Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Eric Massey (41) and Meldon Foster (44), both of Jacksonville, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. Their co-defendant, Jaris Anacreon (33, Miami) pleaded guilty to the same offense on December 21, 2017. All three men face a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison.

 

According to their plea agreements, after selling an ounce of heroin to a confidential informant (CI), Massey introduced the CI to Foster, his source of supply, and told the CI that Foster had large amounts of heroin for sale. Foster and Massey later provided the CI with another ounce of what was sold as heroin, but which laboratory testing showed was carfentanil (an analog of the synthetic opioid fentanyl). In the period that followed, Foster sold the CI more heroin and discussed the possibility of larger deals. Foster eventually introduced the CI to Anacreon and bragged that he and Anacreon had access to significant quantities of both cocaine and heroin. The CI brokered the purchase of five ounces of heroin from Anacreon and Foster. While Anacreon was on the way to the deal with the drugs, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, arrested Anacreon, and seized approximately five ounces of the heroin.

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Fernandina Beach Police Department, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Elder Auxume-Guerra (39, Honduras) has pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to court documents, Auxume-Guerra was convicted of attempted third degree rape in New York in 2016. As a result of his conviction, he was required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) to register as a sex offender and maintain his registration for a period of 20 years. Between March 2016 and October 2017, Auxume-Guerra moved from New York to Florida and failed to register as a sex offender in Florida.

 

SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006. The Adam Walsh Act also provides for the use of federal law enforcement resources, including the U.S. Marshals Service, to assist states in locating and apprehending non-compliant sex offenders.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

 

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 – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Nadim Afif El-Kareh (56, Orlando) to one year and one day in federal prison for trafficking in counterfeit goods. The Court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $264,408.80, which constitutes the proceeds of the offense, and restitution of $376.57 to Gucci, for the costs of its involvement in the investigation. El-Kareh pleaded guilty on February 23, 2017.

 

According to court documents, from 2013 through at least 2016, El-Kareh sold counterfeit cellphone accessories, perfume, jewelry, and electronic goods out of rented storage units and at the Webster Flea Market. In April 2016, federal agents seized approximately 10,950 counterfeit items with an estimated domestic value of approximately $224,510 from El-Kareh’s storage units. These counterfeit goods bore false labels from companies such as Beats by Dr. Dre, Otter Box, Gucci, and Michael Kors. El-Kareh imported many of these items from China and purchased others from counterfeit goods traffickers in New York City. Agents determined that from in or approximately January 2015 through April 2016, El-Kareh earned at least $264,000 from his illegal sales. 

 

“Criminals who sell counterfeit goods siphon trade away from legitimate businesses that create jobs and support our local economy," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. “This crime harms all of us in the long run."

 

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that David Earl Johnson (37, Bradenton) has pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Johnson also must pay restitution to the family of the victim.

 

According to the plea agreement, on January 11, 2017, Johnson distributed fentanyl, which resulted in the death of “K.H.,” who was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead that day from fentanyl intoxication. The investigation into the victim’s death identified Johnson as the Bradenton-based supplier who had sold the fentanyl to the victim.

 

After Johnson was identified, detectives from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office arranged an undercover purchase of fentanyl from him on the evening of January 11, 2017. During that meeting, Johnson gave eight bags of fentanyl to an undercover detective, and he was arrested.

 

“The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with all of our partners to ensure that the victims and their surviving family members get justice through our legal system,” said Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells. “We appreciate the hard work of the United States Attorney’s Office to bring this very important case to a successful conclusion.”

 

This case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Hot Batch.” It was investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that a federal jury today found Jeremy Achey (43, Bethlehem, PA) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of controlled substance analogues. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 13, 2018.

 

Achey was indicted on July 19, 2017.

 

According to testimony presented at trial, operating under the name “EtiKing,” Achey was one of the largest distributors of synthetic drugs on Alphabay Market, a “darknet” marketplace for illicit substances. Achey mailed thousands of packages containing numerous synthetic drugs to hundreds of customers throughout the country. On February 27, 2017, he sold one gram of tetrahydrofuran fentanyl, a synthetic analogue of fentanyl, which killed a 24-year-old woman in Orlando.  

