Northern District of Florida

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Aaron M. Booker, 27, Joseph F. Booker Jr., 29, and Kaishawndra Lyons, 25, all of Pensacola, and Uy Nguyen, 35, of Vallejo, California, have been sentenced for charges arising from a multi-state drug and money laundering conspiracy.  Joseph Booker was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on July 31, and Aaron Booker was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison today.  Nguyen was sentenced to 84 months in prison on July 2.  Lyons was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison on July 31.  The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Nguyen and the Booker brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  All four defendants pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.  In addition to the money laundering conspiracy, Lyons also pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal agents.

Since 2015, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have been investigating a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating in Pensacola, Northern California, and elsewhere.  The investigation disclosed that between February 2015, and December 2017, Nguyen shipped packages of cocaine and marijuana from California to the Booker brothers in Pensacola.  Nguyen sent his co-conspirators photographs of drug invoices and pictures of packages of cocaine and marijuana that he was shipping from California to Pensacola.  Postal records show that the Booker brothers and Lyons mailed more than two dozen currency-filled packages to Nguyen as payment for the drugs.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers intercepted multiple packages of drugs that Nguyen shipped to his co-conspirators.  Bank records revealed that the Booker brothers and Lyons laundered drug money by depositing proceeds from the sale of the marijuana and cocaine into bank accounts Nguyen opened in California.

In December 2017, law enforcement officers searched Nguyen’s residence and vehicle in northern California and located multiple kilograms of marijuana and a receipt for a newly mailed parcel heading to Pensacola.  This parcel was intercepted by law enforcement officers and contained multiple pounds of marijuana.  The search of the Lyons/Booker residence in Pensacola revealed over $300,000 in United States currency as well as over $300,000 in jewelry and high-end clothing.

Based upon the drug invoices, law enforcement officers determined this conspiracy involved 250 kilograms of marijuana and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.  The conspirators laundered over $250,000 through bank accounts and jewelry stores between Pensacola, Northern California, and other locations in the United States.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Joshua Hansen, 35, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced on Monday in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography, 240 months for possession of child pornography, and 120 months for possession of an unregistered silencer.  Each count is to be served concurrently.  Hansen pleaded guilty on May 18, 2018.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In October 2017, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at Hansen’s residence.  The search warrant authorized the seizure of firearm sound suppression devices and electronic devices used to publish videos relating to Hansen’s manufacturing and test firing of sound suppression devices.  Agents seized an unregistered silencer attached to a .22 caliber rifle.  A forensic examination of Hansen’s electronic devices revealed thousands of images and videos of child pornography, including images of infants and toddlers.  Agents also recovered pornographic videos created by Hansen involving two minor children.  Hansen created the videos over approximately one year, when the victims were between five and eight years of age.

U.S. Attorney Canova said, “The cooperative efforts of our law enforcement partners exposed an armed predator and helped protect other children from abuse.  The sentence imposed on Hansen sends a strong message that those who take advantage of our innocent children will pay a steep price.”

“We will continue to adapt to and embrace the changes and challenges in the use technology when fighting violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary.  “Together with our law enforcement partners, we identified and saved the victims in this case”

“The FBI Jacksonville Division is always focused on building better relationships with our law enforcement partners, but we are just as committed to developing stronger relationships with members of this community,” Special Agent in Charge Charles P. Spencer.  “This case confirms the value of that commitment, and the important role of community members in ensuring safety and security for all of our neighbors.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason S. Beaton.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida will join the Leon County Sheriff’s Office tomorrow to present a BLAST (“Building Lasting Relationships Between Police and Community”) Program as part of the three-day “Reality Check with LCSO” event.

Event: Reality Check with LCSO, featuring the BLAST Program

Location:

Leon County Sheriff’s Office
2825 Municipal Way
Tallahassee, FL 32304

Media Availability:

Date: Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Time: 8:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT

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

The Leon County Sheriff's Office’s Reality Check programs offer teens an opportunity to spend three days with LCSO deputies, learning about law enforcement and the consequences of illegal actions.  The program includes a tour of the Detention Facility and culminates with a roundtable discussion on the final day.

The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.

Wednesday’s schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.  (Students have media permissions.)

• 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 videography and photography is permitted.

• Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance.  Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.  This session is open to the media, and 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 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.  Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.

Participating agencies include:

• Leon County Sheriff’s Office
• United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
• FAMU Police Department
• Florida Highway Patrol
• Homeland Security Investigations
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Administration

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Kenneth Alexander, 46, of Tallahassee, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with nine counts of preparing false tax returns, filing a false tax-related document, 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 Alexander, the sole shareholder of Wizard Business Center, a tax preparation business in Tallahassee, prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various individuals between 2012 and 2016.  The indictment alleges that Alexander falsely represented the taxpayers’ Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule C and E losses, and marital status.

The maximum penalty for each count of preparing false tax returns and filing a false tax-related document is three years in prison.  The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is 10 years in prison.  The penalty for aggravated identity theft is two years consecutive to any other sentence imposed.  The trial is scheduled for September 10 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 and the Emerald Coast Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes IRS Criminal Investigation and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Treasury Inspector General’s Office for Tax Administration.  Assistant United States Attorney Gary Milligan is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas E. Fogarty, 36, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison today, after being convicted on March 13 of advertisement of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.  Fogarty will also be required to register as a sex offender.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the day and a half jury trial, the government presented evidence that, beginning in June 2017, an undercover investigator in Pensacola, posing as a minor female on the social media platform Kik, identified Fogarty, who had created the Kik group “Tweenteenlove,” a group that shared child pornography online.  During the investigation, Fogarty instructed others to find and bring young girls to the online group.  Fogarty communicated with the undercover agent online, including providing direction to the dark web, which is a hidden Internet where child pornography can be found.  Upon Fogarty’s arrest in southern Florida, a search of his electronic devices revealed child pornography and a search browser for the dark web.  In all, between 4,000 and 5,000 images and videos of child pornography were captured from Fogarty during this investigation.  Fogarty has a prior child pornography related conviction in 2014 out of Palm Beach County, Florida.

“Our innocent children trust us to keep them safe and are often unaware of the dangers lurking online,” said U.S. Attorney Canova.  “This sentence is a reminder to child predators who believe they are anonymous and beyond the reach of our prosecutors and law enforcement professionals: we will pursue you and bring you to justice.”

“This predator hid behind the anonymity of the dark web and social media applications to advertise and distribute child pornography,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “This case underscores the important work of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and HSI is proud to be part of such an effective team.”

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Boynton Beach Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Henry Flerijean, 28, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced Thursday to 48 months in federal prison after pleading guilty on March 23, 2018, to theft of government money, possession of 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices, and aggravated identify theft.  Flerijean was also ordered to pay $558,075.00 in restitution.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In February 2012, Flerijean was pulled over for speeding.  The deputy smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle.  The deputy searched the car and found a book bag with 7.5 grams of marijuana in it and approximately $21,427 in U.S. currency.  Inside the carpet lining of the trunk, the deputy recovered two separate stacks of debit cards in other people’s names.  He also discovered 31 counterfeit debit cards, two computers, and a notebook with names, social security numbers, and dates of birth, of individuals.  The names from the notebook matched some of the names found on the debit cards in the vehicle.  The computers contained evidence of fraudulently submitted tax returns.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Harwin 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Gregory S. Rothwell Jr., 31, of Fort Walton Beach, was sentenced to federal prison today after having been found guilty on April 3 of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 13, 2017, at an apartment complex in Fort Walton Beach.  The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office found and seized a loaded firearm, marijuana, a large amount of cash in Rothwell’s vehicle, as well as drug paraphernalia and additional cash in Rothwell’s storage unit.  The firearm was purchased originally by Rothwell’s girlfriend, Shelley Wimes.  Following a two-day jury trial in April 2018, Rothwell was found guilty as charged.  Rothwell was sentenced to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine.  In addition, the firearm and almost $70,000 in cash that was seized was forfeited to the government.  Wimes is awaiting sentencing on August 9 at 2:00 p.m. after having pleaded guilty to two counts of perjury for lying to the grand jury and to the court about her having driven Rothwell’s car on the evening of July 13, 2017.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – After a three-day jury trial, Kenneth Lamar Weathers, 27, of Pensacola, was convicted on July 11 of possessing a firearm by a convicted felon (two counts) and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In June 2017, while cleaning a hotel room, a housekeeper found a pistol under the mattress.  Weathers, who stayed in the room the night before the current occupant, was determined to have possessed the firearm.

