Northern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Tallahassee Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jonathan Harry Lee Williams of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in prison by United States District Judge Mark E. Walker for using a minor to produce child pornography and for possessing child pornography. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Williams, formerly a registrar at Ruediger Elementary School, was arrested on December 11, 2014, after FBI agents executed a search warrant at his home. During the search, law enforcement officers seized Williams’s smart phones, which contained child pornography. Williams, who pled guilty in February 2015, admitted to taking sexually explicit photos of two children and uploading the images to a “photo hosting” website. Williams also admitted that he had been downloading nude photographs of children from the internet for the past ten years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Paul R. Bloom, 31, of Crestview, with production, receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Count One of the indictment alleges that, in February 2015, Bloom knowingly used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. Count Two alleges that, between March 2012 and April 2015, Bloom received, and attempted to receive, images and videos containing child pornography. Count Three alleges that, between February and March 2015, Bloom knowingly distributed, and attempted to distribute, images and videos of child pornography. Finally, Count Four alleges that, in April 2015, Bloom knowingly possessed material containing images and videos of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor under age 12.
Bloom was arraigned in federal court today before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy at the United States Courthouse, in Pensacola, Florida. The trial is scheduled for July 6, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pensacola Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Ft. Walton Man Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Samuel J. Johnson, 42, of Ft. Walton Beach, Florida, with production, receipt, and possession of child pornography, and transfer of obscene matter to a minor. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between April 2013 and April 2015, Johnson knowingly used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions, and that he committed this offense while he was required to register as a sex offender. The indictment also alleges that Johnson received images and videos containing child pornography, that he possessed material containing images and videos of child pornography involving a minor under age 12, and that he transferred obscene matter to an individual less than age 16.
Johnson was arraigned in federal court today before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy at the United States Courthouse, in Pensacola, Florida. The trial is scheduled for July 6, 2015.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pensacola Police Department, and the other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Panama City Man Pleads Guilty in Terrorist Hoax CaseRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Johnathon Mathew Garrett, 36, of Panama City, Florida, pled guilty late yesterday to giving false information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) by claiming that he was planning to blow up the Social Security Office located at 97 Oak Avenue, Panama City, Florida. The plea was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During his plea, Garrett admitted that, on August 27, 2014, he called an SSA employee and threatened to “blow the whole thing up and destroy something.” The SSA employee understood this comment to be a bomb threat against the SSA office. Garrett was attempting to intimidate the SSA employee into restoring his social security disability benefits. As a result of his threat, the SSA office in Panama City and the surrounding block were evacuated until the area could be cleared by a bomb-detection team.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Panama City Police Department and Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, 2015, at 9:45 a.m., before United States District Judge Richard Smoak at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida. Garrett faces a maximum of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term of supervised release of three years, and a court-ordered reimbursement for the cost associated with investigative response.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Local Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Jonathon Luke Holder, 23, of Panama City Beach, was sentenced to 7 years and 8 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Richard Smoak for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Holder admitted that, on January 7, 2015, he travelled from Bay County, Florida, to the Atlanta, Georgia, area to purchase methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. When Holder left Bay County to travel to the Atlanta area, he took with him a loaded Ruger 9mm pistol for his protection and for the protection of his drug-trafficking activities.
Holder returned to the Bay County area early the next morning. Holder was arrested as he exited the vehicle he was driving with a small Sentry safe. Inside the safe, Holder had approximately 1010 grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and the pistol.
This was Holder’s third trip to the Atlanta area to purchase methamphetamine for distribution in the Bay County area. In the first trip, Holder purchased and distributed one pound of methamphetamine, and in the second trip, Holder purchased and distributed two pounds of methamphetamine.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Bay County Woman Sentenced for Impersonating a Law Enforcement OfficerRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Marcia Dawn Lowery, 41, of Parker, Florida, was sentenced to four and a half months in federal prison by United States District Judge Richard Smoak for impersonating a federal law enforcement officer. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between September and October 2014, Lowery resided at the Smuggler’s Cove residential complex (the “complex”) in Bay County where she posed as a Deputy United States Marshal. Lowery told residents in the complex that she working undercover. To further her impersonation, Lowery walked around the complex wearing a t-shirt with the word “POLICE” on it.
While posing as a Deputy United States Marshal, Lowery: (1) told a resident in the complex that Lowery would arrest the resident’s children for their bad behavior and take them to juvenile detention; (2) told a resident in the complex that the resident was in Lowery’s protective custody because of the resident’s outstanding arrest warrant from Tennessee; (3) told a resident, who was on probation, that Lowery would get the resident’s conviction expunged if the resident provided Lowery with the names of his drug sources, which he did; and (4) based on her representations that she was a Deputy United States Marshal, obtained extensions on her rent, which went unpaid and resulted in a loss to the complex of approximately $1500.
The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Parker Police Department, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Prisoner Transportation FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Walter John Cassidy, also known as “William James Cassidy,” 54, of Florence, Indiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark E. Walker to 12 years in prison for wire fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain money by operating a private prisoner transportation business under false pretenses. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between October 2010 and June 2014, Cassidy transported prisoners throughout the country as an employee and manager of United States Prisoner Extradition Service and Interstate Criminal Extraditions. In contracting with sheriffs’ offices to transport prisoners from one jurisdiction to another, including violent felons, Cassidy misrepresented the prisoners’ security and treatment and concealed material facts concerning his fitness to operate as a prisoner transport agent. Specifically, Cassidy concealed that he was on felony probation while transporting prisoners and that his conditions of probation prohibited him from associating with felons, from visiting jails, from carrying weapons, and from leaving the state of Kentucky. Additionally, during his transportation of female prisoners, Cassidy left the prisoners unrestrained, gave them drugs and alcohol, and had sex with them in his vehicle and hotel rooms. Cassidy pled guilty in September 2014.
Although Cassidy was indicted under the name of “William James Cassidy,” the identity he used in committing these offenses, Cassidy’s true name is actually Walter John Cassidy. Shortly before he was to be sentenced in this case, officials learned that Cassidy had been living under the false name of “William Cassidy” for more than 17 years. By adopting another identity, Cassidy was able to conceal his lengthy record of criminal convictions for burglary, theft, firearms, and other offenses. In addition to working as a private prisoner transport agent, Cassidy had also previously served as a constable in Gibson County, Tennessee, under the assumed identity of William Cassidy.
“Over the course of four years, the defendant defrauded sheriff’s offices who entrusted him with the security and transportation of prisoners throughout the nation, and he abused their trust by using female prisoners for his own sexual gratification,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “Today’s sentence makes clear that such abuses of power carry severe consequences.”
