Middle District of Florida

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sherri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jose Nunez (66) and Sila Nunez (62), both of Fort Myers, to 11 years and 7 years in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to distribute more than 17 kilograms of cocaine. The couple pleaded guilty in November 2017.

According to court documents, an undercover DEA agent purchased an ounce of cocaine from Jose Nunez on two occasions in late 2016 and early 2017. After the second transaction, his wife, Sila Nunez, told the agent that they could do bigger deals in the future, up to a “kilo” in weight. Further investigation revealed that Jose and Sila Nunez were large-scale drug traffickers with direct ties to a Mexican drug cartel. Between October 2016 and July 2017, the couple received four multi-kilogram shipments of cocaine from the cartel, via drug couriers, and returned hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to the cartel. On July 26, 2017, agents searched the couple’s Fort Myers home and seized a stash of cocaine and more than $10,000 in drug proceeds.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.

Fort Myers, Florida – Juan Carlos Gonzalez (37, San Diego, California) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 11 pounds of methamphetamine. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, a DEA undercover agent (UC) made contact with Gonzalez after learning that he was associated with a drug trafficking organization operating out of Tijuana, Mexico. Gonzalez agreed to send a sample of his product, without payment, from California to the UC in Florida. The sample, which arrived in Fort Myers on April 17, 2017, was nearly two pounds of 99% pure methamphetamine. When Gonzalez and the UC discussed how much more product could be delivered in the future, Gonzalez said his supply was “unlimited.” In the following months, Gonzalez sent over nine more pounds of methamphetamine to the UC. DEA laboratory testing confirmed these later shipments were 100% pure methamphetamine.

On August 16, 2017, Gonzalez was arrested by federal agents at the San Ysidro port of entry coming from Mexico into California.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.

Orlando, FL – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Naif Wedad Nazer (39, Laguna Niguel, California) with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies him that the United States is seeking a money judgment in the amount of $811,162.06, the proceeds of the charged criminal offense.     

According to the indictment, between 2011 and 2015, Nazer founded and operated 10 different businesses, each of which engaged in cold-calling timeshare owners across the United States and fraudulently inducing them to pay advance fees for services that the businesses never intended to render. Nazer, and others that he had recruited for this scheme, made a series of false claims to victims, including that Nazer’s businesses would help the owner market his or her timeshare; that they had identified buyers to purchase the timeshare; that they would facilitate the sale of the timeshare; and that they would refund the advance fee within a prescribed time period if the timeshare sale did not go through.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.         

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Travis Demond Johnson (38, Bunnell) to eight years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for selling cocaine on two occasions. He pleaded guilty on November 9, 2017.

According to court documents, on June 9, 2017, Johnson sold crack cocaine and a firearm to a confidential informant (CI). A few weeks later, he again sold crack cocaine to the CI. During a traffic stop on August 2, 2017, Johnson was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for possessing crack cocaine. The following week, while on bond for his state charges related to the traffic stop, Johnson again sold crack cocaine to the CI. On August 18, 2017, Johnson sold crack cocaine and a second firearm to the CI; he also brandished a third firearm. On August 24, 2017, a search warrant executed at Johnson’s home revealed additional crack cocaine and a fourth firearm. Johnson was prohibited from possessing firearms – two of which had been reported stolen – due to his previous felony convictions for attempted second degree murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, battery on a law enforcement officer, and possession of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Shavon Montgomery (38, Bradenton) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for distributing crack cocaine and a substance containing fentanyl and heroin. She pleaded guilty on December 20, 2017.

According to court documents, on two occasions in March 2017, Montgomery sold crack cocaine to an undercover deputy from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. On April 26, 2017, and May 4, 2017, she sold substances containing fentanyl and heroin to an undercover officer from the Bradenton Police Department. During the second transaction, Montgomery agreed to sell more fentanyl to the officer later that day, and shortly thereafter arranged a time and location to conduct the sale. When Montgomery reversed course on her way to the agreed upon location for the second sale, an officer stopped the vehicle and searched Montgomery and her two passengers. One of the passengers possessed the fentanyl that Montgomery had arranged to sell to the undercover officer. In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 33 grams of fentanyl and heroin during this investigation.

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Hot Batch.” The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply. The investigation was conducted by the Bradenton Police Department, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Timothy Munro Roberts (57, Missouri) to six years and eight months in federal prison for wire fraud. He was also ordered to pay $5,874,912.52 in restitution to the victims of the fraud. Roberts pleaded guilty on January 9, 2017.

According to court documents, in 2010, Roberts and his codefendant, Terrance Taylor, founded Savtira Corporation, Inc., a technology company headquartered in Ybor City. Savtira purported to offer a centralized, cloud-based shopping cart platform for online and traditional retailers. While marketing Savtira stock to investors, Roberts and Taylor made false claims and promises. In particular, they claimed that the company was profitable and owned patents, that they had entered into executed agreements with nationally recognized technology firms, and that Savtira was valued between $450 million and $540 million. Roberts and Taylor then misused and misappropriated investor funds for personal expenses and made cash withdrawals without the investors’ consent. They also failed to disclose key facts to investors, including that Roberts had entered into a prior settlement agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that required him to pay a fine and banned him from selling unregistered securities.

Taylor, Savtira’s CFO, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on December 17, 2017, to five years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation - Bureau of Financial Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mandy Riedel.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Jeanine Jeanty (45, Orlando) to 19 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to steal tax refunds, theft of tax refunds, and aggravated identity theft. As part of her sentence, the court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $1,774,376, representing the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

A jury found Jeanty guilty on December 15, 2017.

According to court documents, Jeanty was the organizer and leader of a sophisticated criminal enterprise that stole federal tax refunds by filing false tax returns using stolen identity information. The organization also purchased fraudulently obtained U.S. Treasury tax refund checks from others for a fraction of their face value. In less than two years, Jeanty and her co-conspirators stole more than $2.7 million in tax refunds from the Department of the Treasury. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen L. Gable.

Orlando, Florida – Marvin Mushia Smith (39, Orlando) has been arrest and charged by criminal complaint with visa fraud and encouraging or inducing an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count.

According to court documents, in April 2017, members of Orlando’s Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF) identified numerous requests for foreign, temporary, non-agricultural workers’ “H-2B” visas linked to Smith, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Jamaica. Further investigation revealed that from at least December 2014 through March 15, 2018, Smith filed fraudulent labor certification packages and 11 fraudulent immigration petitions with the Department of Labor (DOL) and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which resulted in the admission of over 300 non-immigrants from Jamaica. 

The H-2B non-agricultural temporary worker program allows U.S. employers to bring foreign nationals to the United States to fill temporary, non-agricultural jobs.  To qualify for H-2B nonimmigrant classification, a petitioner must establish that there are not enough U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the temporary work, and that employing H-2B workers will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers. A statutory “cap” limits the number of H-2B visas granted during a fiscal year. Currently, Congress has set the H-2B cap at 66,000 per fiscal year, with 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the first half of the fiscal year (October 1 - March 31) and 33,000 for workers who begin employment in the second half of the fiscal year (April 1 - September 30).

