stolen item to Missouri and Louisiana.

On each of the seven counts, Mitchell faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 18, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The investigation in this case was led by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) provided assistance. This case is being 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.
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Bay County Sex Offender Convicted Again of Federal Child Pornography Offenses
2017-06-21 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael Ray Alford, 50, of Youngstown, Florida, was convicted yesterday afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Panama City of receipt and possession of child pornography after a two-day trial. Alford had been previously convicted in the Northern District of Florida of a child pornography offense in 2002. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2014, a Montana retailer reported to law enforcement officers that someone had called their store and stated an intent to commit sexual acts on a minor. Through records, officers discovered the call was made from Alford’s Bay County residence. During a forensic review of computers discovered at the residence, officers located images and online search terms of child pornography. In addition, child pornography was discovered in Alford’s e-mail account.

For the receipt charge, Alford faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. For the possession charge, Alford faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 31, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamilton (Montana) Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Pensacola Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud
2017-06-20 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Christopher Jacob Rankins, 32, of Pensacola, Florida, has pled guilty to twelve counts of aiding or assisting others in the preparation of false tax returns. The guilty plea 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 tax payers receiving approximately $356,172 in refunds and credits that the taxpayers were not entitled to receive.

The charges were the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.

As to each of the twelve counts, Rankins faces a maximum of three years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

United States Attorney Canova said: “Fraudulent tax returns steal from the millions of honest taxpayers who fulfilled their tax obligations accurately and on time. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners, such as the Internal Revenue Service, to ensure that tax dollars are used for their intended purpose.”

“We owe it to honest, hardworking taxpayers to investigate and assist in prosecuting unscrupulous return preparers who steal from the American citizens through the filing of false tax returns,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Mary Hammond.

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.
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Federal Government Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Providing Bribes in a Government Contract Fraud Scheme
2017-06-16 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael Allen Braun, 54, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, was sentenced today to 18 months in prison and $126,300 in restitution for conspiracy (to commit theft of honest services and wire fraud) and bribery of a public official. Co-conspirator United States Air Force Master Sergeant Cody Boone Covert, 43, of Fort Walton Beach, was sentenced to 23 months in prison on February 23, 2017, for conspiracy and bribery of a public official. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In January 2014, MSgt. Covert, 901st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Hurlburt Field, was tasked by the Air Force with procuring specialized equipment in support of C-130 Special Operations Aircraft. Braun, who owned the company Trans Global Storage Solutions, conspired with Covert to obtain a contract from the United States Air Force. Prior to the solicitation of the contract, Braun agreed to provide Covert 45% of the profit from the contract proceeds, if Covert ensured that Trans Global won the contract. Covert submitted a request to purchase the specialized equipment. Because Covert was the requester of the equipment, he was chosen to evaluate each proposal for technical acceptance. Subsequently, Covert recommended the Trans Global proposal be accepted. After Trans Global was fraudulently awarded the $126,300 contract from the United States Air Force via Covert’s inside influence, Covert and Braun split the proceeds. Covert pled guilty on October 28, 2016, and Braun pled guilty on January 12, 2017.

U.S. Attorney Canova said, “The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our other federal, state, and local government partners, is committed to upholding the law by exposing corruption and pursuing justice for those lawbreakers who abuse their authority and positions of trust. I commend the work of the investigating and prosecuting team on this case. Public service carries a high ethical standard, and no one is above the law.”

Special Agent-in-Charge Wendell W. Palmer, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI)-Procurement Fraud Detachment 5, Southeast Field Office, stated, “This was a great outcome for the investigation and prosecution of those who would do damage to the integrity of the U.S. Air Force acquisition process. Dedicated and thorough work on the part of investigators and prosecutors alike have once again protected the warfighting capability of the world’s greatest air and space fighting force. The teamwork exhibited by investigators and prosecutors, and the sentence, sends a strong message that fraud against our government will not be tolerated.”

“Corruption in the government procurement process damages the public trust and ultimately degrades the warfighting mission of the Department of Defense,” commented Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Khin, Southeast Field Office, Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “DCIS, with our investigative partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, continues to pursue and bring to justice those contractors who defraud military programs, especially when it jeopardizes the safety of our brave men and women in uniform.”

The case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Ustynoski.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of Learning
2017-06-15 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and AMIkids Tallahassee and Gadsden, will present a BLAST Program event on Friday to approximately 40 students.

Event: BLAST Program

Location:

AMIkids Tallahassee

2514 W. Tharpe St.

Tallahassee, FL 32303

Date: Friday, June 16, 2017

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT

Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova said: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”

Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil said, “We are excited and proud to be a partner in this event to engage our young people and work with our community members.”

AMIkids Inc. representatives said: “This is an important priority for AMIkids and our partners in law enforcement as it is critical to our service of building and maintaining healthy, safe communities.”

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 in 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.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Leon County Sheriff’s Office
- AMIkids Tallahassee
- AMIkids Gadsden
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- IRS-Criminal Investigation
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Florida Highway Patrol
- FAMU Police Department
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Jury Convicts Milton Man of Online Child Exploitation Offenses
2017-06-14 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Danny Ray Murphy, 37, of Milton, was convicted today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of all counts, which charged conspiracy, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography involving a minor under age 12. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the three-day trial, the jury reviewed three months of online communications between Murphy and a conspirator, including images and a video of sex acts involving a three-year-old, evidence linking the online activity to Murphy, and forensic evidence from his cellular telephone regarding sexually assaulting the three-year-old.