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges and sentence. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Karen Rhew-Miller.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Prisoner Transportation FraudRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Walter John Cassidy, also known as “William James Cassidy,” 54, of Florence, Indiana, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark E. Walker to 12 years in prison for wire fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain money by operating a private prisoner transportation business under false pretenses. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between October 2010 and June 2014, Cassidy transported prisoners throughout the country as an employee and manager of United States Prisoner Extradition Service and Interstate Criminal Extraditions. In contracting with sheriffs’ offices to transport prisoners from one jurisdiction to another, including violent felons, Cassidy misrepresented the prisoners’ security and treatment and concealed material facts concerning his fitness to operate as a prisoner transport agent. Specifically, Cassidy concealed that he was on felony probation while transporting prisoners and that his conditions of probation prohibited him from associating with felons, from visiting jails, from carrying weapons, and from leaving the state of Kentucky. Additionally, during his transportation of female prisoners, Cassidy left the prisoners unrestrained, gave them drugs and alcohol, and had sex with them in his vehicle and hotel rooms. Cassidy pled guilty in September 2014.
Although Cassidy was indicted under the name of “William James Cassidy,” the identity he used in committing these offenses, Cassidy’s true name is actually Walter John Cassidy. Shortly before he was to be sentenced in this case, officials learned that Cassidy had been living under the false name of “William Cassidy” for more than 17 years. By adopting another identity, Cassidy was able to conceal his lengthy record of criminal convictions for burglary, theft, firearms, and other offenses. In addition to working as a private prisoner transport agent, Cassidy had also previously served as a constable in Gibson County, Tennessee, under the assumed identity of William Cassidy.
“Over the course of four years, the defendant defrauded sheriff’s offices who entrusted him with the security and transportation of prisoners throughout the nation, and he abused their trust by using female prisoners for his own sexual gratification,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “Today’s sentence makes clear that such abuses of power carry severe consequences.”
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges and sentence. The case was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Karen Rhew-Miller.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Quincy Man Sentenced as Career OffenderRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Walter Eric Holmes, 44, of Quincy was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark Walker to 180 months in prison for distributing cocaine and crack cocaine. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Holmes, who pled guilty earlier this year, had a lengthy history of convictions, including seven drug felony offenses and an aggravated battery involving a shooting.
United States Attorney Marsh credited the success of this prosecution to the joint efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Gadsden and Madison County Sheriff’s Offices. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Simpson.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
East Hill Man Charged with Federal Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Kandel Markie Whiting, 35, of Pensacola, with receipt, distribution, and possession of child pornography. Counts one and two of the indictment allege that, between October 2014 and January 2015, Whiting knowingly received and distributed images and videos of child pornography. Count three alleges that, on or about March 24, 2015, Whiting knowingly possessed child pornography involving a prepubescent minor and a minor younger than 12. Whiting’s conduct came to light based upon his use of the social media applications Twitter and Kik. The indictment, which was unsealed today, was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Whiting was arraigned in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Miles Davis at the United States Courthouse, in Pensacola, Florida.
The case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Pensacola Police Department, and the other agencies that are part of the Northwest Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Sentenced for Federal Armed Drug Trafficking ViolationsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Marheem R. Smith, 24, of Pensacola, was sentenced to 8 ½ years in federal prison by Chief United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In October 2014, while attempting to arrest Smith on state charges of aggravated assault and firearm violations, law enforcement officers discovered a loaded Ruger .45 caliber pistol and bags of cocaine located inside a vehicle underneath where Smith was seated. Additionally, the officers found approximately $1,000 and a digital scale on Smith’s person. Inside an apartment linked to Smith, law enforcement seized more than 34 grams of cocaine and materials to convert powder cocaine into crack cocaine.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pensacola Police Department, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office as part of the ATF Gun Crime Response Team. 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Pace Doctor Pleads Guilty to Tax FraudRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Dr. Sheila Mohammed, 55, of Pace, Florida, pled guilty today to seven counts of submitting false tax returns. The guilty plea was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During her plea, Dr. Mohammed admitted that she signed and caused to be filed, false personal tax returns that grossly underreported her total income for tax years 2010 through 2013. In addition, Dr. Mohammed admitted that, as president and owner of The Industrial Medicine Institute, Inc., a medical practice in Pace, Florida, she signed and caused to be filed, false corporate tax returns for The Industrial Medicine Institute, Inc., for the years 2010 through 2012.
As part of the plea agreement, Dr. Mohammed agreed that the restitution amount owed for her crimes is $255,158, and she has agreed to make full restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
Sentencing is scheduled by Chief United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers on July 20, 2015, at 1:00 p.m. Dr. Mohammed faces maximum penalties of 21 years in prison (three years for each count) and a $700,000 fine ($100,000 for each count).
The charges are the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern
District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Local Man Convicted for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal trial jury convicted Ralph Jason Miller, 32, of Woodville, Florida, of three charges of using a minor in the production of child pornography and one charge of committing these offenses while required to register as a sex offender under the laws of the State of Florida and the United States. The verdict was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, on three occasions, in January, April and July 2012, Miller caused a minor to engage in sexual intercourse and in graphic sexual displays for the purpose of making visual depictions of these activities. Sheriff’s detectives discovered these images when they executed a search warrant on Miller’s residence on December 4, 2013. Miller was required to register as a sex offender at the time of the production of child pornography offenses because he was convicted of sexual battery in Leon County in 2002.
United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle presided over the jury trial. He set sentencing for July 16, 2015. Because of the prior conviction, Miller may face imprisonment for at least 25 years and a maximum of 50 years on each of the production convictions. He faces an additional term of 10 years’ imprisonment, which must be served consecutively, for being required to register at the time of those offenses.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit, and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), whose joint investigation led to the convictions in this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael T. Simpson.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Five Sentenced in Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John David Castleberry, 64, and Teresa Haggerty, 61, both formerly of Pensacola Beach, Florida, Mark Douglas Stokes, 61, and Melinda K. Stokes, 60, of Colleyville, Texas, and Christopher Stephen Baum, 57, of Arlington, Texas, were sentenced to federal prison yesterday by Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson for conspiring to commit tax fraud. The sentences were announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The defendants were convicted on January 22, 2015, at the conclusion of a 12-day jury trial. In addition to conspiracy, Castleberry and Haggerty were also convicted for assisting in the preparation and filing of fraudulent tax returns, and Castleberry was convicted for filing his own false federal income tax return.
At trial, the government presented evidence that between 2008 and 2010, the defendants participated in a scheme to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $9 million in refunds. The group used an obscure IRS Form 1099-OID to falsely report that they and/or their clients’ creditors had withheld large amounts of federal income taxes and had paid this money over to the IRS. As a result of the fraudulently-overstated income tax withholding, the tax returns that were filed on behalf of the defendants and/or their clients claimed large refunds to which the defendants and their clients were not entitled.