In October 2017, law enforcement officers were notified that an armed male, later identified as Weathers, was within a residence.  When officers arrived, an injured woman was in the rear bedroom of the apartment with Weathers.  During a search of the residence, a pistol was located between the mattress and box spring where Weathers was lying.  A bag in the closet contained $3,661 in U.S. currency, 15 individually wrapped clear baggies with cocaine, and Weathers’s Florida identification card.

For possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, Weathers faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.  For possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Jerry T. Vertefeuille, 53, of Niceville, and Christopher A. Carter, 37, of Fort Walton Beach, pleaded guilty on July 11 and June 28, respectively, to conspiracy (to commit theft of honest services and wire fraud) and bribery of a public official.  Additionally, Vertefeuille pleaded guilty to obtaining and disclosing procurement information.  The guilty pleas were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Vertefeuille was a federal government contracting officer representative for the 96 Test Wing Maintenance Group (96 MXG) at Eglin Air Force Base.  His duties included overseeing maintenance work and initially approving purchases and invoices.

In 2007, Vertefeuille helped Carter, as the owner of TCC Services, Unlimited, LLC, win a paint booth maintenance contract, as well as multiple contract renewals, until 2014.  Vertefeuille received kickbacks in exchange for approving Carter’s fraudulent invoices and recommending the renewal of TCC’s contract.  An investigation later revealed that TCC and another contractor submitted invoices for payment to the U.S. Air Force for the same work.

For the conspiracy charge, the defendants face a maximum of 20 years in prison.  For bribery of a public official, they face a maximum of 15 years in prison.  For obtaining and disclosing procurement information, Vertefeuille also faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.  The sentencing hearings are scheduled for September 26 at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Air Force Audit Agency, and Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. 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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Richard E. Kohl, 83, of Pensacola, Florida, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds in connection with filing false and fraudulent benefit claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”).  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, at some point prior to July 3, 1996, Kohl created and signed a fictitious Form DD-214 that falsely reported that he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was discharged on December 20, 1961.  Kohl never served in any branch of the United States military.  Kohl used the false Form DD-214 as proof of his military service to obtain veterans’ benefits he was not entitled to receive.  Between February 3, 2005, and February 9, 2018, Kohl received benefit payments and services totaling approximately $219,719.39 from the VA.

“By defrauding the federal government for personal gain, Kohl stole resources needed to help real veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Canova.  “These benefits are meant for the brave men and women who have served our country.”

Monty Stokes, Special Agent in Charge, VA Office of Inspector General said, “The VA benefits fraudulently received by Mr. Kohl were intended to provide financial and health care support for veterans who honorably served in the armed forces of the United States.  This guilty plea is the result of the successful investigative and prosecutive efforts of the VA OIG and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  These continued efforts safeguard the integrity of VA programs, and ensure that VA benefits are provided only to those who have earned them.”

Kohl faces a maximum of ten years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 19, 2018.

The case was investigated by the VA Office of Inspector General – Criminal Investigations Division.  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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael Scott Burton, 51, of Decatur, Georgia; Marie Ann Smith, 54, of Auburn, Georgia; Bradley D. Pounds, 46, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Heather E. Pounds, 45, also of Jacksonville, were arraigned on Tuesday, June 26, after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging them with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.  Additionally, Burton was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and 10 counts of money laundering.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges the following:

TRICARE and other private insurance companies were defrauded of more than $8 million for compounded creams and pills that were not medically necessary.  The individuals who were provided the compounded creams and pills never saw the “prescribing” health care provider.

As a part of this scheme, Burton contacted Brad Hodgson, an employee with a doctor’s office in Atlanta, Georgia, and asked Hodgson to write compounded cream prescriptions for individuals who were not patients of the doctor’s practice where Hodgson worked.  Upon Hodgson’s agreement to write the prescriptions, and as part of the scheme, Burton arranged for the Pounds and others to become “representatives” for Burton’s company, Simply Surgical.  These representatives provided Burton with the personal identifying information and insurance cards of insurance company beneficiaries for whom the prescriptions could be issued.  Burton agreed to pay the representatives for the information they provided him.

Following Burton’s receipt of the personal identifying information, Burton e-mailed the information to Hodgson and Smith, a billing coordinator at the Atlanta doctor’s office.  Hodgson and Smith then caused prescriptions, purportedly signed by the Atlanta doctor and bearing the doctor’s DEA registration number, to be issued and faxed to a pharmacy in Pensacola.  The doctor did not authorize or sign the prescriptions Hodgson and Smith submitted.  Further, the health care beneficiaries whose information was submitted by Burton were not patients of the doctor’s office.  The prescriptions issued were not medically necessary and were not provided by an authorized health care provider.

Following receipt of the prescriptions, employees of a Pensacola pharmacy manufactured compounded substances and then caused the substances to be shipped to the respective health care beneficiaries.  The Pensacola pharmacy caused TRICARE and other health care benefit programs to be billed for the prescriptions.

By this conduct, Burton and others defrauded TRICARE and other health care benefit programs of more than $8 million.  The trial is scheduled for August 6, 2018.

If convicted, all defendants face a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count of health care fraud conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud conspiracy.  If convicted, Burton faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering and money laundering conspiracy.

The case is being investigated by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Florida Department of Law Enforcement; the Florida Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Insurance Fraud; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

About the National Health Care Fraud Takedown:

Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex M. Azar III announced today the largest ever health care fraud enforcement action involving 601 charged defendants across 58 federal districts, including 165 doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud schemes involving more than $2 billion in false billings.  Of those charged, 162 defendants, including 76 doctors, were charged for their roles in prescribing and distributing opioids and other dangerous narcotics.  Thirty state Medicaid Fraud Control Units also participated in today’s arrests.  In addition, HHS announced today that from July 2017 to the present, it has excluded 2,700 individuals from participation in Medicare, Medicaid, and all other Federal health care programs, which includes 587 providers excluded for conduct related to opioid diversion and abuse.

Attorney General Sessions and Secretary Azar were joined in the announcement by Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Deputy Director David L. Bowdich of the FBI, Assistant Administrator John Martin of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Deputy Inspector General Gary Cantrell of the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG), Deputy Chief Eric Hylton of IRS Criminal Investigation (CI), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Program Integrity Alec Alexander, and Director Dermot F. O’Reilly of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).

Today’s enforcement actions were led and coordinated by the Criminal Division, Fraud Section’s Health Care Fraud Unit in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) partners, a partnership between the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the FBI and HHS-OIG.  In addition, the operation includes the participation of the DEA, DCIS, IRS-CI, Department of Labor, other various federal law enforcement agencies, and State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

The charges announced today aggressively target schemes billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families), and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary prescription drugs and compounded medications that often were never even purchased and/or distributed to beneficiaries.  The charges also involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department.  According to the CDC, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.

