Northern District of Florida

Gainesville, Florida – Devin Scott Waldeck, 35, of Cross City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of child exploitation and one count of the distribution of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The sexual exploitation of a child is a horrific crime, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material is a continuing offense that has the effect of re-victimizing the innocent child each and every time those disturbing images and videos are shared. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentlessly pursuing the sexual predators who seek to victimize and sexually exploit children, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those sick individuals to ensure they are locked away and unable to harm our kids.”

Court documents reflect that, in November 2025, law enforcement became aware the defendant, posing as the mother of a minor child, was using the online Reddit platform to discuss the sexual exploitation of that minor child.  In online communications with another Reddit user, the defendant offered the minor child to the Reddit user and graphically described ways the user could sexually exploit the minor.  The defendant saved explicit videos and pictures of the minor child in a secret app on his cell phone along with other sexually explicit videos and photos of other named individuals. The defendant had hundreds of communications with other Reddit users discussing sexual “hookups,” including more than a dozen conversations where he stated he had sexual encounters or wanted to have sexual encounters with minors. 

The defendant faces a mandatory minimum of fifteen years’ imprisonment and up to thirty years’ imprisonment for the child exploitation count, and a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment and up to twenty years’ imprisonment for distribution of child pornography.  Both counts include up to a lifetime of supervision upon release. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. 

Sentencing for is scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. 

This case was a result of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edva/pr/justice-department-announces-results-operation-relentless-justice.

These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Alejandro Palomino-Amador, a/k/a “Ichi”, 33, of Escondido, California was sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Dismantling this large-scale drug trafficking operation and sending its participants to federal prison for decades-long sentences vindicates the untold devastation they inflicted upon our communities by flooding our streets with deadly poison. I deeply appreciate the outstanding investigative work that went into these cases from our state and federal law enforcement partners, and reaffirm my office’s commitment to aggressively prosecuting anyone who peddles meth, fentanyl, and other deadly narcotics in the Northern District of Florida.”

Palomino was the last defendant sentenced in a drug conspiracy case that spanned several years and resulted in the conviction of 15 defendants.  Palomino was a large-volume drug dealer in southern California and he was the supplier for co-defendant Phillip Martin, who distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to co-conspirator Ohagee Curry in Pensacola, Florida.  On August 17, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped Martin on I-15 in southern California immediately after surveilling a drug deal between Palomino and Martin. Officers recovered 77 pounds of methamphetamine from Martin’s vehicle.  Later that day, law enforcement searched a storage unit belonging to Palomino and found another 80 pounds of methamphetamine and over 4,000 grams of fentanyl.  Martin, who had a significant criminal history, received a 40-year sentence in 2024. Curry received a 10-year sentence in 2025.  Palomino was arrested late last year crossing the border between Mexico and the United States.

“Getting this transnational drug trafficker off the streets will make our North Florida communities safer as well as communities around the country,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “This multi-year investigation was successful because of our agents and great law enforcement partners. I can’t thank them enough.” 

“This sentence sends a clear message that drug traffickers who bring methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities will be held accountable,” said Sheriff Bob Johnson. “The volume of narcotics involved in this conspiracy had the potential to cause tremendous harm throughout Northwest Florida. I commend the outstanding work of our deputies and our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners whose dedication and collaboration helped dismantle this trafficking network. Together, we remain committed to protecting our citizens and keeping these deadly drugs off our streets.”

Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said: “We applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for securing this important sentencing. Our strong partnership is delivering real results—removing dangerous criminals from our streets and making Escambia County safer for all families.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escondido (California) Police Department, and the Riverside County (California) Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Nathan Taylor Porter, 21, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Porter appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Change of plea is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 11:00 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

Porter faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count if convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.

The case is being jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo. 

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. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Jimmy Randell Chason, 69, of Cairo, Georgia, has been indicted in federal court on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Chason appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Change of plea is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 11:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Chason faces 10 years’ to life imprisonment on each count.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin. 

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. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Arzalea Teshean McLaughlin, 37, Benjamin Eugene Mack, 54, and Roger Cornell Daniels, 37, all of Crestview, Florida, have been indicted in federal court on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and cocaine base, conspiracy to commit unlawful use of communications facility, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.

McLaughlin, Mack and Daniels appeared in federal court for their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted as charged, McLaughlin and Mack face a minimum mandatory of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life in prison, and Daniels faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to a total of 74 years’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Willard Lawrence Gibson, Jr., 48, of Seattle, Washington, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of children, one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor, and one count of distribution of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is a reminder of the many threats our children face online from predators, like this defendant, seeking to sexually exploit and victimize them. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentlessly pursuing those sick individuals through undercover operations like we saw in this case, but parents also need to be aware of what online platforms their children are using and who they are communicating with to ensure kids don’t fall prey to online exploitation. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases and seek maximum punishments to keep these sexual predators locked behind bars and away from our kids.”

Court documents reflect that in July 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies conducted an undercover operation focused on identifying individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During that operation, Gibson began communicating through a social media platform with an undercover officer and the conversation later moved to text messaging. Gibson sent the undercover officer two images of child sexual abuse material. Further, court records show that, on multiple occasions, Gibson asked the undercover officer to produce child pornography images and send them to him. When Gibson was arrested in Seattle, his cell phone was seized as evidence. After a search warrant was obtained, law enforcement discovered multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material on Gibson’s phone. Gibson’s phone also contained other evidence confirming that he communicated with the undercover officer.

Gibson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, up to a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment for attempted sexual exploitation of children, a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years to a maximum of life imprisonment for attempted enticement of a minor, a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years up to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment for distribution of child pornography, and up to 10 years imprisonment for attempted transfer of obscene materials to minors. Gibson also faces a lifetime term of supervision upon release. 

Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2026, at 2:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle. 

This case was a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Seattle Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Tallahassee, Florida – Kendrick Parham, 47, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Under Operation Take Back America, my office will continue to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing the perpetrators of violent crime from our communities until our citizens get the safe, crime-free streets they deserve.” 

Court documents reflect that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Panama City, during which five ounces of methamphetamine were discovered, and he was arrested on state charges. While in jail, the defendant – a four-time convicted felon legally prohibited from possessing firearms – made incriminating statements during a monitored phone call about the presence of a firearm in his residence that was not previously found by officers during the search. After obtaining a new search warrant based on those incriminating statements, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office conducted another search of the defendant’s residence and recovered the firearm. 

Parham’s prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. Forfeiture was ordered as to all four recovered firearms. 

The case involved an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Israel Ramos Portillo, a/k/a “Juan Carlos”, 39, a citizen of Honduras who resided in Coffee Springs, Alabama, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison after a jury previously found him guilty of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal illegal alien sought to sexually exploit and victimize a child, and drove for hours across state lines to accomplish that heinous crime.  Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners and the outstanding trial prosecution by my office, this predator will instead find himself in federal prison for more than a decade. As this case demonstrates, it is imperative that we secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws to repel and expel criminal illegal aliens from our country to keep our communities – and our kids – safe.”

Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that on April 12, 2025, state and federal law enforcement agencies conducted an online undercover operation aimed at identifying adults using the internet to sexually exploit children.  During the operation, the defendant began interacting with law enforcement’s undercover profile on a dating website, through which the detective was posing as a 14-year-old child.

Through numerous text messages over a two-week period, the defendant engaged in sexually explicit conversations and expressed interest in having sex with the child, ultimately arranging to travel from his home in Alabama to Tallahassee to meet the child and go to a hotel to have sex. When the defendant arrived at the proposed meeting location, law enforcement arrested him and seized his cell phone as evidence. After searching the defendant’s cell phone, law enforcement confirmed that he was the person communicating with the undercover detective and that he traveled across state lines with intent to engage in sexual conduct with the fictitious 14-year-old child.

After serving his term of 121 months’ imprisonment, Portillo will have to serve 5 years of supervised release and register as a sexual offender. He will be held for deportation proceedings at the conclusion of his federal prison sentence.

“This criminal illegal alien is a predator who sought to exploit the vulnerability of a child online,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Child predators will find no safe haven as HSI, alongside our partners, will relentlessly pursue those who attempt to harm our youth. Protecting children from these heinous crimes is of highest importance, and threats to their safety will not be tolerated.” 

The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. The case was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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. 

This case is also part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Tyrese Da’jon Jones, 26, was sentenced to 14 and a half years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This violent career criminal has amply demonstrated that the only way we can stop him from committing further crimes and endangering our community is by keeping him locked behind bars. Thanks to the investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the aggressive prosecution by my office, that is exactly what we will do. The safety of our communities is not negotiable, and my office will continue to fight hard every day to remove dangerous criminals from our neighborhoods and deliver the crime-free streets our citizens deserve.”

Court records reflect that on July 2, 2025, the defendant held a co-worker at gunpoint inside her vehicle for several hours. When law enforcement arrived, the defendant fled on foot and pointed his firearm at officers before he was apprehended. At the time of his arrest, the defendant was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm based upon his multiple prior convictions for offenses involving drugs and guns. 

“This sentencing is the result of outstanding work by our deputies and our federal law enforcement partners. On July 2, 2025, Tyrese Jones, a convicted felon who had no business possessing a firearm, held a female victim against her will at gunpoint and then pointed that firearm at responding deputies. The deputies involved were fortunate to escape without injury and were able to safely take him into custody before anyone was seriously hurt or killed,” said Sheriff Chad Scott. “This was an extremely dangerous situation created by an individual who demonstrated a complete disregard for the law and the safety of others. Thanks to this federal sentence, a violent offender will remain off our streets and will not be able to threaten our community in the near future. We remain committed to aggressively pursuing those who illegally possess firearms and use them to victimize others.”

The case involved an investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Travaess McLemore, 41, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution and substantial prison sentence is an incredible win for the public safety of our communities, and fulfills the objective of the Homeland Security Task Force to dedicate a whole-of-government approach toward eliminating drug trafficking operations in the Northern District of Florida. We will celebrate this win and re-double our efforts to eradicate the scourge of methamphetamine and other deadly narcotics from our District to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.”

On August 13, 2025, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle. During the traffic stop a canine alerted to the odor of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed 84 grams of methamphetamine. Later that day, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and located approximately 1,548 grams of methamphetamine. The defendant was subjected to a sentencing enhancement for a prior serious drug felony conviction in a 2017 drug trafficking case.

“The amount of methamphetamine seized in this case had the potential to cause tremendous harm to countless individuals and families throughout Okaloosa County and beyond,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. “I’m proud of the deputies, K9 teams, investigators, and our federal partners whose work not only led to the removal of a major source of narcotics, but also ensured the person responsible faces the consequences.” 

“Methamphetamine—one of the more commonly trafficked substances in the Florida Pan Handle—destroys families and communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “We have arrested numerous methamphetamine distributors in this region and will not stop until these criminals have been brought to justice.”  

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Kenneth Ellis Wetherington, 60, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The safety of our communities is not negotiable. To reduce violent crime, it is necessary to incapacitate chronic violent offenders, like this defendant, through robust prosecutions and strict incarceration policies. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute crimes like this to deliver the safe communities our citizens deserve.”