The defendants were sentenced as follows:
- Castleberry: 126 months in prison and $328,143.90 in restitution to the IRS;
- Haggerty: 18 months in prison and $129,762.85 in restitution to the IRS;
- Mark Stokes: 24 months in prison and $162,608.23 in restitution to the IRS;
- Melinda Stokes: 12 months and 1 day in prison and $162,608.23 in restitution to the IRS; and
- Baum: 51 months in prison and $162,608.23 in restitution to the IRS.
United States Attorney Marsh said, “This week, millions of Americans submitted accurate and timely tax returns. The individuals who defraud the United States Treasury are also stealing from each honest American taxpayer.”
Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett stated, “Tough sentences like the one handed down to John Castleberry should be a stark reminder to those out there contemplating theft of taxpayer dollars. Even lessor participants pay a heavy price for their participation in tax fraud schemes, and during a time when Americans are all paying their fair share of taxes, the mistakes of these individuals should be a lesson to us all.”
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Dallas Field Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Randall J. Hensel and 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Two Plead Guilty in Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Jermaine Winters, 39, of Coleman, Florida, and Rosetta Presley, 23, of Chipley, Florida, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and identity theft in connection with the electronic filing of false federal income tax returns. The pleas were announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During their pleas, Winters and Presley admitted that between July 2011 and July 2012, they conspired to file fraudulent tax returns using the stolen identities of assisted-living facility residents at the Dogwood Inn in Bonifay, Florida, clinical laboratory patients at Sun Laboratory Services in the Tampa, Florida area, and others, in an attempt to steal more than $118,000 from the United States Treasury. Refunds issued on the fraudulent returns were loaded onto prepaid debit cards mailed to addresses in the Northern District of Florida.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 1, 2015, before United States District Judge Richard Smoak at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida. Winters and Presley face a maximum 20 years’ imprisonment for wire fraud, and a two-year minimum mandatory term of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft that must run consecutively to any other sentence.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Chipley Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html
Former Corrections Officers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – William F. Finch, 35, of Wauseau, Florida, and Dalton E. Riley, 24, of Bethlehem, Florida, pled guilty today to conspiring to violate the civil rights of an inmate at the Northwest Florida Reception Center (“NWFRC”), a state prison in Chipley, Florida. Their co-defendant, Robert L. Miller, 48, of Lynn Haven, Florida, pled guilty on April 1. The guilty pleas were announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During their pleas, Finch, Riley, and Miller admitted to physically assaulting an inmate at NWFRC on August 5, 2014, without justification and causing the inmate bodily injury. To conceal the defendants’ actions, Finch falsified reports of the incident by falsely stating that the assault was in response to the inmate spitting on another officer.
Sentencing for Finch and Riley is scheduled for July 1, 2015, before United States District Judge Richard Smoak at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida. Sentencing for Miller is scheduled for June 17.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Pensacola Man Convicted of Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal trial jury convicted Thomas Victor Sway, 24, of Pensacola, of receipt, attempted receipt, and possession of child pornography. The verdict was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, between November 2012 and May 2013, Sway received and possessed child pornography, including videos depicting images of minors less than 12 years of age engaged in sex acts. Undercover law enforcement officers discovered and downloaded the pornographic files from a public file sharing network that could be traced to Sway’s computer. After agents executed a search warrant at Sway’s residence, a forensic analysis of his hard drive revealed at least 140 video files containing images of child pornography. Additionally, the system file history indicated a pattern of Sway using dozens of distinct search terms to locate child pornography on the internet.
Sway faces a minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum of 20 years in prison. Sentencing has been scheduled for June 30, 2015, before Chief United States Judge Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Pensacola Police Department, and the other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Local Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Refund Fraud and Identity TheftRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tashina Phillips, 30, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to federal prison this week by United States District Judge Mark E. Walker for theft of government property and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between 2012 and 2013, Phillips cashed more than $50,000 in fraudulent IRS tax refund checks using other people’s personal identification information. In this scheme, Phillips paid a portion of the fraudulent proceeds to the individual who initially prepared the fraudulent tax return, and she also paid a commission to the individual who cashed the fraudulent refund check for her. In some instances, Phillips obtained fraudulent power of attorney forms to cash the fraudulent refund checks.
Phillips was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, 3 years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $52,324.50 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“With the tax deadline only five days away, this sentence serves as an important reminder of carefully guarding personal information,” said U.S. Attorney Marsh. “Stolen identity tax refund fraud is harmful to all honest taxpayers, and we are grateful to our law enforcement partners who help bring these thieves to justice.”
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James M. Ustynoski.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Florida State University Finance Professor Indicted for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging former Florida State University Finance Professor, James S. Doran, 39, of Boulder, Colorado, with embezzlement. The indictment, which was unsealed today, was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between May 2010 and March 2011, Doran, while employed as an Assistant Professor of Finance at Florida State University, embezzled more than $650,000 in funds held by FSU. The arraignment is scheduled for April 24 at 10:00 a.m. before Judge Charles A. Stampelos at the United States Courthouse, in Tallahassee, Florida.
The case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Florida State University Police Department, and the Florida State University Office of Inspector General Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Gadsden County Sheriff's Captain Sentenced to Prison for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE – James Corder, 54, a former captain with the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark E. Walker to 30 months in federal prison for violating the civil rights of an arrestee, obstructing justice, and making false statements in a federal investigation. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Corder was convicted on January 29, 2015, at the close of a four-day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial established that Corder stole $1,785 in cash from an arrestee, William Easterwood, and then lied in a sworn statement to FBI and FDLE agents investigating the theft.
“Law enforcement officers and other public servants are rightly held to a high standard of integrity, and I am proud of the many law enforcement officers who faithfully protect the Northern District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Marsh. “No one is above the law, and those who abuse our community’s trust should expect consequences.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Criminal Chief Karen Rhew-Miller.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Local Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Federal Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – William M. Goode, 48, of Crestview, Florida, pled guilty today to attempting to entice a minor for sex and receipt of child pornography. The plea was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
During his plea, Goode admitted to posting an online advertisement to solicit sex with a minor, which an undercover law enforcement officer answered in November 2014. Goode’s online communications with the undercover officer were an attempt to entice sexual activity with the undercover officer’s purported 12-year-old daughter. Goode arranged to meet the undercover officer in Pensacola but was taken into custody after traveling more than 50 miles for the sexual encounter. A subsequent forensic review of Goode’s digital media revealed several dozen images of child pornography and numerous online communications with people who offered to allow Goode to engage in sexual acts with minors.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 19, 2015, before Chief United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Goode faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and maximums of life in prison, life on supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Pensacola Police Department, and the other agencies that are part of the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
For more information, contact:
Amy Alexander, Public Information Officer
(850) 216-3854, [email protected]Texas Drug Source Pleads Guilty in Multi-State Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Rodney D. Butler, a/k/a “Rodney Davenport,” 48, of the Houston, Texas, area, pled guilty today to conspiring to distribute more than 50 kilograms of cocaine and conspiring to launder tens of thousands of dollars in cocaine-derived currency. The plea was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Butler is the twelfth defendant to plead guilty in the case.
