Northern District of Florida

Tallahassee, Florida – Laquinton Montral Harris, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of Hobbs Act robbery; carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Court documents reflect that on January 31, 2026, Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported robbery at Z-Mart located on Fred George Road in Tallahassee. Surveillance footage captured an armed individual dressed entirely in black clothing and face covering enter the store. The individual approached a store employee and demanded money. When the employee responded he had nothing immediately on hand, the suspect fired one round from his firearm into the floor. The employee removed the cash register drawer and handed it to the suspect who then left the store. Law enforcement conducted a detailed investigation which led them to Laquinton Harris, who has prior felony conviction, as the main suspect. A federal search warrant was executed at Harris’ residence. A firearm and clothing consistent with items seen on the store surveillance footage were located.

Harris appeared in federal court for his arraignment 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, Harris faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the robbery count; at least 10 years, which must be consecutive to any other sentence, on the carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.

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 case involves an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being 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, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.

Pensacola, Florida – James Michael Olshefskie, 55, of Pensacola, Florida, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Pensacola following a two-day jury trial for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of two unregistered firearm silencers. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am incredibly proud to deliver another win for the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America, through which we are aggressively prosecuting the perpetrators of violent crime to keep our communities safe. This felon has demonstrated an outright refusal to follow the law, and so it is necessary to ensure he remains incarcerated to protect the law-abiding citizens of this District from his continued criminality.”

On September 11, 2025, United States Probation Officers visited the defendant at his residence in Pensacola, Florida, as part of his federal post-conviction supervision. The defendant was on federal supervised release for a 2024 federal felony conviction, and as a convicted felon he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. During their visit, probation officers found ammunition and unregistered firearm silencers in the defendant’s bedroom. 

Olshefskie faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

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.

Gainesville, Florida – Khalil Keari Barnett, 30, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to seven years in prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm in connection with drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners, another violent, drug-peddling criminal has been removed from our streets. Operation Take Back America was launched to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward eliminating the threats to our communities posed by violent criminals like this defendant, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute those offenders until our streets are safe and drug-free.”

Court documents reflect that Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a domestic violence call for service. When law enforcement arrived on scene, the defendant left out the back door of the residence and attempted to enter a rideshare vehicle before fleeing on foot. As the defendant was fleeing, he threw a bag from his person, which included 600 grams of marijuana and a black mask. A firearm and box of ammunition were also recovered near the defendant.  The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition as he has a prior conviction for possession of a weapon by a delinquent.  

Alachua County Sheriff Scott said: “The arrest and subsequent federal conviction of Mr. Barnett is, once again, strong evidence to our community that we will not allow violent criminals who inflict physical harm, unlawfully possess weapons, and traffic narcotics to roam our streets in search of their next victim. As your Sheriff, I stood before this community and made a commitment to keep you safe while you enjoy all that Alachua County has to offer. It is through partnerships like our relationship with the US Attorney’s Office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, that we are able to uphold that promise.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt 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 – Lamar Bunch, 35, 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.

Bunch 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, in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.

Bunch faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.

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

Gainesville, Florida – Brandon Stevens, 35, was sentenced to thirty-two years in federal prison for travelling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and production of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Cases like this are a parent’s worst nightmare, and they are a reminder of the ever-present threats kids face online from sexual predators like this defendant preying upon their innocence and seeking to sexually exploit them. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners to catch this predator, and even prouder of the aggressive prosecution by my office to deliver justice for the child victim and send this sick individual to prison for decades to come.”

Court documents reflect that the defendant lied about his true name and age while communicating online with a 15-year-old victim. After several months of conversation, the defendant travelled from Pennsylvania to Florida for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with the minor. Between February 2024 and April 2025, the defendant––despite being more than twice as old as the child victim––induced her to engage in sexual intercourse on multiple occasions. The defendant recorded some of the sexual encounters on his cell phone. 

Following his release from prison, Stevens will be on supervised release for life and is required to register as a sex offender.

“This predator manipulated, deceived, and exploited a vulnerable child for his own gratification. His calculated actions, lying about his identity, traveling across state lines, and recording his abuse demonstrate a chilling disregard for human decency and the law,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingengo. “Thirty-two years in federal prison reflects the severity of his crimes and serves as a warning to anyone who targets children for sexual exploitation. HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, will relentlessly pursue, prosecute, and remove these predators from society.”

The case involved a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and Dixie County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner.

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 – Marcellous Likely-McWilliams III, 27, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving marijuana; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and 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 charges.

Likely-McWilliams appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

If convicted, Likely-McWilliams faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count.          

This case was 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 Brooke A. DiSalvo.

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 – Patrick Shane Johnson, 51, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 46 months in prison after previously pleading guilty in federal court to bank robbery and larceny. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the lightning-fast response of the Gainesville Police Department, this violent criminal was quickly caught and now my office has ensured he will be kept off our streets for several years. This is yet another successful prosecution under Operation Take Back America, which launched under the direction of President Donald J. Trump to devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing violent criminals like this defendant from our communities to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.”