For the conspiracy and receipt charges, Murphy faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison. For the possession charge, Murphy faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 31, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola

The case is being 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 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.
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Men Sentenced in Multi-State Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Operation
2017-06-01 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Benjamin Guerrero-Lantz, 21, of Destin, was sentenced yesterday to 65 months in prison. In March, he pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. Co-defendant Andres A. Barrios, 27, also of Destin, was sentenced on May 18, 2017, to 120 months in prison. In March, he pled guilty to both conspiracy charges and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Barrios and Guerrero-Lantz were funneling proceeds of a California-based drug trafficking operation through at least eight bank accounts containing more than $350,000, and illicitly obtained dozens of $500 money orders and multiple vehicles under nominee names.

In July 2016, law enforcement officers searched Guerrero-Lantz’s condominium after receiving complaints about the smell of marijuana. They found $17,000 in cash, handwritten ledgers recording drug debts, marijuana, vacuum-sealed bags, money order receipts, and vehicle titles. Guerrero-Lantz’s vehicle contained additional money order receipts and a bank transaction receipt for $9,000.

In December 2016, Guerrero-Lantz and others were stopped in Jackson, Mississippi, with more than $10,000 in cash, bank deposit slips, money orders, and cellular telephones. Law enforcement searched a Destin residence where they found Barrios. Inside, they found 13 one-pound bags of marijuana, more than $10,000 in cash, and other evidence of the drug trafficking conspiracy. Barrios also possessed a firearm and body armor.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Pensacola Police Department; and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. 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.
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Alaskan Taxidermist Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Exotic Birds into the U.S.
2017-05-23 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Heinrich “Henry” Springer, of Anchorage, Alaska, has pled guilty to conspiracy to smuggle wildlife and other protected species, transporting wildlife in violation of foreign law, and concealing illegally imported merchandise. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Between May 2010 and October 2014, Springer and Anthony Gilyard, of Williston, Florida, conspired to smuggle and trade in endangered, protected, and threatened birds, in violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Over the years, Springer collected more than 5,000 bird specimens through hunting, purchase, and trade. He traveled internationally to obtain them, acquiring birds from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Africa, Australia, Siberia, and South America.

Springer and Gilyard were taxidermists with an in-depth knowledge of domestic and international wildlife laws. Gilyard unlawfully acquired the birds from foreign sellers and traders, and Springer then smuggled the birds into the United States.

For the conspiracy charge, Springer faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For the wildlife transportation charge, he faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $20,000 fine. For the smuggling charge, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Springer is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2017, at 2:00 p.m.

The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory P. McMahon.

The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
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Texas Man Sentenced to 353 Months in Prison for Federal Drug and Firearms Charges
2017-05-19 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Silvano Zaragoza-Ambriz, 31, of McAllen, Texas, was sentenced today to 353 months in prison after pleading guilty in August 2016 to armed drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Co-defendant Kyle James Corbi, 32, of Milton, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced in October 2016 to 180 months in prison. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2014, law enforcement officers discovered 19 firearms, a grenade, and 8 kilograms of methamphetamine on the Texas/Mexico border. One of these firearms was connected with Corbi in Milton, Florida. In May 2016, agents arrested Zaragoza-Ambriz in Texas, and a search of his residence revealed approximately 45 kilograms of cocaine. Officers determined that Zaragoza-Ambriz had been providing Corbi with large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, and that Corbi had paid for the illegal drugs with firearms.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Edwin F. Knight 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.
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Track and Field Athlete Convicted in Federal Court of Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud
2017-05-04 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – After a two-day trial, Teona N. Rodgers, 27, of Tampa, was convicted yesterday of theft of government funds, possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, use of unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, and false claims. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

While on a track and field scholarship at Florida State University, Rodgers participated in a scheme to file fraudulent income tax returns during the 2011 and 2012 tax years by using other people’s personal information. The scheme was discovered in November 2013, when two notebooks and 12 debit cards in other people’s names were discovered in the Tallahassee apartment Rodgers had recently vacated.