During his plea, Butler admitted to supplying and distributing large amounts of cocaine in and around Houston, Texas, Shreveport, Louisiana, and the Florida panhandle between 2012 and 2014. During the investigation, Butler was intercepted over a federal wiretap arranging for the payment and transportation of multiple kilograms of cocaine. Butler conspired with co-defendants Nastassja Sassau and Terrance Stone to launder drug proceeds through Butler’s Wells Fargo bank accounts in Texas and Pensacola.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 18, 2015, before Chief United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Butler faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life in prison, at least five years supervised release, and a maximum fine of $10 million dollars.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, and the Louisiana State Police, whose joint investigation led to the charges in this case. The cases are 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Convicted Felons Charged with Unlawfully Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned a 13-count indictment charging Linda M. Taylor, 35, and Donnie N. Whitfield, 24, both of Panama City, with possessing firearms as convicted felons. The indictment was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, on six different occasions between December 2014 and February 2015, Taylor possessed a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol, a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol, a Lorcin .380 caliber pistol, a Maverick 12-gauge shotgun, a Sig Sauer 9 millimeter pistol, and ammunition. The indictment further alleges that the Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol and the Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol were stolen and sold. Taylor is also charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, and Whitfield is charged with possessing the same Maverick 12-gauge shotgun. The arraignment and initial appearance are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the U.S. Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Bank President Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael “Sean” Davis, 43, of Crestview, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit bank and mail fraud, money laundering, making false statements to a federally insured institution, and fraudulently benefitting from a loan by a federally insured institution. The plea was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between January 2006 and January 2011, while the president of Premier Community Bank of the Emerald Coast, Davis devised a scheme to defraud Premier Community Bank, Bank of America, and Beach Community Bank. As a part of the scheme, Davis solicited a straw buyer to submit false documents to purchase real properties via short sales from Bank of America. At Davis’s direction, the straw buyer then sold the properties the same day to third-party buyers. Davis authorized and approved loans from Premier Community Bank to these third-party buyers for the purchase of two of these properties from Davis’s straw buyer. As a result of these loans, Davis received approximately $297,408 through his company, MSD Investments. Through this scheme, Davis discharged approximately $743,425 in debt he owed to Bank of America for mortgage loans issued to Davis personally.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2015, before Chief United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida.
The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Northwest Florida Financial Crimes Task Force, and the United States Treasury Department’s Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former School Teacher Sentenced to 60 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Joseph Michael Diaz, 32, was sentenced today by Senior United States District Judge Maurice M. Paul to 60 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In September 2014, Diaz pled guilty to two counts of enticing and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. Diaz=s offense came to light when a child told his parents that he had been involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with the defendant. Diaz was a private swim coach and a teacher at High Springs Community School. Investigators subsequently identified multiple children who had been sexually abused by the defendant. Diaz’s cell phones and computer hard drive contained numerous images of the sexual abuse of the children, all of whom were under 16 years of age. Investigators conducted a forensic examination of the phones, computer, and images, identifying the location and time that each of the videos was created. The abuse occurred over a period of several years.
In addition to the prison sentence, Diaz was ordered to pay $78,000 in restitution to each of his eight victims.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Gainesville Police Department and the Child Advocacy Center. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Williams and Gregory McMahon.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is committed to prosecuting child predators,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “Children are the most vulnerable and innocent members of our district, and it is especially tragic that someone serving as a coach and teacher abused his position of trust in our community.”
“Justice is served,” said Gainesville Police Chief Tony Jones. “This case shows the partnership between local law enforcement, the Child Advocacy Center, and the United States Attorney’s Office and is only possible because of the hard work of everyone involved. As a result, Diaz will not be able to victimize another child.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Convicted of Possessing Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Late yesterday, a federal grand jury in Panama City, Florida, convicted Sammie Lee Underwood III, 22, of Panama City, of being a felon in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol. The verdict was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, in May 2014, Panama City police officers were on patrol in the Glenwood neighborhood when Underwood, driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe, ran a stop sign. He then led the officers on a chase through the neighborhood. As officers finally approached Underwood’s still-moving vehicle, he jumped out and fled on foot. The driverless vehicle then collided with a residence on East 13th Court. Under the Tahoe’s driver seat, officers found the loaded firearm and baggies of crack cocaine, bath salts, and marijuana. Testimony from Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Laboratory analysts showed that DNA recovered from the firearm matched Underwood.
Underwood faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing has been set for June 3, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Richard Smoak at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City. The case was investigated by the Panama City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gayle Littleton and Katy Risinger.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Convicted of Possessing Firearm as a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – Late yesterday, a federal jury in Panama City, Florida, convicted Sammie Lee Underwood III, 22, of Panama City, of being a felon in possession of a loaded .380 caliber pistol. The verdict was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that, in May 2014, Panama City police officers were on patrol in the Glenwood neighborhood when Underwood, driving a white Chevrolet Tahoe, ran a stop sign. He then led the officers on a chase through the neighborhood. As officers finally approached Underwood’s still-moving vehicle, he jumped out and fled on foot. The driverless vehicle then collided with a residence on East 13th Court. Under the Tahoe’s driver seat, officers found the loaded firearm and baggies of crack cocaine, bath salts, and marijuana. Testimony from Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime Laboratory analysts showed that DNA recovered from the firearm matched Underwood.
Underwood faces a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing has been set for June 3, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. before the Honorable Richard Smoak at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City. The case was investigated by the Panama City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Gayle Littleton and Katy Risinger.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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 Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jonathan Harry Lee Williams of Tallahassee, Florida, pled guilty today to using a minor to produce child pornography and to possessing child pornography. The plea was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Williams, the former registrar at Ruediger Elementary School, was arrested on December 11, 2014, after FBI agents executed a search warrant at his home. During the search, law enforcement seized Williams’s smart phones, which contained child pornography.
Today in court, Williams admitted that he had used his smart phone to take sexually explicit photos of two children at his home between the summer and fall of 2014. Williams uploaded the images to a “photo hosting” website. Williams also admitted that he had been downloading nude photographs of children from the internet for the past ten years.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Beaton. Sentencing is scheduled for May 15, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Four Charged in Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury indictment, unsealed today, charges Jermaine Winters, 38 of Coleman, Florida, Senora Cotton, 24 of Chipley, Florida, Rosetta Presley, 22 of Chipley, Florida, and Fontella Keith, 47 of Chipley, Florida, with conspiracy, wire fraud and identity theft in connection with the electronic filing of false federal income tax returns. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, between July 2011 and July 2012, the defendants used the stolen identities of assisted-living facility residents, clinical laboratory patients, and others, in an attempt to steal more than $118,000 from the United States Treasury, through the electronic filing of fraudulent tax returns.