Court documents reveal that on August 27, 2025, the defendant entered a Wells Fargo bank on Archer Road and passed a note to a teller. The note read, “This is no joke, it is an armed bank robbery. All of the money now I am armed.” The defendant grabbed over $1,000 cash and fled. The Gainesville Police Department responded and immediately apprehended the defendant.

“A violent threat inside a bank is every employee’s nightmare, but because of the immediate response by our officers, this dangerous offender was taken back into custody within moments,” said Chief Moya, Gainesville Police Department.

The sentencing of this repeat offender reflects the seriousness of recidivism among violent offenders and the danger it poses to the public," said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “We will continue working closely with our partners to pursue repeat offenders and protect our communities.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt 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 – Dawaun Shunard Jackson, 40, of Tallahassee, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted enticement of a minor and one count of penalties for registered sex offenders. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I deeply appreciate the excellent investigative work of our local and federal law enforcement partners to catch this sexual predator before he could victimize and sexually exploit a child. Keeping our kids safe, both online and in our communities, remains a top priority for my office.  We will continue to aggressively prosecute the sick individuals who seek to prey upon innocent children to ensure they remain locked away in prison where they belong.”

Court documents reflect that between November 20-22, 2025, the Tallahassee Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies, conducted an undercover operation focused on identifying individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. During the operation, an undercover officer posed as a 15-year-old girl and posted an ad on a website known for the solicitation of escorts. Court records show that the defendant responded to the ad and believed that he was communicating with a minor. Court records also show that the defendant offered the girl money in exchange for sex and arranged to meet her in Tallahassee. An investigation revealed that the defendant was a registered sex offender. After the defendant was arrested, his cell phone was seized as evidence, and a subsequent search of the device confirmed that he communicated with the undercover officer who posed as a 15-year-old girl.

Jackson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment, followed by up to a lifetime of supervision upon release, for the attempted enticement of a minor count. For the penalties for sex offenders count, Jackson also faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 13, 2026, at 11:00 am, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tallahassee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Justin M. Keen 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.

Pensacola, Florida – Donnschee Ricky Montrell Foster, 34, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of committing a felony involving minors while being required to register as a sex offender. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the determined investigative work of the FDLE and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, this child sexual predator now faces decades in federal prison for his continued commission of sex offenses involving child sexual abuse material. Keeping our kids safe online and in our communities is of paramount importance, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting sexual predators like this defendant to keep them out of our communities and locked away in prison where they belong.”

Court documents reveal that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted routine checks on Foster as a registered sex offender in late-2025. Foster has a prior state conviction for possession of child sexual abuse material. When the Florida Department of Law Enforcement determined that Foster was not residing at the location where his sex offender registration required, law enforcement conducted follow up investigation in an attempt to locate him and obtained an arrest warrant for sex offender registration violations. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, along with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, located Foster working on Pensacola Beach in November 2025. Foster was taken into custody, and a search warrant was obtained for his cellular telephone. Located within his phone were images of real child pornography as well as computer generated child sexual abuse material. Foster remains detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Foster faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to 30 years’ imprisonment.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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.

Gainesville, Florida – Peter Daniel Ring, 31, of Bell, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to sending multiple threatening interstate communications to kill or cause physical injuries. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “With threats and acts of violence directed at public figures becoming alarmingly more frequent, my office is committed to aggressively prosecuting cases like this to send a clear message: we have zero-tolerance for criminality in the Northern District of Florida. Threats of violence by deranged individuals can quickly lead to actual violence. Vigilant investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners and aggressive prosecutions can prevent tragedy from striking.”

Court documents reveal that in June 2025 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) received a complaint that a threat to kill a reporter had been received. The defendant was identified as the source of the threat, and when contacted by the FBI he said he would not make any more threats.   However, two months later, the FBI received another tip that the defendant was posting religiously and politically motivated threats of violence against Muslim people, members of the media, and prominent politicians. Between May and September 2025, the defendant made threats to kill or cause physical injury to at least fourteen victims.       

“Threats of violence are never taken lightly,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “This person’s actions caused fear and disruption, and the sentencing reflects the serious consequences of threatening to take innocent lives. The FBI will not tolerate individuals who use intimidation to terrorize our communities.”

The conviction and sentence were the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt 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.

Pensacola, Florida – Selvin J. Tello-Perez, 24, of Guatemala, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with illegal reentry by a removed alien and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.

Tello-Perez appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Tello-Perez faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and up to two years’ imprisonment for illegal reentry.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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, human and drug trafficking.

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 – Devon Oliver, 18, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for possession of a firearm with a removed serial number. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our communities have been plagued by gang violence for too long, and Operation Take Back America is devoting the full might of the Department of Justice toward removing those dangerous, violent criminals from our streets. This successful prosecution is yet another win for the citizens of the Northern District of Florida, and a reassurance that my office remains committed to delivering the safe streets that they deserve.”

