Southern District of Florida
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
U.S. Citizen arrested for traveling to Haiti with intent to sexually abuse minorsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A U.S. citizen made his initial appearance in Colorado last week to face a charge for traveling to Haiti with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18.
According to court documents and information disclosed in open court, between 2006 and 2010, Michael Geilenfeld, 71, originally of Iowa, is alleged to have traveled from Miami International Airport to Haiti multiple times to engage in sexual acts with minors. While in Haiti, Geilenfeld operated the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys, a residence which served economically disadvantaged children in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Multiple individuals who lived at the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys reported that Geilenfeld sexually abused them when they were under the age of 18.
Geilenfeld was arrested on Jan. 20 in Colorado. He is charged with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Geilenfeld’s detention hearing is scheduled to resume on Feb. 1.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
HSI Miami and the FBI Miami are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk and Trial Attorneys Jessica Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with related information or who may have been a victim or witness should contact HSI at 877-4-HSI TIP (877-447-4847).
Photo of Geilenfeld in 2024.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 24-cr-20008.
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U.S. Citizen Arrested for Traveling to Haiti with Intent to Sexually Abuse MinorsRead the Press Release
A U.S. citizen made his initial appearance in Colorado last week to face a charge for traveling to Haiti with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18.
According to court documents and information disclosed in open court, between 2006 and 2010, Michael Geilenfeld, 71, originally of Iowa, is alleged to have traveled from Miami International Airport to Haiti multiple times to engage in sexual acts with minors. While in Haiti, Geilenfeld operated the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys, a residence which served economically disadvantaged children in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. Multiple individuals who lived at the St. Joseph’s Home for Boys reported that Geilenfeld sexually abused them when they were under the age of 18.
Geilenfeld was arrested on Jan. 20 in Colorado. He is charged with one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Geilenfeld’s detention hearing is scheduled to resume on Feb. 1.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
HSI and the FBI are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Jessica Urban and Eduardo Palomo of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lacee Monk for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with related information or who may have been a victim or witness should contact HSI at 877-4-HSI TIP (877-447-4847).
Photo of Geilenfeld in 2024.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ciudadano estadounidense aprehendido por viajar a Haití con la intención de abusar sexualmente de menoresRead the Press Release
La semana pasada, un ciudadano estadounidense compareció inicialmente en Colorado para responder a un cargo de viajar a Haití con la intención de participar en conducta sexual ilícita con una persona menor de 18 años.
Según los documentos del tribunal e información revelada en la audiencia pública, se alega que entre 2006 y 2010, Michael Geilenfeld, 71, oriundo de Iowa, viajó múltiples veces del Aeropuerto Internacional de Miami a Haití a fin de participar en actos sexuales con menores de edad. Mientras estaba en Haití, Geilenfeld operaba el hogar de niños St. Joseph's Home for Boys [Maison Saint-Joseph], una residencia que prestaba servicios a niños económicamente desventajados en y alrededor de la ciudad capital de Puerto Príncipe. Varias personas que vivían en el St. Joseph's Home for Boys informaron que Geilenfeld abusó sexualmente de ellos cuando eran menores de 18 años.
El 20 de enero, Geilenfeld fue aprehendido en Colorado. Se le imputa un cargo de viajar con la intención de participar en conducta sexual ilícita. De ser declarado culpable, enfrenta una pena máxima de 30 años en prisión.
La audiencia de detención de Geilenfeld está programada para reanudar el 1 de febrero.
La Fiscal General Auxiliar en Funciones Nicole M. Argentieri de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, el Fiscal de los EE. UU. Markenzy Lapointe del Distrito Sur de Florida, el Agente Especial a Cargo Anthony Salisbury de la oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) de Miami y el Agente Especial a Cargo Jeffrey B. Veltri de la oficina de campo del FBI en Miami hicieron el anuncio.
HSI y el FBI investigan el caso.
Los abogados litigantes Jessica Urban y Eduardo Palomo de la Sección de Explotación Infantil y Obscenidad de la División Penal y la Fiscal Auxiliar de los EE. UU. Lacee Monk del Distrito Sur de Florida procesan el caso.
Este caso fue entablado como parte del Proyecto Niñez Segura, una iniciativa nacional para combatir la epidemia de explotación y abuso sexual de menores, iniciada en mayo de 2006 por el Departamento de Justicia. Encabezado por las fiscalías de los EE. UU. y la Sección de Explotación Infantil y Obscenidad, el Proyecto Niñez Segura potencia los recursos federales, estatales y locales para ubicar, aprehender y procesar de mejor manera a las personas que explotan a menores por internet, así como para identificar y rescatar a las víctimas. Para obtener más información sobre el Proyecto Niñez Segura, visite www.justice.gov/psc.
Cualquiera que tenga información relacionada o pueda haber sido víctima o testigo debe comunicarse con HSI al 877-4-HSI TIP (877-447-4847).
Foto de Geilenfeld en 2024.
Una acusación formal es meramente una alegación. Se presume que todos los acusados son inocentes hasta tanto se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de ley.
Un ciudadano extranjero se declara culpable de haber secuestrado y agredido a soldados del ejército de EE. UU. en ColombiaRead the Press Release
Un ciudadano colombiano se declaró culpable hoy de haber secuestrado y agredido a dos soldados del ejército de EE. UU. quienes estaban rindiendo su servicio temporal en Bogotá, Colombia.
Según indican los documentos del tribunal, Jeffersson Arango Castellanos, 36, y sus coconspiradores identificaron como objetivo, incapacitaron y secuestraron a dos soldados de EE. UU. en Bogotá. Durante la tarde del 5 de marzo de 2020, las dos víctimas estaban en un distrito de entretenimiento en Bogotá. Ellos visitaron un bar, donde Arango y sus coconspiradores incapacitaron a las dos víctimas poniendo drogas, incluso benzodiacepinas, en sus bebidas. Ellos entonces secuestraron a las víctimas y les quitaron sus carteras, tarjetas de débito, tarjetas de crédito y teléfonos celulares. Arango y sus coconspiradores utilizaron la tarjeta de crédito de una de las víctimas y la tarjeta de débito de la otra víctima para hacer compras y retirar dinero. Las dos víctimas perdieron el conocimiento hasta el siguiente día, momento en el cual ya habían sido separadas.
Arango se declaró culpable de secuestrar a una persona protegida internacionalmente, concierto para secuestrar a una persona protegida internacionalmente, agredir a una persona protegida internacionalmente y concierto para agredir a una persona protegida internacionalmente. Aún no se ha establecido una fecha de imposición de sentencia. Un juez del tribunal de distrito federal determinará cualquier sentencia después de considerar las Directrices de Imposición de Sentencias de EE. UU. y otros factores reglamentarios.
En mayo de 2023, Arango fue extraditado de Colombia a Estados Unidos de conformidad con una solicitud de extradición de EE. UU. La Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales de la Oficina del Departamento de Justicia, la Oficina del Agregado Judicial de la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas de la División Penal en Bogotá y el Servicio de Alguaciles de EE. UU. colaboraron con las autoridades del orden público de Colombia para asegurar el arresto y la extradición de Arango.
La fiscal general adjunta en funciones Nicole M. Argentieri de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, el fiscal de EE. UU. Markenzy Lapointe del Distrito Sur de Florida y el agente especial a cargo, Jeffrey B. Veltri de la Oficina de Campo del FBI en Miami hicieron el anuncio.
Los abogados litigantes Clayton O’Connor y Elizabeth Nielsen de la Sección de Derechos Humanos y Procesamientos Especiales de la División Penal y la fiscal auxiliar de EE. UU. Bertila L. Fernández para el Distrito Sur de Florida están procesando el caso.
Last member of robbery crew targeting shoppers pleads guiltyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 24, Wayne Tarpley, 30, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty for his involvement in a series of armed robberies targeting retail shoppers.
Tarpley’s co-defendants, Tyreke Lafane Jackson, 23, and Da’Vontae Bobby McCrae, 23, both of Miami, previously pleaded guilty. Tarpley, Jackson, and McCrae pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
According to the agreed upon factual proffers, on Aug. 19, 2022, McCrae and Tarpley discussed going “Downtown [to] lurk the jewelers [and] see who walk in with a big bag obvious money … and follow [them] or if it’s sweet get em where they stand.” Later that day, Jackson crashed a car into a vehicle leaving the Design District. McCrae and Tarpley got out of the car and robbed the victims, at gunpoint, of a watch they had just purchased. Tarpley and McCrae also admitted their involvement in a Sept. 13, 2022, robbery where they chased, tackled, pistol whipped and robbed a victim who was walking to an event.
Tarpley is scheduled to be sentenced on Apr. 23. Jackson and McCrae are scheduled to be sentenced on March 25, and Feb. 23, respectively, before U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams. The defendants face up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department (MPD), and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, announced the guilty pleas.
MPD and ATF Miami Field Division investigated the case with assistance from the Miami-Dade Police Department.
Lapointe thanked the State Attorney’s Office for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arielle Klepach and Hayden P. O’Byrne are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the community, to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Anyone with information related to possible gun crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20132.
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Lake Worth woman and man convicted of sex trafficking two young girlsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Lake Worth woman and a man pleaded guilty in federal district court to four counts of sex trafficking two minor girls on Jan. 23 and Jan. 9, respectively.
As part of their guilty pleas, Maria Eugenia Barrios Calero, 44, admitted that she planned with Ricardo Tobon Flores, 44, for Flores to pay her for having sex with two minor girls at a motel in Lake Worth, Florida.
On Aug. 6, 2023, a local motel owner observed two young females in a hotel room sitting on a bed, while Flores argued with another male about paying for the motel room and Calero stood by. The motel owner contacted law enforcement while Calero and Flores drove off in a car with the two young females. Calero, Flores and the young females then returned to the motel. Law enforcement officers from the Palm Beach County Human Trafficking Task Force, who had responded to the scene, confirmed that Flores and Calero had engaged in commercial sex trafficking of the two minor females. Law enforcement officers discovered that Flores had paid $200 to have sex with both underage females and had coordinated the transaction with Calero, who was to take $50 from each girl for having sex with Flores.
Calero’s sentencing is scheduled for April 2, at 11:00 a.m. Flores’s sentencing is scheduled for March 14, at 11:00 a.m., both before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in West Palm Beach. Calero and Flores each face up to life in prison, lifetime supervised release, and payment of restitution to his victims.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced the guilty plea.
HSI West Palm Beach Office and PBSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80181.
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Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in ColombiaRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Colombian national pleaded guilty today, in Miami, Florida, to kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
According to court documents, Jeffersson Arango Castellanos, 36, and his co-conspirators targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogota. On the evening of March 5, 2020, the two victims were in an entertainment district in Bogota. They visited a pub, where Arango and his co-conspirators incapacitated the two victims by putting drugs, including benzodiazepines, in their drinks. They then kidnapped the victims and took their wallets, debit cards, credits cards, and cell phones. Arango and his co-conspirators used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. The two victims lost consciousness until the following day, by which point they had been separated.
Arango pleaded guilty to kidnapping an internationally protected person, conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person, assaulting an internationally protected person, and conspiracy to assault an internationally protected person. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In May 2023, Arango was extradited from Colombia to the United States pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota, and U.S. Marshals Service worked with Colombian law enforcement authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Arango.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila L. Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-CR-20173.
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Foreign National Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping and Assaulting U.S. Army Soldiers in ColombiaRead the Press Release
A Colombian national pleaded guilty today to kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. Army soldiers who were on temporary duty in Bogota, Colombia.