Court documents reflect that on the evening of November 21, 2025, law enforcement was dispatched to an apartment complex in reference to multiple reports of shots fired. Upon further investigation, law enforcement learned that the defendant had discharged several “warning shots” from a firearm during a confrontation with other individuals on the property. Law enforcement detained the defendant and obtained a search warrant for his apartment, where they located a handgun, a shotgun, and multiple types of ammunition. The defendant is not permitted to have any firearms or ammunition because he has eleven felony convictions, including a prior conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. 

Wetherington faces a maximum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Jarvis Wayne Myers, 40, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Myers appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick, in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker. 

If convicted, Myers faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

This case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Emma Schwan and 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 at trial. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – John D. Ford, 49, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This serial offender had a dozen prior felony convictions, and continued to not only illegally possess firearms but also trafficked those guns to other criminals. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute career criminals, like this defendant, to keep our communities safe.”

Court documents reflect that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives assisted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office in the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Panama City. Three firearms were found in the defendant’s bedroom (a short-barreled shotgun and two pistols), along with job application paperwork with the defendant’s biographical information on it and court paperwork for the defendant. The defendant admitted that one of the firearms belonged to him. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s cellphone and discovered messages that indicated that the defendant was trading or selling the recovered firearms. The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of 12 prior felony convictions.

Ford’s federal prison term will be followed by two years of supervised release. Forfeiture was ordered as to the recovered firearms. 

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Terry Lajace Lee, 43, of Gainesville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.

Lee appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida. Trial is scheduled for July 22, 2026, in Gainesville before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.

If convicted, Lee faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner. 

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida –Taija Avion Smith, 25, and Jaheed Anthony Williams, 24, both of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit mail theft, theft of a mail key, bank fraud conspiracy, and multiple counts of aggravated identity theft. Williams also pleaded guilty to 14 counts of bank fraud. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Postal service employees occupy positions of public trust through which they are expected to responsibly process and deliver our nation’s mail. This defendant repeatedly violated that public trust while seeking to enrich herself and her co-defendant at the expense of others, but thanks to this multi-agency investigation and successful prosecution their scheme has been dismantled and federal prison awaits both defendants.”

Court documents reflect that between March 11, 2021, and May 21, 2024, Smith was employed by the United States Postal Service, in Tallahassee, Florida. Due to her employment, Smith had access to a postal key, which she stole and gave to her co-defendant, Williams. Together, Smith and Williams conspired to steal U.S. Mail, which included stealing mailed checks that they fraudulently deposited in financial institutions and thereafter split the proceeds of their scheme. Court records also show that Smith fraudulently received and used online bank login credentials of other individuals as part of the conspiracy. 

Smith and Williams face the following penalties: up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to commit mail theft count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the unlawful possession or theft of a mail key; up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the bank fraud conspiracy count; and a mandatory consecutive term of 2 years’ imprisonment for each of the aggravated identity theft counts. Williams also faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment on the theft of mail count and up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each bank fraud count.

This case was jointly investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

Smith’s sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2026, at 2:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. 

Williams’s sentencing is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 3:30 pm at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida, before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Jason Wayne Coleman, 41, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This serial felon has been a criminal menace to our communities for far too long, but thanks to the excellent work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office with support from our federal law enforcement partners, he will now spend years behind bars where he belongs. This successful prosecution by my office is yet another win under Operation Take Back America, through which President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche have directed the Department of Justice to deploy its full might toward removing violent career criminals, like this defendant, from our streets to deliver the safe, crime-free communities our citizens deserve.”

Court documents reflect that the defendant, a multi-time convicted felon who is legally barred from possessing firearms, was out on bond after being arrested in Indiana for firearm-related charges in January 2022. On October 2, 2024, a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office was on routine patrol when he conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by the defendant. The defendant attempted to flee on foot from the deputy, but was apprehended. In addition to having a suspended driver’s license, the defendant was found to be in possession of a loaded .32 caliber handgun under the driver’s seat of the vehicle as well as marijuana. The defendant was arrested but was able to bond out of jail. 

On May 13, 2025, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a motorized minibike being driven by the defendant. While arresting the defendant for driving on a suspended license and resisting law enforcement, deputies located a loaded .38-caliber revolver in his pocket. 

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – John Caleb Allen, 26, of Bristol, Florida, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for two counts of attempted murder of a federal agent; two counts of forcibly assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon; two counts of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; two counts of transfer of a machinegun; possession of an unregistered or unmarked silencer; and making a false statement to a federal firearm licensee. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The case exemplifies the incredible danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face as they keep our communities safe from violent offenders like this defendant. The bravery of these ATF agents is matched only by the incredible professionalism with which they acted when they came under withering fire from the defendant.  As the substantial sentence imposed on this defendant shows, attacks on law enforcement will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law.”

Evidence at trial demonstrated that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) had been investigating the defendant for the illegal sale of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). On June 3, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase a firearm and a MCD from the defendant. One June 23, 2025, ATF used a confidential source to purchase 13 MCDs and two firearms from the defendant. Officers watched the defendant pick up the two firearms he sold to the confidential source from a federal firearms licensee (FFL), where he lied on ATF Form 4473. Based on their investigation, ATF obtained a federal search warrant for the defendant’s house.

While attempting to execute the search warrant, the defendant fired at the ATF agents approximately 14 times as they approached his front door. One of the officers had a bullet pass through his shirtsleeve and another officer was struck by a bullet in his body armor, but neither was seriously injured. Without returning fire, agents were able to get the defendant to peacefully exit the residence with his hands up several minutes later.

Agents located numerous firearms, including an unregistered firearm silencer, during the residential search.

“This investigation revealed extreme criminal behavior deserving of a steep penalty,” said ATF Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “Florida residents are much safer with violent criminals like this individual in federal prison.”