Court documents reflect that on October 22, 2025, the defendant, a documented member of a local gang, was in possession of a firearm with a removed serial number. The firearm, which had an extended magazine loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition, was recovered after the defendant attempted to flee from law enforcement through a Gainesville apartment complex:

“A weapon with its serial number removed and loaded with an extended magazine is a direct threat to every resident and every officer who encounters it,” said Chief Moya, Gainesville Police Department. “We will have zero tolerance for violent offenders who arm themselves unlawfully, and we will continue working relentlessly to take these guns off our streets.”

After serving two years in prison, Oliver will be on supervised release for an additional three years, during which he will be on home detention for six months.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. 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 – Clarence Brandon Walton, 54, of Destin, Florida pleaded guilty in federal court to failure to register as a sex offender. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “SORNA registration requirements are a vital tool to keep our communities safe and informed when a sex offender moves into a neighborhood. The safety of our communities is not negotiable, and my office will aggressively prosecute any sex offender who fails to register their movements as required by the law.”

Court documents reflect that in July 2006 the defendant pleaded guilty to an offense that requires him to register as a sexual offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The defendant stopped complying with the registration requirements in December 2023, after which an arrest warrant was issued in Georgia for failure to register. On August 15, 2024, an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed the defendant dropping off a child at an elementary school. The deputy discovered the defendant was a sex offender and found no records indicating that he had ever registered as a sex offender in the State of Florida, as required by SORNA.

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.

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.

Pensacola, Florida – Kamron Jasmane Fountain, 22, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on three counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Fountain appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 8:30 am in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

If convicted, Fountain faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each drug distribution count and at least 10 years and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana count.           

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas S.P. Geeker.

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 – Mario Lopez-Martinez, 33, of Mexico, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry into the United States. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our nation’s immigration laws are not mere suggestions that can be brazenly disregarded by illegal aliens cutting in line in front of the thousands of other immigrants trying the right way to enter and remain in our country. Criminal aliens, like this defendant who continued breaking our nation’s laws after his illegal reentry, pose a very real threat to our public safety, and my office will aggressively prosecute such offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

Court documents reflect that the defendant, a citizen of Mexico, departed the United States in 2017 after an Immigration Judge entered an Order of Removal. He illegally returned to the United States two additional times in 2019 and 2020. The defendant was convicted of Driving Under the Influence in 2022 in Gadsden County and Fleeing from a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting without Violence in 2026.

“Repeated illegal reentry into the United States is a serious offense, and those who disregard court orders and federal statutes will be held accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Protecting the integrity of our immigration system is essential to public safety and the rule of law.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch 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 - Theodore Roosevelt Robinson, Jr., 32, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to five years in federal prison following his guilty plea to 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 is yet another successful prosecution under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America initiative, which has marshalled the full might of the Department to keep our communities safe from the perpetrators of violent crime. Felons, like this defendant, are legally barred from possessing firearms, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute any and all violations of our laws to deliver the safe streets the citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve.”

A federal investigation revealed that on or about September 16, 2025, the defendant sold a 12-gauge shotgun during a law enforcement operation. At the time of the firearm sale, the defendant was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm, based upon his prior convictions on state charges of possession of methamphetamines, drug trafficking, and attempted armed robbery.

The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo 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.

Pensacola, Florida – Jesse Allen Hudson, 43, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of possession of unregistered firearm. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Hudson appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 15, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Hudson faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon count, and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on the possession of unregistered firearm count.          

This case was 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 Thomas S.P. Geeker.

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 - Marcus Bernard Clark, 31, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to fraudulent use of fifteen or more access devices and aggravated identity theft. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This fraudster exploited his access to customers’ credit and debit card information to try to enrich himself at their expense. Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our state law enforcement partners and this successful prosecution by my office, federal prison awaits him.”

Court documents reflect that in September and October 2022, the defendant worked at a Wendy’s fast food restaurant in Destin, Florida. During a judicially authorized extraction of the defendant’s cell phone related to another criminal case, law enforcement discovered over 200 photographs and some short videos of different individuals’ credit and debit cards. Investigators determined the photographs were taken at Wendy’s while the defendant was working. None of the victims gave permission to the defendant to photograph their bank cards containing their names and card numbers.

As to the fraudulent use of access devices count, Clark faces a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment. For the aggravated identity theft count, he also faces an additional two years of imprisonment, which must run consecutively to any sentence imposed on the first count.

The case involved an investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

Clark’s sentencing is scheduled for July 16, 2026, at 9:00 am, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

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 – Stanton Hunter Maynes, 24, of Greenville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Mayes appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker.

If convicted, Maynes faces a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years’ imprisonment on the distribution count. Maynes also faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count.

The case is being jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement with assistance from the Orange 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.

Pensacola, Florida – Christopher W. Glover, 47, of Simms, Alabama, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor, and one count of Traveling in Interstate Commerce to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct. 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 that parents need to be aware of the online threats facing our kids from sexual predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize children. Our state and federal law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of these sick individuals preying upon our kids, and my office will continue to follow through on those investigations and arrests with aggressive prosecutions to keep our children safe online.”