According to court documents, Jeffersson Arango Castellanos, 36, and his co-conspirators targeted, incapacitated, and kidnapped two U.S. soldiers in Bogota. On the evening of March 5, 2020, the two victims were in an entertainment district in Bogota. They visited a pub, where Arango and his co-conspirators incapacitated the two victims by putting drugs, including benzodiazepines, in their drinks. They then kidnapped the victims and took their wallets, debit cards, credits cards, and cell phones. Arango and his co-conspirators used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. The two victims lost consciousness until the following day, by which point they had been separated.
Arango pleaded guilty to kidnapping an internationally protected person, conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person, assaulting an internationally protected person, and conspiracy to assault an internationally protected person. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
In May 2023, Arango was extradited from Colombia to the United States pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota, and U.S. Marshals Service worked with Colombian law enforcement authorities to secure the arrest and extradition of Arango.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila L. Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
Former federal agent sentenced to prison for witness tampering and obstructing justiceRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 24, a former federal agent was sentenced to prison for his role in an operation that involved illegal oxycodone distribution, federal witness tampering, and obstruction of justice.
Alberico Ahias Crespo, 48, formerly a special agent with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), was convicted at trial of three substantive counts of witness tampering, conspiracy to commit witness tampering, and conspiracy to obstruct justice. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles sentenced Crespo to 97 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to evidence introduced at trial, during the time of the criminal activity, Crespo worked as part of the South Florida Health Care Fraud Strike Force, made up of interagency teams of federal investigators and prosecutors focused on combating health care fraud and health care-related narcotics trafficking in South Florida. Crespo used his position as an agent to protect and advance a multi-year oxycodone trafficking scheme and impede related federal health care fraud investigations, including investigations in which Crespo himself was involved.
From November 2016 to July 2020, previously convicted patient recruiters Jorge Diaz Gutierrez, Yandre Trujillo Hernandez, and Anais Lorenzo, were part of the illegal oxycodone trafficking scheme involving patients, pharmacies, and medical clinics. The patient recruiters sent patients to selected medical clinics to obtain oxycodone prescriptions that the patients did not need. Once the patients obtained the prescriptions, they would give them to the patient recruiters in exchange for money. The patients would fill the prescriptions at pharmacies selected by the recruiters and sell the oxycodone pills (at a mark-up) to third party street dealers.
Diaz Gutierrez and Crespo were close friends and associates, including while Diaz Gutierrez was a criminal target of the Strike Force. Crespo used his position as an HHS-OIG special agent working on health care fraud cases to protect Diaz Gutierrez’s oxycodone operation. Crespo did this by monitoring Strike Force investigations involving Diaz Gutierrez, accessing information, disclosing sensitive law enforcement information to Diaz Gutierrez, updating Diaz Gutierrez on the progress of health care fraud investigations, and coaching Diaz Gutierrez on how to lie to investigators and tamper with evidence.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of HHS-OIG made the announcement.
Lapointe commended the investigative efforts of FBI and HHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. McLaughlin and Christopher Clark prosecuted this case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 21-cr-20005.
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During Human Trafficking Prevention Month Law Enforcement Implores the Public to Protect Your Children from Sex Traffickers and Other PredatorsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida and our law enforcement partners reaffirm our commitment to combatting forced labor, domestic servitude, and sex trafficking of adults and the most vulnerable members of society, our children. Our commitment does not end there. We continue to prosecute human traffickers and child predators, empower victims, and prevent the proliferation of these abhorrent crimes. But we need the public’s support to help us protect our children from exploitation.
“Attentive and engaged parents, teachers, family and friends are our first-line defense against human traffickers and child predators,” stated U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “As your U.S. Attorney and a concerned parent, I implore you to do your best to monitor your children’s on-line presence, social media communications, and use of electronic devices. Given how easy it is to access the internet and social media, I recognize how challenging it can be to protect those we love. But, hopefully, by talking to our children, educating them about internet safety and stranger danger, and keeping an eye on our youth, we can ward off the perils of human trafficking, sextortion, and other deviant means of child exploitation.”
“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is deeply committed to combating human trafficking and child exploitation through the strategic use of its extensive authorities, global presence, and strong collaborations with government and non-government entities. Our mission is to tirelessly pursue the safe recovery of victims, apprehend perpetrators, and safeguard our most vulnerable against criminal exploitation,” said Anthony Salisbury, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Miami. “We urge parents to remain vigilant, engage in open conversations with their children, and educate them on the importance of personal safety. Together, we can create a shield of protection around our children and ensure their well-being.”
Anyone can become a victim. The Southern District of Florida strives to safeguard all children and vulnerable populations. To help protect your children from human traffickers and predators, law enforcement encourages the public to:
- Tell your children to avoid communicating with strangers online.
- Monitor your children’s chats, messages, and communications with people, particularly through gaming systems.
- Explain to your children that sometimes predators will offer them gifts in exchange for them taking and sending sexually explicit images or videos. Sometimes, the predators will make threats. Parents should explain to their children that these are strategies abusers use to get what they want, and if this happens, to not feel guilty and immediately tell a parent or other adult.
- To the extent possible, educate yourself about the internet tools your children use. For example, set up your child’s specific profile on cellphones, iPads, and computer devices to limit the websites and content your child can access, and have a weekly “usage” sheet sent to you for that profile. Make sure your children use privacy settings to restrict access to their online profiles.
- Check your children’s social media and gaming profiles and posts. Talk to your children about what is appropriate to say or share.
- Explain to your children that once images or comments post online, people can share them.
- Explain that everyone in the world can see what they publicly post on the internet, and they can never completely erase posted images and comments.
- Encourage children to choose appropriate screen names and create strong passwords. Parents should be aware of all passwords and discourage children from keeping their passwords a secret.
- Make it a rule with your children that they cannot arrange to meet up with someone they have met online without your knowledge and supervision.
- Know your children’s friends and whereabouts.
- Talk to your children about the dangers of talking to, meeting, and traveling with strangers.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)’s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alongside its law enforcement partners, to include FBI and HSI, have prosecuted many individuals in the Southern District of Florida who have used the internet to traffick and exploit children. Below are just a few examples:
- In April 2022, a man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for enticing and coercing young girls, as young as 13 years old, into producing and transmitting sexually explicit photographs and videos of themselves. The defendant contacted his victims on social media, offered them money for the photos and videos, and threatened to post sharing nude images and videos with their family and friends if they did not comply with his demands. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/broward-man-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-production-child-pornography.
- In November 2022, a man was sentenced to 25 years in prison for sex trafficking a minor and adult female. Evidence showed during trial that the defendant drove the victims from Atlanta to Miami to sell themselves for sex during Super Bowl LIV. The defendant also attempted to recruit other victims on social media. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/atlanta-sex-trafficker-sentenced-25-years-prison-offenses-during-super-bowl-liv-miami-0.
- In December 2022, a man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for extorting four minor females into producing sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and sending it to him over a social media application. The defendant threatened to post the sexually explicit material on social media and pornography websites if they did not continue to send more. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/opa-locka-man-sentenced-30-years-prison-producing-child-sexual-abuse-material.
- In December 2022, a former Florida Atlantic University student was sentenced to 24 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material of a 14-year-old girl. According to court records, the defendant used social media applications to entice nine minor females ranging in ages from 13 to 17 to create sexually explicit videos. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/former-florida-atlantic-university-student-sentenced-prison-producing-child-sexual.
- In December 2023, a man was sentenced to over 19 years in prison, after previously pleading guilty to enticing a minor victim to engage in criminal sexual activity. Among other criminal conduct, the defendant sent sexually explicit communications to the minor victim through the Snapchat messaging service. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/colorado-man-sentenced-more-19-years-prison-enticing-minor-engage-criminal-sexual.
- In November 2023, a man pled guilty to producing visual depictions involving sexual exploitation of minors. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 27. For more information regarding this case visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/lake-placid-man-pleads-guilty-producing-child-pornography.
“The protection of children is among our nation’s highest obligations. Within our district, the prosecution of those who sexually exploit, target, and engage in the trafficking of children continues to be the utmost priority,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “Our Office, alongside our law enforcement partners, will continue to identify and bring to justice those individuals who carry out these heinous crimes against the most innocent among us - our children.”
To enhance awareness and educate the community about human trafficking, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida released a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that can be found at https://youtu.be/XKHVMKkvn2E.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously. To learn more about the U.S. Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking visit www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Many of our Office’s cases are brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate better, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, we encourage the public to please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Opa-locka man convicted of online solicitation of two young girlsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 23, an Opa-locka man pleaded guilty in federal district court to two counts of online solicitation of a minor to commit a sexual act.
As part of his guilty plea, Malik Hosea Atkinson, 25, also known online as “@jpmon8,” “@Mall9488673”and “unknown_value#5861” admitted that in 2022 and 2023 he met two teenage girls online in a social networking application. Atkinson convinced the two young girls to meet him in person. To meet the first victim, he drove from Miami-Dade County to Palm Beach County to have sex with her multiple times in his white van. To meet the second victim, he drove to Broward County to have sex with her. Atkinson’s online account and phone revealed the sexual context of Atkinson’s communications with the two minor victims and confirmed that he had video recorded himself sexually exploiting them.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 16 at 3:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg in West Palm Beach. Atkinson faces up to life in prison, lifetime supervised release, and payment of restitution to his victims.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
FBI Miami, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller is prosecuting it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80205.
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Miami cryptocurrency exchanger pleads guilty to running unlicensed money transmitter businessRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The owner of a Miami-based digital currency exchange business pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1960.
Raul Rodriguez, aka raultiovigia, 43, of Miami, Florida, was in the business of converting cash into bitcoin and other digital currency in exchange for a fee. Rodriguez provided these services to the public through an online digital currency exchange platform known as “LocalBitcoins.com.”
According to his plea agreement, Rodriguez exchanged at least $5,047,462 in digital currency from 2016 through 2022; during the first two years of that period, he was the highest-volume trader of digital currency on the LocalBitcoins.com platform in the State of Florida. Rodriguez further admitted that his customers included an online narcotics trafficker and a professional money launderer, both of whom were previously prosecuted in the Southern District of Florida.
Rodriguez’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 2nd at 11:00 a.m. in Miami. He faces up to five years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office, announced the guilty plea.
IRS-CI Miami investigated the case with assistance from FBI, Miami Field Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Browne is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marx Calderon and Emily Stone are handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-20474.
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Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Running Child Sexual Abuse Material WebsiteRead the Press Release
An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday to life in prison for his involvement with a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, William Michael Spearman, 58, of Madison, was the lead administrator of the website, which had been operating for many years. The website included a section devoted to the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, a section devoted to images and videos depicting children being subjected to pain and torture, and a section devoted to avoiding detection by law enforcement, among others. As the lead administrator, Spearman managed numerous other “staff” members, directed them on how to help run the site, recommended other users for promotion, kept records of child sexual abuse material advertised and distributed over the site, presided over staff meetings, praised and scolded users, and counseled users and other managers about the functions and expectations of the website. Spearman also advertised and distributed over the website images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On June 12, 2023, Spearman pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. The following defendants have also been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement with the same website:
Defendant
Residence
Case Status
Selwyn David Rosenstein
Boynton Beach, Florida
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm Good
Silver Springs, Nevada
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston Boyles
Clarksville, Tennessee
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden Garrell
Raleigh, North Carolina
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison Martin
Tahuya, Washington
Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 2 in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Joseph Robert Stewart
Milton, Washington
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18 in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Trial Attorneys Kyle P. Reynolds and William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted this case.