Liberty County Sheriff Dusty Arnold said: “This sentence sends a clear message that violence against law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. Every day, law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels put their lives on the line to protect our communities. In this case, ATF agents came under gunfire while simply carrying out their sworn duties, yet they responded with incredible professionalism, restraint, and courage.

I am grateful that no officers lost their lives during this incident and commend the ATF, DEA, and all agencies involved for their outstanding work throughout this investigation. The Liberty County Sheriff's Office was proud to assist in this case, and we remain committed to standing alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure violent offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain prosecuted the case.

“The men and women in law enforcement serve daily to protect our communities, state, and nation. Attacks on law enforcement officers, like the one committed in this case, will not be tolerated.” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass “The safety of our law enforcement brothers and sisters is essential to our families, communities, visitors, and the great state of Florida.”

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Robert Anthony Yancy, Jr., 25, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Convicted felons are legally prohibited from possessing firearms because they have demonstrated through their criminality that they pose a danger to the law-abiding citizens of our community. Keeping our citizens safe from the predations of serial felons, like this defendant, remains a top priority for my office, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”

Court documents reflect that on the evening of January 2, 2026, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle. During the stop, law enforcement detected the odor of marijuana and saw evidence of marijuana inside, which led to a search of the vehicle. In addition to locating marijuana and a scale with residue, law enforcement found a handgun in the vehicle. The defendant cannot possess a handgun because he is a six-time prior convicted felon.

Yancy faces a maximum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Joseph Jerome Reynolds, Jr., 31, has been indicted in federal court for one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Reynolds, Jr. appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 6, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

Reynolds, Jr. faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and up to three years’ imprisonment for each count of possession of a controlled substance.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton. 

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. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Ronald Carl Peavy II, 49, of Old Town, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This drug trafficker’s days of running deadly narcotics in our community are over thanks to the excellent investigative work by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office with support from the DEA. Meth has been a scourge that devastated entire communities for far too long, but under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche the Department of Justice is aggressively pursuing drug traffickers through Operation Take Back America to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.” 

Court documents reflect a Dixie County Sheriff’s Office deputy found the defendant’s car parked in the middle of an intersection in the early morning hours. After several minutes of the car not moving, the deputy approached and found the defendant asleep with the car running but placed in park. The deputy woke up the defendant and ensured he was not suffering from a medical problem. After smelling marijuana in the vehicle, the deputy searched the car and found two zippered cases, one of which contained more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, and the other contained approximately 77 grams of marijuana. 

“The successful prosecution of this offender sends a clear message that drug trafficking has serious consequences,” said Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler. “The substantial quantity of methamphetamine recovered in this case represented a significant threat to the safety of our community. Thanks to the diligence of our deputies and the strong collaboration between our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, dangerous drugs were removed from our streets, and an offender was held accountable for his actions. We remain committed to working alongside our partners at every level to keep Dixie County safe.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James A. McCain.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – In celebration of Freedom 250 and America’s upcoming 250th birthday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida proudly conducted a charitable donation drive to support local Career Closets charities throughout the district. In total, nearly 180 articles of professional attire were donated in Tallahassee and Pensacola. 

The Freedom 250 Charity Drive was organized as an opportunity for employees to give back to their communities while honoring the spirit of service, opportunity, and unity that defines our nation. Staff members across the district generously donated professional clothing, accessories, and workplace essentials to help individuals preparing to enter or re-enter the workforce.

This year’s donations will benefit the Florida State University Professional Clothing Closet and the Pensacola State College PIRATE’s Care Career Closet. These programs provide professional attire and support resources to students preparing for interviews, internships, and employment opportunities, helping build confidence and remove barriers to career success.

“The generosity shown by our employees reflects the ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement by the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. “As we celebrate Freedom 250 and America’s birthday, we are proud to support organizations that empower individuals and strengthen our communities.”

Career Closets provides professional attire and resources to students and job seekers, helping individuals build confidence and prepare for interviews, internships, and employment opportunities. The donations collected through the drive will directly support members of the local communities that serve throughout North Florida.

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

Pensacola, Florida – EP Hall, 42, has been indicted in federal court for one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of a controlled substance. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Hall appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

Hall faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and up to three years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a controlled substance.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. 

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. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Stacy Michelle Braxton, 39, of Marianna, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging her with delay or destruction of mail. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today. 

Braxton appeared for her arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 am in Tallahassee before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.

If convicted, Braxton faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Justin M. Keen and Emma Schwan are prosecuting the case.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Pensacola, Florida – Jose Perez-Perez, also known as “Luis Zavaleta-Cruz” and “Luis Angel Torres Arcos,” 42, of Mexico, was sentenced to twelve months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This violent criminal alien was previously deported after a felony conviction, but thought he could illegally return to our country without consequence. Wrong. Our nation’s immigration laws are not mere suggestions, they are in place to keep our communities safe from criminals like this defendant. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute criminal illegal aliens to send them to federal prison before deporting them back to wherever they came from.”

According to court records, the defendant was deported from the United States in 2023 after being convicted of driving under the influence, battery, resisting arrest, and illegal reentry into the United States. He illegally returned to the United States and was found in Escambia County, Florida, in December 2025 after providing a fake identification card to law enforcement.   

Deportation proceedings against him will commence following the conclusion of serving his federal sentence.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Brooke DiSalvo is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Austen Scott Tucker, 29, of Panama City, Florida, has been federally charged with attempted enticement of a minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. 

Tucker appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. His jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.

If convicted, Tucker faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment.