Court documents and pretrial hearings in federal court in Pensacola reveal that the defendant communicated online with who he believed to be a 14-year-old female, and offered to pay her hundreds of dollars in return for sexual acts in October 2025. The defendant then traveled from Alabama, where he worked for the Baldwin County School District, to Pensacola to meet with the minor.  The purported minor, however, was an undercover law enforcement officer. When the defendant reached Pensacola to engage in sexual acts with the minor, he was taken into custody. He possessed over $200 in cash intended to pay for the illicit sexual acts.

Glover faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment. Glover will also be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2026, at 9:30 am, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Florida Highway Patrol, and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.

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 – Diego M. Villavicencio, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty to two counts of sending interstate threats, one count of impeding or retaliating against a federal official, and one count of threats against the President. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “As the terrifying events at the White House Correspondents Dinner this past weekend showed, threats of violence can quickly escalate to acts of violence by deranged individuals. My office is committed to aggressively prosecuting criminal threats of violence against public officials to stop dangerous individuals, like this defendant, before they become would-be assassins. Criminal threats directed at public officials are becoming alarmingly more common, and this must stop now. We have zero-tolerance for such criminality in the Northern District of Florida and will seek maximum punishments to keep our public officials safe.”

Court documents show that the Defendant made multiple online threats of violence directed at President Donald J. Trump, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell over the course of several months. On September 15, 2025, the Defendant posted on his X account threats directed at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, with one post depicting an image of a red sight and crosshairs pointed at Powell’s head and the text “Jerome. Powell will be shot and killed September 23” (sic), and a second post depicting the same image and the text “Jerome is next.”

On September 16, 2025, the Defendant again sent threats via his X account, this time directed toward a Member of Congress. Responding to a post by the Member, the Defendant wrote “I’ll kill you and your family and you won’t do anything about it. Corruption listens to bullets.” The Defendant then sent a direct message to the Member, stating “You are going to be shot and killed on September 24.”

On January 25, 2026, the Defendant responded to a post on the online platform 4chan, stating that he would be driving to Mar-a-Lago “to take a couple of shots at trump and some of the other corrupt plutocrats[.]”

Villavicencio faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor.  

The case involved a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Capitol Police, the Federal Reserve Board Protective Service, and the United States Secret Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch.

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 – Divincent M. Madison, Jr., 25, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for one count of delay or destruction of U.S. Mail, one count of theft of U.S. Mail by U.S. Postal employee, and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Madison, Jr. appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Madison, Jr. faces up to 5 years imprisonment on each count.

The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson.

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.

Pensacola, Florida - Christopher Summers, 58, an inmate at the Florida Department of Corrections, was found guilty in federal court of mailing threatening communications to a federal judge. The conviction was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “When threatening statements exceed the legal bounds of constitutional Free Speech, my office will not hesitate to aggressively prosecute those criminal threats to ensure they do not have the opportunity to ripen into acts of violence. Criminal threats directed at public officials are becoming alarmingly more common, and this must stop now. We have zero-tolerance for such criminality in the Northern District of Florida and will seek maximum punishments to keep our public officials safe.”

Court documents and evidence presented at trial revealed that in October 2024, Summers sent a handwritten letter addressed to a Federal District Judge at the Federal Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. In the letter, Summers wrote in relevant part:

“I am writing this letter to you in hopes that you will know what it feels like to be helpless when you know for fact that you’re going to either be beaten so badly you’ll never function like a normal person again, or be killed. I’m very driven to have you killed, even if I’ve got to do it myself when I get out and back to Pensacola. I thought I’d have to wait until I got out, but now that I’ve thought about it I realize that I can have it done now. As soon as I leave this prison and get back to my perminet [sic] camp I’ll get on one of the many cell-phones there and green light a hit on you … Hell if I have to I’d shoot your head off as you pull in to that gate at the Court house, I can do it from that park next door. I don’t care if I get more time or even killed. As long as I get you first. So how dose [sic] it feel to know who is going to be responsible [sic] for your life, yet not be able to stop it or do anything about it?”

At trial, counsel for Summers claimed that Summers wrote the letter as part of his mental health therapy, and that Summers never intended to mail the letter. However, the Government’s case revealed that mental health therapy did not include threatening letters; that the prison takes steps to ensure that inmates do not inadvertently send letters to the courts; and that Summers told another inmate his desire to have the Judge killed. The jury swiftly returned a guilty verdict.

The defendant faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2026, before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II, in Pensacola, Florida.

This conviction was the result of a joint investigation by the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Florida Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph A. Ravelo is prosecuting the case.

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

Tallahassee, Florida – Nicholas Michael Freeman, 48, has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Freeman appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 8:15 am before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle in Tallahassee, Florida.