In his fraudulent submissions to DOL and USCIS, Smith claimed to have labor contracts with various hotels, construction companies, and landscaping businesses for temporary work in the United States. In reality, many of his H-2B petition packages used fake temporary employment contracts to support the need for his foreign workers. USCIS approved the petitions, in large part, because of the fraudulent contracts supplied by Smith. Further, law enforcement officers interviewed several of the workers who had been admitted as part of Smith’s fraudulent packages, who stated that they worked at different job sites and performed duties other than the ones indicated on the petitions. 

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was the culmination of the combined investigative efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service, the DOL–Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and USCIS - Fraud Detection and National Security. These agencies comprise HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, which was created to combat visa fraud and other similar crimes. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon M. Bayliss and Christina R. Downes, who are on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Elma Denise Sizelove (40, Silver Springs) to 57 months in federal prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. She pleaded guilty to the offenses on December 18, 2017.

According to court documents, Sizelove was arrested by law enforcement after attempting to pass a fraudulently altered check at a local bank. A subsequent search of her vehicle uncovered 150 letters and 47 additional checks that had been stolen from local residents. The stolen checks had a total face value of $68,208.41. Further investigation revealed that Sizelove had fraudulently altered and deposited other checks that she had stolen from residential and commercial mailboxes into her bank account using mobile and ATM deposits.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

Jacksonville, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Oscar Arnelson Rodriguez-Cruz (40, Honduras) with conspiracy to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of federal payroll taxes, specifically the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), Social Security, and Medicare taxes. He faces up to five years in federal prison. Rodriguz-Cruz was previously charged on January 31, 2018, with multiple counts of wire fraud. Rodriguez-Cruz is a Honduran citizen who is illegally present in the United States.      

The indictment alleges that Rodriguez-Cruz facilitated employment in the construction industry of individuals living and working illegally in the United States. Construction contractors and subcontractors entered into an agreement with a shell company established by Rodriguez-Cruz to provide workers, most of whom were illegal aliens, for the contractors and subcontractors. By obtaining and paying the workers through the shell company, the contractors and subcontractors could disclaim responsibility for ensuring that required payroll taxes were paid.

The contractors and subcontractors wrote payroll checks to the shell company for work performed by the workers. Rodriguez-Cruz cashed the checks and distributed cash to construction crew leaders, who then paid the workers in cash.  During the period of the scheme, Rodriguez-Cruz allegedly cashed payroll checks totaling $15,670,438. Neither Rodriguez-Cruz nor the contractors and subcontractors remitted payroll taxes to the IRS. According to the IRS, the estimated total amount of payroll taxes due on the total wages is approximately $3,964,621.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has violated one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Christopher Loran Bentley (31, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing a pistol after having been convicted of a felony, and for possessing with intent to distribute crack cocaine and heroin. He pleaded guilty to the offenses on October 19, 2017.

According to court documents, Bentley possessed a stolen firearm outside a house in Jacksonville in April 2017. He was encountered by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office patrol officers responding to investigate activities at the house. The officers observed Bentley sitting in his parked truck with a bag of marijuana in plain view. The officers ordered Bentley out of the truck, but he resisted and tried to escape. While removing Bentley from the truck, a bag of drugs, including powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin fell from his lap, onto the ground. The firearm was sitting in the driver’s seat, where Bentley had been sitting. Bentley had been previously convicted of selling cocaine.

At sentencing, multiple witnesses’ testimony established that Bentley had been involved in pimping women in the Philips Highway area of Jacksonville for several years. Bentley controlled his sex trafficking victims through violence, threats of violence, coercion, and mental and emotional manipulation. On one occasion, Bentley threatened to bash one of his victims’ teeth in using a gun, broke his hand punching the victim in the head, then forced his victim to pull down her pants so that he could beat her with a pipe. Testimony also established that Bentley had used his victims’ drug addictions to coerce them into prostitution. One of Bentley’s victims died of an overdose in 2016, after obtaining fentanyl and cocaine from him.  On another occasion, Bentley fired his gun at another individual who had been trying to collect a debt from one of the women prostituted by Bentley.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Jacksonville, FL – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Brian Holland (23, Jacksonville) with aggravated sexual abuse by force. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment in federal prison, and a potential lifetime of supervision. 

According to the indictment and court records, Holland is charged with sexually abusing a passenger-victim on February 27, 2018, while aboard a Carnival cruise ship based out of Jacksonville. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Jay Taylor.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury today found Oliver A. Santana-Garcia (33, Sarasota) guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 8, 2018. Santana-Garcia was indicted on August 30, 2016.

According to testimony presented at trial, on March 7, 2016, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Santana-Garcia and arrested him on an outstanding charge of violation of probation. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement discovered a loaded firearm semi-automatic pistol wedged between the driver’s seat and the center console. A subsequent search warrant of Santana-Garcia’s cell phone revealed that 12 days prior to his arrest, he had taken a video of himself with the same firearm.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the  Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Gregory T. Nolan.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, FL – A federal jury today found Francisco Javier Barbot Cabassa (28, Kissimmee) guilty of forcibly assaulting a mail carrier while the carrier was engaged in the performance of his official duties, resulting in physical contact with the mail carrier.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Barbot Cabassa approached the mail carrier, while he was distributing mail, and demanded that the carrier give him a package. The mail carrier requested that Barbot Cabassa provide identification, but Barbot Cabassa refused. As a result, the carrier informed Barbot Cabassa that he would need to go to the post office and provide identification in order to obtain the package. Barbot Cabassa then punched the mail carrier in the face and ultimately took the package.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alejandro J. Salicrup and Vincent S. Chiu.

Fort Myers, Florida – Herman Fleming (26, Lehigh Acres) and Sondre’jah Wilbon (24, Fort Myers) today pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges arising out of a straw purchasing incident. Both individuals face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set.

According to court documents, Fleming and Wilbon traveled to a gun show at the Lee County Civic Center on April 2, 2017. Fleming, who was then facing state felony charges, was prohibited from receiving a firearm under federal law. An undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent standing next to the couple at a display booth observed Fleming handling various firearms and heard him tell Wilbon which three guns (an assault-style rifle and two pistols) he wanted to buy. Fleming then provided Wilbon with cash and left the area to avoid raising suspicion. 

In the paperwork required to make the purchase, Wilbon lied and claimed she was the intended recipient of the firearms. The two were arrested while leaving the gun show. Law enforcement found the rifle in the trunk of Fleming’s car and the receipts for the guns in his pocket. The two pistols were subject to a three-day waiting period by law and never left the possession of the firearms dealer.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Jacksonville, Florida – Bruquanna Griffin (21, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to stealing firearms, and conspiring to steal firearms from federally-licensed firearms dealers. She faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, throughout the summer of 2017, Griffin and another individual worked together to steal firearms from at least three Jacksonville gun stores. At each location, Griffin’s co-conspirator would distract the sales staff, while Griffin would sneak behind the counter to steal handguns. She stole as many as five guns from a single location. On August 23, 2017, Griffin was arrested after she attempted to leave a gun store with two stolen pistols in her purse. She eventually admitted her involvement in the conspiracy, explaining that after she stole the firearms, her co-conspirator would either keep, sell, or trade the guns for drugs.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Court Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Ronnie Rolland Montgomery (28, Orlando) to seven years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He pleaded guilty to the offense on September 6 2017. Five others were previously charged in this conspiracy, have pleaded guilty, and are awaiting sentencing.