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan W. Hill.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Jose Alberto Hernandez (45, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement in an application for a U.S. Passport and to making a false statement in connection with an application for U.S. citizenship. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to court documents, Hernandez is a Dominican national who illegally entered the United States through the Mexican border on or about January 21, 1999. On February 14, 2001, he married an American citizen living in Tampa. On December 12, 2007, Hernandez appeared at the Tampa U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office for an interview in connection with his petition to remove conditions of his residency. Later that month, he went to a U.S. Postal facility in Tampa and applied for a U.S. Passport under the identity of Jose Angel Santos Figueroa. As proof of his citizenship, Hernandez presented a Puerto Rico birth certificate and Florida driver license, all belonging to Jose Angel Santos Figueroa. On January 8, 2008, Hernandez was granted a U.S. Passport under the name Jose Santos Figueroa.  

 

On December 12, 2008, Hernandez submitted an application for U.S. citizenship under his own identity that contained several false statements. On October 28, 2009, he became a naturalized citizen of the United States. As a result of this conviction, he now faces denaturalization and the mandatory revocation of his citizenship.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Doyle Mullins, Jr. (71, Bradenton) to nine months of home detention and five years of probation for theft of government funds. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment against him in the amount of $583,485.74, which constitutes the proceeds of the theft from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mullins pleaded guilty on October 16, 2017.

 

According to court documents, from approximately 1995 through 2017, Mullins, a veteran of the Vietnam War, repeatedly lied to the Department of Veterans Affairs by falsely claiming that he was totally and permanently blind and that he was unable to drive, work, or perform household tasks. As a result, for more than 20 years, Mullins has obtained thousands of dollars per month in recurring disability payments from the government, grants from the VA for a car and adaptive housing, and medical benefits payments for his wife. During the course of their investigation, law enforcement agents observed Mullins regularly driving, mowing his lawn, running errands, and banking.

 

This case was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan K. Kistler.

Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Joseph Michael Griffin (30, Zephyrhills) to five years in federal prison for accessing child sexual abuse videos and images over the Internet using the “dark web.” He was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Griffin pleaded guilty on September 28, 2017.      

 

According to court documents, FBI agents began an online undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular website on the “dark web” to access and download images and videos depicting child pornography.  Further investigation revealed that Griffin had accessed child pornography on this website between August 2014 and March 2015. FBI agents executed a search warrant at Griffin’s residence and, during a subsequent interview, Griffin admitted to viewing child pornography. A forensic examination of his laptop computer revealed that it contained at least 45 images and 17 videos depicting children being sexually abused.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore yesterday sentenced Thomas Edward Abney, Jr. (38, Leesburg) to 40 years in federal prison for production of child pornography and aiding and abetting the transportation of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a cellular telephone used in the commission of the crimes.

 

Abney pleaded guilty to the charges on September 28, 2017. 

 

According to court documents, in June 2017, Abney, a registered sex offender, contacted an undercover federal agent in an online chatroom frequented by individuals who have a sexual interest in children and incest. Abney sought images of child pornography from the agent and bragged that he recently had traded sexually explicit images of a toddler in his care to another person. Abney also claimed to have committed sex acts with this child and eventually sent the agent a photograph and an electronic link to an 11-minute movie file, all of which contained child pornography.

                   

On June 29, 2017, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Abney’s Leesburg residence and seized his smartphone. A forensic analysis of the phone showed that it contained sexually explicit images of the toddler that had been in Abney’s care. Abney admitted that he had used the smartphone to produce, distribute, receive, and possess child pornography, including the link to the eleven-minute movie file. He also confirmed that he recently had created and sent sexually explicit images of the toddler to another person over the Internet.  

 

Abney is a registered sex offender in Florida due to multiple prior state convictions involving the use of a child in a sexual performance and the transmission of child pornography. 

 

“The heinous acts committed by this defendant intensify to the FBI’s commitment to identify, investigate, and bring child predators to justice,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division.  “The FBI Jacksonville Division is making every effort to protect our communities from those who target our innocent children."

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

 

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.

Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Scott Foster (50, Caldwell, Idaho) to 15 years in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a cell phone, that had been was used in connection with the offense.

 

Foster pleaded guilty on October 4, 2017.      