Freeman faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’, and up to 40 years’, imprisonment.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Perry Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 – Marcus Dewayne Gulley, 53, and Tristian R. Harris, 38, both of Hesperia, California, and Monteles Terrell Burden, 40, of Crestview, Florida, have been indicted in federal court for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to utilize a telephone facility to commit the charged drug distribution conspiracy, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Gulley, Burden, and Harris appeared in federal court for their arraignments before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida.

If convicted as charged, the defendants each face a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine count. They face up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the money laundering conspiracy count and up to four years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to utilize a telephone facility.

The case was jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 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.

Tallahassee, Florida – Trashad Laron Roberts, 35, of Marianna, Florida, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison following a jury’s guilty verdict for escape. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin quote: “The terms of supervision at a residential reentry center are not suggestions, they are mandatory conditions of an inmate’s prison sentence that are designed to keep our communities safe. This defendant willfully disregarded the restrictions placed upon him that were part of his prior sentence, and now he will spend even longer in prison. The safety of our communities is not negotiable, and my office will aggressively prosecute offenders like this defendant who threaten that safety.”

Court records reflect that in September 2020, the defendant was convicted of possession and distribution of methamphetamine in the Northern District of Florida. The defendant was required to serve four years on supervised release following his multi-year federal prison sentence. The defendant was scheduled to serve the final year of his prison term at a residential reentry center in Tallahassee. Evidence at trial demonstrated that on September 2, 2025, the defendant left the residential reentry center without authorization. Law enforcement immediately acted to locate the defendant. Four hours later, the United States Marshals Service and the Tallahassee Police Department found the defendant hiding inside a residence.

“As soon as the U.S. Marshals Service learned that Trashad Roberts was on the run, we sent our fugitive task force to work,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Greg Leljedal. “Through swift, decisive action with our partners at the Tallahassee Police Department, we were able to quickly locate Roberts and had him back in prison before bed.”

Roberts will be required to serve the remainder of his first sentence consecutive to the sentence handed down in the escape case. He will then serve four years on supervised release.

The Bureau of Prisons utilizes Residential Reentry Centers, also known as halfway houses, in its network of confinement facilities. The Centers are designed to help federal prisoners transition back into society by providing a safe, structured environment with supervision and support services, such as employment.

The United States Marshals Service and the Tallahassee Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph A. Ravelo and Meredith L. Steer prosecuted the case.

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

Pensacola, Florida – Evan Aldric Harris, 29, of Evergreen, Alabama, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with theft of mail by a postal employee. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge today.

Harris appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

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

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 – Jonquaris Richardson, 27, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for 46 counts of false claims against the United States through fraudulent federal tax forms. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Richardson appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 15, 2026, before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

If convicted, Richardson faces up to five years’ imprisonment on each count.

The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. 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.

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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 – Jordan T. Quinones, 30, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of possession of obscene materials involving minors. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the vigilance of our state law enforcement partners in closely monitoring this sex offender, they were able to detect his continued criminal sexual deviance and help bring him to justice. Keeping our kids safe from sexual predators like this defendant remains one of my office’s top priorities, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases.”

Court documents reveal that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted routine checks on the defendant as a registered sex offender in late 2025. When suspicious materials were associated with the defendant, law enforcement followed up with an interview of Quinones, which led to obtaining a search warrant of his cellular telephone. Law enforcement located images that depicted obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children. The defendant was maintaining them in an online account. The images were cartoon or computer generated files, which depicted sexual abuse, sadomasochistic abuse, and bestiality involving minors. The defendant remains detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.

Quinones faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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.

Gainesville, Florida – Trai Williams, 27, of Gainesville, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charge.

Williams appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida.

If convicted, Williams faces 10 years to Life imprisonment.          

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gainesville Police Department. 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 – Christopher Lamar Daniels, 47, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute multiple controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Daniels appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 8:15 am before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle in Tallahassee, Florida.

Daniels faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 10 years’, and up to life, imprisonment on the drug possession count, and a consecutive five years’ imprisonment for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. If his prior felony convictions are determined to qualify him as an Armed Career Criminal, Davis faces a minimum mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life, if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The case is being jointly 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 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 – Dustin Lemmon Carpio, 33, of New York, New York, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, use of a counterfeit access device, possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, use of a false passport, and aggravated identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.

Carpio appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Carpio faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud count; up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the use of a counterfeit access device, possession of 15 or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices, and use of a false passport counts; and a mandatory two years’ imprisonment consecutive to any other sentence on the aggravated identity theft count.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.

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

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 – Deontae David Bernard Watkins, 43, of Perry, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of possession with intent to distribute multiple illegal drugs, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Watkins appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

Watkins faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of 10 years’, and up to life, imprisonment on the drug possession counts, and a consecutive five years’ imprisonment for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. He also faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Perry Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 – Dominique J. Stanberry, 33, of Pensacola, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging her with two counts of wire fraud involving Small Business Administration Paycheck Protection Program funds. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.

Stanberry appeared for her arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon, in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026 at 8:30 am before United States District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.