According to court documents, from at least August 1, 2015, through July 6, 2017, Montgomery was a manager/leader in a criminal organization that demanded money from victims by claiming to be agents with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and/or the Cyber Crimes Center (C3). The scheme typically began by one of the conspirators placing a fraudulent post on adult dating websites claiming to be a “nerdy girl seeking nerdy guy.” When the victims responded to the ads, the conspirators would continue to pretend that they were a female seeking companionship. A couple of days later, the conspirators would contact the victims pretending to be federal agents assigned to the “C3 Child Exploitation Division” or other components of DHS. They would accuse the victims of soliciting a minor on the internet and falsely claim that there was an outstanding warrant for the victims’ arrest. Victims were contacted from fraudulent email addresses that appeared to be from a law enforcement agency. The conspirators also used spoof apps on the victims’ phones to make it appear as if they were calling from a law enforcement number. After contact, victims were told that they could pay a “fine” or “fees” so that the purported warrant would be “purged” or “cleared.” To pay these “fines” or “fees,” victims were instructed to go to a money service business, and use either Ria, MoneyGram, or Western Union to wire money to satisfy their “fines” or “fees.” Victims were directed to address these wire transfers to a real name of one of the conspirators or to one of their aliases, after which the defendants would take turns picking up the payments. Victims were then traded among the conspirators to continue deriving more money from the scheme. The victims, many of which were members of the military, or elderly, would send multiple extortion payments, ranging from $200 to $1,900, per transaction because they feared arrest. Law enforcement estimates that the scheme generated over $342,000 in profits. 

In addition, on March 7, 2018, a grand jury returned an indictment charging Donte Sherrick Harris (30, Kissimmee), Jean David Jules, a/k/a ‘Zoe,” a/k/a “Zoe Chappo” (33, Haitian national), Jonathan Wayne Thorne (27, Kissimmee), and Jason Tyiwuan Green (21, Orlando) with wire fraud for their involvement in the same scheme.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI/San Diego), with assistance from the following partnering agencies – the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (San Diego), and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.  It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Christina R. Downes and Brandon Bayliss, who are both on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Court Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Oniel Christopher Russell, a/k/a “O G Russell” (40, Jamaican national), to five years in federal prison for possessing two loaded firearms while being in the United States illegally, and for committing a felony assault on a federal law enforcement officer, causing bodily injury. A federal jury found Russell guilty on December 28, 2017, after a two-day trial.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Russell last entered the United States on October 29, 2008, as a non-immigrant visitor for pleasure with subsequent authorization to remain within the United States only until January 3, 2009. However, Russell failed to depart the United States, and he remained without any lawful immigration status thereafter. On August 24, 2013, Orange County Sheriff’s deputies pulled Russell over for a traffic violation. They subsequently conducted a lawful search of his vehicle, where they discovered two loaded firearms, one in the glove compartment box, and another under the passenger seat. Russell confessed to possessing the firearm in the glove compartment, but denied knowledge of the other. He was charged by the State Attorney’s Office for carrying a concealed firearm.

In October of 2016, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were alerted to Russell’s presence in the United States when he placed a call to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and made several threatening verbal statements. After verifying that he was in the United States illegally, on April 25, 2017, they located Russell and attempted to execute an administrative warrant for his arrest, during which he resisted and a federal officer suffered injuries to his shoulder and ankle.

At sentencing, the Court imposed an upward variance of 30 months, citing Russell’s apparent hatred for the United States, and law enforcement, his actions when arrested, and his lack of remorse or acceptance of responsibility. The Court also specifically noted that it also had taken into consideration the exhibits submitted into evidence by the United States, which included still shots and a transcription of the lyrics from Russell’s YouTube video on October 23, 2015, titled “Cop Killer.” In the still shots from the video, Russell could be seen brandishing a firearm, and mimicking one with his hand, while singing explicit lyrics.

“Russell’s sentence sends a clear message that assaulting a federal officer will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. His actions on April 25th showed no respect or regard for our officers and his sentence was fitting of his crime,” said Marc Moore, field office director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This case was primarily investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Protective Service. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, who is on assignment from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor in the Middle District of Florida.

Fort Myers, Florida – Kenneth McQueen (58, Okeechobee) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He faces a minimum of 5, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, a City of Arcadia police officer pulled McQueen over for a minor traffic violation. McQueen volunteered that he was in possession of marijuana, but claimed he had just cleaned the car, so no other contraband would be found. A search of the vehicle revealed over a half-kilogram of cocaine and six ounces of fentanyl in multiple locations throughout the passenger compartment.

This case was investigated by the Arcadia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael V. Leeman.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Gerard Ibarra (57, Mexico) to 10 months in federal prison for fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. The court also ordered him to forfeit $5,752, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ibarra pleaded guilty on September 25, 2017.

According to court documents, in May 2017, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information from local law enforcement about an individual known as “Perfume Cuco” (later determined to be Ibarra) who was selling fraudulent identification documents to illegal immigrants in Kissimmee. These documents were being sold for $150 to $200 a piece, and included immigrant visas (i.e., “Green Cards”), social security cards, and Florida driver licenses. Agents from HSI and the USSS conducted an undercover investigation during which Ibarra sold a counterfeit Green Card and a counterfeit social security card to an undercover agent. Ibarra was arrested on August 16, 2017, following a second undercover purchase. A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed 10 counterfeit Green Cards, 21 counterfeit social security cards, a counterfeit California driver license and $5,752 in cash. Ibarra later told agents that he had been selling counterfeit cards for about two years and that “business was good.” He estimated that he had sold approximately 2,000 cards.

Further investigation revealed that an individual named “Jimmy,” later identified as Jaime Gaspar (37, Kissimmee), had been supplying the counterfeit cards to Ibarra. On March 7, 2018, Gaspar was arrested and charged by criminal complaint for his involvement in the scheme.

According to court records, Ibarra sent photos and biographic information to Gaspar using a cellphone app. Upon Gaspar’s arrest, agents located his cellphone in his room and confirmed it was the same phone used to perpetuate the fraud with Ibarra.

“HSI places a high priority on investigating document and benefit fraud,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This crime poses a threat to national security and public safety because it creates a vulnerability that may enable criminals and illegal aliens to gain entry to and remain in the United States.”  

“The results of this investigation are a testament to the Secret Service’s commitment to strong partnerships between local and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Gerard Doret, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Orlando Field Office.

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service as result of HSI’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), which was created to combat visa fraud and other similar crimes by building upon existing partnerships with other federal and state law enforcement investigators with document and benefit fraud expertise. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina R. Downes, who is on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

Orlando, Florida – A grand jury has returned an indictment charging Richard Hoyt Crawford, Jr. (59, Port Orange) with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Crawford that the United States intends to forfeit an iPhone, which was used in furtherance of the offense.

According to court documents, between February 10 and February 28, 2018, Crawford engaged in email and text communications with an undercover agent acting as the father of a 12-year-old girl. Crawford asked the “father” for a photo of the “child” and negotiated a price to have sex with her. He offered to pay between $50 and $75 for the sexual encounter and asked that the “girl” be nude in the back of the “father’s” car and ready for sexual activity. On February 28, 2018, Crawford traveled from Port Orange to Seminole County to meet the “child,” and was arrested by federal agents. 

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida – Jeremy Scott Clark (44, Ponte Vedra) was arrested today and charged by federal criminal complaint with distributing child pornography. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison, and a potential lifetime of supervision. Clark has been detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 13, 2018, in Jacksonville.