“Health care fraud is a betrayal of vulnerable patients, and often it is theft from the taxpayer,” said Attorney General Sessions.  “In many cases, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists take advantage of people suffering from drug addiction in order to line their pockets.  These are despicable crimes.  That’s why this Department of Justice has taken historic new steps to go after fraudsters, including hiring more prosecutors and leveraging the power of data analytics.  Today the Department of Justice is announcing the largest health care fraud enforcement action in American history.  This is the most fraud, the most defendants, and the most doctors ever charged in a single operation—and we have evidence that our ongoing work has stopped or prevented billions of dollars’ worth of fraud.  I want to thank our fabulous partners with the FBI, DEA, our Health Care Fraud task forces, HHS, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Medicare, and especially the more than 1,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers from across America who made this possible.  By every measure we are more effective at finding and prosecuting medical fraud than ever.”

“Every dollar recovered in this year’s operation represents not just a taxpayer’s hard-earned money—it’s a dollar that can go toward providing healthcare for Americans in need,” said HHS Secretary Azar.  “This year’s Takedown Day is a significant accomplishment for the American people, and every public servant involved should be proud of their work.”

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and private insurance companies for treatments that were medically unnecessary and often never provided.  In many cases, patient recruiters, beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were allegedly paid cash kickbacks in return for supplying beneficiary information to providers, so that the providers could then submit fraudulent bills to Medicare.  Collectively, the doctors, nurses, licensed medical professionals, health care company owners, and others charged are accused of submitting a total of over $2 billion in fraudulent billings.  The number of medical professionals charged is particularly significant, because virtually every health care fraud scheme requires a corrupt medical professional to be involved in order for Medicare or Medicaid to pay the fraudulent claims.  Aggressively pursuing corrupt medical professionals not only has a deterrent effect on other medical professionals, but also ensures that their licenses can no longer be used to bilk the system.

“Healthcare fraud touches every corner of the United States and not only costs taxpayers money, but also can have deadly consequences,” said FBI Deputy Director Bowdich.  “Through investigations across the country, we have seen medical professionals putting greed above their patients’ well-being and trusted doctors fanning the flames of the opioid crisis.  I want to thank the agents, analysts and our law enforcement partners in every field office who work each and every day to stop these criminals and hold them accountable for their actions.”

“DEA is committed to ending the opioid crisis occurring in our communities and preventing prescription drug misuse,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Martin.  “DEA will continue to work with our partners every day to protect our citizens while ensuring that patients have adequate access to these critical medications.”

“This year’s operations, focusing on opioid-related schemes, spotlight the far-reaching impact of health care fraud,” said HHS Deputy Inspector General Cantrell.  “Such crimes threaten the vitally important Medicare and Medicaid programs and the beneficiaries they serve.  Though we have made significant progress in our fight against health care fraud; our efforts are not complete.  We will continue to work with our partners to protect the health and safety of millions of Americans.”

“It takes a special kind of person to prey on the sick and vulnerable as happened in many of these health care fraud schemes,” said Deputy Chief Hylton.  “Medical professionals and others callously placed individuals and vital healthcare services in harm’s way simply because of greed.  IRS-CI special agents continue to work side-by-side with other federal, state, and local law enforcement officers to uncover these schemes and hold these criminals accountable for their actions.”

“CMS makes it a top priority to protect the health and safety of millions of beneficiaries who depend on vital federal healthcare programs,” said Alec Alexander, deputy administrator and director of the Center for Program Integrity.  “CMS’ Center for Program Integrity collaborates closely with our law enforcement partners to safeguard precious taxpayer dollars.  Under Administrator Seema Verma, we will continue to strengthen this partnership with law enforcement in order to ensure the integrity and sustainability of these essential programs that serve millions of Americans.”

“Heath care fraud wounds our service members and veterans alike, as they rely upon and rightfully expect uncompromised care through the Department of Defense’s TRICARE Program,” said DCIS Director O’Reilly.  “Investigations that culminated in enforcement actions over the past several days underscore the steadfast commitment of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service and our investigative partners to vigorously investigate fraud impacting TRICARE.  We remain vigilant in our efforts to ensure the high standards of care our service members, military retirees, and their dependents deserve while safeguarding American taxpayer dollars.”

The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.  The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operates in 10 locations nationwide.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force has charged over 3,700 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for over $14 billion.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Elvin Castron-Murcia, 19, a Honduran native residing between Louisiana and Tennessee, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with traveling for illicit sexual conduct, transportation of a minor for criminal sexual activity, and false claim of U.S. citizenship.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, in May 2018, Castron-Murcia traveled for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct and also transported a minor under age 18 for sexual activity.  The indictment further alleges that, on May 25, 2018, Castron-Murcia falsely represented himself to be a U.S. citizen.

The defendant was detained pending trial.  The trial date is scheduled for August 7, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.

If convicted, Castron-Murcia faces a maximum of 30 years in prison for the sex traveling charge, a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the sex transportation charge, and a maximum of 3 years in prison for the false claim of U.S. citizenship.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dayton Michael Cramer, 71, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday after being convicted on March 21 of attempted enticement of a minor.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the three-day trial, the government presented evidence that, in February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors they meet online.  Cramer responded to two Craigslist advertisements in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and also as the stepmother of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sex.  Over the course of several days, Cramer discussed sexual activity with various undercover officers and traveled to meet who he thought was the stepmother of the 13-year-old girl to discuss the opportunity to have sex with the girl at a later date.  Cramer was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “The North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force once again demonstrates why undercover online operations targeting those individuals who want to engage in sexual activity with minors are so crucial to the protection of our children and local community from online predators.”

“This criminal thought he was going to prey on a child; instead, he found himself in handcuffs,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “Our HSI special agents and the multi-agency North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work diligently to protect our children, and this case is an example of that commitment.”

“It does not matter who you are, if you prey on our children, you will be arrested,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez.  “These cases continue to be a priority for FDLE.”

The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and Eastside High School will present a BLAST Program event on Tuesday to approximately 75 students.

Event: BLAST Program

Location: Eastside High School
1201 SE 43rd Street
Gainesville, FL 32641

Date: Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EDT

• 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Opening Remarks
• 9:15 a.m. – 11:45 p.m. Rotating Group Breakouts (40 minutes each)
• 11:45 – 12:00 p.m. “Returning from Prison” Presentation
• 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

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

The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.

The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.  (Students with media permissions will be identified.)

• Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
  This session is open to the media, and videography and photography is permitted.

•  Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance.  Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.  This session is open to the media, and 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 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.  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
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Marshals Service
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Craig T. Pope, 29, pleaded guilty today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola to mailing threatening communications and threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction.  The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In April and May 2017, Pope, while serving a state prison sentence for crimes out of Hillsborough County, sent two threatening letters from the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution to a Hillsborough County judge who presided over his plea and/or post conviction matters.

The first letter stated: “You have exactly 48 hours to get me back in court or someone in your courtroom will die and not only that, there will be an outbreak of anthrax in your courthouse who knows where I will send it first . . . time is ticking.”

The second letter stated: “here is a gift of Anthrax and when you receive this letter you will have exactly 4 hours before the courthouse explodes.  The bomb is already in place, your security is no match to my brotherhood.  Today you will understand that America will never be as powerful as my ISIS Family.”  The letter contained a white powder, which triggered the Tampa Fire Rescue Hazardous Materials Response Team to respond to the courthouse and secure the evidence and potential weapon of mass destruction.  Testing eventually provided a negative response for a biothreat, but all security protocols were initiated for those who could have been contaminated.

Pope faces a maximum of five years in prison for mailing threatening communications and a maximum of life in prison for threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 20, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On the 500th day of the Trump Administration, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Christopher P. Canova, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced that the Department of Justice is taking a dramatic step to increase resources to combat violent crime, enforce our immigration laws, and help roll back the devastating opioid crisis.