Keith is alleged to have stolen the personal identifying information of patients at the Dogwood Inn, an assisted-living facility in Bonifay, Florida, where Keith worked. The indictment alleges that Keith gave this information to Winters, Cotton, and Presley, who then filed the fraudulent tax returns. The defendants also are alleged to have used the personal identifying information of patients from Sun Laboratory Services, a clinical laboratory in the Tampa, Florida area, to file additional fraudulent tax returns. The defendants allegedly caused the United States Treasury to pay fraudulent income tax refunds by loading refunds onto prepaid debit cards mailed by various financial institutions to addresses in the Northern District of Florida.
The arraignment for Cotton and Keith is scheduled for Monday, February 23, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida. The arraignment has not been scheduled for Winters or Presley.
The indictment results from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Chipley Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle Littleton.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former IRS Employee and Three Others Indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Mail FraudRead the Press Release
FORMER IRS EMPLOYEE AND THREE OTHERS
INDICTED FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MAIL FRAUD
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Four Pensacola residents, including a former IRS tax examiner, have been indicted for conspiring to file false claims for payment in connection with the 2010 BP oil spill. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Rosa M. Bonner, 52, Ariyanna S. Lampley, 33, Jimmie A. McCorvey, 41, and Marcia D. McCorvey, 42, all of Pensacola, are charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud for filing false claims with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility (“GCCF”) alleging lost income as a result of the 2010 BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The indictment alleges that between 2010 and 2012, the defendants agreed to have Jimmie McCorvey file false GCCF claims in their names. Lampley is also alleged to have provided Jimmie McCorvey with additional identities for filing false GCCF claims. The indictment alleges that as a result of these false claims, GCCF paid $95,200 to the defendants.
Jimmie McCorvey, who was an IRS employee at the time, is also charged with conspiring to file false tax returns. The indictment alleges that between 2009 and 2011, Jimmie McCorvey prepared and filed approximately 25 fraudulent federal income tax returns, resulting in the issuance of more than $62,000 in tax refund checks. The indictment further charges Jimmie McCorvey with aggravated identity theft for fraudulently using other people’s identities in both schemes.
Trial in this case is currently set for April 6, 2015, before Senior United States District Court Judge Roger Vinson. This case resulted from investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Kim.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Defendant Sentenced for Theft of Government Property and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
DEFENDANT SENTENCED FOR THEFT OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTY AND AGGRAVATED IDENTITY THEFT
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Kenitra Michelle Gilmer, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mark Walker to 12 months in federal prison for theft of government property and 24 months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft. The sentences, which were ordered to run consecutively, were announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Gilmer’s charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred on February 8, 2012, in the Northern District of Florida. During the traffic stop, officers recovered approximately $52,194 in cash, 17 TurboTax debit cards in other people’s names, and receipts showing that the cards had been used. The TurboTax debit cards were loaded with fraudulently obtained income tax refunds. During the investigation, officers discovered video footage showing Gilmer using one of the TurboTax debit cards at a Publix grocery store.
The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Herbert Lindsey.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Corrections Officers Charged with Conspiracy to Violate Civil RightsRead the Press Release
PANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging that William F. Finch, 35, of Wauseau, Florida, Dalton E. Riley, 24, of Bethlehem, Florida, James F. Perkins, 39, of Graceville, Florida, Robert L. Miller, 48, of Lynn Haven, Florida, and Christopher B. Christmas, 32, of Chipley, Florida, conspired to violate the civil rights of an inmate at the Northwest Florida Reception Center (“NWFRC”), a state prison in Chipley, Florida. The indictment was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that, on August 5, 2014, the defendants physically assaulted an inmate at NWFRC without justification and caused the inmate bodily injury. To cover-up the defendants’ actions, the indictment further alleges that defendant William Finch falsified reports of the incident by falsely stating that the assault was in response to the inmate spitting on another officer. The arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the United States Courthouse, 30 West Government Street, Panama City, Florida.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections – Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gayle E. Littleton. United States Attorney Marsh expressed her deep appreciation for the dedicated and difficult work by the investigative team.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html
Former Army Captain Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Michael Benjamin Crowder, 37, of Bradenton, Florida, was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 60 months in prison for wire and mail fraud. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
While attending law school at the University of Florida under the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program, Crowder operated M & H Coins and Precious Metals, LLC, from his Gainesville home. Crowder continued to operate the business while serving as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Army when stationed at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Evidence introduced at his August 2014 trial established that Crowder took more than $1.2 million from his customers claiming the funds would be used to purchase coins and precious metals. Crowder embezzled the money instead, using it to purchase real estate and invest in the commodities market. No money has been recovered.
Crowder was subject to an Army Board of Inquiry upon the return of the indictment and, in lieu of disciplinary action, resigned his commission, effective November 1, 2013.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker sentenced Crowder to a three-year term of supervised release and ordered him to pay $1,214,282 in restitution. At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, Crowder was taken into custody to begin serving his sentence.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation whose investigation led to the convictions and sentence in this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg McMahon.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Two Pensacola Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Andrey C. Cook, 34, and Richard J. Beverly II, 25, both of Pensacola, were sentenced to federal prison today by United States Senior District Court Judge Lacey Collier on charges of mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. The sentence was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Cook, who worked in a group home for disabled patients, stole the personal identification information of the patients and gave it to Beverly in August 2013 for use in filing fraudulent tax returns. In exchange, Beverly agreed to give Cook a percentage of the refunds that were issued as a result of the fraudulent tax returns. Between 2012 and 2014, Beverly used the stolen identities of deceased persons, severely disabled people, and others, in an attempt to steal more than $265,000 from the United States Treasury, through the filing of at least 40 fraudulent tax returns.
Cook was sentenced to 12 months in prison and Beverly was sentenced to 102 months in prison. Beverly was also ordered to pay $87,783.00 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Cook was ordered to pay $10,682.00 in restitution.
This case resulted from an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Kim.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
California Source of Crystal Meth Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Javier E. Rivas, 35, of San Francisco, was sentenced in a Pensacola federal courtroom today for conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine. Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson sentenced Rivas to 25 years’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervision upon release. The sentence was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Between January and October 2013, Rivas furnished multi-ounce quantities of high purity methamphetamine, known as “ice” and “crystal meth,” to a California drug supplier, who, in turn, mailed the drugs to local distributors in the Pensacola area. In September 2014, Rivas pled guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with conspiracy.
Rivas is the sixth defendant charged and convicted as part of a continuing investigation into the large-scale importation of crystal methamphetamine from Mexico to Northern California and Pensacola, Florida. Local members of the organization include Bryan Gaston, Mark Jergenson, Victor Pinckard, and William Thomas. All of the defendants have been sentenced to federal prison.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, whose joint investigation led to the indictments in this case.