According to the criminal complaint, on February 22, 2018, an individual using the screen name “LLCoolJack1973” responded to a message on an internet bulletin board frequented by individuals with a sexual interest in children. This message had been posted by an undercover FBI agent. The user (LLCoolJack1973), later identified as Jeremy Scott Clark, began an online conversation with the undercover FBI agent. After some conversation about sexual activity with children, the user sent an image of an adult male on a bed displaying his penis, and later sent a link to the FBI agent that contained images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Further investigation revealed that the internet protocol address used by “LLCoolJack1973” traced back to Clark’s residence in Ponte Vedra, and that Clark was a teacher at First Coast High School in Jacksonville. 

On March 8, 2018, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at Clark’s residence and seized several items of computer media and at least one Apple iPhone. Through interviews, agents were able to confirm that the picture of the naked male sent to the undercover FBI agent depicted Clark on his bed, in a bedroom at his residence. Clark was placed under arrest.

A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information regarding this investigation should contact the FBI Jacksonville office at (904) 248-7000. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Michael Bernard Code (36, Bradenton) to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances. He pleaded guilty on December 13, 2017. 

According to court documents, on June 15, 2017, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office conducted surveillance of known narcotics trafficking locations in Manatee County. They observed a white Buick sedan leaving a suspected drug house and determined that the registered owner of the car had a suspended driver license. As officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle initially kept moving. When it finally stopped, Code exited the passenger side of the car carrying a black object, and fled on foot. The driver, Tony Marvin Johnson, was patted down for weapons, during which a deputy located a pill bottle containing approximately 8.5 grams of a white substance that appeared to be cocaine base. The substance field-tested positive for cocaine. Officers also recovered $237 from a fanny-pack strapped to Johnson’s waistband and another $207 from his front pants pockets.

Shortly thereafter, Code returned to the vehicle and was detained. Witnesses advised law enforcement that they saw Code throw objects on the ground in two separate locations. A search of those locations revealed a black magnetic type box containing the following: a digital scale, a plastic baggy containing Xanax pills, a plastic baggy containing approximately 13.5 grams of suspected fentanyl, a plastic baggy containing 13 smaller baggies with suspected fentanyl weighing approximately 8.2 grams, and a third plastic baggy containing 26 individual small baggies with an off-white powdery substance (weighing approximately 5.7 grams). The white substance field-tested positive for cocaine. The suspected fentanyl later lab-tested positive for MDMA.   

Code later told law enforcement that Johnson had told him to run from the car and get rid of the objects. He also stated that he used narcotics and tested narcotics.

Johnson previously pleaded guilty for his role in this case. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 3, 2018.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale. This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation entitled “Hot Batch.” The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Christopher Jaye Boykin (35, Lisman, Alabama) to 7 years and 11 months in federal prison for downloading child sex abuse videos. He was also ordered to serve a 5-year term of supervised release, register as a sex offender, and pay $4,000 in restitution to two victims. Boykin was previously convicted of two felony drug offenses in Jacksonville in 2013.   

According to court documents, in February 2014, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) determined that a host computer in Jacksonville, where Boykin was residing, was offering child pornography on a file-sharing network. Boykin later pawned that computer at a shop in Jacksonville, and it was seized by law enforcement.

On November 14, 2014, HSI agents executed a search warrant at Boykin’s home and seized another computer that he had used to download at least 50 videos depicting sexual abuse of young children. During an interview, Boykin admitted that both computers contained child pornography for his own “viewing pleasure.”

“This child predator thought he could be anonymous behind a computer screen,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “But thanks to the investigative work of HSI special agents, and our partners at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, this criminal will be held accountable for his crimes.”         

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s  Homeland Security Investigations, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Rany Smith a/k/a “Abdelmajid Wahbi” (48, Tampa) to 45 months’ imprisonment for aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He pleaded guilty to charges on December 6, 2017.

According to court records, Smith, originally of Morocco, stole the identities of other North African immigrants and used them to carry out fraud schemes throughout Florida. In one scheme, he obtained employment as a manager at Tampa-area and South Florida businesses, using stolen identities to hide his prior felony conviction. He then used his managerial authority to hire “ghost employees,” whose wages he then collected and kept for himself. In other schemes, Smith obtained lines of credit using the personal identifying information of various identity theft victims and purchased goods and services from a variety of businesses across the United States. As a result, he incurred debts that he never repaid, causing tens of thousands of dollars in losses to the underwriting banks.

"This criminal stole the identities of other immigrants and used those identities to shield himself from being held accountable for illegal activities," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. "He victimized the immigrants whose identities he stole, Florida retailers and online merchants, and the U.S. taxpayers."     

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations – National Security Division, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Gerard.

Tampa, Florida – Dr. Anthony Baldizzi (54, Largo) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy and receiving illegal kickbacks related to a federal health care benefit program. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Baldizzi, a medical doctor practicing in Pinellas County, wrote prescriptions for compounded creams for scars and pain, among other things. These creams, which were prescribed to TRICARE beneficiaries and others, cost between $900 and $21,000 for a one-month supply. 

Beginning in May 2014, Baldizzi entered into an agreement with the owners of Lifecare Pharmacy, a Pinellas County-based compounding pharmacy, and the principals of Centurion Compounding, Inc., a Pasco County-based marketing firm that promoted compounded creams. Lifecare and Centurion agreed to pay Baldizzi 10 percent of each paid claim resulting from a prescription for a compounded cream written for his patients and filled at Lifecare. These prescriptions were often billed to TRICARE.

Also, at the request of Centurion’s owners, Baldizzi conducted “pop up” medical clinics at a hotel, retail store, and other locations in order to see high volumes of Centurion-recruited patients and prescribe Centurion-promoted compounded creams, many of which were paid for by TRICARE.

Lifecare received approximately $5.3 million from TRICARE for claims made for prescriptions for compounded medications prescribed by Baldizzi as a result of this illegal kickback scheme. The conspirators made cash payments to Baldizzi and bought him a $72,000 luxury car in return for writing the prescriptions for compounded creams for individuals covered by federal health care benefit programs. 

Baldizzi’s co-conspirators, pharmacists Carlos Mazariegos and Benjamin Nundy, who owned and operated Lifecare Pharmacy, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud in related cases and are set to be sentenced in June 2018. This investigation is ongoing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Megan Kistler.

Tampa, Florida – Colby Isaac Hilleary (24, Greenville, Texas) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interfering with the duties of a flight attendant. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.   

According to the complaint, on March 2, 2018, Hilleary was a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Dallas, Texas. Shortly after takeoff, he left his seat and ran to the front of the aircraft; a flight attendant told him that he needed to return to his seat. Hilleary responded, "the plane is going the wrong way," and "there are no pilots on the plane." A flight attendant then told Hilleary that there were pilots flying the plane and that it was currently over the water, but would turn and head towards Dallas shortly. Hilleary eventually returned to his seat. 

Once seated, Hilleary continued behaving in a disruptive manner. The flight attendant approached Hilleary in his seat in an attempt to address his concerns and calm him down, but he continued his erratic behavior. Hilleary stated, "The plane has been hijacked," and became increasingly agitated. He then jumped up from his seat and physically attacked the flight attendant. During the altercation, the flight attendant was punched in the face before other passengers could subdue him. The flight attendant notified the captain and the plane was diverted for an emergency landing in Tampa.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.  