If convicted, Stanberry faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes and Thomas S.P. Geeker 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 Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

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 – Tiffani Danielle Harris, 35, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Methamphetamine is a scourge on our communities, but this defendant sought to profit off the deadly, destructive drug and will now spend years in federal prison. This successful prosecution is yet another win under Operation Take Back America, which was launched based upon the promise by President Donald J. Trump that we would devote the full might of the Department of Justice toward dismantling the drug trafficking schemes that have plagued our communities for far too long. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve safe, drug-free streets, and that is exactly what my office will deliver with more successful prosecutions like this.”

Court documents reflect that on February 6, 2025, a Pensacola Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by Matthew Murillo and Tiffani Harris. During the traffic stop, a narcotics K9 conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of contraband. The vehicle was searched and approximately 112 grams of methamphetamine was located, as well as a scale and other narcotics paraphernalia. Murillo’s and Harris’s phones were seized, and subsequent searches of each device uncovered multiple conversations between Harris and Murillo involving narcotics. The conversations showed Harris and Murillo worked together to buy and sell methamphetamine in the weeks leading up to their arrest. Murillo is scheduled for jury trial on July 20, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.

This case was a joint investigation by Pensacola Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson 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.

Gainesville, Florida – Michael Theondra Mozell, Jr., 32, of Williston, Florida, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.   

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “With this successful prosecution, another dangerous criminal will be kept off our streets. President Donald J. Trump and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche launched Operation Take Back America to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward protecting our communities from violent criminals, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute cases like this to deliver on that promise.”

Court documents reflect that during the course of a traffic stop in Gainesville, Florida, a .25 caliber pistol, five grams of marijuana, and drug paraphernalia were seized from the defendant’s vehicle. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition as he has prior felony convictions for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, and possession of cocaine.  

“This case is a testament to the skilled, proactive work of our deputies and the strong partnership we share with the U.S. Department of Justice,” said Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott. “Through coordinated efforts, a repeat violent felon who once again chose to illegally possess a firearm has been held accountable and removed from our streets. This outcome reflects our unwavering commitment to public safety and ensuring that those who pose a continued threat to our community face meaningful consequences.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 – Edward Blake Langford, 42, of Winder, Georgia, has been indicted in federal court for attempted enticement of a minor. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Langford appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Judge Mark Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Langford faces a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The case is being jointly 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.

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 – Christy Cody Holgate, 49, and Kim Demetrius Benson, 52, have been indicted in federal court. Both were charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail theft. Also, Holgate was charged with four counts of theft of mail and Benson was charged with one count of theft of mail. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Holgate and Benson appeared in federal court for their arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 2, 2026, before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Holgate and Benson face a maximum of five years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit mail theft. Each count of theft of mail carries a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.              

This case was jointly investigated by the Tallahassee Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service. 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.

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 – Tamal W. Jenkins, 20, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for interstate threatening communication with intent to extort. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the brave men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines in the fight against crime. They deserve our gratitude and respect for placing themselves in harm’s way every day to keep our communities safe. As this case demonstrates, anyone who harms or threatens to harm a law enforcement officer will be aggressively prosecuted by my office and held accountable.”

Court documents reveal that, in July 2025, the Pensacola Police Department arrested suspects during a homicide investigation. Within days of the arrest, one of the responsible Pensacola Police Detectives received an electronic text message threatening to kill the Detective if she did not release the suspects who are now facing homicide charges.  Through legal process and electronic investigative techniques, law enforcement identified Jenkins as the person who made the threat against the Detective for acting in the course of her official duties.

Jenkins imprisonment will be followed by three years of federal supervised release.  Jenkins also faces a violation of prior state-ordered probation for firearm and drug offenses.

Pensacola Police Chief Eric Winstrom said: “Threats of violence against those upholding the law cannot be tolerated. The Pensacola Police Department is grateful to our federal partners for recognizing the gravity of this incident and ensuring Mr. Jenkins is held accountable.”

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Pensacola Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David L. Goldberg.

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 and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that nine illegal aliens were convicted of federal immigration crimes in the month of March.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our federal immigration laws are not mere suggestions, and presence in the United States is reserved only for those who enter our country the right way in compliance with those laws. The U.S. citizens in the Northern District of Florida have a right to expect their government to secure our international borders and rigidly enforce our laws that are designed to keep our country safe, and that is exactly what my office will continue to do by aggressively prosecuting anyone who violates our immigration laws.”