In the largest increase in decades, the Department of Justice is allocating 311 new Assistant United States Attorneys nationwide to assist in priority areas.  These allocations are as follows: 190 violent crime prosecutors, 86 civil enforcement prosecutors, and 35 immigration prosecutors.  Many of the civil enforcement AUSAs will support the newly created Prescription Interdiction & Litigation Task Force, which targets the opioid crisis at every level of the distribution system.

The two new AUSA positions allocated to the Northern District of Florida will focus on violent crime.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Attorney General Sessions’s announcement of more prosecutors to fight crime punctuates his mission to make our communities safer.  He continues to support law enforcement officers and prosecutors by providing the resources, tools, and discretion to bring evil-doers to justice.  My office will use these two new AUSA positions to prosecute the predators who terrorize our communities.  Everyone should feel safe to walk the sidewalks and let their children play in the yard.”

“Under President Trump’s strong leadership, the Department of Justice is going on offense against violent crime, illegal immigration, and the opioid crisis — and today we are sending in reinforcements,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  “We have a saying in my office that a new federal prosecutor is ‘the coin of the realm.’  When we can eliminate wasteful spending, one of my first questions to my staff is if we can deploy more prosecutors to where they are needed.  I have personally worked to re-purpose existing funds to support this critical mission, and as a former federal prosecutor myself, my expectations could not be higher.  These exceptional and talented prosecutors are key leaders in our crime fighting partnership.  This addition of new Assistant U.S. Attorney positions represents the largest increase in decades.”

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Mark Joshua Mitchell, 40, of Destin, was sentenced today to 240 months in prison, after pleading guilty on June 22, 2017, to seven counts of interstate transportation of stolen property.  The sentence 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 residences 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.

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

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Benell English, 57, of Pensacola, was found guilty of 18 counts of preparing false tax returns yesterday following a three-day federal jury trial in Pensacola.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

English, the tax return preparer at Select Tax Service on E Street in Pensacola, was found guilty of preparing and filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service between 2013 and 2017.  English fraudulently represented that the taxpayers had Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule C business losses or profits, and/or household employee income without the taxpayers’ knowledge.  English earned approximately $10,600 for preparing the 18 false returns.  As a result, the Internal Revenue Service paid $182,887 in refunds that should not have been paid.

The maximum penalty for each count is three years in prison.  Sentencing is scheduled for August 19, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Yesterday afternoon after a two and a half day trial, Frantisek Pribyl, 48, of Snellville, Georgia, was convicted in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee of attempted enticement of a minor and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors.  Pribyl responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as the mother of a 14-year-old girl and then as the daughter.  Over two days, Pribyl continued his conversation with the “girl” via e-mail, discussed sexual activity with her over e-mail and during a controlled telephone call, and traveled more than 250 miles to Tallahassee to meet her to have sex.  Pribyl was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.

For the attempted enticement charge, Pribyl faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.  For traveling to have sex with a minor, Pribyl faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 14, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Panama City Police Department, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

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

Event: BLAST Program
Location:        Big Bend Technical College
3233 S. Byron Butler Pkwy.
Perry, Florida 32348
Date: Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Time: 9:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. EST

• 9:15 – 10:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Rotating Group Breakouts (30 minutes each)
• 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. “Returning from Prison” Presentation
• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Lunch

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

The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.

The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.  (Students with media permissions will be identified.)

• Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.

• Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance.  Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.

• Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop.  Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during  a traffic stop.  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.

• Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.  This session is closed to the media and public.  Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.

Participating agencies include:

• United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
• Taylor County County Sheriff’s Office
• Taylor County High School
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• U.S. Marshals 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.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Craig T. Pope, 29, and Justin B. Lane, 34, were arraigned on May 3 and today, respectively, in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned two separate indictments charging each of them with mailing threatening communications and threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction.  The indictments were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

According to Pope’s indictment, in April and May 2017, Pope mailed a letter to a judge threatening a bomb and an anthrax outbreak in the courthouse.  According to Lane’s indictment, in August 2017, Lane mailed a letter to the Polk County State Attorney’s Office threatening to use anthrax.

Pope’s trial is scheduled for June 4 at 9:00 a.m., and Lane’s trial is scheduled for July 9 at 8:00 a.m.

If convicted of mailing threatening communications, Pope and Lane face a maximum of five years in prison.  If convicted of threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction, the defendants face a maximum of life in prison.

These cases resulted from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the cases.

An indictment is merely an allegation 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 available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website.  For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Aaron M. Booker, 26, Joseph F. Booker Jr., 28, and Kaishawndra Lyons, 25, all of Pensacola, and Uy Nguyen, 34, of Vallejo, California, have pled guilty to charges arising from a multi-state drug and money laundering conspiracy. The guilty pleas were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Nguyen and the Booker Brothers pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.  All four defendants pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.  In addition to the money laundering conspiracy, Lyons also pled guilty to making false statements to federal agents.

Since 2015, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies have been investigating a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering organization operating in Pensacola, Northern California, and elsewhere.  The investigation disclosed that between February 2015, and December 2017, Nguyen shipped packages of cocaine and marijuana from California to the Booker Brothers in Pensacola.  Using hidden social media, Nguyen sent his co-conspirators photographs of drug invoices and pictures of packages of cocaine and marijuana that he was shipping from California to Pensacola.  Postal records show that the Booker Brothers and Lyons mailed more than two dozen currency-filled packages back to Nguyen as payment for the drugs.  During the course of the investigation, law enforcement officers intercepted multiple packages of drugs that Nguyen shipped to his co-conspirators.  Bank records revealed that the Booker Brothers and Lyons laundered drug monies by depositing proceeds from the sale of the marijuana and cocaine into bank accounts Nguyen opened in California.

In December 2017, law enforcement officers searched Nguyen’s residence and vehicle in northern California and located multiple kilograms of marijuana and a receipt for a newly mailed parcel heading to Pensacola.  When law enforcement officers searched the Lyons/Booker residence, Aaron Booker’s cellular device was logged into the social media account that included drug invoices and mailing information for Nguyen.  One of the images depicting mailing information was actually the receipt investigators recovered from Nguyen's vehicle at the time of his arrest.  This parcel was intercepted by law enforcement officers and contained multiple pounds of marijuana.  The search of the Lyons/Booker residence in Pensacola revealed over $300,000 in United States currency as well as over $300,000 in jewelry and high end clothing.

Based upon the drug invoices, law enforcement officers determined this conspiracy involved 250 kilograms of marijuana and more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.  The conspirators laundered over a quarter million dollars through bank accounts and jewelry stores between Pensacola, Northern California, and other locations in the United States.

The defendants face 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.  Lyons faces a maximum of 5 years in prison for making false statements.

Nguyen’s sentencing is scheduled for June 27, 2018.  The sentencing for Aaron Booker is scheduled for July 17, 2018.  Joseph Booker and Lyons will be sentenced on July 24, 2018.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Milton Sumrell, 43, of Tallahassee, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with production of child pornography, enticement of a minor to perform illegal sex acts, 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, in October and November 2017, Sumrell persuaded a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography and persuaded someone under age 18 to engage in sexual activity.  The indictment further alleges that, between January and March 2018, Sumrell possessed child pornography.  The trial is scheduled for June 11, 2018, at 8:15 a.m.

If convicted, Sumrell faces a minimum of 15 years and maximum of 30 years in prison for the production charge, a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the enticement charge, and a maximum of 10 years in prison for the possession charge.

The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Trumann Police Department (Arkansas).  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Harwin.

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.