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is proud to join a multi-agency law enforcement investigation to combat drug trafficking in our communities,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “Together, we are saving lives and protecting the district, state, and nation from the threat of deadly drugs.”
“Trafficking methamphetamine is a serious offense that destroys lives and wreaks havoc on entire communities,” said Susan L. McCormick, special agent in charge at HSI Tampa. “HSI, together with its federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, is committed to using every resource and authority at its disposal to combat the menace posed by this dangerous drug.”
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Former Gadsen County Sheriff's Captain Convicted of Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE – James Corder, 54, a former captain with the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office, has been convicted on charges of violating the civil rights of an arrestee, obstruction of justice, and making false statements in a federal investigation. The convictions were announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Evidence presented at the four-day trial showed that on July 25, 2013, Corder deprived an arrestee of his constitutional right to due process of law by stealing approximately $1,785 belonging to the arrestee. Thereafter, Corder made false and misleading statements to the FBI and FDLE agents investigating the theft. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8, 2015, before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen Rhew-Miller.
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Tax Fraud Scheme Results in Five ConvictionsRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – At the conclusion of a twelve-day trial in Pensacola before Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson, five defendants were convicted yesterday of a federal tax fraud scheme. A federal jury convicted John David Castleberry, 64, and Teresa Haggerty, 61, both formerly of Pensacola Beach, Florida, Mark Douglas Stokes, 61, and Melinda K. Stokes, 60, of Colleyville, Texas, and Christopher Stephen Baum, 57, of Arlington, Texas, of conspiracy to file and assist in the filing of fraudulent tax returns and conspiracy to defraud the United States by making fraudulent tax refund claims and impeding the IRS in the assessment and collection of federal income taxes. Castleberry and Haggerty were also found guilty on two additional counts of aiding the filing of false federal income tax returns in which they fraudulently claimed tax refunds. Castleberry was also convicted of filing a false income tax return in his own name. Prior to the trial, Barbara Denise Stephens, 52, of Arlington, Texas, Sheila Lin Castleberry, 63, of Portland, Oregon, and Deborah Tenney, 61, of Sarasota, Florida, each pled guilty to conspiracy to file and assist in the filing of fraudulent tax returns and conspiracy to defraud the United States by making fraudulent tax refund claims and impeding the IRS in the assessment and collection of federal income taxes. The verdicts and guilty pleas were announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
At trial, the government presented evidence that between 2008 and 2010, the defendants helped to prepare and file fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $9 million in refunds. The defendants perpetrated the scheme by falsely reporting to the IRS, using an IRS form, that defendants’ or their clients’ creditors had paid large amounts of interest, withheld equally large amounts of federal income taxes, and paid this money over to the IRS. As a result of the fraudulently overstated income tax withholdings, the tax returns that were filed on behalf of the defendants, or their clients, claimed large refunds to which they were not entitled. The defendants used this method in an attempt to pay off their debts with fraudulent tax refunds.
In announcing the verdicts and the guilty pleas, United States Attorney Marsh said, “I commend the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the IRS for their hard work in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to aggressively pursuing and bringing to justice those who steal tax dollars and willfully undermine the tax system.”
Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett stated, “Tax fraud against the government takes many forms, but the most egregious is the blatant theft of government funds under the pretense of make-believe earnings and tax withholdings. The IRS will continue to vigorously enforce the tax laws and for those who think that far-fetched ideas for quick cash from the government using false information is a good idea, they should take note that there are dire consequences to be faced should they decide to follow internet myths and fallacies.”
Defendants Mark Douglas Stokes, Melinda K. Stokes, and Christopher Baum are all scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2015. Defendants John David Castleberry and Teresa Haggerty are scheduled for sentencing the following day. All sentences will be held before Senior United States District Judge Roger Vinson.
The case was investigated by agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Dallas Field Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Randall J. Hensel and 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Another Member of Large Scale Pensacola Cocaine Trafficking Organization Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Victor D. Rome, 39, from the Pensacola area, was sentenced in federal court today on drug trafficking conspiracy charges. Rome was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers to 280 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervision upon his release. The sentence was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Rome’s indictment was part of a continuing investigation into a large scale distribution network that involved the transportation of cocaine from Texas into the Northern District of Florida. Rome’s co-conspirators Coneil T. Wilkins and Ricky L. Blankenship were sentenced last year. On February 13, 2014, Wilkins was sentenced by Senior United States District Judge Lacey A. Collier to 35 years in federal prison for his role in the distribution of approximately $20 million worth of cocaine in Pensacola. On May 15, 2014, Blankenship was sentenced by Judge Collier to life imprisonment for related drug trafficking offenses.
United States Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the State Attorney's Office for the 1st Judicial Circuit, whose joint investigation led to the indictments in these cases.
The cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.
“I commend our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their commitment to public service and community safety,” said United States Attorney Marsh. “This teamwork has resulted in the dismantling of a multi-year criminal conspiracy and demonstrates how the collaboration of all levels of government helps to protect the Northern District of Florida from dangerous drugs.”
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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. 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.
Tallhassee Man Charged with using a Minor to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On January 6, 2015, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Jonathan Harry Lee Williams of Tallahassee, Florida, charging him with using a minor to produce child pornography and possession of child pornography. Williams, a Leon County School District employee, who worked in the office at Ruediger Elementary School, was arrested on December 11, 2014, after agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at his residence. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that between April 1 and December 10, 2014, Williams knowingly used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction. The indictment also alleges that on or about December 11, 2014, Williams knowingly possessed material that contained images of child pornography.
The indictment results from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Beaton.
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. The defendant is 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 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. The office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Panama City Man Indicted on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPANAMA CITY, FLORIDA – A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Timothy K. Smith, Jr., 37, with distribution, receipt, and possession of child pornography. Count one of the indictment alleges that on or about June 28, 2014, Smith knowingly and intentionally distributed images and videos of child pornography. Counts two and three allege that between August 21, 2012, and August 21, 2014, Smith knowingly received and possessed child pornography that involved a prepubescent minor and a minor younger than 12. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment results from an investigation by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathryn Risinger.
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. Our office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Fifteen Charged in Third Wave of Federal Drug Trafficking Money Laundering, and Firearm Violation IndictmentsRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPENSACOLA—Thirteen individuals from the Houston, Texas, and Pensacola areas were jointly indicted on federal drug trafficking and money laundering violations. They include:
Rodney D. Butler, 48;
Vernetta E. Harrison, 31;
Aston Ingram, 49;
Antonio Blackwell, 30;
Anthony Fisher, Jr., 25;
Terrance D. Goodman, 38;
Dexter A. Locke, 26;
Michael A. McCants, 27;
Lamarcus D. Ries, 28;
Rodney D. Ries, 26;
Nastassja N. Sassau, 27;
Charlie N. Steans, 47; and
Terrance T. Stone, 33.In conjunction with this thirteen co-defendant indictment, Darius D. Williams, 24, and Marheem R. Smith, 23, of Pensacola, were separately indicted on related federal firearms charges. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
First appearances will take place before United States Magistrate Judges in Pensacola, Florida, and Houston, Texas, and a projected trial date is February 2015 in Pensacola.