Orlando, Florida– U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Juan Almeida (59) and Andrew Cassara (38), both of Boca Raton, to six and seven years in federal prison, respectively, for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. They pleaded guilty on November 6, 2017.

A third co-conspirator, Wade Jones, Jr., previously pleaded guilty and was sentenced on February 7, 2018, to 13 months’ imprisonment.

According to court documents, in January 2015, the Drug Enforcement Administration began investigating the conspirators’ drug trafficking activities, which involved the distribution of large amounts of high-grade marijuana to individuals and groups. In August 2014, another group of drug traffickers had stolen approximately $250,000 of marijuana from the conspirators. In February 2015, during a recorded meeting, the conspirators discussed recouping their debt from the drug traffickers and continuing their drug distribution activities. A few days later, law enforcement seized more than 1,300 pounds of high-grade marijuana from a storage facility in Orlando and a house linked to Cassara.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury yesterday found Enite Alindor a/k/a Odette Dureland (56, Winter Haven) guilty of obtaining her naturalization as a United States citizen contrary to law and making false statements in a proceeding relating to naturalization. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 7, 2018.

According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, Alindor, a citizen of Haiti, applied for asylum with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Miami in February 1997. After the INS denied that application, the United States Immigration Court ordered her to be removed from the United States in absentia. Shortly thereafter, Alindor presented herself to the INS as “Odette Dureland” and filed for asylum protection under that new identity. She concealed the fact that she had previously applied for status in the United States as Enite Alindor, and concealed the fact that she was also under a final order of removal from the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services personnel, unaware of the Alindor identity and order of removal, approved Dureland for citizenship in July 2012 and she was naturalized as a United States citizen under that name in July 2012.

“When individuals lie on immigration documents, the system is severely undermined and the security of our nation is put at risk,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “HSI places a high priority on investigating document and benefit fraud.” 

“The integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system is paramount,” said USCIS Tampa Acting District Director Tracy Tarango. “This conviction sends a clear message that attempting to fraudulently obtain U.S. citizenship will not be tolerated. Our nation’s citizens deserve nothing less.”

The investigation that led to this prosecution was part of “Operation Second Look”, a nationwide investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has reviewed multiple cases across the United States of aliens who gained citizenship by concealing from the INS their prior orders of deportation and orders of removal from the United States.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fraud Detection and National Security group in Tampa, and the USCIS Asylum Office in Miami, Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Elizabeth Kovachevich today sentenced Samika Garcia (39), formerly of Riverview, to four years and three months in federal prison on one count of wire fraud and one count aggravated identity theft in connection with income tax fraud. As part of her sentence, she was also ordered to pay restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Garcia pleaded guilty to these charges on November 15, 2017.

According to court documents, in February and March 2014, Garcia electronically filed false and unauthorized tax returns in other peoples’ names from a laptop computer, claiming fraudulent tax refunds that were then deposited onto debit cards, in an amount totaling over $192,000. In doing so, Garcia unlawfully used those individuals’ personally identifying information, and kept track of this information in detailed ledgers at her residence. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.

Jacksonville, FL –U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan yesterday sentenced Karamchand “Raj” Doobay (44, Orlando) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud investors in an RV Park, and immigrant investors in a senior citizen facility, both located in Hamilton County. In addition, the Court ordered him to pay restitution to the 85 victim–investors in the amount of $8,663,264.58. Doobay was also ordered to forfeit real property that was used in the commission of the offenses.       

Doobay pleaded guilty on January 31, 2017.

According to court documents, Doobay operated business entities in Hamilton County, Florida, through which he acquired a parcel of land located at 7516 SE 113th Boulevard, in Jasper, Florida. From in or about March 2009, through in or about December 2015, he solicited investors to purchase subdivided lots on the land, guaranteeing returns between 9 to 41 percent for investments in RV lots and other lots for sale by his entity (Florida Gateway Resort). Doobay utilized various bank accounts to collect funds for the purchase of RV lots that he purported to sell to investor–purchasers. However, Doobay failed to disclose that he had previously contracted to sell and purportedly sold the same lots to other investors.

Doobay was unable and failed to deliver the RV lots as promised. Despite being unable to deliver titles to the lots, he continued to represent to investors, through 2015, that “clean title is going to be provided” and that the land at Florida Gateway Resort was zoned and planned for an RV resort. Doobay routinely solicited new investor funds to pay previous investors returns while failing to disclose to the new investors that their funds would be used to pay pre-existing investors’ guaranteed returns.

Further, from about May 2011, through May 2016, Doobay conspired to commit wire fraud by promising immigrant investors, who were seeking permanent residence in the United States through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, that he would use their investments for the development, renovation, and/or new construction of Senior Premier Living, a proposed retirement community in Jasper, Florida. Instead, Doobay used a portion of the immigrant investor funds to pay Florida Gateway Resort a small fraction of the promised returns and for his own personal use and enjoyment.

“Having no remorse or sympathy for those he stole from, Doobay continued to defraud victims even after his 2015 arrest,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Mark Perez.  “I appreciate the efforts of investigators and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in stopping Doobay’s continued hunt for new victims.”

"This case demonstrates the lengths that some criminals will go to target and take advantage of innocent victims," said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, "but the FBI will work equally hard to hold those criminals accountable and protect their victims both here and abroad."

This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Karase.

Jacksonville, FL – Brian Holland (23, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with aggravated sexual abuse by force. He faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a potential lifetime of supervision. Holland made his initial appearance in federal court today and was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, March 6, 2018.

According to the complaint, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation  were notified by the security department of the Carnival Cruise Line vessel Elation that a passenger onboard the ship had been involved in an incident of sexual abuse on February 27, 2018. The victim stated that she was in the Jacuzzi with Holland on the cruise ship when he kept attempting to put his arm around her and she attempted to move further away from him. Holland then tried to put his hand on her shoulder and pull her back toward him. The victim stated that Holland touched her on her genitals over her bathing suit and then under her bathing suit, digitally penetrating her by force. The victim left the Jacuzzi and immediately reported what happened to family, who then reported it to ship security. The victim was examined by medical personnel on the ship, who found abrasions on her genitals consisted with digital penetration by force. 

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Jay Taylor.

A Middleburg, Florida man who used an infant and a toddler to produce child pornography was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison yesterday, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Tampa, made the announcement.

Andrew Leslie, 23, a former software engineer, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis on Oct. 21, 2017.

“Andrew Leslie committed unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims, children so young that they literally cannot speak for themselves” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan.  “Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders like Andrew Leslie and securing sentences like today’s, which ensures that he will never harm another child.”

“Yesterday’s sentence demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Lopez. “We intend to continue our pursuit in prosecuting such egregious crimes as this, in hopes that justice will be served for the victims.”

“This predator has committed atrocities that are beyond comprehension,” said Special Agent in Charge Spero. “We hope yesterday’s sentencing can bring some solace to the victims in their recovery process.”