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Phillip E. Hill Jr., 42, of Blountstown, Florida, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging him with 24 counts of wire fraud and 4 counts of filing false tax returns.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between 2010 and 2015, Hill used his positions as Chief Executive Officer and department head of Emergency Management Services to embezzle money from Calhoun-Liberty Hospital.  According to the indictment, Hill billed the hospital for goods it never received and did so using invoices in the name of “Southeastern Medical Supply,” a sham business connected to a bank account controlled by Hill.  It is alleged that Hill also ordered medical supplies from eBay and other vendors and billed the hospital for these supplies at prices far in excess of what Hill actually paid for them.  The indictment alleges that Hill used the funds in the Southeastern bank account to pay personal credit card bills, to fund a business he owned and operated, to obtain cash, and to pay personal expenses, including grocery and travel expenses.  The indictment also alleges that when a hospital employee asked Hill for contact information for Southeastern, Hill claimed that he did not have the phone number because he had lost his phone, and asserted that the last time he had “talked with” representatives of Southeastern, they were “talking about going out of business.”

The maximum penalty for each wire fraud count is 20 years in prison.  The maximum penalty for each count of filing false tax returns is a maximum of 3 years in prison.  The trial is scheduled for July 2, 2018, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Blountstown Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Harwin and Karen Rhew-Miller are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tomorrow, Northern Florida residents can join citizens across the nation in safely and anonymously disposing of their expired, unused, and unwanted prescription medications during the 15th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, announced United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova.

This weekend, through the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Take Back Day initiative, more than 5,600 collection sites staffed by almost 4,500 law enforcement agencies will be open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time.  The public can find a nearby collection site at www.DEATakeBack.com or by calling 800-882-9539.  (DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps.)  Over the past 7 years, more than 9 million pounds (4,500 tons) of prescription medications have been collected at 14 previous events.  The service is free and anonymous.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Tragically, an opioid addition can begin with unused pain pills in home medicine cabinets.  During Take Back Day, you can help protect your loved ones and educate your children on the dangers of misused pharmaceuticals while removing potentially dangerous medicines from your house.”

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  DEA launched its prescription drug take back program when both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration advised the public that flushing these drugs down the toilet or throwing them in the trash posed potential safety and health hazards.

The public has embraced the opportunity these Take Back Day events provide to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.  Last fall, the public turned in 456 tons (912,000 pounds) of prescription drugs at more than 5,300 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,200 of its local and tribal partners.

The following drop-off locations are available in the Northern District of Florida:

• Calhoun County Sheriff's Office
• Crestview Police Department
• Eglin AFB, 96 Security Forces Squadron
• Escambia County Sheriff’s Office
• Florida State University Police Department
• Fort Walton Police Department
• Gadsden County Sheriff's Office
• Gulf Breeze Police Department
• Havana Police Department
• Jackson County Sheriff's Office
• Lake City Police Department
• Lafayette County Sheriff's Office
• Leon County Sheriff’s Office
• Live Oak Police Department
• Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office
• Shalimar Police Department
• Tallahassee Police Department
• Wakulla County Sheriff's Office

For more information about properly disposing of unused medicines, visit the United States Food and Drug Administration website.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Brandon Royce Phillips, 34, of Panama City Beach, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 204 months in prison after being convicted on January 23 of production, receipt, and possession of child pornography.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the one and a half day trial, the government presented evidence that, in November 2016, the grandmother of a 14-year-old boy advised the Clay County Sheriff’s Office that an unknown person had sent the boy sexually graphic videos during chats on Kik, a social media application.  The investigation disclosed that Phillips, posing as a 17-year-old female named “Katie Davis,” had sent the boy pornographic videos of a female that Phillips claimed to be “Davis.”  Phillips then convinced the boy to take sexually explicit videos of himself and send them to Phillips via Kik.  Further investigation revealed videos of other children engaged in the same sexually explicit conduct.

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “This sentence is another warning that the exploitation of our community’s children will not be tolerated.  Our office will continue its aggressive work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to combat and prosecute those who prey upon the innocence of a child.”

“Let this serve as a reminder that child predators hide behind false identities on social media applications,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “Thanks to HSI special agents and our partners at the Clay and Bay County Sheriff’s Offices, we have stopped another criminal from abusing children online.”

“The Bay County Sheriff's Office is glad to partner with other agencies to put criminals where they can no longer prey upon children,” Sheriff Tommy Ford said.  “By working together, we are the most effective at keeping our children safe.”

The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Five defendants were sentenced to federal prison this week after having pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The sentences were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Yesterday, the following defendants were sentenced on both charges:

• Charles Zachariah Sindylek, 32, of Pensacola, 90 months in prison and
• David DelGiacco, 56, of Lake Forest, California, 30 days in custody of the Bureau of Prisons.

Today, the following defendants were sentenced on both charges:

• Brandon Craig Remeyer, 35, of Trabuco Canyon, California, 72 months in prison and
• Andrew Paul Marcelonis, 32, of Pensacola, 18 months in prison.

Also today, Steven Ryan Michael Sholly, 31, of Milton, was sentenced to 59 months in prison on conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Co-defendants Sanford Eugene Johnson III, William Brett Brownell, and his father William Ezra Brownell had previously pled guilty and were sentenced last November.

Between 2014 and 2017, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in the Northern District of Florida.  Johnson, William Brett Brownell, Sholly, and others in the Pensacola area ordered the marijuana from Sindylek and Remeyer, who shipped packages of marijuana from California to Florida with the assistance of DelGiacco.  Johnson, William Brett Brownell, and Sholly then sold the marijuana in Florida with the assistance of Marcelonis, William Ezra Brownell, and others.  The cash proceeds of the marijuana distribution were laundered through bank accounts, and later mailed to addresses in California.  More than $3.5 million in cash proceeds from the sale of marijuana was laundered during the time frame of the conspiracy.

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, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Yesterday afternoon, Michael J. Baxter, 49, of Grand Ridge, Florida, was sentenced in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 5 years in prison after being convicted on January 25 of falsifying records to obstruct a federal investigation.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the two-day trial, the government presented evidence that Baxter, while acting as a state correctional officer at the Apalachee Correctional Institution, knowingly falsified use-of-force and incident reports to obstruct an investigation into allegations of a violent assault on an inmate.  The jury received evidence that, on July 12, 2015, the inmate was assaulted in Major Baxter’s office on the day the inmate was going to be married.  Blood splatter from the inmate’s head was found on the floor of the office, and medical records confirmed significant damage to the inmate’s face and head.  Afterwards, Major Baxter falsified his reports to obstruct the investigation into the assault.

United States Attorney Canova said: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will vigorously prosecute those lawbreakers in positions of trust who abuse their authority to obstruct the pursuit of justice and attempt to mislead investigators with false information.”

“Law enforcement must be held to a higher standard,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “The FBI will use every resource available to assist our law enforcement partners in holding officers accountable for their actions.”

FDC Secretary Julie Jones said: “The actions of Mr. Baxter were unacceptable and are in no way a reflection of the thousands of correctional officers who work diligently every day to watch over our inmates.  Protecting those in our custody is the Department’s chief priority, and we are committed to ensuring fair and appropriate treatment as they serve their time in the correctional system.  We thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work throughout this process.”