 

According to court documents, between January 18, 2017, and March 29, 2017, Foster exchanged over 100 email and text communications with an undercover agent posing as the father of a 12-year-old fictitious minor, with the purpose of coordinating a sexual encounter with the minor. Foster then traveled to Orlando, and thereafter to a meeting location where he believed he would meet the minor.  When he arrived at the location, Foster was arrested. During an interview with law enforcement, Foster admitted that he enjoyed “family taboo” and that he had received child pornography and talked to other individuals via the Internet about sexual activity with children. The investigation further revealed that Foster had emailed another individual about his desire to engage a 10-year-old female in sadistic sexual activity.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States District Judge Paul G. Byron yesterday sentenced Andres Fernando Cabezas (34, Leesburg) to 12 years in federal prison and 20 years of supervised release for receipt of child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a cell phone that had been used in connection with the offense.

 

Cabezas pleaded guilty on October 18, 2017. 

 

According to court documents, on or about May 8, 2017, Cabezas retrieved and viewed a video known as “Daisy’s Destruction” via the Dark web, which depicts a female toddler (approximately 18 months old) being severely whipped, burnt, and sexually abused by a young female. The investigation also revealed that Cabezas had engaged in text communications with an undercover agent posing as a 12-year-old female. In those communications, Cabezas attempted to groom the “minor” and persuade her to have oral and vaginal sex with him. He also bought an emergency contraceptive pill for the “minor.” 

 

After Cabezas’ arrest, he admitted to being attracted to girls approximately 12 years old since he was that age. Cabezas was a teacher at Carver Middle School in Leesburg, Florida.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was 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 – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Erwin Phillips Burley (29, Houston, TX) to eight years in federal prison for enticing a woman to travel across state lines to engage in prostitution. The Court also ordered him to pay restitution to the victims in the case.

         

Burley pleaded guilty on May 9, 2017.

 

In July 2016, law enforcement officers received information that Burley was offering women for prostitution in the Jacksonville area. Further investigation resulted in the identification of a woman who said she had been picked up in New Orleans, Louisiana and transported to Jacksonville to engage in prostitution for Burley. 

 

“This defendant exploited the victim for his own benefit,” said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “Human trafficking offenders, like this, pose a threat to the overall safety of our communities, and the FBI is committed to working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to identify these predators, and seek justice for the heinous acts they commit."

 

“I appreciate the investigators for their work on this case,” said FDLE Special Agent in Charge John Burke. “FDLE is committed to assisting our law enforcement partners in keeping our Florida communities safe.” 

 

This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Natalie Rene Panko (57, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, three counts of theft of government property, three counts of access device fraud, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. She faces up to 5 years in federal prison for the conspiracy count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each theft of government property and access device fraud count, and a consecutive 2-year prison term for the aggravated identity theft charges. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to court documents, Panko is the owner and operator of “Ladies of the Sea,” a restaurant in Tampa that has operated for over 15 years. Between August 22 and November 28, 2012, Panko, along with co-conspirators Rico Simmons and Mazie Hill, used the restaurant to extract tax fraud proceeds from debit cards issued by various card companies.

 

During 2012, individuals connected with this conspiracy filed more than 60 fraudulent tax returns with the IRS using identities stolen from living and deceased taxpayers. These fraudulent tax returns directed tens of thousands of dollars in tax refunds to debit cards issued in the names of the identity theft victims. Simmons brought the debit cards, loaded with the fraudulently obtained refunds, to Panko and Hill at Ladies of the Sea. Together, they devised a plan to retrieve the funds from the cards by swiping them at the restaurant and pretending the transactions were for legitimate purposes, such as catering. After the cards were swiped at Ladies of the Sea, the tax fraud money was deposited into Panko’s and Hill’s respective bank accounts. The women then made large cash withdrawals, keeping some of the money for themselves and sharing some with Simmons. 

 

Simmons and Hill previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case. Simmons’s sentencing hearing has been scheduled for March 22, 2018. Hill is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2018.

 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Kistler, Kelley Howard-Allen, and Simon Gaugush.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Christopher Gerard Dickerson (39, Sanford) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury found him guilty on October 23, 2017.  

 

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Dickerson conspired with others to possess and sell street-level quantities of heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and crack. On two occasions in September 2016, in parking lots in east Orlando, Dickerson sold grams of heroin to a confidential informant who was working for law enforcement. Thereafter, he agreed to sell firearms and drugs to an undercover agent with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

On March 17, 2017, at a hotel on International Drive in Orlando, Dickerson and a co-conspirator, David Charles Heineman, sold the undercover agent seven firearms, a bag of cocaine, ammunition, and a large-capacity drum magazine for one of the firearms. The firearms included semiautomatic pistols, a tactical rifle, shotguns, and an AK-47 style firearm. Three of the seven firearms had been reported stolen. Heineman also later sold two additional firearms, two bulletproof vests, and other drugs to the undercover agent.   