According to admissions made in conjunction with the guilty plea, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Leslie’s Middleburg residence, agents located a digital camera next to Leslie’s bed.  Inside of the camera was a memory card that contained a series of images depicting Leslie sexually abusing two children, one of which was an infant child and the second who was approximately two years old.  The two-year-old child, whom Leslie admitted was in bed with Leslie at the time law enforcement agents entered the residence, was found in the residence and rescued.  Forensic analysis of other digital devices seized from the residence revealed that Leslie had produced, received, distributed, and possessed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Trial Attorney Lauren E. Britsch of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Rodney Brown of the Middle District of Florida prosecuted 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 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.

Jacksonville – A Middleburg, Florida man who used an infant and a toddler to produce child pornography was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison yesterday, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Tampa, made the announcement.

Andrew Leslie, 23, a former software engineer, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis on Oct. 21, 2017.

“Yesterday’s sentence demonstrates the severity of the crimes committed in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “We intend to continue our pursuit in prosecuting such egregious crimes as this, in hopes that justice will be served for the victims.”

“Andrew Leslie committed unspeakable crimes against the most vulnerable of victims, children so young that they literally cannot speak for themselves” said Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan.  “Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are committed to identifying and prosecuting offenders like Andrew Leslie and securing sentences like today’s, which ensures that he will never harm another child.”

“This predator has committed atrocities that are beyond comprehension,” said Special Agent in Charge Spero. “We hope yesterday’s sentencing can bring some solace to the victims in their recovery process.” 

According to admissions made in conjunction with the guilty plea, during the execution of a federal search warrant at Leslie’s Middleburg residence, agents located a digital camera next to Leslie’s bed.  Inside of the camera was a memory card that contained a series of images depicting Leslie sexually abusing two children, one of which was an infant child and the second who was approximately two years old.  The two-year-old child, whom Leslie admitted was in bed with Leslie at the time law enforcement agents entered the residence, was found in the residence and rescued.  Forensic analysis of other digital devices seized from the residence revealed that Leslie had produced, received, distributed, and possessed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney D. Rodney Brown of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Lauren E. Britsch of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted 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 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.

Tampa, Florida – Brian Scott Ellis (50, New Port Richey) has pleaded guilty to possessing and attempting to produce child pornography. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, up to 30 years, for the attempted production charge and up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession charge. 

According to the plea agreement, Ellis attempted to create an explicit video of a young teenage girl as she slept in his house. Ellis also admitted to possessing 2,597 images and 1,807 videos depicting child pornography, including materials involving a toddler,

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces the unsealing of a 10-count superseding indictment charging 11 individuals with conspiracy to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, 400 grams of fentanyl, and 100 grams of a fentanyl analogue, the distribution of which resulted in four deaths and serious bodily injury to a victim. Hasan Pearson, a/k/a “Julio,” a/k/a “Hoov” (35, Lakeland); Salik Stevens, a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Dough” (35, Lakeland); William Jones, a/k/a “Book” (38, Mulberry); Dominic Matthews, a/k/a “Gargamel” (30, Lakeland); Ladarius Oglesby, a/k/a “Hitta” (23, Lakeland); Naboris Lampkin, a/k/a “Beezy” (32, Lakeland); Jeminine Poe (37, Lakeland); Prince Grant (36, Lakeland); Justin Lee Martin (33, Lakeland); John Evit Brown (51, Lakeland); and Dalyshia Dexter (27, Lakeland) each face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the indictment, from at least March 2016 through August 30, 2017, these 11 individuals were part of a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and fentanyl analogues in the Middle District of Florida. During the conspiracy, the distribution of these substances resulted in four deaths and serious bodily injury to another individual.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.        

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Lakeland Police Department, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

WASHINGTON – The Department of Justice today announced the indictment of Michael Ron David Kadar, 19, who holds dual United States and Israeli citizenship, in three jurisdictions for hate crimes and other offenses.

The indictment from Florida charges Kadar with hate crimes as a result of threatening calls he made to Jewish Community Centers in the state. In addition, the indictment from the District of Columbia charges Kadar with threatening the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League in Washington, D.C. The third indictment charges Kadar with cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding harm to private residents in Georgia.

An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations throughout the United States in 2016 and early 2017 led to Kadar being charged initially in criminal complaints on April 21, 2017 in Florida and Georgia following his arrest in Israel. Kadar remains in custody in Israel where he also faces charges.

The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that beginning on or about Jan. 4, 2017, and continuing until Feb. 27, 2017, Kadar made multiple threatening calls involving bomb threats and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made the bomb threats and active shooter threats. Finally, the indictment charges that Kadar made bomb threats to the Orlando International Airport and a middle school in the Middle District of Florida. Although no actual explosives were found, many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities, and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area.  

The indictment from the District of Columbia charges that on or about March 7, 2017, Kadar made a threatening call to the Anti-Defamation League involving a bomb threat. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on or about March 9, 2017, Kadar sent a threatening email to the Israeli Embassy involving a bomb threat.

The indictment from the Middle District of Georgia charges that on or about Jan. 3, 2017, Kadar made a phone call to a police department conveying false information about an alleged hostage situation in progress at a private residence in Athens, Georgia, which included a threat to kill responding police officers. Police and emergency personnel responded to the scene, only to learn that there was no emergency.

The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, and the interstate threats charge, the hoax charge, and the cyberstalking charge each carry a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court ordered restitution.

“When individuals target victims of their crimes based on who they are, what they believe, or how they worship, they target the bedrock principles on which our nation was founded,” said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. “These alleged threats of violence instilled fear in the Jewish community and other communities across the country, and it is the Justice Department’s duty to make sure all Americans can live their lives without this type of fear.”

“These alleged threats were very real for those individuals who were evacuated, for the first responders who quickly mobilized to get people out of harm’s way, and for those in Jewish communities across the United States who felt targeted and unsafe,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This indictment demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working together with our partners to protect the safety and civil rights of all Americans, and shows that we will not stand by as someone threatens our communities based on their religion or their beliefs.”

“Threats, intimidation, or violence perpetrated against anyone because of their beliefs, their faith, or how they choose to worship is intolerable,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Individuals should be free to exercise these rights without fear. We will continue to use our resources to enforce these precious rights for all individuals.”

“The indictment returned today in the District of Columbia is part of a broader nationwide fight against hate, terror, and threats in all of their forms,” said U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia. “The charges also reflect the tireless dedication of the DOJ, the FBI, and our local and international partners to rooting out and prosecuting those who would terrorize our communities.”

“Hiding behind anonymous phone calls to threaten innocent citizens is cowardly and dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Charles E. Peeler for the Middle District of Georgia. “The calls that this defendant allegedly made harassed innocent victims, endangered first responders and the victims themselves, and needlessly consumed law enforcement resources vital to protecting our communities.”

This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Division, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Division; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia; the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. Federal authorities also acknowledge and appreciate the assistance and the investigative efforts of the Israeli National Police.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Jose Carlos Terra Izquierdo (24, Amarillo, TX) to 24 months in federal prison for credit card fraud, to run consecutive to the 12 month and 1 day prison sentence he received in the District of Nebraska. The court also ordered Izquierdo to pay restitution to the companies that he defrauded.

According to court documents, in 2016, Izquierdo was convicted of credit card fraud in the District of Nebraska. He was scheduled to turn himself in and begin his prison sentence in March 2017, but instead traveled to Florida in violation of his conditions of release. Federal authorities in Nebraska subsequently issued a warrant for his arrest. On March 2, 2017, Izquierdo was pulled over in Columbia County by the Florida Highway Patrol for an expired Texas tag. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, troopers located a credit card reader and stolen credit card information belonging to more than 50 victims.