Substantial assistance for these cases was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Western District of Wisconsin.
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 Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Running Child Sexual Abuse Material WebsiteRead the Press Release
MIAMI – An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday, in Ft. Pierce, Florida, to life in prison for his involvement with a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse.
According to court documents, William Michael Spearman, 58, of Madison, was the lead administrator of the website, which had been operating for many years. The website included a section devoted to the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, a section devoted to images and videos depicting children being subjected to pain and torture, and a section devoted to avoiding detection by law enforcement, among others. As the lead administrator, Spearman managed numerous other “staff” members, directed them on how to help run the site, recommended other users for promotion, kept records of child sexual abuse material advertised and distributed over the site, presided over staff meetings, praised and scolded users, and counseled users and other managers about the functions and expectations of the website. Spearman also advertised and distributed over the website images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.
On June 12, Spearman pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. The following defendants have also been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement with the same website:
Defendant
Residence
Case Status
Selwyn David Rosenstein
Boynton Beach, Florida
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Gregory Malcolm Good
Silver Springs, Nevada
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Robert Preston Boyles
Clarksville, Tennessee
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Matthew Branden Garrell
Raleigh, North Carolina
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense.
Joseph Addison Martin
Tahuya, Washington
Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2024, in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Joseph Robert Stewart
Milton, Washington
Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 18, 2024, in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Kyle P. Reynolds and William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted this case.
Substantial assistance for these cases was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Madison, Wisconsin; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, and Western District of Wisconsin.
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 Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
We encourage anyone who suspects or has information regarding trafficking of minors, sextortion, child pornography or any other means of child exploitation to immediately contact law enforcement. You can file a report on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)'s website at www.cybertipline.com, call 1-800-843-5678, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), or call 877-4-HSI TIP.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-CR-80173.
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Pembroke Pines man sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for armed bank robbery and carjackingRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 10, a Pembroke Pines man was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison after pleading guilty in November 2023 to two counts of armed bank robbery, one count of carjacking, and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On March 29, 2023, Edmanuel Victoria, 29, of Pembroke Pines, walked into a bank in Broward County and presented a note to one of the bank tellers that read: “Give money gun,” while he lifted his shirt to show he was carrying a black pistol in his waistband. The bank teller gave Victoria about $2,650 in cash. Victoria took the money and fled.
On June 5, 2023, Victoria stole—at gunpoint—a black Nissan Altima from a man who was sitting in the driver’s seat while the car was parked. Then, on June 7, 2023, Victoria attempted a second bank robbery, when he stole—again, at gunpoint—a currency bag from an employee of an armored truck company that was about to begin a cash pickup from a bank in Broward County. Victoria drove the stolen Nissan Altima away from the bank. Soon after, Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies and FBI agents located and arrested Victoria.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Chief of Police Kipp Shimeno of the Pembroke Pines Police Department announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith.
FBI Miami’s Violent Crimes and Fugitive Task Force and the Pembroke Pines Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Koffsky prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Delgado handled asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60125.
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Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Committing Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 11, Rodney Leroy Brown, 36, of Pompano Beach, Florida was sentenced by U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore to 324 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, after having been convicted by a trial jury of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
On March 18, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Brown – who had previously been convicted of multiple felony offenses, including burglary, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and grand theft – entered a convenience store located in Pompano Beach. Brown selected a soda bottle from the beverage cooler inside the store before surreptitiously walking around the counter to the register area. He then confronted the store clerk, who was behind the counter, and the clerk’s 5-year-old son. Brown brandished two firearms at both the clerk and child, threatening to kill them if they did not give him the money from the registers. In fear, the clerk complied. Brown grabbed money from the registers and then stole the clerk’s purse before fleeing the store.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, announced the sentence.
ATF Miami Field Division investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ajay J. Alexander and Catherine Koontz prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60101.
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Former Florida Keys Resident Detained Pending Trial for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 16, Eric Edward Cadogan, a/k/a “livelife4fun69,” 39, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, formerly of Marathon, Florida, was arraigned and ordered detained pending trial by U.S. Magistrate Judge Lurana S. Snow, in Key West, Florida on an indictment charging him with distributing child pornography.
According to allegations in the indictment and previously filed criminal complaint, and presented during court hearings, Cadogan uploaded and distributed child pornography using a social media messaging platform. Cadogan also offered to sell child pornography and said he had “100 of videos n pictures.” In messages with an online undercover agent, Cadogan indicated he had engaged in sexually explicit conduct with minor children.
This case is set for trial during the two-week period commencing Feb. 20, 2024. If convicted of the charge contained in the federal indictment, Cadogan faces a mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison, up to twenty years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the charges.
FBI Miami Key West Resident Agency investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine W. Guthrie is handling the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the PSC initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information regarding suspected child abuse (to include physical and sexual abuse) is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A criminal complaint and an indictment contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-mj-05020 and 23-CR-10017.
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Doctor convicted at trial for unlawfully dispensing controlled substancesRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 12, a Miami federal court jury convicted a doctor of conspiracy to unlawfully dispense and distribute controlled substances, and six counts of unlawfully dispensing controlled substances. The conviction followed a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge James I. Cohn.
Under federal law, a physician is authorized to dispense (prescribe) controlled substances only when there is a legitimate medical basis for doing so, and the dispensing is consistent with accepted standards of professional medical practice.
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, Osmin Morales, 72, of Weston, Florida, established a purported pain management clinic in which he issued prescriptions for controlled substances, principally oxycodone, morphine, and alprazolam (a tranquilizer commonly known by its brand name, Xanax) to most patients who sought them, without any appropriate medical basis. On many occasions, Doctor Morales issued prescriptions for controlled substances without examining the patients, often when he was not even present in the clinic. Morales also often pre-wrote many prescriptions for controlled substances and provided them to his office managers to hand out for cash payments of $250 to regular patients, with the purpose of unlawfully maximizing the clinic’s profits.
Some of Morales’s former patients testified during trial that they had often obtained prescriptions for oxycodone, morphine, and alprazolam from the office staff without seeing Morales. One patient’s mother testified that she had begged Morales to stop prescribing narcotics to her daughter, because she was becoming dysfunctional, but he continued prescribing them.
Medical records from Morales’s office described a number of medical examinations he had purportedly conducted of patients which described the patients’ symptoms and included Morales’s diagnoses for which he prescribed opioids to them. However, official records from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirmed that on many of the dates for those purported examinations, Morales had been out of the country. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent testified that Florida’s prescription drug monitoring program showed that during the time of the indictment, Morales had prescribed opioids to more than a thousand patients, most often the maximum available doses. The DEA agent also researched numerous patients by name and found that nearly one-third of them had criminal records relating to drug dealing.
A pain medicine expert witness testified that none of the patient medical records he had examined contained any proper medical basis for the use of opioids, such as oxycodone or morphine, nor any basis for the use of benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam. The pain medicine expert also testified that the combination of opioids and benzodiazepines that Morales regularly prescribed, both of which are central nervous system depressants, created an enhanced risk of overdose and death.
A former member of the Morales’s office staff testified that she had collected approximately $4,000 per day, in cash, from patients to whom Morales provided controlled substance prescriptions. On most of those days, Morales had not been present at the clinic.
Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17. He faces up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count and the same for each of the additional counts of unlawful dispensing.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA, Miami Field Division, announced the conviction.
DEA Miami Field Division investigated the case with assistance from CBP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Tamen and Theodore Joseph O’Brien are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Stone and Mitchell Hyman are handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-cr-20255.
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Armed Career Offender Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 12, Ernell Shaw, 47, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman, following his conviction at trial for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as an Armed Career Criminal. Upon his release from custody, Shaw was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
On March 8, 2022, detectives from the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) Crime Suppression Team and Violence Intervention Proactive Enforcement Response (V.I.P.E.R.) Unit observed the defendant driving a vehicle in Lauderhill, Florida. The vehicle was stopped because of numerous traffic violations and Shaw, once ordered out of the vehicle, was found in possession of a previously stolen and loaded Sig Sauer .380 caliber firearm, a loaded spare magazine, and narcotics.
According to the court record, Shaw has an extensive criminal history including twenty-eight prior arrests, and nine criminal convictions including three prior armed robbery with a firearm convictions, an aggravated battery with a firearm conviction, and multiple other violent crime convictions.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and BSO Sheriff Gregory Tony, announced the sentences imposed.
ATF Fort Lauderdale Field Office and BSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marc Anton prosecuted it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Grove is handling asset forfeiture.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the community, to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-CR-60021-Altman.
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Jury Convicts Drug Dealer of a Controlled Substance Conspiracy, Distribution and Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted FelonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 10, a Fort Lauderdale jury found Chad Michael Marlow, 46, of Pompano Beach, Florida, guilty of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, and of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
During the three-day trial, the government put on evidence that showed that Marlow was recorded on two occasions selling a quarter pound and a pound, respectively, of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent in the parking lot of a Broward County shopping plaza. In the recordings, Marlow could be heard discussing at length the great quality of the product and the fact that he used it for his back and hip pain.
Marlow and his partner agreed to sell the undercover agent one pound of methamphetamine at a third planned deal, but when Marlow and his partner arrived at the shopping plaza, law enforcement conducted an arrest. Law enforcement searched the vehicle Marlow was driving and found an unzipped backpack immediately behind the driver’s seat of the vehicle –sitting at the top of the backpack was a loaded handgun and an extra loaded magazine and in the bottom of that backpack they found a pound, or nearly 1,000 pills, of fentanyl segregated into dealing sized baggies, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as a bank card bearing Marlow’s name. Law enforcement also found a pound of methamphetamine in a lunch cooler sitting on the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
Marlow is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2024, before U.S. District Judge William P. Dimitrouleas.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of DEA Miami Field Division made the announcement.
DEA Miami Field Division conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily R. Stone and Brooke E. Latta.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60202.
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Indian River traffickers of methamphetamine and fentanyl sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 12, two Indian River County men were sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking.
Beginning in July of 2022, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) carried out an undercover operation to combat illicit drug trafficking by purchasing cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other illegal substances in Indian River County. During this law enforcement operation, an undercover officer was used to conduct the controlled buys. Between July 2022 and April 2023, Lawrence Oliver Irving II, 38, distributed over six ounces of methamphetamine and 47 grams of fentanyl, and Tyrell Murry Bennett, 37, distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute, over a kilogram of methamphetamine and 75 grams of fentanyl, to an undercover officer.
Irving previously pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and distribution of methamphetamine. Irving was sentenced to 215 months in prison. Bennett previously pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Bennett was sentenced to 150 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg also ordered that each sentence be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA, Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Eric Flowers of the IRCSO, announced the sentences imposed.
DEA Miami and IRCSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta prosecuted it.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly. As little as two milligrams, about the size of 5 grains of salt, can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The State of Florida has also seen an exponential increase in overdoses associated with fentanyl. For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html# and https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-CR-14021.
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Fort Pierce armed robbers sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 12, two Fort Pierce armed robbers were sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Eugene Jacques, 21, was sentenced to 121 months of prison, and Roderick Anthony Baker, 23, was sentenced to 87 months of prison. U.S. District Judge Robin L. Rosenberg also ordered that each of the sentences be followed by three years of supervised release.