The notebooks contained handwritten names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, tax refund amounts, account numbers, and other data of more than 150 individuals. The notebooks also included notations such as “rejected” and “filed,” and detailed instructions to file a return reporting $47,196 of interest income. This amount was used on multiple tax returns in this scheme (including Rodgers’s own 2011 and 2012 returns). Investigators determined that the returns had been filed from IP addresses linked to Rodgers and that the false returns had funded the debit cards. Rodgers used these debit cards to make purchases. In total, the information contained in the notebooks was used to file 64 fraudulent tax returns, seeking $465,948 in refunds.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 4, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee. Rodgers faces a maximum of 15 years in prison on the use of unauthorized access devices count, 10 years in prison on the theft of government funds and possession of unauthorized access devices counts, 5 years in prison on the false claims count, and a consecutive 2 year sentence on the aggravated identity theft.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Emerald Coast Financial Crimes Task Force, comprised of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the United States Secret Service and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan 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.
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Woman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining Veterans Disability Benefits
2017-04-28 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Veronica Dale Hahn, 60, of Bonifay, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 9 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $394,800.85 in restitution, after pleading guilty to theft of government funds on the second day of her trial in January. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the first two days of trial, the government presented evidence that, between November 2001 and February 2016, Hahn received $394,800.85 from the Department of Veterans Affairs in disability payments for 100% service-connected blindness in both eyes. Over the course of a decade and a half, Hahn told various doctors within the Veterans Health Administration and in private practice that she was almost completely blind. However, within a year of receiving her disability benefits for loss of vision, she obtained driver’s licenses in New Mexico, Alabama, and Florida with no vision restrictions, after passing vision exams in each state with at least 20/40 vision. During this time, Hahn was also observed driving her personal automobile on numerous occasions. Further, she worked full time as a case manager and transition counselor at several state correctional facilities. All of these activities required normal eyesight to perform her duties.

United States Attorney Canova said: “Instead of providing benefits and assistance to worthy veterans who are justifiably in need, significant resources from the Department of Veteran’s Affairs were diverted to uncover an extensive and persistent fraud by Ms. Hahn, who repeatedly gave dishonest information and collected hundreds of thousands of dollars to which she was not entitled. This case sends the message that you cannot make false disability claims and just walk away from such a crime.”

Special Agent in Charge Monty Stokes, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General – Southeast Field Office, said that this sentencing was the result of a successful multi-year investigation. “VA Disability Compensation Benefits are intended to provide for veterans with injuries or diseases related to their military service. Because of the successful investigative and prosecutive efforts of the VA OIG and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Veronica Hahn’s greed and deception will not go unchecked.”

The case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher J. Thielemann and Michael J. Frank.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Construction Company Partner Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Evading Taxes on More Than $1 Million
2017-04-28 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA –Patrick Shawn Kelley, 55, of Panama City Beach, was sentenced yesterday to 15 months in prison and $210,397 in restitution to the IRS, after pleading guilty to tax evasion in October 2016. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Between 2009 and 2011, Kelley was a partner in American Construction Logistics and Services (ACLS), a construction company that performed work for the U.S. Government in Afghanistan. Kelley admitted that he failed to file tax returns for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 tax years on income consisting of $1,167,025.32 in wages, ACLS funds used for personal expenditures, and cash wired to Kelley’s wife from ACLS employees. In total, Kelley never paid the IRS $210,397 in taxes due and owing for the unreported income.

During the years 2010 and 2011, in an effort to conceal his income from the IRS, and without the knowledge or consent of his business partners, Kelley made significant personal expenditures directly from the ACLS bank account. The expenditures included $320,550 for the purchase of his personal residence in Panama City Beach; $156,000 for an ownership interest in a motorcycle shop; $44,000 for the purchase of a boat; $10,393 for the purchase of a Jeep Wrangler; and a $9,500 loan to a friend. Kelley also diverted funds totaling $353,520.37 from the ACLS corporate bank account to his personal bank accounts, and directed Afghan employees to wire cash to his wife.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction. 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
South Florida Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Tax Return Fraud
2017-04-18 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Roosevelt Williams Jr., 25, of Miami, Florida, has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in December 2016 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.

Consecutive sentences were imposed of 36 months in custody on each of 12 counts of fraudulently taking federal funds and 24 months for using the identities of other persons in the scheme. Williams was also ordered to pay $207,882 in restitution.

Evidence presented in court reflected that in October 2011, Williams was caught on FSU’s campus with 14 debit cards in other people’s names. In July 2013, he was caught with 18 additional debit cards issued to people other than himself, as well as a loaded pistol and $14,300 in cash near the Atlanta airport. He was stopped in Atlanta for driving more than 30 mph above the speed limit. Each of the debit cards reflected a fraudulent attempt to obtain a tax refund based upon another person’s identity. A laptop computer and documents seized in Atlanta contained more than 100 stolen identities, as well as numerous visits to tax return filing websites and to websites where details of identity could be verified.

U.S. Attorney Canova applauded the investigative agencies whose joint efforts led to this successful prosecution, including the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Florida State University Police Department, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office (Georgia). Mr. Canova noted that this was a timely reminder of the importance of filing accurate and honest income tax returns, and that efforts to steal federal funds have serious consequences. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Michael T. Simpson.

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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Man Charged with Federal Tax Return Fraud
2017-04-18 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Torry Williams, 23, of Tampa, was arraigned yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between November 2012 and June 2013, Williams unlawfully used the personal identifying information of multiple individuals to obtain approximately $149,847 in funds stolen from the Internal Revenue Service.

The trial is scheduled for June 12 at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Harwin 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography
2017-04-14 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Antonio Fuguet, 36, of Tallahassee, was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for receipt of child pornography, after pleading guilty on January 5. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In October 2015, law enforcement officers discovered child pornography files online through a peer-to-peer network that were traced to Fuguet’s residence. A forensic examination of Fuguet’s laptop computers revealed child pornography videos and more than 230 images, many of which involved children under the age of 12.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Protecting our children from exploitation is a top priority of my office and the Department of Justice. I commend the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement professionals who protect our communities and bring child predators to justice.”