This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Tampa, FL – The Justice Department today announced that David H. Howard, 59, of Tampa, Florida, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, to one count of threatening, intimidating, and interfering with a Muslim family’s enjoyment of their housing rights, in violation of Title 42 U.S.C. § 3631. Howard intimidated and interfered with the victims, who sought to purchase a home in the Davis Islands neighborhood of Tampa, Florida, by threatening to burn down the home, simply because it was being purchased by a Muslim family.  

According to court documents, on Nov. 3, 2016, a Muslim man, identified as K.A., and his wife were conducting the final walk-through of a home they had placed under contract.  As K.A. arrived for the final walk-through, the defendant approached K.A. and the seller identified as H.D., and the accompanying realtors, and yelled, “This sale will not take place!”  Howard threatened to burn the house down, and told K.A., “You are not welcome here!” K.A. and his wife hurried away from the house and cancelled the closing of the home purchase that was scheduled to take place the next day. In the days that followed, Howard retold his version of the incident to neighbors, making insulting remarks about Muslims.

“The Department of Justice will not tolerate illegal threats or acts of intimidation against any individual because of their religious beliefs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney John Gore of the Civil Rights Division. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute hate crime offenders.”

“Individuals and families should have the right to live wherever they choose, without intimidation or fear,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez for the Middle District of Florida. “Crimes perpetrated against people because of their race, ethnicity, color, or religious beliefs simply cannot be tolerated. And, we will prosecute those who commit these crimes to the fullest extent possible.”   

“Hate motivated crimes are not only an attack on the victim, but are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community," said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre. “Reporting these types of crimes along with cooperation of the community is critical to ensuring a successful outcome in cases like this.”

A sentencing date has not yet been set. Howard faces a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josephine W. Thomas of the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney William E. Nolan of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

Tampa, Florida – William Patrick King (35, Columbia, Maryland) has pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 35 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between December 2016 and February 2017, King attempted to persuade a 17-year-old girl to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. King met the victim on a teen-dating website and communicated with her by phone and via Facebook, Skype, and text messages. He told the victim that he was 18 years old, when in fact he was then 34 years old. King asked the girl to produce and send him child pornography. He also engaged in nude chats with the victim, and she sent him photographs.

King is a registered sex offender and has two prior convictions in Maryland for the sexual exploitation of children.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Thomas Leslie Carr (50, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for using underage “models” to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pornographic images and videos.  A federal jury found him guilty on June 1, 2017. 

According to court documents, in 2012, law enforcement officers began a human trafficking investigation involving the prostitution of minor and adult females throughout Florida by an individual named Michael Gallon.  The investigation revealed that Gallon had recruited his victims to travel and work at “parties” and “VIP rooms” as “models,” where customers paid to have sex with them. During the investigation, agents identified Carr was one of Gallon’s regular customers. 

On October 28, 2013, Gallon was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors and distribution of child pornography.  Two weeks later, a federal search warrant was executed at Carr’s residence. During an interview, Carr admitted that he had hired about 15 girls from Gallon over a three-year period. He stated that Gallon called him when he had girls available in Jacksonville and that the two would meet so that Carr could pay Gallon to select girls to take back to his residence. At home, Carr paid the females for photo sessions that usually consisted of photographing the female stripping off her clothing and then posing nude. He stated he attempted to have sex with the women and, if they were reluctant, Carr offered them more money.      

During the search of Carr’s residence, agents recovered computer media that contained images and videos of at least two minors, ages 15 and 17, engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Carr admitted to doing “photo shoots” with each of these minors.  The videos depicted Carr engaging in sexual intercourse with one of the girls.

In 2014, Gallon pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Lakeland Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa and Jacksonville.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Stacie Harris.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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 the United States Attorneys Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Miguel Pacheco-Lopez (35), an undocumented alien from Guatemala, to more than seven months in federal prison for sending money to Guatemala to help pay smugglers to bring an unaccompanied minor to the United States. He pleaded guilty on November 21, 2017.

According to court documents, on June 29, 2017, a U.S. Border Patrol agent encountered an unaccompanied 16-year-old Guatemalan boy in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. During an interview, the boy said that he had entered the country illegally and that he intended to live in Jacksonville with a brother-in-law named Miguel Pacheco-Lopez.

As part of an initiative to investigate those who smuggle unaccompanied children into the United States, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations located Pacheco-Lopez in Jacksonville on July 6, 2017. Pacheco-Lopez admitted that he was illegally present in the United States and was then administratively arrested for violating U.S. immigration laws.

During later interviews, Pacheco-Lopez stated that he had wired 20,000 Quetzals (Guatemala currency) to help pay smugglers to bring the boy to the United States. He said that his father-in-law (the boy’s father) had borrowed an additional 25,000 Quetzals to pay the smugglers. The total smuggling fee of 45,000 Quetzals is equivalent to approximately $6,100.

“This criminal jeopardized his own family members by paying human smugglers,” said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “He endangered a child’s life with a dangerous and unlawful journey into the United States, and now he will be held accountable.”

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced David Paul Lynch (56, Venice) to 330 years in federal prison for traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and for possessing, receiving, and producing child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his home in Venice, Florida, as well as computers and other electronic devices that he had used to commit the offenses.

A federal jury found Lynch guilty on October 13, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Lynch traveled to the Philippines regularly between 2005 and 2016 to have sex with children and make recordings of the abuse. Prior to his trips, he communicated online with individuals in the Philippines in order to locate children to sexually exploit. Lynch produced child pornography of at least three Filipino children on these visits, and he solicited child pornography via email of a fourth. He was arrested in San Francisco as he attempted to board a flight to the Philippines on December 30, 2016. During a simultaneous search of his home in Venice, FBI agents located dozens of self-produced images and videos of child pornography from his trips.

“The FBI is focused not only on the children being victimized here at home, but those across the globe who are being preyed upon by offenders," said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre. "Thanks to our strong law enforcement partnerships, there are no borders in these types of cases and we can achieve great outcomes as demonstrated in this case."

This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Sarasota Police Department, the Cape Coral Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Peresie and Eric K. Gerard.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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, Project Safe Childhood 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 Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Jacksonville, Florida – A federal jury has found Gregory Greer (35) guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Greer was indicted on September 21, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on August 17, 2017, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office vice squad were conducting an undercover operation at the Hometown Inn and Suites in the Southpoint area of Jacksonville. As the officers were making a prostitution arrest inside a hotel room, Greer knocked on the door. A detective answered the doored and asked Greer how he could be helped, but Greer continued to gesture toward the prostitution arrestee, attempting to get her attention. Greer provided his Georgia identification card to assisting officers, one of whom observed Greer making repeated hand movements toward his right side. The officers instructed Greer to sit on the floor of the hotel hallway, and he complied.

After repeatedly warning Greer not to make movements toward his right side with his hand, and advising Greer that he was going to pat down him for safety reasons, Greer said “ok,” stood up, and immediately began running for the hotel stairwell. As officers gave chase down the stairs, through the hotel parking lot, and through the back lots of several businesses, a detective heard a sound consistent with a metal gun being dropped in the stairwell. Another responding officer ran towards the stairwell and found a discarded .45 caliber pistol. Following a brief pursuit, Greer was arrested and officers located an empty nylon pistol holster on his right hip. The rightful owner of the pistol testified that it had been stolen from his home in 2015.