These indictments are part of a continuing investigation into the transportation of cocaine from Texas into the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Internal Revenue Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office; the Gulf Breeze Police Department; the Pensacola Police Department; and the State Attorney’s Office, whose joint investigation led to the indictments in the case. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is 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 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. Our office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Ohio Man Charged with Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsTALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – On December 3, 2014, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Isaiah Chiles of Springfield, Ohio, charging him with production of child pornography, enticing a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, and receipt and distribution of child pornography. Chiles was arrested in Springfield, Ohio, on December 10, 2014. The indictment and arrest was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that on or about May 1, 2014, Chiles knowingly used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. The indictment also alleges that on or about May 1, 2014, Chiles knowingly attempted to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity. Finally, the indictment alleges that Chiles knowingly received and distributed child pornography.
The indictment results from an investigation by the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with special agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Tallahassee and Cincinnati offices, and officers from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in Florida and the Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Ohio. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Beaton.
This prosecution is being brought as part of the Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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. The defendant is 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 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. Our office strives to protect and serve the citizens of the Northern District of Florida through the ethical, vigorous, and impartial enforcement of the laws of the United States, to defend the national security, to improve the safety and quality of life in our communities through the protection of civil rights, and to protect the public funds and financial assets of the United States. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.
Musician Sentenced to Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsGAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Ryan David Burd, 29, has been sentenced to ten years in federal prison for inducing and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. The sentence, imposed on December 3, 2014, was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
In February 2014, parents of the minor victim contacted law enforcement to report Burd=s inappropriate sexual advances to their 14-year-old daughter. Burd, a drummer for the Dallas Brass musical ensemble, had met the girl during a fundraising concert in Gainesville where Dallas Brass had performed and led a music clinic for high school and middle school students. They gave consent for investigators to access their daughter’s Facebook account and her phone. A few days later, Burd messaged the girl’s cell phone and made arrangements to have sex with her at her home. When he arrived at her house, he was arrested.
The defendant pled guilty earlier this year to one count of knowingly attempting to persuade, induce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity.
The investigation was led by agencies with the North Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys= Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Williams.Former Panhandle Business Owner Sentenced for Tax FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Patrick Alfred Anderson, 62, of Laughlin, Nevada, was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in federal prison for income tax fraud. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Anderson pled guilty earlier this year to three counts of filing fraudulent tax returns. Between 2010 and 2011, Anderson sold synthetic drugs, commonly known as “spice” and “bath salts,” from retail stores he operated in northwest Florida. These include Haight Ashbury LLC, Woodstock Navarre, Woodstock NV, Woodstock Fort Walton Beach, Woodstock Mary Esther, and Groovy Gifts. Anderson derived more than $700,000 in income from the sale of these drugs. He failed to report this income on his tax returns, resulting in a net tax loss of $173,549.
In addition to the 24-month sentence, Anderson was ordered to pay $173,549 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. In related civil and administrative forfeiture actions, Anderson was required to forfeit approximately $900,000 in property as proceeds from his sale of the synthetic drugs, including cash, two pieces of real property, and eight vehicles.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany H. Eggers and was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation and the Okaloosa Multi-Agency Drug Task Force.
Former Postal Employee and Conspirators Sentenced in Tax Fraud and Identity Theft SchemeRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsTALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Rashad Lamond Anderson, 23, of Tampa, Annecia Bellandra Larkins, 23, and Tavin Gernard Larkins, 23, both of Havana, and Almecia Endelease Pillers, 21, of Quincy, were sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Mark Walker after pleading guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States, theft of government property, and aggravated identity theft charges. The sentences were announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The government’s evidence showed that between November 2011, and July 2012, Rashad Anderson, Annecia Larkins, Tavin Larkins, and Almecia Pillers conspired to cash United States Treasury checks they obtained using stolen personal identifying information in fraudulent income tax returns filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Anderson delivered the fraudulently obtained Treasury checks to Annecia Larkins, who was employed as a clerk with the United States Postal Service in Midway, Florida. Annecia Larkins then converted the fraudulently obtained Treasury checks into Postal Money Orders (PMOs), keeping $2,000 for each Treasury check she negotiated before delivering the remaining PMOs to Anderson.
During the course of their scheme, Annecia Larkins issued 685 PMOs from her negotiation of seventy-eight fraudulently obtained Treasury checks, totaling $625,924.94. In an effort to further conceal the fraud, Annecia Larkins enlisted the assistance of her husband, Tavin Larkins, and her sister, Almecia Pillers, to deposit her share of the proceeds into their respective bank accounts.
United States District Judge Mark Walker sentenced Rashad Lamond Anderson to 40 months in prison on the conspiracy and theft charges and a 24 month consecutive sentence on the aggravated identity theft charge for using stolen taxpayer identities. In addition to this 64 month total prison sentence, Judge Walker also sentenced Anderson to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $625,924.94 in restitution.
Judge Walker sentenced Annecia Larkins to 24 months in prison on the conspiracy and theft charges, and a 24 month consecutive sentence on the use of stolen taxpayer identities for a total of 48 months in prison. Judge Walker also sentenced Annecia Larkins to three years of supervised release and ordered her to pay $625,924.94 in restitution.
Tavin Larkins was sentenced to 12 months in prison on the conspiracy and theft charges and to three years of supervised release, and Almecia Pillers was sentenced to 12 months of probation on the conspiracy and theft charges. Both were ordered to pay $625,924.94 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Marsh credited the success of this prosecution to the joint efforts of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason R. Coody.
p> p>Former Bank President Indicted for Bank and Money Laundering ChargesRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Michael “Sean” Davis, 43, of Crestview, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for nine felony counts, which included one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and/or mail fraud affecting a financial institution, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, four counts of false statement to a federally insured institution, two counts of fraudulently benefitting from a loan by a federally insured institution, and one count of money laundering. The indictment was announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment alleges that Davis, while the president of Premier Community Bank of the Emerald Coast, devised a scheme to defraud and fraudulently obtain money and property from Premier Community Bank, Bank of America, and Beach Community Bank, all of which were federally insured. As a part of the scheme, it is alleged that Davis orchestrated short sales from Bank of America by causing the submission of false documents in real estate closings. The indictment also alleges that Davis, through his company MSD Investments, received funds from loans he authorized and approved as president of Premier Community Bank.