According to court records, nine previously indicted defendants were convicted in the month of March for being unlawfully present in the country after a prior removal. The illegal aliens convicted in the month of March include:

• Benancio Cuyuch-Pelico, 34, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in October 2013. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 27, 2026.
• Santos Gonon, 25 of Guatemala, who was previously removed in May 2019. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 21, 2026.
• Pablo Cuyuch-Garcia, 35, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in May 2011. He was encountered in Escambia County on January 26, 2026.
• Gordolias Perez-Ramirez, 32, of Guatemala, who was previously removed in February 2018. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 1, 2026.
• Antonio Isidro-Lopez, 44, of Honduras, who was previously removed in January 2025. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 5, 2026.
• Nicholas Mencho-Lucas, 43, of Mexico, who was previously removed in June 2011. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on September 21, 2025.
• Kenji Bonilla-Cubas, 30, of Honduras, who was previously removed in February 2020. He was encountered in Escambia County on February 5, 2026.
• Juan Hernandez-Cruz, 33, of Mexico, who was previously removed in April 2015. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on February 15, 2026.
• Pedro Humberto Vasquez-Guerra, of El Salvador, who was previously removed in October 2017. He was encountered in Okaloosa County on December 9, 2025.

The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Naval Air Station Police, the Pensacola Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office

Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes, Thomas S.P. Geeker, Brooke A. DiSalvo, Tyler Fleming, Christopher C. Patterson, Jeffrey M. Tharp 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.

Tallahassee, Florida – Marlo G. Davis, 47, of Havana, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Davis appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

Davis faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years, on the drug possession count, and a consecutive five years’ imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. If his prior felony convictions are determined to qualify him as an Armed Career Criminal, Davis faces a minimum mandatory 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life, if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The case is being jointly 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 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 and Gainesville – Today, United States Attorney John P. Heekin announced that 14 previously deported illegal aliens have been separately indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal reentry into the United States in the month of March.

According to court records, the 14 illegal aliens indicted in the month of March include:

• Osman Guerrero-Torres, 45, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Alachua County in January 2026, after previously being deported in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2016, and 2021. Trial is scheduled for April 29, 2026, at 8:30am in Gainesville, Florida, before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Allen C. Winsor.
• Jairo Calel Vicente, 30, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2025 and 2026. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Romeo Escalon, 44, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2012. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at 2:30 pm in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon.
• Juan Hernandez-Cruz, 33, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2015. Sentencing took place on March 24, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
• Jose Rodas-Castillo, 37, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2016. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Joel Perez Vasquez, 42, of Guatemala, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported twice in 2013. Sentencing took place on April 8, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.
• Ricardo Castrejon Lucatero, 31, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Santa Rosa County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2018. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Darlin Alvan-Galdamez, 32, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2019. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Anibal Murcia-Barrera, 27, of Honduras, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Okaloosa County in March 2026, after previously being deported in 2017. Trial is scheduled for May 4, 2026, at 8:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• Santos Gomez-Diaz, 41, of Mexico, allegedly reentered the United States illegally and was located in Walton County in September 2022, after previously being deported in 2013 and 2017. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Rodolfo Garcia Martinez, 38, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents and reentered the United States illegally. The defendant was located in Escambia County in February 2026, after previously being deported in 2009, 2014, and 2017. A change of plea hearing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 11:30 am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon.
• Luis Lopez Lopez, 27, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.
• Ismael Martinez Domingo, 31, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:30am in Pensacola, Florida, before U.S. District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.
• William Gary Perez Perez, 23, of Guatemala, allegedly possessed or used fraudulent documents in February 2026. Sentencing took place on April 8, 2026, in Pensacola, Florida.

The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Guerrero-Torres faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine pursuant to allegations of prior convictions qualifying for an increased maximum sentence. The penalty for possession or use of fraudulent employment documents is a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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

The cases involved investigations by Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with the assistance of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Naval Air Station Police, the Pensacola Police Department, Fort Walton Beach Police Department, Florida Highway Patrol, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office

Assistant United States Attorneys Alicia H. Forbes, Thomas S.P. Geeker, Brooke A. DiSalvo, Tyler Fleming, Christopher C. Patterson, Jeffrey M. Tharp 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.

Tallahassee, Florida – Vertis McNeil Robinson, 48, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his conviction of attempted receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Sexual predators have more ways than ever before to prey upon children online, but our excellent state and federal law enforcement partners are relentlessly pursuing those sick individuals to keep our kids safe.  My office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who seeks to sexually exploit and victimize children through the internet and social media platforms.”

Court documents reflect that Robinson was arrested as part of a joint law enforcement agency operation in the Tallahassee area to locate individuals using the internet to locate and sexually exploit minors. Robinson made contact with an individual he believed was a minor and engaged in discussions to meet the minor to engage in sexual acts in exchange for cash. Robinson asked the minor to send a sexually explicit image during the discussions.

After serving his term of imprisonment, Robinson will have to register as a sexual offender.

The case involved a joint investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

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 – Forrest Alan Price, 31, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession with intent to distribute synthetic cathinone and five grams or more of methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge.

Price appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Tallahassee, Florida.

Price faces a minimum mandatory prison sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to 40 years, on the drug possession count, and a consecutive five years’ imprisonment, up to life, for carrying a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime. He also faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment if convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon.