The case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

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. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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. 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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Tallahassee, Florida – Perry Crane Walker, II, 44, of Tallahassee, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for six counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of transfer of obscene material to minors. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This substantial prison sentence is an excellent outcome in a very sad case, as this sexual predator preyed upon and exploited numerous innocent children online and deserves to spend the next several decades in prison for his disgusting crimes. Keeping our kids safe online is a top priority, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like this to accomplish that.”

Court documents reflect that between December 26, 2024, and October 10, 2025, Walker used social media applications to meet and communicate with children between 13-15 years of age. During his online communications, the defendant enticed and induced the minors, some of whom resided in Europe, to produce and send him images and videos constituting child pornography. Court records also revealed that, as a result of the defendant’s illicit communications with the children, one of the social media platforms submitted a CyberTip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which notified the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Pursuant to search warrants, the defendant’s business and residence were searched, and his electronic devices were seized as evidence. A search of the defendant’s devices confirmed that he had been sexually exploiting the children using social media, and that he received and possessed multiple child pornography images and videos.

After serving his term of 30-years’ imprisonment, Walker will have to register as a sexual offender and serve the rest of his life on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $3,000 in victim restitution.

“This deviant predator’s calculated use of social media to target vulnerable children is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by people who seek to exploit the most vulnerable in our society,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, are committed to relentlessly pursuing these predators and delivering them to the justice they deserve. We will protect our children from falling prey to such depraved acts.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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.  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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Pensacola, Florida – Jose Francisco Santizo-Perez, also known as “Jose Mynor Castillo Lazaro,” 42, of Guatemala, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry by a removed alien. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal illegal alien has clearly not gotten the message that violating our nation’s immigration laws will not be tolerated, so now he will spend more than a year in federal prison before being deported once again. We are a nation of laws, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who dares to violate those laws in the Northern District of Florida.”

Court documents reflect that the defendant has been deported from the United States four times, and had twice been convicted of illegal reentry by a removed alien in 2018 in this district and again in 2020 in the Western District of Texas. After his most recent deportation in 2021, he illegally returned to the United States and was found in Okaloosa County, Florida, in January 2026. 

“This criminal illegal alien is a repeat offender who has been deported four times and twice convicted for illegal reentry and continues to demonstrate his contempt for the laws of the United States,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Miami acting Field Office Director Kelei Walker. “This conviction highlights the persistent issues associated with criminal illegal aliens who continually break immigration laws. The 16-month federal prison sentence demonstrates ICE’s dedication to upholding the law and safeguarding our communities from individuals who ignore the legal process.”

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Tavaris Andre Donaldson, 30, of Madison, Florida, was sentenced in federal court to 27 months in prison for failing to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. 

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Convicted sex offenders like this defendant are legally required to register with local authorities when they move to a new location. This legal requirement is necessary to keep our communities informed of their presence and safe, and my office will ensure those registration requirements are strictly enforced.”

Court documents reflect that the defendant was convicted of child molestation in May 2014 in Lowndes County, Georgia, and, as a result, was required to register as a sex offender in each county where he lived and worked. Although the defendant had been registering as a sex offender as required in Lowndes County, Georgia, he absconded from there in October 2024 and traveled to Madison County, Florida, where he lived and worked. Employment records showed that the defendant began employment in Madison County, Florida, in early-2025; however, the defendant knowingly failed to report his employment and residence as required by SORNA.

After serving his term of imprisonment, Donaldson will have to serve eight years of supervised release.

“There is nothing more important than protecting our nation’s children,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal. “If a sex offender crosses state lines and fails to register, the U.S. Marshals will arrest and bring charges against them for these violations.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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.  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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Pensacola, Florida – Franklin David Zelaya-Funez, 33, of Honduras, was sentenced to fourteen months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal illegal alien previously committed a serious violent felony while unlawfully present in our country, and despite being deported after that prior offense he illegally re-entered our country yet again. Enough is enough. President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche have made clear through Operation Take Back America that the safety of our communities is not negotiable.  The Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute the criminal illegal aliens invading our country until our citizens can walk the streets of their neighborhoods without fear of violent thugs, like this defendant.”

According to court records, the defendant was deported from the United States in 2021 after being convicted of felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without the intent to kill. He is also the subject of a permanent domestic violence injunction. The defendant illegally returned to the United States and was found in June 2025. 

“This case underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting American communities from individuals who repeatedly disregard our laws and pose a threat to public safety,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “The United States will not tolerate the standard of violence seen in other countries around the world, and we are resolute in removing weapons from those who cannot legally possess them. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue every legal measure to keep our communities safe and uphold the rule of law.”

Deportation proceedings against him will commence following the conclusion of serving his federal sentence.

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Brooke DiSalvo prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Christopher Adams Jr., 34, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of synthetic cathinone with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution is another win for the Northern District of Florida under Operation Take Back America, an initiative that deploys the full might of the Department of Justice toward eradicating drug traffickers and the perpetrators of violent crime from our communities. Our citizens deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what we intend to deliver through aggressive prosecutions like this one.”

Court documents reflect that the Tallahassee Police Department encountered the defendant as the driver of a vehicle with a stolen tag and illegal window tint. The officer could smell the odor of synthetic cathinone (“molly”) coming from inside the vehicle and conducted a search. The officer found a pistol in the driver’s side door pocket. Directly next to the handgun was a zippered pouch approximately the size of a make-up bag, which was found to contain approximately an ounce and a half of synthetic cathinone split up into one large bag and multiple smaller baggies, along with small unused baggies typically used by street-level drug dealers. The defendant acknowledged ownership of the “molly” in the car and knowing the firearm was present.

The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions for armed burglary, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. He has been to prison on four separate occasions, with his longest prior sentence being 5 years.