“These children are re-victimized every time one of these horrendous images is shared over the Internet, and now this criminal will be held accountable,” said Susan L. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Tampa. “This sentencing, and the hard work of our HSI special agents with our Leon County Sheriff’s Office partners, has made our communities safer today.”

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Pensacola Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Prison for Federal Firearms Charges
2017-04-14 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Awald Edward Pokrant Jr., 50, of Pensacola, has been sentenced to 86 months in prison after pleading guilty on January 24, 2017, to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and possessing an unregistered firearm. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In October 2016, law enforcement officers who responded to an armed disturbance observed Pokrant fleeing the scene. After a high-speed chase, the officers pulled Pokrant over and transported him back to the location of the incident. At the scene, an injured and bleeding victim told officers that Pokrant had struck her with a hammer. Law enforcement officers observed blood splatter in several locations in the house and recovered a hammer. A search of the house revealed firearms and ammunition. The victim later told officers that Pokrant might have moved additional firearms to a friend’s house. Law enforcement officers recovered eight firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition from this other location.

This case resulted from investigations by the ATF Gun Crime Response Team, which includes the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pensacola Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Ustynoski.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Gainesville Tax Preparer Charged with Tax Fraud Crimes
2017-04-11 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Belinda Gail Sheppard-Lewis, 59, of Gainesville, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging her with filing a false tax return (four counts), wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that Sheppard-Lewis, an owner of a tax preparation business, filed false personal individual income tax returns for 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014, and under reported her income and tax liability. The indictment also alleges that Sheppard-Lewis fraudulently used another person’s social security number to claim the person as a dependent.

Sheppard-Lewis was released, pending trial. The trial is scheduled for May 23 at 8:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Gulf Breeze Man Pleads Guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography
2017-04-10 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Thomas E. Matassa, 24, of Gulf Breeze, pled guilty today to receipt of child pornography. The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In February 2016, a detective interviewed Matassa, who admitted to downloading child pornography online. A forensic examination of Matassa’s laptop revealed approximately 200 images of child pornography and more than 30,000 chat messages with underage males to exchange videos and images of child sexual acts. The defendant is detained, pending sentencing.

Matassa faces a maximum of 20 years and a minimum of 5 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 29 at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Tax Preparer Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison in $1.2 Million Tax Refund Fraud Scheme
2017-04-07 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jorge Maldonado, 52, of Oviedo, Florida, has been sentenced to 84 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,203,073 in restitution for conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft. His three tax fraud conspirators are scheduled to be sentenced later this month. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The co-defendants are:
- Jennifer Maldonado, 29, of Oviedo, sentencing set for April 19 at 10:00 a.m.;
- Sharon Glover, 55, of Sanford, Florida, sentencing set for April 20 at 2:00 p.m.; and
- Diane White, 54, of Sanford, sentencing set for April 20 at 10:00 a.m.
In July 2016, a federal jury convicted the Maldonados of conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft. Co-conspirators Glover and White pled guilty in February 2016 to conspiracy, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft.

During the six-day trial, the government presented evidence that, between 2009 and 2011, Jorge Maldonado and his daughter Jennifer, who were both tax preparers, conspired with Glover and White to obtain more than $1.2 million in income tax refunds issued on fraudulent tax returns. The Maldonados filed fraudulent returns that generated refunds. Glover and White cashed refund checks issued as a result of the fraudulent returns. They deposited cash proceeds of the checks into the Maldonados’ bank accounts or delivered the cash to the Maldonados. Glover and White cashed 505 checks by using fraudulent powers of attorney, approximately 16 different forged notary seals, and forged taxpayer signatures.

United States Attorney Canova said: “When fraudsters submit fraudulent tax returns, they are actually stealing from the millions of honest taxpayers who fulfilled their tax obligations accurately and on time. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners, such as the Internal Revenue Service, to ensure that tax dollars are used for their intended purpose.”

IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Special Agent in Charge Mary Hammond said: “When Jorge and Jennifer Maldonado used their tax return preparation service to steal client identities and make a fast buck for themselves and their co-conspirators, they underestimated the special agents of IRS Criminal Investigation. IRS-CI works diligently to protect the American tax system and root out criminals who prey on unsuspecting taxpayers. ”

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Herbert S. Lindsey and Gary K. Milligan prosecuted the case.

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

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Gainesville Man Sentenced to 43 Years and 9 Months in Prison for Armed Kidnapping
2017-04-06 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Curtis Kennedy Williams, 31, of Gainesville, has been sentenced to 43 years and 9 months in federal prison for kidnapping, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Williams was convicted on July 27, 2016, following a jury trial. Co-defendant Shakayla Nicole Taylor, 22, of Harvey, Louisiana, was sentenced in September 2016 to 72 months in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping. The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In October 2015, Williams and Taylor kidnapped a young woman in Gainesville by forcing her into a car and holding her at gunpoint. Taylor then drove them to her Louisiana residence. During the trip, Williams raped and beat the victim, and fired the gun into the backseat of the car. Williams and Taylor were arrested at an apartment complex in Louisiana where the victim was also rescued.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Combatting violent crime is a top priority for my office, the Department of Justice, and our many federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who tirelessly work to keep our communities safe. While a prison sentence cannot reverse the unspeakable trauma inflicted on the victim, it sends a strong message that those who commit brutal crimes and put other people’s lives in danger face serious consequences under the law.”

Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville division, said:“The FBI is committed to thoroughly investigating violent crimes of this nature, and we will continue to work with our local and state law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and ensure justice for their victims.”

Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell said: “Violent crime will not be tolerated in Alachua County. This case shows the complete cooperation within the law enforcement community to bring justice to violent criminals.”

This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. Assistant United States Attorney Frank T. Williams prosecuted the case.

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

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

[email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of Learning
2017-03-31 · Northern District of Florida
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BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community) Program

Brings Law Enforcement and Communities Together

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, together with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison County High School, will present a BLAST Program event on Monday to approximately 50 students.

Event:
BLAST Program

Location:
Madison County High School

2649 US 90 West
Madison, FL 32340

Date: Monday, April 3, 2017

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
Press: Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova said: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”

Madison County Sheriff Benjamin Stewart said: “The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is committed to building relationships with other law enforcement agencies and with citizens to protect and serve our community. I commend the continued hard work of our law enforcement professionals in accomplishing this mission.”

Dr. Karen Pickles, Madison County Superintendent of Schools, said: “I am excited to welcome the various federal, state, and local agencies participating in the BLAST event at Madison County High School. Our law enforcement play a crucial part in our society today. It is important to showcase their skills, provide an understanding, and promote awareness to youth and the community. This event is only a small step in addressing safety in a variety of situations students may experience and a way to promote law enforcement officers in a positive manner and as a safe haven.”

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 in 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.
Participating agencies include:
- United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
- Madison County Sheriff’s Office
- Madison County High School
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- FAMU Police Department
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Navarre Man Pleads Guilty to Stealing Money from the Government by Falsifying Travel Expense Claims
2017-03-31 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Timothy James Nelson, 36, of Navarre, Florida, has pled guilty to theft of government funds. The guilty plea 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 July 1, 2015, and April 1, 2016, Nelson submitted false travel expense claims for hotel stays to steal $29,650 from the U.S. Department of State. Nelson did so while working as a contractor in Jerusalem for a security company installing and repairing communication equipment in vehicles operated by employees of the U.S. Department of State.

Nelson faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 16 at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case was investigated by special agents from the United States Department of State’s Office of Inspector General (DOS-OIG), Steve A. Linick inspector general. 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Police and Prosecutors Join Students for a Day of Learning
2017-03-21 · Northern District of Florida
Read the Press Release
BLAST (Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community) Program

Brings Law Enforcement and Communities Together

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, together with the Pensacola Police Department and AMIkids, will present a BLAST Program event tomorrow to approximately 50 youth from the AMIkids Pensacola and Emerald Coast programs.

Event: BLAST Program

Location: AMIkids Pensacola

3685 Muldoon Road
Pensacola, FL 32526

Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST
Press: A media availability will take place at 12:50 p.m. CST.
Please RSVP to Amy Alexander at [email protected] if you plan to attend.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova: “The BLAST initiative was created by the U.S. Attorney’s Office to provide a forum to exchange information about officer risks and citizen viewpoints. Sharing these perspectives encourages safe interactions between citizens and officers to improve our community.”

Pensacola Police Chief David Alexander III said: “We must continue to work hard at building trusting relationships between citizens and law enforcement to protect the community from crime and disorder. This effort includes our youth.”

AMIkids Inc. representatives said: “#BreakingBarriers is an important priority for AMIkids and our partners in law enforcement as it is critical to our service of building and maintaining healthy, safe communities.”

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 in 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.
  
  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.
  
  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.
  
  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
- Pensacola Police Department
- AMIkids Pensacola
- AMIkids Emerald Coast
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- United States Probation Office
- Homeland Security Investigations
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Former Jackson County Loan Officer Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud
2017-03-17 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Kevin R. Griffin, 44, of Alford, Florida, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison yesterday and ordered to pay $480,785.06 in restitution to First Federal Bank of Florida for committing bank fraud. The sentence was announced today by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Griffin was employed by the Bank of Bonifay, which later became the First Federal Bank of Florida. Between 2010 and 2012, Griffin used his position as a loan officer to give customers undocumented loans that were actually funded by embezzling money from other customers’ bank accounts without authorization. Griffin obtained loans for customers using other customers’ bank assets as collateral, without permission, and forging loan documents. Griffin also embezzled money from bank customers for his own personal benefit. After the fraud was discovered, Griffin’s employment with the bank was terminated.

“This defendant had a duty to make truthful transactions on behalf of his company to help ensure a sound banking industry, and he violated that duty,” said U.S. Attorney Canova. “My office is committed to prosecuting unethical financial representatives who abuse their authority for their own gain.”

Federal Reserve Board representatives stated: “Griffin’s false and fraudulent representations in loan applications and loan documents directly impacted the accuracy of the Bank of Bonifay’s Consolidated Reports of Condition and Income (Call Report), which provides quarterly financial data regarding a bank’s financial condition and the results of its operations. The Federal Reserve Board relies on the accurate submission of call report data to effectively regulate and oversee the safety and soundness of the bank’s holding company.”