On April 24, 2023, around 5:54 a.m., the Fort Pierce Police Department (FPPD) received a 911 call to report an armed robbery at a gas station and food mart on Orange Avenue in Fort Pierce, Florida. Law enforcement officers responded to the scene and interviewed the victim of the robbery. The victim advised that Jacques and Baker entered the gas station and food mart and looked around as if they were shopping. Jacques approached her and asked for Advil pills and then waived a small purple and black handgun. Jacques pushed his way into the glass enclosure while Baker followed him. Jacques pointed the handgun at the victim’s face, struck her in the head, and said “Give me the money.” After forcing the victim to open the cash register, Jacques and Baker took about $2,000 and placed the money in a plastic bag they had brought with them. Jacques and Baker also stole a small box containing about $2,200 and fled.
Law enforcement officers arrested Baker and Jacques on May 1, and May 4, 2023, respectively.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Christopher A. Robinson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, and FPPD Chief Diane Hobley-Burney, announced the sentences imposed by Judge Rosenberg.
ATF Fort Pierce Field Office and FPPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Porter prosecuted it.
This case stems from Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In 2017, PSN was reinvigorated as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement, and the community, to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-14027.
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Developer Convicted of COVID-19 Relief FraudRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 12, Eric Dean Sheppard, 55, of Bal Harbour, Florida, was convicted for submitting fraudulent COVID-19 relief loan applications and aggravated identity theft.
According to the trial evidence, Sheppard devised a scheme to defraud private lenders and the Small Business Administration (SBA) by filing fraudulent loan applications for multiple companies under both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The applications were supported by fabricated documents, including Employer’s Quarterly Tax Returns (IRS Form 941), and company tax returns. In addition, Sheppard’s accountant’s signature was forged on the tax returns. From May 2020 to March 2021, Sheppard obtained almost $900,000 in COVID-19 relief loans.
Sheppard was convicted by a jury on four counts of wire fraud, and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Sheppard was acquitted of five counts of wire fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft. Sentencing is set for April 5, 2024. Sheppard is facing a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison, that must run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, on the aggravated identity theft count(s), and up to 80 years in prison on the wire fraud counts, as well as restitution and forfeiture of the loan proceeds.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aimee Jimenez and Ana Maria Martinez prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mitch Hyman is handling asset forfeiture.
In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was enacted. It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through PPP. In April 2020 Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
PPP funding allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans. PPP loan proceeds had to be used by businesses on payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities. PPP allowed the interest and principal on the loan to be forgiven if the business spent the loan proceeds on these expense items within a designated period of time, after receiving the proceeds, and used at least a certain percentage of the PPP loan proceeds on payroll expenses.
Among other sources of relief, the CARES Act authorized and provided funding to the SBA to provide EIDLs to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietorships and independent contractors, experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow them to meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could otherwise have been met had the disaster not occurred. EIDL applications were submitted directly to the SBA via the SBA’s on-line application website. The applications were processed and the loans funded for qualifying applicants directly by the SBA.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
On Sept. 15, 2022, the Attorney General selected the Southern District of Florida’s U.S. Attorney’s Office to head one of three national COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force Teams. The Department of Justice established the Strike Force to enhance existing efforts to combat and prevent COVID-19 related financial fraud.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 22-cr-20290.
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Sebastian man sentenced to 160 months in prison for distribution of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 10, a man was sentenced to 160 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine, after pleading guilty on Oct. 16, 2023.
In March 2023, Jamiey Tonino Parker, 45, of Sebastian, Florida, distributed a total of 47.4 grams of methamphetamine on two separate occasions. Thereafter, pursuant to a search warrant of Parker’s residence, law enforcement officers found a variety of illegal drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine, Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Sheriff Eric Flowers of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO), announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez.
DEA Miami Field Division, Port St. Lucie Resident Office, and IRCSO investigated the case with assistance from the Sebastian Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hudock prosecuted it.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-14032.
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Multi-convicted felon sentenced to prison for committing numerous armed robberies while on federal supervised releaseRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 9, a South Florida multi-convicted felon was sentenced to 324 months, followed by five years of supervised release, for convictions of armed bank robbery, armed credit union robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, while on federal supervised release.
On April 6, 2022, Javonne Wilks, 42, of Miami, Florida, and two co-conspirators entered a bank, in Cooper City, Florida, wearing dark colored skull hats, dark face masks and coveralls, and carrying an AR-15 style long gun and two handguns. Upon entering the lobby, Wilks and his co-conspirators approached two bank tellers who were behind the counter, jumped the counter, and demanded access to the cash drawers and vault. Wilks and his co-conspirators then forced two bank employees to lie face down on the ground at gunpoint. Wilks and his co-conspirators fled after stealing $242,113.
On June 6, 2023, Wilks and a co-conspirator entered a credit union, in Miami Springs, Florida, wearing sweatshirts, long pants, masks and bicycle helmets, and carrying a semiautomatic handgun and a revolver. Wilks and the co-conspirator entered the credit union waving their firearms and ordering the employees to go to the lobby. Wilks and the co-conspirator then ordered one of the tellers and the manager to open the vault at gunpoint and demanded money. After Wilks and his co-conspirator had placed the manager on his knees and patted him down, the teller complied and put money from the vault into Wilks and his co-conspirator’s duffel bag. Then, Wilks and his co-conspirator demanded more money, so another teller put additional money into the duffel bag. Wilks and the co-conspirator fled after stealing around $29,000. Later that day, law enforcement officers arrested Wilks. Inside of Wilks’s vehicle, law enforcement officers found about $11,395 in cash, three coveralls consistent with the ones worn during the bank robbery, and bait money (bills with known serial numbers that are used by banks to aid the tracing of bank robbers) from the credit union robbery.
In 2005, Wilks was sentenced to 212 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was on federal supervised release when he committed the armed robberies.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith.
FBI Miami investigated the case with assistance from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Miami Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Gardens Police Department, South Miami Police Department and Miami Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ajay J. Alexander is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Roberto Delgado is handling asset forfeiture.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60123.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cv-62277.
View the complaint.
View the Isle of Paradise B consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise C consent decree.
View the Isle of Paradise E consent decree.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Florida Housing Complexes for Discrimination Against Families with ChildrenRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a settlement with three cooperative housing corporations in Hallandale Beach, Florida, to resolve allegations that they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by discriminating against families with children.
The department’s lawsuit alleged that Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., Isle of Paradise “C” Inc. and Isle of Paradise “E” Inc. maintained and/or enforced policies prohibiting children under age 12 at their respective properties on an island known as the Isle of Paradise during certain times since 2015. The properties are 30-unit multifamily buildings known as the Monticello, at 450 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “B” Inc.), the Georgetown, at 460 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “C” Inc.) and the Williamsburg, at 465 Paradise Isle Blvd. (owned by Isle of Paradise “E” Inc.)
“The Fair Housing Act outlaws familial status discrimination, including discrimination against families with children,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to enforcing the Fair Housing Act and seeking relief for families harmed by unlawful policies and practices that unfairly exclude them.”
“These settlements represent the tireless efforts of attorneys with the Justice Department’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the Civil Rights Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who endeavor to fulfill the promise of fair housing for all, as envisioned by Congress in its enactment of the Fair Housing Act,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “One settlement provides compensation to a realtor, and her clients, a prospective renter with a young child, who the complaint alleges were denied an opportunity to lease a unit due to unlawful policies and practices of Isle of Paradise “B” Inc., which prohibited families with children under age 12.”
Under the agreements, in the form of three separate consent decrees that were approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the defendants will pay a total of $52,000, including $39,000 to individuals who are alleged to have been harmed by the defendants’ practices and civil penalties to the government to vindicate the public interest. The defendants also agreed to undergo fair housing training and to submit periodic reports to the department.
The department conducted an investigation and filed this lawsuit after a woman and her real estate agent informed the department that she was turned away from renting a unit at the Monticello building because she had a son under age 12. The department’s allegations were based, in part, on evidence generated by the department’s Fair Housing Testing Unit, in which individuals pose as prospective renters to gather information about possible discriminatory practices.
Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at these properties because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at [email protected] or [email protected]; or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291, selecting option 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 1 for housing discrimination, and then option 7 for Isle of Paradise.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, emailing the Justice Department at [email protected] or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.
complaint_isle_of_paradise_filed_2023-11-30.pdf isle_of_paradise_b_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_c_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdf isle_of_paradise_e_consent_decree_-_entered_1-8-2024.pdfHonduran Native Sentenced to Prison for Being an Illegal Alien in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Jan. 4, Ivis Rodriguez-Ordonez, 23, of San Pedro, Honduras was sentenced, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon, to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, following a conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
Rodriguez- Ordonez will be subject to removal, after the completion of his sentence.
According to court documents, on July 30, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol agents conducted a traffic stop of Rodriguez-Ordonez and arrested him for being in the United States in violation of federal law. A subsequent search of Rodriguez-Ordonez’ residence revealed that he was in possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Samuel Briggs, U.S. Border Patrol, Miami Sector, made the announcement.
U.S. Border Patrol-West Palm Beach investigated this case. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Diana Acosta.
You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-CR-14036-AMC.
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Two Florida Residents Sentenced for $93M Health Care Fraud and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A Florida man and woman were sentenced for their roles in a wide-ranging conspiracy to defraud Medicare by billing over $93 million for home health therapy services that were never rendered.
Karel Felipe, 42, of Miami Shores, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison. Tamara Quicutis, 54, of Hialeah, was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison. The court also ordered forfeiture of fraud proceeds. Both defendants were convicted in October 2023 after a jury found them guilty of conspiring to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Felipe and Quicutis conspired with others to submit false bills to Medicare for three home health companies located in Michigan. Their co-conspirators recruited individuals from Cuba to sign Medicare enrollment documents and appear as the owners of the home health agencies to conceal the identities of Felipe, Quicutis, and others involved in the scheme. Felipe, Quicutis, and their co-conspirators used these home health companies to submit claims for services that were not rendered using lists of stolen patient identities. Felipe, Quicutis, and their co-conspirators used dozens of shell companies and hundreds of bank accounts to launder the Medicare fraud proceeds and convert the proceeds into cash at Miami-area ATMs and check cashing stores.
Four additional Florida residents were previously sentenced in the case. Jesus Trujillo, 52, of Miami, was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The court also entered a forfeiture money judgment against him for the amount involved in money laundering, $44,351,817, and ordered forfeiture of two real properties to satisfy that judgment. Didier Arcia, 44, of Davenport, was sentenced to six years and eight months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Alexey Gil, 41, of Miami, was sentenced to five years and five months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Jeffrey Avila, 33, also of Miami, was sentenced to time served and supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Jamie de Boer, D. Keith Clouser, and Emily Gurskis of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabrielle Raemy Charest-Turken for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
South Florida Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in a Conspiracy to Distribute Protonitazene from ChinaRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Today, a south Florida defendant pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a synthetic opioid, protonitazene.
Will Catis, Sr. (Catis), 42, of Deerfield Beach, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal. According to the agreed upon factual proffer, on April 12, 2022, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator issued a temporary order to schedule seven synthetic benzimidazole-opioid substances, including protonitazene, in schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Protonitazene is a synthetic opioid that is equally as potent, if not more potent, than fentanyl. As part of an investigation into Chinese chemical companies that were sending synthetic opioids, such as protonitazene, to the U.S. and Mexico, several U.S. based drug traffickers were identified. One of those individuals was Catis. Catis was obtaining protonitazene and metonitazene from Jiangsu Bangdeya New Material Technology Co. LTD. (“Bangdeya”).