The defendant faces a maximum potential sentence of life imprisonment.

The case involved an investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Robert “Bobby” Shane Willis, 46, of Perry, Florida was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping our communities safe and our streets drug-free is a top priority for my office, and we will continue to back up the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to send drug traffickers to prison where they belong.”

According to court records, on March 5, 2025, the defendant sold 6.6 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine during an undercover law enforcement operation. The defendant was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, having been sentenced in 2018 to nine years in prison for multiple drug-trafficking and firearms offenses.

"Bobby Shane Willis has been involved in the illicit drug trade in Taylor County and the City of Perry for years, said Chief Jamie Cruse, Jr., Perry Police Department.  “This is not his first conviction for such crimes, having chosen to follow a career as a criminal, participating in the drug trade and committing offenses that are closely associated with the illicit sale of drugs the entire time, and while on Supervised Release for the same offense. Willis' conviction and incarceration will remove him from a society to which he has distributed dangerous drugs for years.

The Perry Police Department is proud to partner with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, The Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in a concerted effort to remove Willis and other dangerous career criminals that continuously spread the poison of dangerous drugs to the youth and other Citizens of North Florida.”

Taylor County Sheriff Padgett said: “Bobby Shane Willis is an individual who has spent years committing crimes and putting the safety of our community at risk. Thanks to the hard work and strong partnership between the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, and our federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be able to prey on the citizens of this community. This ten-year sentence sends a clear message that those who repeatedly victimize others will be brought to justice.”

When he is released from prison, the defendant will serve 10 additional years on supervised release.

“This joint investigation removes a career offender from our North Florida streets,” said DEA Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar. “Methamphetamine has been all too present in this area, and we are committed to stopping the flow of this poison into our communities.”

This conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Perry Police Department, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Fort Pierce, Florida – Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, 62, of Port St. Lucie, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of theft of government money or property, valued less than $1,000.00; destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations; and concealment, removal, or mutilation of public records. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

The indictment alleges at the time of the offenses the defendant served as the Managing Assistant United States Attorney (MAUSA) of the Fort Pierce branch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. In separate instances in late-2025, the defendant altered the electronic file names of government records that she received in her official capacity as the MAUSA in order to conceal her unauthorized electronic transmission of those records to personal email accounts belonging to her without being detected.  The altered government records included a document compiled by the defendant consisting of portions of internal DOJ electronic messages and an internal DOJ memorandum, and a DOJ report related to a criminal prosecution in the SDFL that had been court-ordered to remain under seal and prohibited from distribution or disclosure outside of DOJ.

As alleged in the indictment, the defendant concealed her actions by saving electronic copies of the government records in question under the misleading files names “chocolate cake recipe” and “bundt cake recipe” before electronically transmitting those records to her personal email accounts.  As to the DOJ report, the indictment further alleges the defendant acted knowing that her transmission of the record outside DOJ directly violated the court order and impaired the proper administration of the underlying criminal prosecution.

Lineberger appeared in federal court today for her arraignment before Southern District of Florida Chief United States Magistrate Judge William Matthewman in West Palm Beach, Florida.

If convicted, Lineberger faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment for destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, three years’ imprisonment for concealment, removal, or mutilation of public records, and up to one year imprisonment on each count of theft of government property valued at less than $1,000.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt from the Northern District of Florida, who was assigned as a special prosecutor to avoid conflicts of interest with the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

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

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Charles Eric Love, 56, of Tallahassee, Florida was sentenced to five years in federal court for transporting child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Achieving justice for the innocent victims who have been exploited in the creation of child sexual abuse material is of paramount importance, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting predators like this defendant to put an end to the cycle of victimization that is perpetuated by the transmission of these horrific images and videos.”

Court documents reflect that on March 19, 2025, detectives with the Tallahassee Police Department were assigned seven cyber tips by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Subsequently, law enforcement obtained search warrants for the defendant’s file sharing account, apartment, house, and office. From the seized electronic devices, law enforcement identified 1,010 image and 34 video files of child pornography.

“Every image represents a real child who has been harmed,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Our detectives worked around the clock on this investigation because these victims deserve justice, and our community deserves to be safe from predators like this.”

“The exploitation of innocent children is among the most reprehensible crimes we confront in law enforcement,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI worked tirelessly alongside Tallahassee Police Department to ensure this predator was brought to justice and removed from our community. We will not tolerate those who prey on the vulnerable, and we remain steadfast in our mission to protect children, pursue offenders relentlessly, and support victims every step of the way.”

After serving his term of 5 years’ imprisonment, Love will have to register as a sexual offender and be on supervised release for 10 years.  He was also ordered to pay $36,000 in restitution to the victims.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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.  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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Tallahassee, Florida – Dalvert Encarnacion Francisco, 37, of Dubuque, Iowa, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee of one count of distribution of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the incredible investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this depraved individual was caught and his days of distributing child sexual abuse material are over. It remains one of my office’s highest priorities to protect our kids from predators like this defendant who seek to sexually exploit and victimize innocent children.”

During the three-day jury trial, court records and evidence showed that the Bay County Sheriff’s Office was investigating multiple child sexual abuse material tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During that investigation, law enforcement discovered the defendant distributed child pornography to the target of the tips, who resided in the Panama City area. With the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, further investigation revealed the defendant requested online payments for the child sexual abuse material he distributed. The jury returned a verdict of guilty.

Francisco faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

This case was investigated by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, at Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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.  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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Gainesville, Florida – Jomekia Archer, 46, of Gainesville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.

Archer appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 17, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.