The case is being jointly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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 – Grant Bieber, 45, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession of ammunition 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: “Keeping our communities safe remains the highest priority, and removing dangerous criminals from our streets is how we will achieve that goal. I truly appreciate the excellent investigative work by our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who are on the front lines in the fight against crime, and my office will continue to back up their efforts with aggressive prosecutions to hold criminals accountable.”

Court documents reflect that on October 28, 2024, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Cantonment, Florida. When deputies arrived, the defendant and a woman were found in the woman’s vehicle outside of the residence. The defendant’s truck was parked near the woman’s vehicle. Based on the facts of the investigation, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to search the defendant’s truck, and thereafter found a box of .22-caliber ammunition and a wallet containing his Alabama Driver License in the center console. The defendant had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, and was therefore barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.

The sentence was the result of a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Tharp.

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 – Jose Guadelupe Escobar, 39, of Honduras, was found guilty by a federal jury of illegal reentry by a removed alien. The verdict was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Over the past two decades, this criminal alien showed a brazen disregard for our national immigration laws through his repeated, illegal re-entries after being removed from our country. More alarmingly, he admitted in sworn testimony at trial to a history of violence, both while illegally within this country and while residing in other countries. This dangerous criminality cannot be ignored. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute criminal alien defendants like this to ensure our borders remain secure and our nation’s immigration laws are fully enforced.”

Trial testimony and evidence demonstrated that the defendant had first been encountered by the Border Patrol in September 2004, after he illegally entered the country by wading across the Rio Grande River. The defendant failed to appear in immigration court on July 7, 2005, and was ordered removed from the country by an immigration judge. The defendant escaped notice by immigration officials until January 5, 2009, when he was encountered in a jail in Merrifield, Virginia, after being arrested for attempted murder. The defendant was removed from the United States on February 17, 2009. The defendant illegally reentered the United States and was encountered again in Los Angeles, California on December 30, 2013. The defendant was removed back to Honduras a second time on May 1, 2014. On October 22, 2025, the defendant was encountered in Tallahassee after previously being removed from the United States in 2009 and 2014.

While testifying at trial, the defendant admitted that he had previously been imprisoned in Honduras, and had spent several years in jail in Mexico on suspicion of murder.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 25, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Robert L. Hinkle.

Escobar faces up to 2 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

This conviction was the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. 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.

Pensacola, Florida – Kelvin Henriques Jr., 32, of Los Angeles, California, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today.

Henriques appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 18, 2026, at 9:00 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II.

If convicted, Henriques faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment up to life in prison for the drug count and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the money laundering count.

The case is the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. 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 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.

Tallahassee, Florida – Justin William Gifford, 26, of Enterprise, Alabama, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee following a two-day trial on one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to minors, and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said, “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners, and the excellent trial presentation by my Assistant U.S. Attorneys, this sexual predator will be held accountable for his attempts to sexually exploit a child. Keeping our kids safe is one of my highest priorities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to stop deviants like this defendant from sexually victimizing children and exploiting them online.”

During the two-day jury trial, court records and evidence showed that Gifford was identified during a multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted in June 2025, after he responded to an online advertisement on a website known for escort services.  Over a two-day period, Gifford engaged in increasingly sexually explicit text and telephone conversations with an undercover investigator posing as a 15-year-old child. During the conversations, Gifford sent a photograph of an erect penis to the child, then planned to meet the minor in Panama City Beach to engage in sexual activity.  Gifford was electronically tracked travelling from his home in Enterprise, Alabama, to Panama City Beach, where he was arrested upon his arrival at the agreed location.  After his arrest, forensic analysis of Gifford’s seized cellular telephone verified the communications and the obscene image were sent by him from his phone.

Gifford faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, and is scheduled for sentencing in federal court before United States District Judge Mark A. Walker on June 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Tallahassee, Florida.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Panama City Beach Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric K Mountin and 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.

Tallahassee, Florida – Matthew Lee Keith, 41, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to seventeen years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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 requires us to remove serial offenders, like this defendant, from our streets for extended periods of time. My office is up to the task, and this successful prosecution is yet another win under the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America initiative.  As President Donald J. Trump has made clear, the American people deserve safe, crime-free streets, and that is exactly what my office and our state and federal law enforcement partners will deliver with more cases like this.”

Court documents reflect that in August 2024, as part of an ongoing drug investigation, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle occupied by the defendant in Panama City, Florida. During the traffic stop, a trained K-9 unit alerted to the presence of drugs within the vehicle, and a subsequent search yielded fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, alprazolam, a loaded handgun, as well as other items indicative of drug distribution. The defendant is a serial felon with numerous prior felony convictions for crimes including tampering with a witness, carrying a concealed weapon, battery, trafficking methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of heroin, and possession of cocaine.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.

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 – Keagan Garrett Bohlinger, 26, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on eleven counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.

Bohlinger appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for May 26, 2026, at 8:30 am, before District Judge Mark E. Walker in Tallahassee, Florida.

If convicted, Bohlinger faces a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment on each production of child pornography count. Bohlinger also faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession of child pornography count.

The case is being jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

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.