This case resulted from an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Kim 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Correctional Officer Charged with Violating an Inmate's Civil Rights
2017-03-17 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Willie L. Walker, 57, of Lynn Haven, Florida, has been arraigned in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with depriving an inmate at the Gulf Correctional Institution of constitutional rights. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, in March 2015, Walker, while acting as a correctional officer of the State of Florida, assaulted an inmate, resulting in bodily injury.

The trial is scheduled for May 15, 2017, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

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 and the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of Inspector General. The case is being 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Former Bank Officers and Walton County Man Convicted in Bank Fraud Scheme
2017-03-13 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – On Friday, March 10, after a five-day trial, Anthony J. Atkins, 51, of Eufaula, Alabama, was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of false statements to a federally insured financial institution, bank fraud, and mail fraud affecting a financial institution.

Today, co-conspirator Bruce A. Houle, 57, of Inlet Beach, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of false statement to a federally insured financial institution.

On February 27, 2017, co-conspirator Samuel D. Cobb, 37, of Destin, Florida, pled guilty to conspiracy, four counts of false statement to a financial institution, and bank fraud.

The jury’s verdict and the guilty pleas were announced today by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In 2007, an individual went to Anthony Atkins, the president of GulfSouth Private Bank, and notified Atkins that the individual’s company, which had been loaned $3.4 million, was no longer going to be able to make payments on the mortgage loans issued by GulfSouth Private Bank that had been secured by three condominiums. an effort to conceal that the loans were going into default, and instead of recognizing that the $3.4 million in loans were losses to the bank, Atkins devised a scheme to conceal the bad debt.

As a part of the scheme, Atkins and Cobb solicited Houle, Mark W. Shoemaker, Michael Bradley Bowen, and William Blake Cody to take out new loans with the bank to purchase the three condominiums. To persuade Houle, Shoemaker, Bowen, and Cody to engage in the scheme, Atkins and Cobb told these individuals that the loans would be non-recourse, meaning that, if the men defaulted, GulfSouth would have no recourse against them.

Thereafter, Atkins and Cobb caused new mortgage loans and additional lines of credit to be issued for approximately $3.8 million to the men they had solicited. According to the terms of the fraudulent loans issued during the scheme, the men Atkins and Cobb solicited were not required to make any payments on the loans until the loans came due months down the road. These new loans were then used to pay off the old loans that were going into default. Issuing these new loans and new lines of credit created the appearance that the debt was “performing”, which allowed Atkins to avoid having to report the loans associated with the condominiums as bad debt, as required. Further, as a part of the scheme, Atkins and Cobb caused fraudulent security agreements to be prepared that falsely represented that Houle, Shoemaker, Bowen, and Cody were obligated to repay their respective new mortgage loans and lines of credit.

In September 2009, GulfSouth received $7,500,000 in Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) funds from the United States Treasury. Thereafter, Atkins and Cobb allowed the condominiums that were collateral for the mortgage loans to be sold in short sales, resulting in a loss to GulfSouth. Further, Atkins allowed the deficiencies and the lines of credit to be charged off of GulfSouth’s books and records.

The defendants face a maximum of 30 years in prison for each count. The sentencing hearings are scheduled at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, as follows:
- Atkins: May 31, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.
- Houle: May 31 at 2:00 p.m.
- Cobb: May 16 at 10:30 a.m.
This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG). Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers prosecuted the case.

“This bank fraud case is a reminder that my office will vigorously prosecute those who do not conduct ethical transactions, especially financial representatives who abuse their positions of trust,” said U.S. Attorney Canova. “I commend the hard work of the investigators and prosecutors who enforce our federal laws and ensure that justice is served.”

“In 2008, at the height of the financial crisis, former GulfSouth Private Bank president Anthony Atkins had a decision to make: tell the truth about the bank’s troubled finances or take intricate steps to criminally conceal millions of dollars in bad loans,” said Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for TARP. “Unlike most bank executives, Atkins chose the latter and, along with former vice president Samuel Cobb, hatched a scheme to hide the loans and make the bank appear healthier than it actually was. GulfSouth then received $7.5 million from TARP, a program designed for healthy banks. But GulfSouth was not a healthy bank and later failed—causing taxpayers to lose their entire investment. SIGTARP will continue to bring justice to bankers who commit bailout-related fraud.”

“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General is committed to working with U.S. Attorneys and law enforcement partners throughout the country in investigating and prosecuting individuals whose fraudulent activities threaten the safety and soundness of our nation’s banks,” said Jason Moran, Special Agent in Charge, FDIC-OIG. “It is particularly troubling when those individuals are bank insiders like Messrs. Atkins and Houle, who violate the public trust, conspire with others, and engage in activities that ultimately cause losses to their banks. Today’s verdict and the associated guilty pleas should deter others from pursuing similar criminal activity.”