“Obstructing the truth and knowingly falsifying records presents a clear danger to the lives of inmates and all those who work at the prison.  FDLE takes such threats seriously and is committed to fully determining all the facts and ensuring that the truth provides for accountability,” said FDLE Pensacola Special Agent in Charge Jack Massey.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Terrell Jerome Cochran, 42, of Crestview, Florida, was sentenced yesterday to serve 120 months in prison after pleading guilty on October 4, 2017, to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In March 2017, in response to a residential alarm, deputies met with Cochran, a previously convicted felon, outside his residence.  While speaking with Cochran, deputies noticed a strong marijuana odor coming from inside.  Investigators then obtained and executed a search warrant on Cochran’s residence.  During the search, investigators located and seized a FA Cugir 7.62x39 millimeter rifle, a Ruger 9 millimeter pistol, 136.7 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, and a small amount of marijuana and cocaine from inside the residence.  The rifle was loaded with an extended magazine containing 30 rounds of ammunition, and the pistol was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

The case resulted from the investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Joseph F. Booker Jr., 28, and Kaishawndra Lyons, 25, both of Pensacola, along with the previously charged defendants Uy Nguyen, 34, of Vallejo, California, and Aaron M. Booker, 26, of Pensacola, were arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment.  Nguyen and the Booker brothers are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance.  All defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering.  In addition to the money laundering conspiracy, Lyons is also charged with making false statements.   The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between February 2015 and December 2017, Nguyen and the Booker brothers conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, they, along with Lyons, conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds and purchasing precious metals and stones from funds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.  The indictment also alleges that, in November 2016, Lyons knowingly made false statements that the currency she had deposited in out-of-state bank accounts was money she earned from doing hair and sewing.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $338,641 in U.S. currency; a firearm and ammunition; a cellular telephone; more than a dozen pieces of jewelry; and approximately 35 pieces of designer clothing and accessories.

The trial is scheduled for May 14, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. at the U.S. Courthouse in Pensacola.

If convicted, the defendants face 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.  If convicted of the false statements charge, Lyons faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ryan Romero, 51, of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and Adam W. Fair, 42, of Navarre, Florida, pled guilty yesterday and Wednesday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud.  The guilty pleas were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Evidence proffered as part of the plea showed the following:  Between 2010 and 2012, “M.I.S.” and his company Simplex Corporation, were awarded contracts with the United States Air Force at Hurlburt Field Air Force Base to provide helicopters and parts.  During the same period, defense contractors and subcontractors were awarded contracts with the Air Force to provide maintenance work on those helicopters.  Romero was employed as maintenance manager and Fair was employed as a maintenance superintendent for one or more of these companies.

Fair and Romero used their positions to obtain kick-backs in exchange for giving favorable treatment to M.I.S. and Simplex Corporation.  The favorable treatment included assisting M.I.S. in assembling and disassembling helicopters using defense contract company employees to complete the work without the company being compensated for this work.  In exchange, Romero received approximately $30,000, and Fair received approximately $20,000.

The plea documents also reflect that in exchange for monthly payments of $6,000 from M.I.S., Romero and Fair agreed to provide favorable maintenance inspection reports to the Air Force on  helicopters that M.I.S. and Simplex Corporation supplied.  In exchange for agreeing to provide favorable reports, Romero and Fair received approximately $154,350 in kick-backs from M.I.S. 

The defendants each face a maximum of 20 years in prison.  The sentencing hearings are scheduled on July 18, 2018, for Fair, and on August 2, 2018, for Romero at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case was investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas G. Peacock, 34, of Salisbury, North Carolina, was sentenced to 27.5 years in prison today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola for enticement of a minor and interstate travel for illicit sexual activity.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In April 2016, S.S. reported that her twelve-year-old granddaughter was missing and that she believed the child had met someone online and left with him.  When law enforcement visited S.S.’s residence, the child had returned home.  The child said she traveled to North Carolina for the weekend with a white male named “Nick,” who was later identified as Peacock.

S.S. later told officers that she found information on a laptop that she had allowed her granddaughter to use that led S.S. to believe the child had been sexually active with Peacock.  In interviews with investigators, the victim disclosed that she had been sexually active with Peacock over the weekend while they were in North Carolina, that she had met Peacock online via Skype, and that Peacock had transported her to North Carolina and then back to Florida after Peacock had found a missing person report.

In addition to telephone and hotel records, investigators reviewed thousands of Skype chats on the laptop from the time period of December 2015 through April 2016, which revealed many sexually explicit conversations, images, and videos exchanged between the victim and Peacock.  Peacock pled guilty on July 17, 2017.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and other members of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Dayton Michael Cramer, 71, of Tallahassee, was convicted of attempted enticement of a minor this afternoon in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee after a three-day trial.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During February 2017, undercover investigators conducted “Operation Cupid’s Arrow” to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors they meet online.  Cramer responded to two Craigslist advertisements in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old girl and also as the stepmother of a 13-year-old girl who was being offered for sex.  Over the course of several days, Cramer discussed sexual activity with various undercover officers and traveled to meet who he thought was the stepmother of the 13-year-old girl to discuss the opportunity to have sex with the girl at a later date.  Cramer was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting location.

Cramer faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 5, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee.

United States Attorney Christopher P. Canova stated, “The North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force once again demonstrates why undercover online operations targeting those individuals who want to engage in sexual activity with minors are so crucial to the protection of our children and local community from online predators.”

“It is disheartening that a man in a position of such power and influence would try to sexually abuse a young child,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “This verdict highlights the important work of HSI special agents, and the multi-agency North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, in the investigation and prosecution of such heinous crimes.”

“It does not matter who you are, if you prey on our children, you will be arrested,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez.  “These cases continue to be a priority for FDLE.”

The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Nicholas E. Fogarty, 36, of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was convicted today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of advertisement of child pornography and distribution of child pornography.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

During the day and a half trial, the government presented evidence that, beginning in June 2017, an undercover investigator, posing as a minor female on the social media platform Kik, attempted to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors.  Investigators noticed an individual, later identified as Fogarty, created the Kik group “Tweenteenlove,” a group that shared child pornography online.  During the investigation, Fogarty instructed others to find and bring young girls to the online group.  Fogarty communicated with the undercover agent online, including providing direction to the dark web, which is a hidden Internet where child pornography can be found.  Upon Fogarty’s arrest in southern Florida, a search of his electronic devices revealed child pornography and a search browser for the dark web.  In all, between 4,000 and 5,000 images and videos of child pornography were captured from Fogarty during this investigation.

For the advertisement charge, Fogarty faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison.  For the distribution charge, Fogarty faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Boynton Beach Police Department, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Benell English, 57, of Pensacola, was arraigned on Friday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with eighteen counts of preparing false tax returns.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that English, a tax return preparer at Select Tax Service in Pensacola, prepared and filed false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for various individuals between 2013 and 2017.  The indictment alleges that English falsely represented the taxpayers’ Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule C business losses or profits, or household employee income.

The maximum penalty for each count of preparing false tax returns is three years in prison.  The trial is scheduled for April 19, 2018, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Social Security Administration-Office of Inspector General.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Uy Nguyen, 34, of Vallejo, California, and Aaron M. Booker, 26, of Pensacola, were arraigned February 8 and today in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola after a federal grand jury returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that, between February 2015 and December 2017, Nguyen and Booker conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.  The indictment also alleges that during the same time period, they conspired to launder money by transferring cash proceeds and purchasing precious metals and stones from funds of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of approximately $338,641 in U.S. currency; a firearm and ammunition; a cellular telephone; more than a dozen pieces of jewelry; and approximately 35 pieces of designer clothing and accessories.

Nguyen’s trial is scheduled for April 2, and Booker’s trial is scheduled for April 16, 2018.

If convicted, the defendants face 10 years to life in prison for the drug trafficking conspiracy and a maximum of 20 years in prison for the money laundering conspiracy.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office – First Judicial Circuit, the U.S. Marshals, and the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.  Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).  OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Mac Johnson, 50, of Newberry, Florida, pled guilty yesterday afternoon to tax fraud, wire fraud, structuring financial transactions to evade reporting requirements, and harboring undocumented aliens.  The guilty plea was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Johnson, who owns roofing, tree service, and dumpster businesses, devised a scheme to conceal the amount of wages earned by his undocumented alien employees to avoid paying more than $1.7 million in federal income, Medicare, and social security taxes, as well as more than $1 million in Florida worker’s compensation premiums.  Johnson concealed the wages from the State of Florida by inaccurately and incompletely identifying all employees, representing that lower wages were paid than the true amounts, and paying by cash or a non-payroll check in amounts of less than $10,000 to avoid reporting requirements.