Archer faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyler Fleming.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Antonio Carlos Shine, 38, of Dania, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and marijuana. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office continues to deliver successful prosecutions under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America initiative, which aims to dismantle the drug trafficking organizations and networks that have flooded our streets with deadly drugs for far too long. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live in safe, drug-free communities, and that is precisely what we will achieve through aggressive prosecutions of drug traffickers like this defendant.”

Court documents reflect that in August 2024, law enforcement officers intercepted a package addressed to a Tallahassee residence. The package contained nearly two pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery at the residence. The defendant took possession of the package and brought it into the residence. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant on the residence. The defendant did not answer the door, requiring officers to breach the door. Following the breach of the front door, Shine fled through the back door with the package of methamphetamine, where he was immediately taken into custody. Law enforcement searched the residence and located a digital scale, various narcotics paraphernalia, and 44 grams of marijuana packaged for sale. The defendant had previously been convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver, and had served several terms in Florida state prison.

Shine faces a minimum mandatory sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment and up to a maximum of life imprisonment. The term of imprisonment will be followed by at least ten years of supervised release. Thus, if Shine were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision.              

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer is prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Tedrick Childs, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of cocaine and distribution of methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Ridding our streets of the drug traffickers like this defendant peddling deadly narcotics has been a principal objective of Operation Take Back America, and I am incredibly proud to deliver yet another successful prosecution under this DOJ initiative. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live in drug-free, safe communities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute the criminals standing in the way of that objective.”

Court records indicate that the defendant was identified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a poly-drug trafficker in the Tallahassee area. During an undercover operation, DEA  purchased cocaine and methamphetamine from the defendant between November and December 2025. In 2017, Childs was convicted in federal court for distribution of cocaine, and he was serving a term of supervised release as part of his sentence in that case when he sold drugs in 2025.

Childs faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the distribution of cocaine count, and not less than 15 years’ imprisonment up to Life imprisonment on the distribution of methamphetamine count.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Quardarell Henry Robinson, 38, of Williston, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for manufacturing crack cocaine, possessing with the intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, possessing a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possessing multiple firearms as a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Robinson appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.

Robinson faces up to life imprisonment for possessing a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, at least 5 years of which must be consecutive to any other sentence. Robinson also faces up to thirty years’ imprisonment for each of the controlled substance offenses and up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James A. McCain.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Bryan Klein, 56, of Destin, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.

Klein appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida.

If convicted, Klein faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Jeremy Jovon Randolph, 37, of Jennings, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Randolph appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Randolph faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Treivorn McLeod, 25, of Mary Esther, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit of money laundering. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Fraudsters will try every angle and scheme to steal money from innocent, unsuspecting victims, so it remains of critical importance to educate the general public about these fraud threats to prevent more of our citizens from being victimized. Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners and the aggressive prosecution by my office, this scheme has been dismantled and this fraudster finds himself in federal prison where he belongs.”

Between June 1, 2022, and January 29, 2024, the defendant was part of a criminal conspiracy that defrauded victims by falsely claiming that the victims had won millions of dollars in the Publisher’s Clearing House lottery and the American Cash Rewards lottery. The conspiracy falsely told the victims that, to collect their winnings, the victims would have to pay fees and costs in advance. However, none of the victims received any money or prizes as promised after sending these fraudulent fee payments. In total, the defendant’s criminal conspiracy defrauded victims of approximately $530,000.

The defendant faces up to 80 years’ imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Air Force Department of Special Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 24, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Trinity Joy Johnson, 26, of Alachua, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for twenty-three counts of production, distribution, and possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Johnson appeared in federal court for her arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.

Johnson faces between 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment for the production of child pornography offenses; between 5 to 20 years’ imprisonment for the distribution of child pornography offenses; and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for possession of child pornography.

The case was jointly investigated by the Alachua County Sherriff’s Office, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

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.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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.  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 https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Gainesville, Florida – DaMorie Lamontay Miles, 19, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of receipt, possession, transfer, or production of a firearm which is not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Running with drugs and illegal firearms in the Northern District of Florida is a one-way ticket to federal prison, and my office is more than happy to send this felon on his way. Operation Take Back America is a promise to U.S. citizens that the Department of Justice will devote maximum resources toward keeping our streets safe and drug-free, and my office will continue to deliver on that promise with successful prosecutions like this one.”

Court records reflect that the defendant was communicating via text message and social media with others to buy and sell marijuana and to obtain a machine gun conversion device (MCD). The defendant was arrested after a search warrant of his residence produced over 600 grams of marijuana and the MCD.

If convicted on all counts, Miles faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Anthony Wayne Lanier Jr., 34, from of Crawfordville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count attempted transmission of obscene material. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners are working hard every day to keep our kids safe from sexual predators like this defendant online, and my office will aggressively prosecute those criminal deviants to ensure they are sent to federal prison for attempting to victimize and sexually exploit children.”

Court documents reflect that on November 20, 2025, the defendant communicated online with an individual he believed to be a child, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. The defendant repeatedly asked the child to send inappropriate photos, asked to commit sexual acts on the child and her friend, and sent a picture of his genitalia. The defendant then drove to an agreed upon location where he believed he would be meeting the child, but he was instead arrested by law enforcement upon arriving.

Lanier faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison for attempted enticement of a minor, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for transmitting obscene material. He also faces up to a lifetime of supervision upon release.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

The case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better 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. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Tallahassee, Florida – Robert Edward Nixon, 60, of Quincy, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.

Nixon appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 23, 2026, at 8:30 am before United States Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Nixon faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the State Attorney’s Office for the Second Judicial Circuit. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt is prosecuting the case.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Emiliano Rafael Hernandez Escamilla, Jr., 30, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.

Hernandez appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 8:30 am in Tallahassee before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.

If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.          

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo.