On October 22, 2022, Postal Inspectors seized a parcel addressed to “Will Catis.” This parcel was sent from Bangdeya. On October 28, 2022, a search warrant was obtained for the parcel. The search revealed a plastic bag of yellowish powder determined to be 172.3 grams of protonitazene.
On December 27, 2022, a search warrant was obtained for the Catis’ electronic media which was found to contain videos reflecting a kilogram press, firearms, and large sums of U.S. currency. Additionally, there were screenshots and photos reflecting Catis’ drug trafficking, including chats with Chinese chemical company sales representatives, bags filled with a powdery substance that were similar to the seized protonitazene, and screenshots of advertisements from Chinese chemical companies selling protonitazene.
After Catis’ arrest and pursuant to searches of his residence and storage unit, the following substances were discovered(1) 258.7 grams of a mixture of bromazolam, protonitazene, metonitazene, and fentanyl; (2) 1060.1 grams of a mixture of metonitazene, protonitazene, fentanyl, and lidocaine; (3) 4654 grams of a mixture of n-propylbutylone, eutylone, fentanyl, heroin, metonitazene, protonitazene, p-fluorofentanyl, lidocaine, quinine, and caffeine; (3) 726.5 grams of 3,4-Methylenedioxy-α-cyclohexylaminopropiophenone; (4) 3.45 grams of protonitazene; (5) 28.77 grams of a mixture of protonitazene and cocaine; (6) 361.9 grams of a mixture N-Ethylpentylone, eutylone, metonitazene, protonitazene, fentanyl, heroin, α-Pyrrolidino-2-phenylacetophenone, p-Fluorofentanyl, quinine, lidocaine, and caffeine; (7) 1389.6 grams of a mixture of N-Ethylpentylone, metonitazene, eutylone, heroin, α-Pyrrolidino-2-phenylacetophenone, ANPP, quinine, caffeine, and lidocaine; (8) 571.6 grams of protonitazene; (9) 27.8 grams of metonitazene; (10) 28 grams of protonitazene; (11) 448.4 grams of bromazolam; and (12) 176 grams of a mixture of N-Propylbutylone, eutylone, metonitazene, fentanyl, protonitazene, bromazolam, heroin, lidocaine, quinine, and caffeine.
Catis’ sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 11, 2024, at noon. He faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA, Miami Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, Inspector in Charge Juan A. Vargas of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Miami Division, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew D. Line of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office.
DEA Miami Field Division Counternarcotic Cyber Investigations Task Force, HSI Miami, USPIS-Miami, and IRS-CI Miami, Miami Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Monique Botero for the Southern District of Florida is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michell Hyman for the Southern District of Florida is handling asset forfeiture.
The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Members of the South Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force carried out this case and prosecution. HIDTA was established in 1990. This program, which is made up of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, fosters intra-agency cooperation among law enforcement agencies in South Florida and involves them in developing a strategy to target the region's drug-related and violent crime threats to public safety, as with the opioid epidemic, fentanyl, and the cocaine threat to our nation. The South Florida HIDTA uses the funding provided by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, out of the Executive Office of the President of the United States, that sponsors a variety of law enforcement initiatives that target the region's illicit drug and violent crime threats to our community.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-CR-60116-Singhal.
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Greenacres Man Arrested for Threatening to Kill a U.S. Congressperson and the Congressperson’s ChildrenRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A 72-year-old man from Greenacres, Florida was arrested this morning on a criminal complaint charging him with threatening to kill a U.S. Congressperson and the Congressperson’s children.
According to the complaint, on December 19, 2023, Michael Shapiro left five voicemail messages for a U.S. Congressperson at the Congressperson’s congressional office in Washington, D.C. In one of the messages, Shapiro stated that he was going to “come after you and kill you …” In another message, he stated that he was going to “come and kill your children …” Shapiro allegedly placed the threatening calls from his home in Greenacres. The complaint further alleges that Shapiro pleaded guilty in federal court in 2019 for making threatening communications to another victim.
Shapiro made his initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bruce E. Reinhart for the Southern District of Florida.
Markenzy Lapointe, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Roger B. Handberg, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida, and J. Thomas Manger, Chief of the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP), made the announcement.
The USCP is investigating the case, with assistance from USCP’s Tampa Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Dispoto for the Southern District of Florida and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Wheeler for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-mj-8623.
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Leader of Belle Glade Based Bank Fraud Conspiracy Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
MIAMI - The leader of a bank fraud conspiracy pleaded guilty on Dec. 21.
Ja’kevious Ri’shaad Vickers, Gregory Bernard Ashley Jr., and Naim W. Kahook were involved in a bank fraud conspiracy involving stolen checks, theft of personal identifying information, and the production of fraudulent or fake checks.
On Dec. 21, Vickers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Matthewman. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2024. Vickers faces a mandatory minimum term of two years in prison, to run consecutively to a statutory term of up to 30 years in prison.
Ashley and Kahook each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud on Dec. 14 and Dec. 21, respectively. Ashley and Kahook are also scheduled to be sentenced on March 14, 2024. Ashley and Kahook each face up to 30 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced the guilty pleas.
The FBI Miami, West Palm Beach Resident Agency and PBSO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marton Gyires is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jorge Roberto Delgado is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-80185.
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Tres hombres acusados formalmente de un ardid internacional de cohecho y lavado de activosRead the Press Release
El miércoles se dio a conocer una acusación formal de cinco cargos que imputa a un hombre de negocios de Georgia, a un antiguo funcionario del gobierno de Honduras y a un antiguo residente de Florida por su presunta participación en un ardid internacional para pagar y ocultar pagos de cohecho efectuados a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras a fin de garantizar la obtención de contratos para suministrar uniformes y otros artículos a la Policía Nacional de Honduras.
Según los documentos del tribunal, Carl Alan Zaglin, de 68 años, es el dueño de una empresa de fabricación de uniformes y accesorios para las fuerzas públicas con sede en el estado de Georgia, e hizo su comparecencia inicial ante el tribunal federal el miércoles; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, de 65 años, es el antiguo director ejecutivo del Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), un organismo del gobierno de Honduras que adquiría suministros para la Policía Nacional de Honduras; y Aldo Néstor Marchena, de 50 años, era residente de Boca Ratón, Florida.
Entre marzo de 2015, o alrededor de esa fecha, y continuando hasta noviembre de 2019, o alrededor de esa fecha, Zaglin, Marchena y otros presuntamente acordaron sobornar a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras, entre ellos Cosenza, a fin de garantizar contratos con TASA por un valor de más de $10 millones de dólares estadounidenses. A cambio de los pagos de cohecho, Cosenza y otros funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras supuestamente ayudaron a Zaglin, Marchena y otros a obtener contratos para la venta de uniformes y otros artículos para la Policía Nacional de Honduras y asegurar el pago de los contratos. Zaglin, Marchena y sus cómplices presuntamente utilizaron las ganancias de los contratos corruptos del gobierno de Honduras para efectuar pagos de cohecho a funcionarios del gobierno de Honduras. Para promover el ardid y ocultar los pagos de cohecho, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza y otros presuntamente lavaron las ganancias del ardid corrupto por medio de cuentas bancarias y empresas testaferro en los Estados Unidos y Belice. Según se alega en la acusación formal, para promover el ardid, los conspiradores enviaron más de $166,000 dólares estadounidenses a cuentas bancarias controladas por Cosenza y otro funcionario extranjero hondureño.
A todos los acusados se les imputa conspiración para cometer lavado de activos. Cosenza y Marchena también han sido acusados, cada uno, de un cargo de lavado de activos y un cargo de participación en transacciones con bienes derivados del delito. Zaglin y Marchena también han sido acusados, cada uno, de conspiración para violar la Ley de Prácticas Corruptas en el Extranjero (FCPA, por sus siglas en inglés). Además, a Zaglin se le imputa un cargo de violar la FCPA. De ser declarados culpables, los acusados enfrentan una pena máxima de 20 años de prisión por cada uno de los delitos de lavado de activos, 10 años de prisión por el cargo de participación en transacciones con bienes derivados del delito y cinco años de prisión por cada uno de los delitos relacionados con la ley FCPA.
La fiscal general auxiliar en funciones Nicole M. Argentieri de la División Penal del Departamento de Justicia, el fiscal de los EE. UU. Markenzy Lapointe del Distrito Sur de Florida y el agente especial a cargo Anthony Salisbury de la oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) de Miami hicieron el anuncio.
La oficina de HSI de Miami investiga el caso con la asistencia de la oficina de HSI de Atlanta.
Los abogados litigantes Peter L. Cooch y Anthony Scarpelli de la Sección de Fraude de la División Penal y el fiscal auxiliar de los EE. UU. Eli S. Rubin del Distrito Sur de Florida procesan el caso.
En junio de 2021, el Departamento de Justicia anunció la creación de una Fuerza de Tareas Anticorrupción para centrarse en investigaciones, procesamientos y recuperaciones de activos relacionados con corrupción en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador por medio del programa de cumplimiento de la ley FCPA, procesamientos antinarcóticos y la Iniciativa de Recuperación de Activos de la Cleptocracia. Cualquier persona con información sobre autores corruptos en estos países que estén quebrantando las leyes de los EE. UU. o trasladando las ganancias de sus delitos en o a través de los Estados Unidos pueden informar sobre la conducta, en español o inglés, en [email protected]. Las pistas sobre posible corrupción o traslados de fondos procedentes del delito que se reciban en la dirección de correo electrónico serán revisadas por la Fuerza de Tareas Anticorrupción. Los informantes que deseen reportar actividades sospechosas o delictivas también pueden comunicarse con la línea de pistas de HSI llamando al (866) 347-2423.
La Sección de Fraude es responsable de investigar y procesar asuntos relacionados con la ley FCPA. Se puede encontrar información adicional sobre los esfuerzos de aplicación de la ley FCPA por parte del Departamento de Justicia en www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
Una acusación formal es meramente una alegación. Se presume que todos los acusados son inocentes hasta tanto se pruebe su culpabilidad más allá de una duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police.
According to court documents, Carl Alan Zaglin, 68, is the owner of a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories, and made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, 65, was the former Executive Director of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police; and Aldo Nestor Marchena, 50, was a resident of Boca Raton, Florida.
Between about March 2015 and continuing until about November 2019, Zaglin, Marchena, and others allegedly agreed to bribe Honduran government officials, including Cosenza, to secure contracts with TASA worth over $10 million. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials allegedly assisted Zaglin, Marchena, and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Zaglin, Marchena, and their co-conspirators allegedly used the proceeds from the corrupt Honduran government contracts to make bribe payments to Honduran government officials. To promote the scheme and conceal the bribe payments, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and others allegedly laundered proceeds of the corrupt scheme through bank accounts and front companies in the United States and Belize. As alleged in the indictment, the conspirators sent over $166,000 to bank accounts controlled by Cosenza and another Honduran foreign official in furtherance of the scheme.
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cosenza and Marchena are also each charged with one count of money laundering and one count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property. Zaglin and Marchena are also both charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Zaglin is also charged with one count of violating the FCPA. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering offenses, 10 years in prison on the count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, and five years in prison on each of the FCPA-related offenses.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Miami Office made the announcement.