The investigators discovered that undocumented alien employees on work sites did not speak English or have any personal identification.  Their names did not match the names on the insurance policy, and their files contained employment eligibility verification forms that did not match their handwriting.  Johnson also provided transportation to the work sites and rented residences he owned to the undocumented workers for which he deducted money from their pay.

The potential penalties are:

• Failure to collect and pay over taxes: a maximum term of 5 years in federal prison;
• Wire fraud: a maximum of 20 years;
• Structuring: a maximum of 10 years; and
• Harboring undocumented aliens: a maximum of 10 years.

The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory P. McMahon is prosecuting the case.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Erik M. Schabert, 48, a physician, and his ex-wife, Mika Kamissa Harris, 49, both from Gainesville, Florida, have surrendered on a federal indictment charging them with health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud.  The indictment also charges Harris with multiple counts of money laundering.  The charges were announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that while owning and operating Reliant Family Practice in Gainesville, Harris and Schabert defrauded health care benefit programs of $4.4 million through the submission of fraudulent claims.  According to the indictment, between January 2013 and July 2016, Harris and Schabert caused claims to be submitted to Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield for chemical peels, dermabrasions, and acne surgery using false diagnoses of rosacea, acne, and actinic keratosis.  The indictment further alleges that Harris laundered approximately $3.1 million dollars in proceeds of the health care fraud scheme.

Schabert and Harris made their initial appearance on the charges at the U.S. District Courthouse in Gainesville.  The trial is scheduled for April 24, 2018.

If convicted of charges in the filed indictment, Schabert and Harris face a maximum term of 20 years in prison for health care fraud conspiracy and 10 years in prison for each of the health care fraud counts.  Harris faces a maximum term of 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering counts.

This indictment is the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Savario Beshawn Champion, 29, of Pensacola, was sentenced this week to 147 months in prison after pleading guilty on December 5, 2017, to carjacking, possessing a firearm during a violent crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In July 2017, two men from Georgia were carjacked by Mr. Champion at gunpoint at a local hotel in Escambia County.  Mr. Champion approached the two men pointing a black 9 millimeter pistol at the vehicle owner.  He told the men to get out of the BMW and to give him their money and phones.  The men got out of the vehicle, ran to the hotel, and called the police.

Later that morning, a Pensacola Police Department officer arrested Mr. Champion in Pensacola.  At the time of the arrest, Mr. Champion was in possession of the stolen vehicle and a firearm. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Pensacola Police Department; and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Russell Scott Hardman, 57, of Panama City, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 84 months in prison for distribution, receipt, and production of child pornography after pleading guilty on November 30, 2017.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In May 2017, Homeland Security Investigations received a tip from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in which a user of the social media platform Kik was uploading child pornography.  Agents were able to determine that Hardman was using his cellular telephone to access Kik, as well as using his e-mail to upload images of child pornography while at work and at home.  A forensic review of Hardman’s cellular telephone revealed 561 images and 135 videos of child pornography.  Investigation disclosed that Hardman distributed at least 20 of those videos in a group chat.  At least 20 videos of child pornography depicted infants, toddlers, and prepubescent children engaged in sex acts.

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

“This child predator thought he could hide in anonymity behind the Internet,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “Thanks to the investigative skills of our HSI special agents, and partners at the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, his crimes were exposed, and he will now be held accountable.”

“The Bay County Sheriff's Office is committed to maintaining strong working partnerships with fellow law enforcement agencies,” Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said.  “These partnerships serve to increase our success in finding and bringing criminals like Hardman to justice.”

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Ralph Herman Fox Jr., 61, of Graceville, Florida, was sentenced yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography.  Fox pled guilty on December 4, 2017, which was the first day of his trial.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

In September 2016, a concerned citizen reported to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office that Fox had been sexually abusing two young girls.  A forensic examination of Fox’s cellular telephone revealed multiple video screen shots of Fox sexually assaulting one of the victims.  The sexual abuse captured in the screen shots occurred for approximately one year, sometimes in the presence of other children.

U.S. Attorney Canova said, “The bravery of the 11-year old victim in this case exposed a predator, and her courage in coming forward helped protect other children from abuse.  The sentence imposed on Fox sends a strong message that those who take advantage of our innocent children will pay a steep price.”

“The deviant nature of this crime is beyond comprehension,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “Together with our partners at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, our greatest hope is that today’s sentencing will play a part in the recovery of his young victims.”

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

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

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – After a day and a half trial, Jamila Takiyah Hunter, 32, of Tallahassee, was convicted yesterday afternoon of possession with intent to distribute the controlled substance α-Pyrrolidinovalerophenone or “Alpha-PVP.”  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Hunter’s four co-defendants pled guilty in late 2017 and early 2018 as follows:

• Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:
  Travis L. Glasco, Charik James, Tyrail Gallman, and Dora Williams;
• Possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: Glasco, James, and Williams;
• Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Glasco; and
• Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon: Glasco.

In November 2016, law enforcement officers identified a kilogram package of alpha-PVP destined for delivery to a commercial UPS mailbox rented by Hunter.  Agents conducted a controlled delivery of the drug-laden parcel and arrested Hunter after she signed for and accepted the parcel.  When agents attempted to contact her co-conspirators, Glasco fled from the parking lot and abandoned a vehicle in the middle of Capital Circle during lunch hour traffic.  Subsequent investigation revealed the identity of Hunter’s co-conspirators, who were charged in a superseding indictment.

Glasco, James, Gallman, Williams, and Hunter face a maximum of 20 years in prison for each controlled substance conviction.  Additionally, Glasco faces a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The sentencing hearings are scheduled as follows at the U.S. Courthouse in Tallahassee:

• February 23, 2018: Williams (9:30 a.m.);
• April 20, 2018: James (9:00 a.m.) and Gallman (10:30 a.m.); and
• May 10, 2018: Glasco (9:30 a.m.) and Hunter (3:00 p.m.).

This case resulted from investigations by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Leon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Tallahassee Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Harwin.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Vicki Dyer Middlemas, 48, of Panama City, was arraigned today in the U.S. District Court in Panama City after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging her with five counts of wire fraud and four counts of filing false tax returns.  The indictment was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

The indictment alleges that between May 2010 and May 2015, Middlemas used her position as Executive Director of the Visual Arts Center of Northwest Florida (“the VAC”) in Panama City to fraudulently obtain money by writing herself checks on the VAC bank account and by making unauthorized charges for personal expenses on the VAC debit card.  The indictment further alleges that Middlemas falsified invoices and VAC records to conceal her thefts.  In addition, Middlemas is charged with filing false federal income tax returns that underreported her income and tax owed.

The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison.  The maximum penalty for filing false tax returns is 3 years in prison.  The trial is scheduled for April 16, 2018, at 8:15 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Panama City Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Aine Ahmed is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – After an eight-day jury trial, Larry L. Masino, 67, of Gulf Breeze, and Dixie L. Masino, 65, of Pensacola, were convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Pensacola of wire fraud conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business, and money laundering conspiracy.  In addition, Larry L. Masino was convicted of 18 counts of money laundering, and Dixie L. Masino was convicted of 20 counts of money laundering.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Larry and Dixie Masino owned and operated Racetrack Bingo Inc. in Fort Walton Beach, which purported to conduct bingo games and provide the proceeds to a group of local charities in Okaloosa County.  Between 2006 and 2015, the Masinos conspired to defraud the charities out of more than $8 million dollars.  The Masinos specifically falsely assured the charities they were complying with provisions of the Florida statute.  In fact, the Masinos were unlawfully paying themselves and their employees to conduct bingo games and were charging the charities a lease fee based on inflated expenses.  Racetrack Bingo was an illegal gambling business because it was conducting bingo games and unlawfully retaining profit, rather than returning the net proceeds of the bingo games back to the players in the form of prizes.  The Masinos conspired to launder more than $5.8 million of the bingo proceeds through profit distribution checks that the Masinos and their three children received as shareholders of Racetrack Bingo.