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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Pensacola Man Convicted of Unlawfully Selling Unregistered Machineguns
2017-03-10 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – After a three-day trial, Gregory Williams, 29, of Pensacola, was convicted this week of 19 counts of firearm-related offenses, including possession of a machinegun, possession of an unregistered machinegun, and false statement to a firearm dealer. The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

At trial, the government presented evidence that Williams knowingly sold dozens of auto sear parts to undercover law enforcement officers. Auto sears are conversion parts designed to modify semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic firearms. Auto sears are defined under federal law as machineguns. Williams never registered them in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required by law.

On nine occasions in 2016, Williams communicated with the undercover officers via text message and then shipped the firearms or met the officers in person. When law enforcement officers searched Williams’s residence, they seized an additional auto sear.

Williams faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison on each count. He is currently being detained at the Santa Rosa County Jail. The sentencing hearing will take place at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola on a date to be determined by the court.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in Sacramento, California, and Pensacola, Florida, and the ATF Gun Crime Response Team. Assistant United States Attorney Edwin Knight 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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Pace Firefighter Indicted in Online Child Exploitation Conspiracy
2017-03-10 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Danny Ray Murphy, 37, of Milton, made a first appearance today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, receipt, and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between November 2016 and January 2017, Murphy knowingly conspired with others to participate in Kik instant messaging communications that distributed child pornography images and videos. The indictment further alleges that he received and possessed child pornography involving a minor under age 12. The defendant is currently being detained at the Santa Rosa County Jail. The detention hearing and arraignment have been scheduled for March 15, 2017, at 12:30 p.m.

The case is being 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Gulf Breeze Man Indicted for Federal Child Pornography Offenses
2017-03-10 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Thomas E. Matassa, 23, of Gulf Breeze, made a first appearance today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with receipt and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between January 2014 and February 2016, Matassa received child pornography. The indictment further alleges that, in February 2016, he possessed child pornography involving a minor under age 12. The defendant is currently being detained at the Santa Rosa County Jail. The detention hearing and arraignment have been scheduled for March 16, 2017, at 12:30 p.m.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Gainesville Man Charged with Sex Trafficking Crimes
2017-03-07 · Northern District of Florida
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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Arthur Larange Lee Jr., 33, of Gainesville, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with sex trafficking by force and use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution. The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between August 4 and 5, 2016, Lee transported, maintained, and advertised a victim, knowing that the victim would be forced to engage in a commercial sex act. The indictment further alleges that Lee used the internet and a cellular telephone to promote a prostitution offense. The trial is scheduled for April 25, 2017, at 8:00 a.m.

The case is being investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Panama City Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Federal Child Pornography Crimes
2017-03-03 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Gerald Michael Ward, 31, of Panama City, was sentenced to 84 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release yesterday after pleading guilty on December 15, 2016, to receipt and distribution of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In September 2016, law enforcement officers became aware that child pornography had been posted in an online chat room, which was traced back to Ward. A search of Ward’s e-mail accounts and electronic devices revealed dozens of images and videos of child pornography, including a girl as young as two years old, bound by her wrists and tied to a bed, in addition to the discovery of images of infants being sexually assaulted. Ward also distributed at least 160 images of child pornography online to various others engaged in the trafficking of child pornography.

“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.

“Seeing this criminal behind bars is a satisfying outcome for HSI special agents, who work diligently to identify child sexual predators and bring them to justice,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. “The sexual exploitation of children is a despicable crime and there are serious consequences. HSI remains committed to working with all of our law enforcement partners, as in this case with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, to aggressively pursue those who victimize the most vulnerable members of our society, our children.”

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Active Duty Air Force Master Sergeant Sentenced to Prison for Accepting Bribes in a Government Contract Fraud Scheme
2017-02-24 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – United States Air Force Master Sergeant Cody Boone Covert, 43, of Fort Walton Beach, was sentenced late yesterday to 23 months in prison and $126,300 in restitution for conspiracy (to commit theft of honest services and wire fraud) and bribery by a public official. Co-conspirator Michael Allen Braun, 54, of Forest Lake, Minnesota, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10 at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola for conspiracy and bribery of a public official. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In January 2014, MSgt. Covert, 901st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Hurlburt Field, was tasked with procuring specialized equipment in support of C-130 Special Operations Aircraft. Braun, who owned the company Trans Global Storage Solutions, conspired with Covert to obtain a contract from the United States Air Force. Prior to the solicitation of the contract, Braun agreed to provide Covert 45% of the profit from the contract proceeds, if Covert ensured that Trans Global won the contract. Covert submitted a request to purchase the specialized equipment. Because Covert was the requester of the equipment, he was chosen to evaluate each proposal for technical acceptance. Subsequently, Covert decided the Trans Global proposal was the only proposal technically acceptable for the government requirement. After Trans Global was fraudulently awarded the $126,300 contract from the United States Air Force via Covert’s inside influence, Covert and Braun split the proceeds. Covert pled guilty on October 28, 2016, and Braun pled guilty on January 12, 2017.

“The United States Attorney’s Office, along with our other federal, state, and local government partners, is committed to upholding the law by exposing corruption and pursuing justice for those lawbreakers who abuse their authority and positions of trust," said U.S. Attorney Canova. "I commend the work of the investigating and prosecuting team on this case. Public service carries a high ethical standard, and no one is above the law.”