HSI’s Miami Office is investigating the case, with assistance from HSI’s Atlanta Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Anthony Scarpelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
In June 2021, the Justice Department announced an Anticorruption Task Force to focus on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries related to corruption in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through the department’s FCPA enforcement program, counternarcotics prosecutions, and Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Anyone with information about corrupt actors in these countries who are violating U.S. laws or moving proceeds of their crimes in or through the United States may report the conduct in Spanish or English at [email protected]. Tips regarding possible corruption or movements of ill-gotten funds that are received through the email address will be reviewed by the Anticorruption Task Force. Tipsters who want to report suspicious or criminal activity can also contact the HSI Tip Line by calling (866) 347-2423.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-CR-20454.
A copy of the indictment is attached here.
Indictment##
Three Men Charged in International Bribery and Money Laundering SchemeRead the Press Release
A five-count indictment was unsealed on Wednesday charging a Georgia businessman, a former Honduran government official, and a former Florida resident for their alleged participation in an international scheme to pay and conceal bribes to Honduran government officials to secure contracts to provide uniforms and other goods to the Honduran National Police.
According to court documents, Carl Alan Zaglin, 68, is the owner of a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories, and made his initial appearance in federal court on Wednesday; Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno, 65, was the former Executive Director of the Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police; and Aldo Nestor Marchena, 50, was a resident of Boca Raton, Florida.
Between about March 2015 and continuing until about November 2019, Zaglin, Marchena, and others allegedly agreed to bribe Honduran government officials, including Cosenza, to secure contracts with TASA worth over $10 million. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials allegedly assisted Zaglin, Marchena, and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Zaglin, Marchena, and their co-conspirators allegedly used the proceeds from the corrupt Honduran government contracts to make bribe payments to Honduran government officials. To promote the scheme and conceal the bribe payments, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and others allegedly laundered proceeds of the corrupt scheme through bank accounts and front companies in the United States and Belize. As alleged in the indictment, the conspirators sent over $166,000 to bank accounts controlled by Cosenza and another Honduran foreign official in furtherance of the scheme.
The defendants are all charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cosenza and Marchena are also each charged with one count of money laundering and one count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property. Zaglin and Marchena are also both charged with conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Zaglin is also charged with one count of violating the FCPA. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the money laundering offenses, 10 years in prison on the count of engaging in transactions in criminally derived property, and five years in prison on each of the FCPA-related offenses.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations’ (HSI) Miami Office made the announcement.
HSI’s Miami Office is investigating the case, with assistance from HSI’s Atlanta Office.
Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Anthony Scarpelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.
In June 2021, the Justice Department announced an Anticorruption Task Force to focus on investigations, prosecutions, and asset recoveries related to corruption in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador through the department’s FCPA enforcement program, counternarcotics prosecutions, and Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative. Anyone with information about corrupt actors in these countries who are violating U.S. laws or moving proceeds of their crimes in or through the United States may report the conduct in Spanish or English at [email protected]. Tips regarding possible corruption or movements of ill-gotten funds that are received through the email address will be reviewed by the Anticorruption Task Force. Tipsters who want to report suspicious or criminal activity can also contact the HSI Tip Line by calling (866) 347-2423.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Man Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Contempt of Court After Sending Racial Slurs and ThreatsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 19, a federal judge in Miami sentenced Matthew James Choy to 40 months in prison for contempt of court after he sent racial slurs and violent threats using the courts’ Case Management/ Electronic Case Files (CME/ECF) system.
This sentence follows Choy’s guilty plea to a charge of criminal contempt, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 401(1). Choy had previously been convicted of sending graphic, profane, and excessive threats over the internet to identifiable victims, and was serving a term of imprisonment for that crime when he committed the instant offense.
According to the court record, from in or around April 15, 2022 and continuing through on or about November 20, 2022, Choy knowingly transmitted a number of handwritten pro se letters and motions, intending that they be filed on the CME/ECF system, and the handwritten pro se letters and motions contained racial slurs, profanity, and statements such as “I give up, as long as I get to see the blood spray out of [victim 1’s] neck when I get out, I’ll consider it even,” and “F--- all of you!” in court numbers 21-10848 (11th Cir. 2022), and 20-20165-CR-CMA (S.D. Fla).
The receipt of the filings obstructed the administration of justice by disrupting the business of and making work for the Clerk’s Office and the Court, in that court staff was forced to receive, review, and act on the filings. Choy knowingly filed the documents and letters for the purpose of disrupting the proceedings.
Chief U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga also sentenced Choy to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term, and imposed several special conditions, including an association restriction, restricting Choy from associating with victims, and Court staff and personnel, among others.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentencing.
The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Lazopoulos Friedman and Brooke Watson prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 20-cr-21065.
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Man Sentenced for Illegally Distributing over $16M of Adulterated HIV MedicationRead the Press Release
A Florida man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for his role in a nationwide scheme to illegally distribute at least $16.7 million of adulterated HIV drugs that were ultimately dispensed to unsuspecting patients throughout the country.
According to court documents, Armando Herrera, 43, of Miami, and his co-conspirators established companies in Florida, Texas, Washington, and California, which they used to sell and distribute adulterated prescription drugs, primarily HIV medications, to wholesale pharmaceutical suppliers. Herrera and his co-conspirators created false documentation to make it appear as though the drugs were acquired legitimately when, in fact, they were not. The pharmaceutical suppliers then sold the drugs to pharmacies, which dispensed the adulterated prescription drugs to unwitting patients. As part of the investigation, federal agents seized more than $1.5 million worth of adulterated prescription drugs from Herrera, including more than 16,000 tablets of adulterated and misbranded HIV medication.
Herrera pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 to one count of conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
HHS-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and the FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx P. Calderón for the Southern District of Florida handled asset forfeiture.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Former Army lieutenant colonel pleads guilty to possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 20, Edgar Ali Cerda, 49, of Cooper City, Florida, a former Army lieutenant colonel pleaded guilty in federal district court in Fort Lauderdale to possession of child pornography. At the time of the crimes, Cerda was employed with the United States Army.
On March 10, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a residential search warrant at Cerda’s home. An examination of Cerda’s electronic devices revealed multiple images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of children under 12 years of age, with one victim as young as four years old. Forensic evidence also revealed that Cerda shared some of the images within a group chat. Law enforcement officers arrested Cerda, who was home at the time.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith. Cerda faces up to 20 years in federal prison and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced the guilty plea.
FBI Miami and BSO investigated the case with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ajay J. Alexander 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. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60115.
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Florida Man Sentenced for Illegally Distributing over $16M of Adulterated HIV MedicationRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Florida man was sentenced today to four years and three months in prison for his role in a nationwide scheme to illegally distribute at least $16.7 million of adulterated HIV drugs that were ultimately dispensed to unsuspecting patients throughout the country.
According to court documents, Armando Herrera, 43, of Miami, and his co-conspirators established companies in Florida, Texas, Washington, and California, which they used to sell and distribute adulterated prescription drugs, primarily HIV medications, to wholesale pharmaceutical suppliers. Herrera and his co-conspirators created false documentation to make it appear as though the drugs were acquired legitimately when, in fact, they were not. The pharmaceutical suppliers then sold the drugs to pharmacies, which dispensed the adulterated prescription drugs to unwitting patients. As part of the investigation, federal agents seized more than $1.5 million worth of adulterated prescription drugs from Herrera, including more than 16,000 tablets of adulterated and misbranded HIV medication.
Herrera pleaded guilty on Sept. 25 to one count of conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded drugs into interstate commerce.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Atlanta Region; Assistant Director Michael Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement.
HHS-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and the FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx P. Calderón for the Southern District of Florida handled asset forfeiture.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
You may find related court documents and information on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-20264.
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Detox facility owner charged with health care fraudRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 18, a detox facility owner was charged with health care fraud for allegedly defrauding the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) of over $4 million.
According to the allegations in the information, Joseph Toro, 39, of Jupiter, Florida, owned and operated Reawakenings Wellness Center (RWC), a detox facility which provided substance abuse treatment to patients, including FEHBP beneficiaries. Allegedly, after RWC closed down in January 2018, Toro continued to submit insurance claims, using personal identifying information (PII) of former RWC patients, for substance abuse treatment that was never provided.
As a result of these false and fraudulent insurance claims, Toro allegedly defrauded the FEHBP, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), which administers some FEHBP insurance plans, of more than $4 million in federal employee health benefits. As alleged, Toro used the fraud proceeds to buy properties, luxury vehicles and a luxury watch.
Toro’s initial appearance is scheduled for Dec. 22 at 11:00 a.m. in Fort Lauderdale. If convicted, Toro faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Derek Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General (OPM OIG), announced the charges.
OPM OIG investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Egozi is prosecuting it. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Paster is handling asset forfeiture.
An information contains mere allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 23-cr-60237.
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Palm Beach Gardens Attorney Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Michael Thomas Dolce, 54, a Palm Beach Gardens attorney, was sentenced yesterday, by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks, to 48 months in federal prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, after previously pleading guilty to possessing child pornography.
As part of his guilty plea, Dolce admitted to downloading child pornography to his personal laptop at his West Palm Beach apartment. According to court records, Dolce used peer-2-peer software to search for and download the illegal material, including prepubescent children. Nearly 2,000 images and videos were recovered from Dolce’s laptop. Forensic evidence confirmed that Dolce was in the process of downloading child pornography files just before law enforcement seized his laptop during the execution of a federal search warrant of his residence.
“The prosecutors in our office, alongside our FBI partners, are committed to safeguarding all children from child predators” stated U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “As an attorney and Southern District resident, Michael Dolce had a duty to protect children from the very crimes for which he pled guilty to committing. Yesterday, Dolce was sentenced to prison for casting aside his oath and victimizing the most vulnerable people in society – our children. We encourage anyone with information regarding the sexual exploitation of children to immediately contact the FBI.”
“The investigation revealed that Michael Dolce downloaded onto his laptop nearly 2,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse material, including prepubescent children,” said Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami. “There is nothing more despicable than those who carry out crimes against the most innocent among us - our children. That is why our agents, analysts, and task force officers work tirelessly to bring to justice those individuals responsible for such heinous crimes.”
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the sentencing.
The West Palm Beach Resident Agency of the FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller prosecuted it.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov or https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/project-safe-childhood.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-80063.
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Lead Defendant in OCDETF Operation Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
MIAMI – A Palm Beach County resident was sentenced to prison after having been convicted by a federal jury of participating in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy.
Belas Shelson Rosier, of Greenacres, Florida, was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon. Rosier was convicted at trial of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl, in addition to fentanyl analogs and cocaine.
According to court documents, the investigation into Rosier was initiated, by federal and local investigators, based on evidence recovered during the successful prosecution of one of Rosier’s long-term street level fentanyl and cocaine distributors. The evidence presented at trial established that Rosier was responsible for the distribution of at least six kilograms of fentanyl during the time period of October 4, 2021 through March 9, 2022, alone. During the investigation, federal agents seized and administratively forfeited over $50,000 in cash and $50,000 in jewelry that had been recovered from Rosier’s possession.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Salisbury of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Miami, Christopher A. Robinson, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Division, Frank Adderly, Chief of Police, West Palm Beach Police Department (WPBPD), and Ric L. Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) made the announcement.
HSI Miami and ATF Miami Field Office investigated this case jointly with their local partners from WPBPD and PBSO. AUSA John McMillan prosecuted this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Zloch handled asset forfeiture.
This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under Case No. 23-CR-80045.
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Justice Department Disrupts Prolific ALPHV/Blackcat Ransomware VariantRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The Justice Department announced today a disruption campaign against the Blackcat ransomware group — also known as ALPHV or Noberus — that has targeted the computer networks of more than 1,000 victims and caused harm around the world since its inception, including networks that support U.S. critical infrastructure.