For the wire fraud conspiracy, the Masinos face a maximum of 20 years in prison.  For the money laundering conspiracy and money laundering charges, the Masinos face a maximum of 10 years in prison.  For operating an illegal gambling business, they face a maximum of 5 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 25, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the Arnow Federal Building in Pensacola.

This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – After a three-day trial, Arthur Larange Lee Jr., 34, of Gainesville, was convicted late yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Gainesville of sex trafficking by force and use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

Lee abducted a drug-addicted woman from the parking lot of a Gainesville church where she was attending a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.  After taking the victim’s phone, he ordered her to drive to a nearby hotel where he took photographs of her for use in a Backpage.com advertisement.  Lee told the victim he would “break her in,” after which he raped her, burned her, and committed other acts of violence against her.  Lee then fed the victim small amounts of cocaine and instructed her that she had to pay off her “debt.”  Over the span of two days, Lee forced and coerced the victim to engage in sexual acts with numerous “johns.” He kept all the money derived from the sex acts that took place at local hotels and private residences.  While at one hotel, the victim texted a “john” who agreed to help her escape by picking her up outside the hotel.  The victim then fled with Lee’s phone and called police.  Responding officers were able to quickly locate and arrest Lee, who was still inside the hotel.

For the sex trafficking charges, Lee faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life in prison.  For using a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution, Lee faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville.

The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – After a one and a half day trial, Brandon Royce Phillips, 34, of Panama City Beach, was convicted yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Panama City of production, receipt, and possession of child pornography.  The verdict was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

 

During November 2016, the grandmother of a 14-year-old boy advised the Clay County Sheriff’s Office that an unknown person had sent the boy sexually graphic videos during chats on Kik, a social media application.  The investigation disclosed that Phillips, posing as a 17-year-old female named “Katie Davis,” had sent the boy pornographic videos of a female that Phillips claimed to be “Davis.”  Phillips then convinced the boy to take sexually explicit videos of himself and send them to Phillips via Kik.  Further investigation revealed videos of other children engaged in the same sexually explicit conduct.

 

Phillips faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison for production of child pornography, a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison for receipt, and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment for possession.  The sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 10, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Panama City.

 

The case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

 

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

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

 

Event: BLAST Program

Location: Franklin County School

1250 Hwy 98
Eastpoint, Florida 32328

Date: Thursday, January 18, 2018

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

 

The BLAST Program offers students an opportunity to meet representatives of the criminal justice community and ask them questions, share their perceptions of law enforcement, and interact with law enforcement officers in a familiar setting.  Law enforcement officers also provide students with their perspective on responding to dangerous or uncertain circumstances and the importance of remaining calm and following the officers’ directions in these situations.

 

The schedule will include the following discussion sessions, during which students will have a chance to participate in role play with law enforcement officers.  (Students with media permissions will be identified.)

• Criminal Justice Overview: Students will learn about each phase of a federal criminal case, including investigation, prosecution, and sentencing.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.

• Domestic Violence: Students will participate in a scenario in which law enforcement officers respond to a domestic disturbance.  Discussion includes the challenges officers face, rights of witnesses and suspects, and benefits of providing information to law enforcement.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
   
•  Traffic Stop Simulation: Participants and officers alternate playing the roles of civilians and officers in a traffic stop.  Discussion includes de-escalation and the uncertainty officers and vehicle occupants face during a traffic stop.
  This session is open to the media and public, and videography and photography is permitted.
   
•  Use of Force: Facilitators and students will discuss when law enforcement officers may use force and an officer’s reaction time when confronted with a life-threatening situation.
  This session is closed to the media and public.  Reporters may try the simulator equipment after the event ends.

Participating agencies include:

• United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida
• Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
• Franklin County School
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives
• Homeland Security Investigations
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• Florida Highway Patrol

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Curtis Jason Jones, 39, of Panama City Beach was sentenced to 78 months in prison yesterday after pleading guilty on October 12, 2017, to possession of child pornography.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

 

In March 2015, law enforcement officers received information that Jones was in possession of child pornography.  In June 2015, officers executed a search warrant on Jones’s residence.  Forensic examinations of the electronic items seized during the search revealed hundreds of images and one video of child pornography, including 56 images and one video file containing known child victims previously identified by law enforcement.  The child pornography images that Jones possessed showed children who appeared to be 10 years of age and younger, with some as young as five years of age.

 

“Children deserve to be protected from online exploitation, and my office and our law enforcement partners are committed to pursuing child predators who target innocent children,” said United States Attorney Canova.

 

“While already serving time for sexual battery, this criminal’s electronic devices were searched, and he was also discovered to be a child predator,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “HSI special agents and our partners at the Panama City Beach Police Department and the Northern District Florida United States Attorney Office have now ensured he will be held accountable for his crimes against children, in addition to the sentence he is already serving for sexual battery.”

 

The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

 

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

PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Michael Shawn Garrett, 45, of Panama City Beach, Florida, a colonel in the Florida Air National Guard, was sentenced to 10 years in prison yesterday after being convicted on October 17, 2017, of attempted enticement of a minor for sex.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

 

In May 2017, undercover investigators conducted an operation to identify individuals seeking to engage in sexual activity with minors. Garrett responded to a Craigslist advertisement in which an undercover officer posed as a 14-year-old boy.  During ninety minutes of conversation with the undercover officer, Garrett discussed the sex acts he wished to perform with the boy.  Through his e-mail communications, Garrett repeatedly requested the physical address of the boy, offering to pick up the boy to engage in the sexual encounter.  Garrett was arrested after arriving at the designated meeting place.

 

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “My office is committed to pursuing public safety, and a top priority is protecting young, innocent children from becoming victims of exploitation crimes.  Child predators tragically use the Internet to try to reach their victims and take advantage of their vulnerabilities.”

 

“This defendant attempted to victimize and exploit a child,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “The FBI is committed to protecting children in our community, and will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify these predators.  We also encourage parents to take time to educate their children about dangers lurking online.”

 

“This predator thought he was going to molest a young boy,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “Instead, he faced HSI special agents and our law enforcement partners, and now he will be held accountable for his crimes.”

 

The case was investigated by the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Thielemann.

 

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Eladio L. Vazquez, 38, of Indio, California, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison today, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty on December 26, 2017, to distribution of child pornography.  As part of his sentence, Vazquez will also be required to register as a sex offender.  The sentence was announced by Christopher P. Canova, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

 

Beginning in December 2016 and continuing for the next six months, a law enforcement officer using an undercover online account in Pensacola observed that an individual with multiple online identities was posting image and video files on social media platforms.  Vazquez also used the dark web to engage in child pornography behavior.  In June 2017, based upon investigative information, law enforcement officers in California executed a search warrant at Vazquez’s residence and located child pornography on Vazquez’s cellular devices and laptop.  Forensically, law enforcement also located, within Vazquez’s cloud account, significant amounts of child pornography.

 

U.S. Attorney Canova said: “Child predators use the internet as a powerful tool to exploit innocent children, but together with our law enforcement partners, we will pursue those who seek to victimize the most vulnerable members of our society.”

 

“This criminal thought he had anonymity because of his use of social media,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero.  “We want to use this child predator as a warning to those who will prey on children – we will find you and hold you accountable for your crimes.”

 

The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, the Riverside County (California) District Attorney’s Office, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

 

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