Special Agent-in-Charge Wendell W. Palmer, United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations-Procurement Fraud Detachment 5 Southeast, stated, “This was a great outcome for the investigation and prosecution of those who would do damage to the integrity of the U.S. Air Force acquisition process. Dedicated and thorough work on the part of investigators and prosecutors alike have once again protected the warfighting capability of the world’s greatest air and space fighting force. The teamwork exhibited by investigators and prosecutors, in conjunction with the court, sends a strong message that fraud against our government will not be tolerated.”

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, along with our investigative partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, will bring to justice anyone who takes bribes and kickbacks to undermine the integrity of the Department of Defense,” commented Special Agent-in-Charge John F. Khin, DCIS, Southeast Field Office. “Corruption and fraud in DoD programs also jeopardizes the safety of our warfighters.”

The case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James M. Ustynoski.

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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Pensacola Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Receipt of Child Pornography
2017-02-23 · Northern District of Florida
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PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Shawn Ryan Goodfleisch, 38, of Pensacola, was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison and will be required to register as a sex offender. A jury convicted Goodfleisch on September 29, 2016, of receipt of child pornography and destruction of evidence to prevent seizure. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

At trial, the government presented evidence that, between January 2014, and October 2014, Goodfleisch received and possessed child pornography, including videos depicting images of minors less than 12 years of age engaged in sex acts. An undercover law enforcement officer discovered and downloaded files containing child pornography from a public sharing network that could be traced to Goodfleisch’s computer. After agents executed a search warrant at Goodfleish’s residence, a forensic analysis of his computer’s hard drive revealed numerous images and videos of child pornography. During the execution of the federal search warrant, Goodfleisch remotely accessed his computer using a cellular telephone and destroyed, or attempted to destroy, the contents contained on his computer.

United States Attorney Canova stated, “Protecting children from online exploitation is a top priority for this office, the Department of Justice, and our many law enforcement partners. Tragically, it is easy for child predators to access reprehensible content via the Internet.”

“Because of HSI special agent’s investigative authorities, along with our law enforcement partnerships, like with the Pensacola Police Department, this predator will now be behind bars - making our communities safer,” said Susan L. McCormick, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Tampa.

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.

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

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Madison County Man Sentenced to 132 Months for Sex and Drug Trafficking Crimes
2017-02-17 · Northern District of Florida
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TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Joseph-Michael Elias McFarland, 22, of Madison, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to 132 months for sex trafficking of a minor and distribution of the controlled substance α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone or "Alpha-PVP." The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In September 2015, a confidential source met McFarland to purchase drugs. During this meeting, McFarland told the confidential source that he was prostituting a girl. After the confidential source told McFarland about potential clients, McFarland said the victim was either 17 or 18 years old. However, McFarland knew that the victim was only sixteen years old. The narcotics the confidential source bought, as well as additional drugs bought the next day, tested positive for Alpha-PVP. McFarland later contacted the confidential source to discuss prostituting the victim and also sent pictures of the victim.

When law enforcement officers searched the residence where McFarland sold the drugs, the victim was located hiding in a closet. Firearms, ammunition, digital scales, and drug paraphernalia were also discovered. McFarland’s cellular telephone contained messages discussing prostituting the victim and selling narcotics. McFarland pled guilty on May 9, 2016.

"Our role in these investigations is to help parents and caregivers keep children safe in their homes and in the community," said United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova. "These despicable acts ruin lives at an early age and this sentence sends a strong message to child predators that my office and our law enforcement partners are vigilant in our efforts to identify and prosecute them."

"Let this sentencing send a message that HSI special agents, and our law enforcement partners, will expend every resource to investigate and prosecute these heinous crimes," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge of HSI Tampa. "A young victim was rescued and this predator is being held accountable for his crimes."

This case resulted from investigations by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the

Madison County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Harwin.

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.

For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov
Panama City Man Sentenced to 120 Months for Federal Child Pornography Crimes
2017-02-16 · Northern District of Florida
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PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – David Michael Hobby Rossner, 36, of Panama City, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for production, receipt, and distribution of child pornography. The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In May 2016, law enforcement officers received information regarding the online sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old girl. An investigation determined that Rossner and the victim were chatting on the social media platform Facebook. Following sexually detailed chats on Facebook, Rossner successfully solicited the 15-year-old girl to take nude images of herself and then directed her to send them to him. Rossner also previously solicited photos from other underage girls online. The investigation also uncovered that Rossner received and distributed child pornography using the social media platform Kik. A forensic review of Rossner’s cellular telephone and online chats revealed dozens of images and videos of child pornography, including very young females under the age of 10. Rossner pled guilty on November 30, 2016.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated “We will continue to utilize the resources of our office to prosecute anyone that attempts to steal the innocence of a child while hiding in the shadows of the internet.”

"HSI special agents will continue to work tirelessly, with partners like the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, to bring child sexual predators to face justice and ensure those victims who are identified are rescued from this plight," said Susan L. McCormick, special agent I charge of HSI Tampa. "This sentencing is a reminder to those who exploit our most innocent citizens, children: We will identify, investigate and arrest you for committing these horrendous crimes."

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. 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.

For more information, contact:

Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer

(850) 216-3854, [email protected]
View the Original Release on justice.gov