Over the past 18 months, ALPHV/Blackcat has emerged as the second most prolific ransomware-as-a-service variant in the world based on the hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms paid by victims around the world. Due to the global scale of these crimes, multiple foreign law enforcement agencies are conducting parallel investigations.
The FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer over 500 affected victims the capability to restore their systems. To date, the FBI has worked with dozens of victims in the United States and internationally to implement this solution, saving multiple victims from ransom demands totaling approximately $68 million. As detailed in a search warrant unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida, the FBI has also gained visibility into the Blackcat ransomware group’s computer network as part of the investigation and has seized several websites that the group operated.
“In disrupting the BlackCat ransomware group, the Justice Department has once again hacked the hackers,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “With a decryption tool provided by the FBI to hundreds of ransomware victims worldwide, businesses and schools were able to reopen, and health care and emergency services were able to come back online. We will continue to prioritize disruptions and place victims at the center of our strategy to dismantle the ecosystem fueling cybercrime.”
“Today’s announcement highlights the Justice Department’s ability to take on even the most sophisticated and prolific cybercriminals,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “As a result of our office’s tireless efforts, alongside FBI Miami, U.S. Secret Service, and our foreign law enforcement partners, we have provided Blackcat’s victims, in the Southern District of Florida and around the world, the opportunity to get back on their feet and to fortify their digital defenses. We will continue to focus on holding the people behind the Blackcat ransomware group accountable for their crimes.”
“The FBI continues to be unrelenting in bringing cybercriminals to justice and determined in its efforts to defeat and disrupt ransomware campaigns targeting critical infrastructure, the private sector, and beyond,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Helping victims of crime is the FBI’s highest priority and is reflected here in the provision of tools to assist those victimized in decrypting compromised networks and systems. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue these criminal actors wherever they attempt to hide and ensure they are brought to justice and held accountable under the law.”
“At the Justice Department, we prioritize victim safety and security,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In this case, agents and prosecutors worked tirelessly to restore victim networks, but these actions are not the culmination of our efforts, they are just the beginning. Criminal actors should be aware that the announcement today is just one part of this ongoing effort. Going forward, we will continue our investigation and pursue those behind Blackcat until they are brought to justice.”
According to the unsealed warrant, Blackcat actors have compromised computer networks in the United States and worldwide. The disruptions caused by the ransomware variant have affected U.S. critical infrastructure – including government facilities, emergency services, defense industrial base companies, critical manufacturing, and healthcare and public health facilities – as well as other corporations, government entities, and schools. The loss amount globally is in the hundreds of millions and includes ransom payments, destruction and theft of proprietary data, and costs associated with incident response.
Blackcat uses a ransomware-as-a-service model in which developers are responsible for creating and updating ransomware and for maintaining the illicit internet infrastructure. Affiliates are responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victim institutions with the ransomware. After a victim pays, developers and affiliates share the ransom.
Blackcat actors employ a multiple extortion model of attack. Before encrypting the victim system, the affiliate will exfiltrate or steal sensitive data. The affiliate then seeks a ransom in exchange for decrypting the victim’s system and not publishing the stolen data. Blackcat actors attempt to target the most sensitive data in a victim’s system to increase the pressure to pay. Blackcat actors rely on a leak site available on the dark web to publicize their attacks. When a victim refuses to pay a ransom, these actors commonly retaliate by publishing stolen data to a leak website where it becomes publicly available.
The FBI Miami Field Office is leading the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kiran Bhat and Brooke Watson for the Southern District of Florida are handling the case.
The Justice Department also recognizes the critical cooperation of Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt and Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Göttingen, Denmark’s Special Crime Unit, and Europol. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Cyber Operations International Liaison also provided significant assistance. Additionally, the following foreign law enforcement authorities provided substantial assistance and support: the Australian Federal Police, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, Spain’s Policia Nacional, Switzerland’s Kantonspolizei Thurgau, and Austria’s Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service.
Victims of Blackcat ransomware are strongly encouraged to contact their local FBI field office at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices for further information and to determine what assistance may be available.
Blackcat affiliates have gained initial access to victim networks through a number of methods, including leveraging compromised user credentials to gain initial access to the victim system. More information about the malware, including technical information about indicators of compromise and recommendations to mitigate its effects, is available from the FBI at www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2022/220420.pdf.
Additional information regarding law enforcement’s ongoing investigation into Blackcat is available at www.justice.gov/media/1329536/dl?inline.
If you have information about Blackcat, their affiliates, or activities, you may be eligible for a reward through the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program. Information can be submitted through the following Tor-based tip line (Tor browser required): he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion.
For more information about rewards for information on foreign malicious cyber activity against U.S. critical infrastructure, visit https://rfj.tips/SDT55f.
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Justice Department Disrupts Prolific ALPHV/Blackcat Ransomware VariantRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a disruption campaign against the Blackcat ransomware group — also known as ALPHV or Noberus — that has targeted the computer networks of more than 1,000 victims and caused harm around the world since its inception, including networks that support U.S. critical infrastructure.
Over the past 18 months, ALPHV/Blackcat has emerged as the second most prolific ransomware-as-a-service variant in the world based on the hundreds of millions of dollars in ransoms paid by victims around the world. Due to the global scale of these crimes, multiple foreign law enforcement agencies are conducting parallel investigations.
The FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer over 500 affected victims the capability to restore their systems. To date, the FBI has worked with dozens of victims in the United States and internationally to implement this solution, saving multiple victims from ransom demands totaling approximately $68 million. As detailed in a search warrant unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida, the FBI has also gained visibility into the Blackcat ransomware group’s computer network as part of the investigation and has seized several websites that the group operated.
“In disrupting the BlackCat ransomware group, the Justice Department has once again hacked the hackers,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “With a decryption tool provided by the FBI to hundreds of ransomware victims worldwide, businesses and schools were able to reopen, and health care and emergency services were able to come back online. We will continue to prioritize disruptions and place victims at the center of our strategy to dismantle the ecosystem fueling cybercrime.”
“The FBI continues to be unrelenting in bringing cybercriminals to justice and determined in its efforts to defeat and disrupt ransomware campaigns targeting critical infrastructure, the private sector, and beyond,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Helping victims of crime is the FBI’s highest priority and is reflected here in the provision of tools to assist those victimized in decrypting compromised networks and systems. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue these criminal actors wherever they attempt to hide and ensure they are brought to justice and held accountable under the law.”
“At the Justice Department, we prioritize victim safety and security,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “In this case, agents and prosecutors worked tirelessly to restore victim networks, but these actions are not the culmination of our efforts, they are just the beginning. Criminal actors should be aware that the announcement today is just one part of this ongoing effort. Going forward, we will continue our investigation and pursue those behind Blackcat until they are brought to justice.”
“Today’s announcement highlights the Justice Department’s ability to take on even the most sophisticated and prolific cybercriminals,” said U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida. “As a result of our office’s tireless efforts, alongside FBI Miami, U.S. Secret Service, and our foreign law enforcement partners, we have provided Blackcat’s victims, in the Southern District of Florida and around the world, the opportunity to get back on their feet and to fortify their digital defenses. We will continue to focus on holding the people behind the Blackcat ransomware group accountable for their crimes.”
According to the unsealed warrant, Blackcat actors have compromised computer networks in the United States and worldwide. The disruptions caused by the ransomware variant have affected U.S. critical infrastructure – including government facilities, emergency services, defense industrial base companies, critical manufacturing, and healthcare and public health facilities – as well as other corporations, government entities, and schools. The loss amount globally is in the hundreds of millions and includes ransom payments, destruction and theft of proprietary data, and costs associated with incident response.
Blackcat uses a ransomware-as-a-service model in which developers are responsible for creating and updating ransomware and for maintaining the illicit internet infrastructure. Affiliates are responsible for identifying and attacking high-value victim institutions with the ransomware. After a victim pays, developers and affiliates share the ransom.
Blackcat actors employ a multiple extortion model of attack. Before encrypting the victim system, the affiliate will exfiltrate or steal sensitive data. The affiliate then seeks a ransom in exchange for decrypting the victim’s system and not publishing the stolen data. Blackcat actors attempt to target the most sensitive data in a victim’s system to increase the pressure to pay. Blackcat actors rely on a leak site available on the dark web to publicize their attacks. When a victim refuses to pay a ransom, these actors commonly retaliate by publishing stolen data to a leak website where it becomes publicly available.
The FBI Miami Field Office is leading the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kiran Bhat and Brooke Watson for the Southern District of Florida are handling the case.
The Justice Department also recognizes the critical cooperation of Germany’s Bundeskriminalamt and Zentrale Kriminalinspektion Göttingen, Denmark’s Special Crime Unit, and Europol. Significant assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Cyber Operations International Liaison also provided significant assistance. Additionally, the following foreign law enforcement authorities provided substantial assistance and support: the Australian Federal Police, the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, Spain’s Policia Nacional, Switzerland’s Kantonspolizei Thurgau, and Austria’s Directorate State Protection and Intelligence Service.
Victims of Blackcat ransomware are strongly encouraged to contact their local FBI field office at www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices for further information and to determine what assistance may be available.
Blackcat affiliates have gained initial access to victim networks through a number of methods, including leveraging compromised user credentials to gain initial access to the victim system. More information about the malware, including technical information about indicators of compromise and recommendations to mitigate its effects, is available from the FBI at www.ic3.gov/Media/News/2022/220420.pdf.
Additional information regarding law enforcement’s ongoing investigation into Blackcat is available at www.justice.gov/media/1329536/dl?inline.
If you have information about Blackcat, their affiliates, or activities, you may be eligible for a reward through the Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program. Information can be submitted through the following Tor-based tip line (Tor browser required): he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion.
For more information about rewards for information on foreign malicious cyber activity against U.S. critical infrastructure, visit https://rfj.tips/SDT55f.
Three South Florida Residents Indicted for Kidnapping and MurderRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Today, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Florida charged Avin Seetaram, a/k/a “Smalls,” 24, Somjeet Christopher Singh, a/k/a “Lil Chris,” 29, and Gavin Hunter, 18, all of Broward County, with murder for hire conspiracy, murder for hire, kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping, and obstruction of justice, for their involvement in a violent kidnapping and murder of Miami-Dade resident Suren Seetal.
According to allegations contained in the previously filed criminal complaint and today’s indictment, Seetal was last seen alive on November 2, 2023, when he was leaving work. After leaving work, Seetal’s telephone was in the vicinity of Dr. HVAC, Singh’s air conditioning business, before going off network shortly thereafter. Seetal’s body was recovered at Big Cypress Reservation on November 21, 2023.
Seetaram’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for December 28. Hunter’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 2, 2024. Singh’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for January 3, 2024. If convicted of the charges contained in the federal indictment, Seetaram, Singh, and Hunter each face a mandatory sentence of life in prison or the death penalty.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Chief of Police Manuel A. Morales of the Miami Police Department (MPD), and Chief of Police Delrish L. Moss of the Miramar Police Department (Miramar PD), announced the charges.
FBI Miami, BSO, MPD, and Miramar PD investigated the case with invaluable assistance from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, Miccosukee Police Department, Margate Police Department, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Miami-Dade Police Department, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Pembroke Pines Police Department, and the Seminole Police Department. The FBI notified Seetal’s family after his remains were discovered. The family’s cooperation was crucial in allowing the investigation to continue and culminate with today’s announcement of charges being filed.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Abbie Waxman is handling the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Klco is handling asset forfeiture.