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.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Tallahassee, Pensacola and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that fourteen previously deported illegal aliens have been separately indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States, and seven illegal aliens were convicted of federal crimes in the month of April.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office remains committed to fulfilling the mission of Operation Take Back America to protect our communities by aggressively prosecuting the criminal illegal aliens who brazenly ignore and violate our nation’s immigration laws. America is a nation of laws, and we will continue to enforce those laws against anyone who mistakenly believes they can violate our laws with impunity.”

According to court records, the fourteen illegal aliens indicted in the month of April include:

• Leonel Morales-Gaytan, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Bay County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2020 and 2022. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
• Isidro Ramirez-Lopez, 50, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Gulf County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2002 and 2011. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge Mark Walker.
• Moises Siquic-Tiul, 39, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Walton County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2015 and 2017. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Gabriel Garcia Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2024. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Simon Mateo-Simon, 36, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Change of plea and sentencing scheduled for May 19, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Moises Lopez Zenteno, 37, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Alachua County in September 2025, after previously being deported in 2016. Trial is set for May 27, 2026, before United States Chief Judge Allen Winsor.
• Jose Mendez Pena, 35, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2009. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Noe Alexis Lopez Suarez, 27, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Change of plea and sentencing are set for May 27, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Alcides Miguel Martinez-Martinez, 42, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2009 and 2015. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Alex Joel Maldonado-Erazo, 38, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Miguel Ico Martinez, 29, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported three times in 2024. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Wily Antonio Escobar-Canterelo, 29, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2016. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Dania Chaver-Pereira, 31, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in April 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2017 and once in 2019. Trial is set for June 22, 2026, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Jose Hernandez-Perez, 23, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2022. Trial is set for June 15, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Gabriel Garcia Hernandez faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence.

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.

In addition to the indictments filed, seven previously indicted defendants were convicted in the month of April for being unlawfully present in the country after a prior removal. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of April include:

• Nicolas Jorge-Garcia, 41, of Mexico, who was previously removed in November 2007, February 2012, April 2012, May 2012, and October 2015. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on November 25, 2025.
• Joel Perez Vasquez, 42, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in January 2013 and April 2013. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 17, 2026.
• Jose Rodas-Castillo, 37, of Honduras, who was previously removed in September 2016. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 14, 2026.
• Jairo Leonel Calel Vicente, 30, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in October 2025 and January 2026. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 26, 2026.
• Andres Martin Valdivia Moran, 43, of Mexico, who was previously removed in November 2017 and July 2019. He was encountered in Escambia County on December 10, 2025.
• Delmer Francisco Garcia-Palma, 29, of Honduras, who was previously removed in January 2017, June 2019, and June 2020. He was encountered in Santa Rosa County on January 13, 2026.

One alien was also convicted of false document crimes:

• William Gary Perez Perez, 23, of Guatemala.

The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Florida Highway Patrol, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, Port St. Joe Police Department, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the Gainesville Police Department, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Gulf Breeze Police Department, the Fort Walton Beach Police Department and the Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Walter E. Narramore, Alicia H. Forbes, Christopher C. Patterson, Eric W. Welch, Michelle Spaven, Jessica S. Etherton, Tyler A. Fleming, Jeffrey M. Tharp, Brooke DiSalvo, and Thomas S.P. Geeker are prosecuting the cases.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Antrell Jermaine Hillard, 33, of Live Oak, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to steal postal keys, theft of postal keys, and postal robbery/assault. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This defendant wasn’t just stealing keys from postal carriers, he was attempting to steal from everyone who relies upon the U.S. Postal Service for mail delivery. Protecting the safety of our postal carriers and the security of our mail delivery is of the utmost importance, and my office will ensure this defendant is swiftly delivered to federal prison for his crimes.”

Court documents reflect that between March 21, 2025, and March 29, 2025, the defendant conspired with others to steal Postal Service keys in Gainesville and Ocala. The defendant planned and participated in three separate incidents involving the theft of keys directly from United States Postal Service carriers while they were delivering mail. In one of the incidents, the defendant snatched a key that was still physically connected to the carrier’s belt, causing it to break from the carrier’s belt.

Hillard faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, 10 years’ imprisonment for theft, and ten years’ imprisonment for robbery/assault.

The case involved a joint investigation by United States Postal Inspection Service, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James McCain.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Curtis Lee Smith-Carter, 28, of Gainesville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Removing this serial felon from our streets achieves one of the key goals of Operation Take Back America, which devotes the full might of the Department of Justice toward protecting our communities from violent criminals. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek maximum punishments for repeat offenders, like this defendant, to deliver the safe streets and neighborhoods the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve!”

Court documents reflect that on November 8, 2025, shortly after midnight, the defendant attempted to flee from police as they approached him behind a Gainesville convenience store near an open fire. At that time, the defendant was in possession of a loaded .32 caliber pistol, which he threw over a fence. The defendant has been convicted of nine prior felony offenses, including possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Smith-Carter faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 21, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before United States Chief District Judge Allen C. Winsor.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Frederick Donnell McLean Jr., 39, of Citrus Springs, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This is yet another successful prosecution under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, which devotes our substantial prosecutorial might toward eradicating drug trafficking from our communities to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve. We will continue sending drug traffickers like this defendant to federal prison until they realize the Northern District of Florida has zero-tolerance for criminality.”

On April 28, 2024, the defendant was traveling from Marion County to Okaloosa County with a supply of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. The vehicle was stopped by Florida Highway Patrol in Okaloosa County, and a subsequent search revealed 890 grams of methamphetamine, 27.9 grams of cocaine, and 28.2 grams of fentanyl.

The defendant faces at least 25 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 16, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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