At the time of the incident, Greer had five prior felony convictions, including aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer, distribution of PCP, escape, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a controlled substance. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Troy Bennett (30, Orange County) to 25 years in federal prison for ­­­possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for failing to register the firearm, a short-barreled rifle, with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Due to his prior multiple felony convictions, he qualified for an increased penalty under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

A federal jury found Bennett guilty of the offenses on December 6, 2017.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on two occasions in August 2017, Bennett met with a confidential informant (CI) to sell firearms and drugs. During the first meeting, Bennett sold the CI crack cocaine and discussed his ability to obtain and sell a rifle to the CI. About a week later, during their second meeting, Bennett sold cocaine, a short-barreled rifle, and 28 rounds of ammunition to the CI. As a previously convicted felon, Bennett is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

“ATF’s primary focus is protecting the public by reducing violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Daryl McCrary. “ATF continues to aggressively pursue violent offenders and will continue to protect and serve communities with our law enforcement partners.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced three individuals for their involvement in a marriage fraud ring operating out of Brevard County. William Matthew Tex Price (31, Cocoa) was sentenced to two years in federal prison for marriage fraud to run concurrent to a two-year sentence for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Maria Rogacheva (28, Russia) was sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment and Khagan Mushfig Oglu Nabili (24, Azerbaijan) was sentenced to time served.

According to court documents, in October 2015, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations worked with the Brevard County Clerk of the Court to investigate a significant surge in the number of aliens from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and other former Soviet countries marrying U.S. citizens in Brevard County. This led to the arrest of Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) on July 13, 2016.

After his arrest, Yakovlev admitted to introducing approximately 100 individuals to each other over an 18-month period for the purpose of them entering into sham marriages for immigration benefits. Yakovlev claimed that his payment ranged from $1,000 to $2,000 per sham marriage, and that the American citizens were paid between $10,000 and $20,000 each.

Yakovlev “employed” Price, who recruited at least 20 U.S. citizens to participate in the scheme. In August 2015, Price recruited a U.S. citizen to enter into a sham marriage with Nabili. The citizen then filed an immigration petition on Nabili’s behalf in an attempt to obtain lawful status for him. The following month, Price recruited his ex-wife, Toole, to enter into a sham marriage with Bakhramovich Yadigarov (26, Uzbekistan). Toole filed an immigration petition on Yadigarov’s behalf in an attempt to gain lawful status for him.

Price also engaged in fraudulent marriages with Maria Rogacheva and Svetlana Vladimirovna Shakhramanyan (28, Azerbaijan). Rogacheva attempted to avoid prosecution by filing a lengthy petition falsely claiming to be a battered spouse based on her sham marriage to Price. She later admitted that she had not entered into the marriage in good faith, she had never lived with Price as husband and wife, and she had never been battered by Price.

“These criminals defrauded the government and undermined the integrity of our nation’s legal immigration system” said HSI Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This case should send a clear message that we will continue to target those who try to circumvent our nation’s immigration laws.”

Denis Yakovlev (40, Russia) and Meghan Toole (28, Cocoa) previously pleaded guilty for their involvement in this conspiracy. In November 2016, Yakovlev was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for encouraging or inducing an alien to reside in the United States, and Toole was sentenced to 4 months’ imprisonment for marriage fraud.

April Coleen Moore (24, Satellite Beach) pleaded guilty on January 2, 2018, for her sham marriage to Valriy Tsoy (33, Kazakhstan). Her sentencing hearing is on March 23, 2018. Tsoy, Yadigarov, and Shakhramanyan are set for trial in May 2018.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services - Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christina R. Downes who is on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

Tampa, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Marc Jason Levene (56, Sarasota) with three counts of possessing explosives as a convicted felon, two counts of improper storage of explosive materials, and one count of possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each of the possession counts and up to one year in federal prison for each improper storage count. The indictment also notifies Levene that the United States intends to forfeit approximately 4,362 pounds of quick match and 858 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition, which are alleged to be explosive materials and ammunition involved in the charged offenses.

According to the indictment, Levene stored explosives in an exterior shed at his home and in a storage unit at a commercial storage facility in Sarasota. Last Thursday, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Levene’s home and storage unit and seized explosives and ammunition.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.        

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Fire and Arson Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Gaugush.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Jacksonville, Florida – Seyed Ali Soroushjou (38, Cockeysville, Maryland) has pleaded guilty to sending threatening communications online via Facebook. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison; a sentencing date has not yet been set. Soroushjou has been in federal custody since his arrest.

According to court documents, on August 29, 2016, a Jacksonville resident (Person A) contacted law enforcement to report that she had received threatening messages through Facebook from an individual she did not know who had identified himself by the user name “MobyDick NahanghaVahshi.” A subsequent investigation identified the user as Soroushjou and revealed that he had sent the messages in response to a photograph that Person A had posted on her Facebook page of her posing with three officers from the New York Police Department. In his first message to the victim, sent on August 24, 2016, Soroushjou threatened to assault the officers depicted in the photo. In a second message three days later, Soroushjou graphically stated that he intended to sexually assault Person A.

Following the execution of a search warrant at Soroushjou’s home in Maryland, he was arrested. Agents also seized three computer devices that he had used to access Person A’s Facebook account.

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Isaac Thomas (Winter Haven, 25) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Judge Merryday said Thomas is an immediate and lethal threat to the community and stated that the court had only “one intelligent” option, before sentencing him to the statutory maximum sentence. Thomas pleaded guilty on August 24, 2017.        

According to evidence presented during the six-hour sentencing hearing, in January 2017, Thomas and several others were ejected from a Plant City High School basketball game for fighting. They then moved to a parking lot near the school, where fighting again broke out. When officers from the Plant City Police Department responded to the scene in marked vehicles with lights and sirens activated, all but Thomas dispersed. He stood in the middle of the road as the  officers arrived, aimed his weapon toward the oncoming vehicles, and fired. He then led the officers on a foot and high-speed vehicle chase that ended with Thomas’s vehicle crashing into a local business. Thomas then exited the damaged vehicle, pointed his firearm at another officer, and was ultimately shot in the buttocks.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Plant City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. In October 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to develop districtwide crime reduction strategies, incorporating the lessons learned since the program’s inception in 2001. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Sergio Cuandon-Alvarez (23, Mexico) to one year in federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2017.

According to court documents, Cuandon-Alvarez, a Mexican citizen, was removed from the United States on three occasions in 2013. On April 30, 2013, he was convicted of illegal entry, a federal misdemeanor.

Following his conviction, Cuandon-Alvarez again illegally reentered the U.S. and has been arrested numerous times resulting in convictions for driving under the influence, possession of cocaine, leaving the scene of an accident without giving information, careless driving, and operating a motor vehicle without a license. On August 28, 2017, after immigration officers encountered Cuandon-Alvarez following his arrest for driving under the influence with property damage or personal injury, he was charged with illegal reentry after deportation.

“This case is an example of ICE’s focus on smart, effective immigration enforcement that prioritizes criminal aliens,” said Michael W. Meade, acting field office director for the Miami Field Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Christina R. Downes and Brandon Bayliss, both on assignment from the Office of Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, in the Middle District of Florida.