This case is part of the Southern District of Florida’s Violence Reduction Partnership (“VRP”) initiative. Through the VRP, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its federal and local law enforcement allies have sought to dismantle the most violent criminal networks that plague communities throughout the Southern District of Florida. The VRP strives to combat violent crime, narcotics trafficking, gang activity and firearms offenses by prosecuting offenders and working with community leaders and non-profit entities to provide preventive services to the local populations. The charges announced today are the result of the VRP’s law enforcement initiatives. Additional information regarding the VRP initiatives is available at [email protected] (link sends e-mail) or by calling (305) 961-9134.
Anyone with information regarding this matter is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
The victim’s family asks that the public please respect their privacy during this difficult time.
A criminal complaint and an indictment contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case numbers 23-mj-04334 and 23-cr-20483.
Lebanese Citizen Charged with Operating $5 Million Ponzi Scheme Through His Foreign-Exchange PlatformRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Henry Abdo, 46, of Lebanon, has been charged by indictment, in the Southern District of Florida, with orchestrating a $5 million investment fraud (Ponzi) scheme run through his company, Titanium Capital LLC (“Titanium”). The indictment alleges that Abdo committed wire fraud, in violation of federal law. Today, Dec. 14, the Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil complaint against Abdo and Titanium in federal court.
According to the indictment, Abdo, Titanium’s founder and manager, advertised Titanium as a successful investment fund that operated a proprietary multi-currency foreign-exchange platform and invested in other profitable projects. Titanium solicited investors by guaranteeing a fixed rate of return of 15%, the indictment alleges. In fact, according to the indictment, Abdo made material misrepresentations about the nature of the intended investment, and in fact diverted investor funds by paying existing investors using new investor funds. Abdo also, the indictment alleges, misappropriated investor funds to pay his personal expenses, including food, hotels, travel, and clothing.
If convicted of all charges in the indictment, Abdo faces a maximum penalty of 40 years’ imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Abdo was ordered detained pending trial on the indictment. This matter is scheduled for trial on February 26, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon in Fort Pierce.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Russell Weigel III, Commissioner, Florida Office of Financial Regulation (“OFR”), made the announcement.
U.S. Attorney Lapointe commended the investigative efforts of the FBI and OFR in this matter. He thanked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Bailyn is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daren Grove is handling asset forfeiture.
An indictment contains mere allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-cr-80209-AMC.
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Fraudulent Nursing Diploma Scheme Leads to Federal ConvictionsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – Today a federal jury sitting in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida found defendants Gail Russ, registrar of the Palm Beach School of Nursing in Lake Worth, Florida, Cassandre Jean, owner and operator of Success Nursing Review in Brooklyn, New York, and Vilaire Duroseau, owner and operator of the Center for Advance Training and Studies in West Orange, New Jersey, guilty of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges after a three-week trial.
These defendants were charged, along with eleven co-defendants, for their involvement in a scheme to sell fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts obtained from two private nursing schools that at one time were approved by the State of Florida to issue diplomas and transcripts to individuals seeking licenses and jobs as registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).
The bogus diplomas and transcripts qualified purchasers to sit for the national nursing board exam and, after passing it, to obtain licenses and jobs in various states as RNs and LPN/VNs. The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas by Palm Beach School of Nursing and Quisqueya School of Nursing LLC in Palm Beach County, Fla. These schools are now closed due to the excessive failure rates of their students taking the state nursing board exam.
Those nursing applicants who passed the national nursing board exam used the fraudulent diplomas to obtain RN or LPN/VN licenses and nursing jobs with unwitting health care providers throughout the United States.
An additional eleven defendants entered pleas of guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Case No. 23-60007-Cr-Singhal. In total, 27 defendants were charged and convicted in 2023 for their participation in this nursing diploma fraud scheme, known as Operation Nightingale, that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses.
U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe; Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri, FBI, Miami Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar, HHS-OIG, made the announcement.
FBI Miami and HHS-OIG Miami investigated these cases. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs-Office of Inspector General; and Florida Attorney General-Florida Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Mid-Atlantic Field Office. Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jon M. Juenger prosecuted these cases and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-60007-CR.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Endangered Sea Cucumbers through South Florida AirportRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 11, Xiao Pingping, 38, pled guilty to smuggling shark fins, sea horses, and sea cucumbers and attempted smuggling of American Ginseng. The Court sentenced her the same day to one month in federal prison.
The three-count indictment charged Xiao with two counts of smuggling shark fins, sea horses, and sea cucumbers into the United States and one count of smuggling American ginseng out of the United States. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a plant species that is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
According to the agreed upon factual proffer in support of Xiao’s plea to the three-count indictment, on January 14, 2022, Xiao sent a package from Brazil to an individual in Florida and Xiao intentionally misidentified the contents of the package. Xiao wrote on the shipping label that the package contained “fish belly,” when, instead, she had concealed 33 sea horses, 435 sea cucumbers, and 16 shark fins, which are wildlife and required to be declared to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (“USFWS”), pursuant to federal regulations.
On Nov. 19, Xiao travelled from Managua, Nicaragua to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (“FLL”), Florida. When border officers reviewed Xiao’s luggage in an X-ray scan, they observed various anomalies. Xiao lied to the border agents and told them that she was not carrying any plants, food, seeds, fruits, vegetables, endangered species and/or meat on her person or in her luggage and had nothing to declare. Border officers searched Xiao’s luggage by hand and identified 11 sea cucumbers concealed in the clothing packed in her bag. After the border officers discovered the sea cucumbers, Xiao intentionally misidentified the wildlife by telling the border officers that the sea cucumbers were “fish belly,” however, she later admitted they were sea cucumbers, which are required to be declared to USFWS pursuant to federal regulations. Border officers seized the sea cucumbers and explained to Xiao that federal regulations and laws required her to declare plants and wildlife.
On Nov. 24, Xiao checked a cardboard box at FLL for a flight from FLL to Managua, Nicaragua. Border officers again observed various anomalies that resembled organic material inside the box when the box passed through an x-ray scan. Border officers stopped Xiao on the jet bridge as she attempted to board the aircraft with a piece of carry-on luggage. Xiao denied that she had anything in her bags or checked box to declare. Border officers searched Xiao’s checked box and carryon luggage by hand and discovered 9 bags and four boxes of American Ginseng contained therein. Pursuant to federal regulations, CITES requires an export permit for protected plant species such as American Ginseng. Xiao intentionally failed to disclose the American Ginseng, knowing she had a declaration duty after being informed of such agricultural regulations just five days prior when border officers searched her luggage and seized the eleven sea cucumbers.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Clark for USFWS Office of Law Enforcement, Southeast Region, made the announcement.
USFWS Office of Law Enforcement in Miami, Florida and Portland, Oregon conducted the investigation, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily R. Stone.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-CR- 60231-WPD.
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Jury Convicts Three Men for Violent Hobbs Act ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 12, a federal jury found Palacio Valdes Farley, a/k/a “Bobo” and “Bo,” Joassaint Josiah Aristil, Jr., a/k/a “JoJo,”, and Jamar Brandon Nattiel, a/k/a “Debo” and “D-Boy,” guilty of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.
According to evidence presented at trial, during 2016 and 2017, Farley organized and led a South Florida-based conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Farley sought to obtain marijuana for free, so that he could sell it at a 100 percent profit. To obtain free marijuana, Farley would obtain marijuana on credit, fail to pay for it, and conspired with others to rob suppliers of their product.
Farley’s conspiracy to rob drug-traffickers of their marijuana began on or about May 22-23, 2016, when Farley, co-defendant Andrew Francois Martin, and Farley’s known associate and unindicted co-conspirator, “John Doe,” flew from Florida to Los Angeles for the purpose of robbing a supplier of his marijuana. On the morning of May 24, 2016, the three robbers met with a supplier in an apartment in Van Nuys, California, for the purpose of taking 25 pounds of marijuana that the supplier intended to sell them. When the supplier refused to sell the marijuana on consignment; the robbers shot the victim several times, took his marijuana, and fled the scene.
Evidence was also introduced at trial that on April 20, 2017, Farley and Martin approached two additional victims, with guns drawn, as they exited a restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida and were walking to their car. One victim was pushed to the ground at gunpoint, while another was robbed of a chain, watch, pendant, and wallet. Martin shot at the owner of the restaurant when the owner came to the aid of his customers. The owner shot back and wounded Martin in the leg.
Thereafter, the Hobbs Act conspiracy continued.
In and around Nov. 2017, Farley enlisted co-defendants Lisa Ann Flood, Karen Xiomara Williams, JoAristil and Nattiel, to rob a victim in southern California. To set up the robbery, Farley told the victim that he would send one of his representatives to pay a drug debt and buy more marijuana. On the night of December 5, 2017, Flood, Williams, Aristil, Nattiel, and an unidentified male co-conspirator, met in a hotel room to prepare for the robbery. Aristil, Nattiel, and the unidentified male donned black. Lisa Flood loaded the 9 mm pistols and gave the firearms to Aristil and Nattiel. The group then drove to the victim’s neighborhood. At approximately 11:30 pm., Flood knocked on the front door of the marijuana distributor and was let in. After a brief conversation, Flood excused herself to return to her car and get money. A moment later, Aristil, Nattiel, and a third man burst through the front door. They pointed their guns at the victim, tied the victim’s hands and feet with zip ties, and confined the victim to a room. One of the robbers went upstairs and pulled the victim’s wife out of bed, put his arm around her neck, stuck his gun in her back, and marched her downstairs to the den, where they tied her hands and feet, and put a plastic bag over her head. The robbers then ransacked the victims’ house, stealing marijuana, jewelry, and currency.
Martin and Flood previously pled guilty to participating in the conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and are pending sentencing. Williams pled guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 168 months in prison.
U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman is scheduled to sentence Farley, Aristil, and Nattiel, on March 18, 2024. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Sheriff Gregory Tony of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) announced the convictions.
FBI and BSO investigated this case with assistance from Lauderhill Police Department, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Daytona Beach Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dwayne E. Williams and Elena Smukler are prosecuting it.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
This prosecution is a part of the Justice’s Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs.
PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through the PSN program a broad spectrum of law enforcement and community stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs to reduce violence crime and gun violence, and to make our local neighborhoods safer for everyone.
OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov, under case number 22-20556-Cr-Altman/Reid.
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Cruise Ship Counselor Charged with Sexually Abusing MinorsRead the Press Release
MIAMI – On Dec. 13, a federal grand jury charged Filipino citizen Cris John Pentinio Castor, 35, by indictment, with two counts of abusive sexual contact with a minor in the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
According to allegations in the indictment and previously filed criminal complaint, and presented at prior hearings, in November 2023, Cris John Pentinio Castor engaged in abusive sexual contact with two six-year-old girls entrusted to the care of the Camp at Sea Youth Center on a Celebrity Silhouette cruise, owned by Royal Caribbean Group, that departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Castor was working as a Camp at Sea youth counselor at the time of the sexual contact.
An arraignment hearing is scheduled in this matter for tomorrow, Dec. 15. If convicted of the charges contained in the federal indictment, Castor faces up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of the FBI, Miami Field Office, announced the charges.
FBI Miami investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Royal Caribbean Group security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Pence Tomanelli is handling the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about the PSC initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with information regarding suspected child abuse (to include physical and sexual abuse) is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
A criminal complaint and an indictment contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 23-mj-06575 and 23-CR-60234.
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