Davis had his arraignment yesterday afternoon before Magistrate Judge Elizabeth M. Timothy at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. The trial is scheduled for Monday, January 5, 2015, before Chief United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Office of Inspector General, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office as part of the Northwest Florida Financial Crimes Task Force, and the U.S. Treasury Department’s Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. This 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.Defendant Sentenced for Theft of Government Property, Possession of Unauthorized Access Device, and Aggravated Identity TheftRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsTALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA–Jamahl Hurley, 27, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to a total of 48 months in federal prison yesterday. United States District Judge Robert Hinkle sentenced Hurley to serve 24 months in federal prison for theft of government property and possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices, and to serve a consecutive term of 24 months for aggravated identity theft. Hurley was also ordered to pay $208,337.00 in restitution. The sentence was announced by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
Hurley’s charges stem from a traffic stop that occurred on May 17, 2013, during which officers recovered a black bag that contained several notebooks with personal identifying information (PII) belonging to other persons. Officers also recovered debit cards in other peoples’ names from the bag. During the investigation, agents discovered that the PII had been used to file multiple fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2011 and 2012, seeking approximately $865,931.00 in refunds, of which $208,337.00 was actually paid out.
U.S. Attorney Marsh credited the successful prosecution of this case to the excellent investigative work and cooperative efforts of the United States Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Herbert Lindsey.
Chipley Man Indicted for Healthcare-Related FraudRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPANAMA CITY, FLORIDA– Eon L. Menckeberg, aka “Prince,” 44, of Chipley, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on six counts of wire fraud, announced Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The indictment, which was unsealed this afternoon, alleges that Menckeberg injured his ankle in 2012 and sought medical treatment from the Jackson County Hospital in Marianna. The indictment further alleges that, several months later, Menckeberg went to Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley (“NFCH”), seeking elective hyperbaric-oxygen treatment for his ankle wound. To induce NFCH to provide this care, Menckeberg is alleged to have told NFCH staff that he had health insurance through Lloyd’s of London (“Lloyd’s”). He enlisted the help of another person who communicated with NFCH staff to fraudulently confirm that Menckeberg had health insurance with Lloyd’s and that Lloyd’s had authorized the hyperbaric-oxygen treatment. Based on these false statements, NFCH provided Menckeberg with the elective hyperbaric-oxygen treatment at a total cost of approximately $244,901.50.
Menckeberg had his arraignment this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Larry A. Bodiford at the U.S. Courthouse in Panama City. Trial is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2014, before Judge Richard Smoak.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Insurance Fraud. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gayle Littleton.
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.Three Sentenced and Two Indicted for Tax Refund Fraud and Identity Theft SchemesRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced today that three individuals have been sentenced to federal prison and two more have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the past months for their roles in related tax refund fraud and identity theft schemes.
Today, Rex E. Robinson, Jr., 29, of Cantonment, Florida, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson to 75 months in prison after having pled guilty to mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges stemming from his participation in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing over 100 false tax returns using other people’s identities, the majority of whom were deceased. Robinson was found in possession of approximately 566 individuals’ identities, 179 of which were actually used to file the fraudulent returns attributed to the scheme. As a result of his scheme, the IRS mailed out $87,324 in fraudulently obtained tax refund checks to Robinson’s various addresses, which Robinson was ordered to pay back in restitution as part of his sentence.
Last week, Ariyanna S. Lampley (previously Schuyler J. Nickerson), 32, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge M. Casey Rodgers to 75 months in prison after having pled guilty to theft of government money and aggravated identity theft. Lampley forged a deceased person’s signature and deposited into her account one of the fraudulent tax refund checks obtained by Robinson, knowing that Robinson had obtained it by filing false returns. Lampley was ordered to pay back $212,792.96 in restitution to the IRS not only for the check she deposited for Robinson, but for the over 70 additional fraudulently obtained federal tax refund checks she had cashed for others since 2010.This past July, Brian Richardson, 28, of Cantonment, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson to 12 months and one day in prison after having pled guilty to aggravated identity theft. Richardson stole the personal identifying information of over 40 elderly hospital patients from his employer and provided it to Robinson for use in the tax fraud scheme.
In addition, on October 21, 2014, a federal grand jury indicted Richard J. Beverly II, 25, and Andrey C. Cook, 33, both of Pensacola, on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges in a related but separate case. The indictment alleges Beverly filed approximately 40 false tax returns to get over $85,000 in tax refunds using the identities of deceased persons and disabled patients living at a group home in Pensacola, which were stolen and provided by Cook. Both defendants have pled not guilty, and trial is currently scheduled for December 1, 2014, before Senior U.S. District Judge Lacey Collier.
These cases resulted from investigations by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia Kim.
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.
Three Plead Guilty to Federal Firearm Violations in Gulf Breeze Home Invasion CaseRead the Press Release
Follow @NDFLNewsPENSACOLA, FLORIDA - Teandre L. Altman, age 21, of Pensacola, pled guilty today to participating in a home invasion on August 27, 2014, with Robert F. Fraser, age 26, and Frank A. Rogers, age 19, who pled guilty previously. The pleas were announced today by Pamela C. Marsh, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
The allegations leading up to the federal indictment began on August 26, 2014, when a female placed an “Craigslist” ad that said: “Looking to have fun tonight, my place or yours hmu if interested. Friendly with everything and down for anything.” An adult male subsequently contacted the female, and the two individuals communicated through text messages that evening. The male victim provided the female with his address in Gulf Breeze, Florida, and invited her to the residence. Defendant Robert Fraser, a friend of the female, agreed to travel with her to the victim’s residence during the early morning hours of August 27, 2014. Defendant Fraser contacted defendant Teandre Altman to provide transportation to the residence in Gulf Breeze. Defendants Altman and Frank Rogers picked up defendant Fraser and the female and traveled to the victim’s residence where the defendants intended to rob the victim.
Upon arrival, the defendants entered the victim’s residence, violently subdued him, and searched his residence for valuables. The defendants found an unlocked safe and stole the contents including fifteen firearms and a large quantity of ammunition, using the victim’s own suitcases to transport their loot. Once the defendants left, the victim called the police and gave a description of his assailants and their vehicle. Law enforcement officers subsequently located the vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, but the defendants fled through Gulf Breeze, over the Three-Mile Bridge, and into Pensacola at speeds exceeding 100 mph, throwing some firearms from the vehicle into Escambia Bay. The defendants were eventually arrested within several blocks of where they abandoned their vehicle in the East Hill area of Pensacola.
Fraser, Altman, and Rogers are scheduled for sentencing in December 2014. All three defendants pled guilty to conspiracy charges related to the possession of stolen firearms as well as substantive counts of possession of stolen firearms. Fraser and Altman also pled guilty to being convicted felons in possession of firearms. The defendants face up to ten years’ imprisonment on each of the substantive counts, and another five years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy count.
U.S. Attorney Marsh praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, the Pensacola Police Department, and the State Attorney’s Office, whose joint investigation led to the indictment in the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Goldberg.