 

On April 19, 2017, agents executed a federal search warrant at Dickerson’s and Heineman’s apartment in Titusville. After Dickerson’s arrest, agents recovered a stash of drugs from the apartment, including crack and fentanyl. 

 

Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of cocaine, delivery of hydromorphone, possession of cocaine with the intent to sell or deliver, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Dickerson is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

 

On October 3, 2017, Heineman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances and possessing a firearm as an unlawful user of a controlled substance. On December 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months’ imprisonment.  

 

“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 investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean P. Shecter and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew C. Searle.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a historical program involving the successful collaboration of law enforcement, at all levels, to reduce violent crime and making 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 (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 – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Arkee Vernard Howard (27, Orlando) to 9 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. He pleaded guilty on September 27, 2017.

 

According to court documents, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 23, 2016, officers from the Orlando Police Department approached a vehicle stopped at an intersection with a green light and found Howard asleep behind the wheel. He admitted to the officers that he had drugs in his car and a search of the vehicle revealed more than 13 grams of cocaine, 3 grams of heroin, 300 grams of marijuana, and approximately 2 grams of methamphetamine. The officers also located a stolen .40 caliber pistol with a full magazine and a round in the chamber.

 

At the time of his arrest in December 2016, Howard had multiple prior felony convictions and is, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a historical program involving the successful collaboration of law enforcement, at all levels, to reduce violent crime and making 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 (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.

Ocala, FL – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Karon Dawson (38, Ocala) to eight years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2017.

 

According to court documents, on March 15, 2017, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office followed Dawson’s vehicle after they had witnessed him engage in a drug transaction. When Dawson observed the unmarked patrol car, he fled and led the deputies on a chase, ultimately abandoning the car and fleeing on foot. After a brief chase, Dawson was arrested in an Ocala neighborhood. Inside his abandoned vehicle, deputies recovered plastic packets containing small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin, and a loaded .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

 

At the time of the incident, Dawson had 16 prior felony convictions and was therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (Gainesville) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dale Campion.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Jason Dean Barnes (42, Jacksonville) to six years in federal prison for downloading child sexual abuse images and videos over the Internet using the “dark web.” He was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervision following his release and must register as a sex offender. Barnes was found guilty on September 18, 2017, following a bench trial.      

 

According to court documents, FBI agents began an online undercover investigation to identify individuals who were using a particular anonymizing website on the “dark web” to access and download images and videos depicting child pornography. Agents identified Barnes after he had accessed child pornography on this website on February 28 and March 3, 2015. A search warrant was then executed at Barnes’s residence and, during an interview, he admitted to searching for, downloading, and viewing child pornography for his own sexual gratification. A forensic examination of his laptop computer revealed that it contained at least 500 videos and 5,000 images depicting child pornography.

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. 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 – U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew has sentenced Yolanda Camara (49, Brandon) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for her role in operating and managing a medical clinic from which oxycodone, alprazolam, and other controlled substances were illegally prescribed. The Court also ordered her to pay a money judgment of $124,285.64, which are proceeds of the offenses.

 

Camara pleaded guilty on July 13, 2017. 

 

According to court documents, Camara co-owned and managed Family Medical Express Center, Inc. in Brandon, Florida. She and her co-conspirators operated Family Medical as a purported medical clinic used to sell unlawful prescriptions to individuals who did not need them and to individuals who diverted them for sale in the community on a per-pill basis. In some cases, Camara’s co-conspirator, Dr. Anil Sahijwani, wrote prescriptions at Camara’s or another co-conspirator’s request in the names of individuals he never examined, never met, and, in some cases, who did not actually exist. During the sentencing hearing, Camara was held responsible for conspiring to illegally prescribe over 28,000 oxycodone pills and nearly 6,000 alprazolam (Xanax) pills.     

 

Camara and her co-conspirators have all pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy and drug distribution charges. Camara also pleaded guilty to lying to federal investigators. In total, six defendants have been sentenced in this and related cases. Jonathan Wainwright, a “sponsor” who paid people to go to the clinic and obtain prescriptions for pills he could sell, was sentenced to 9 years and 2 months’ imprisonment. Dr. Anil Sahijwani was sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in federal prison. Justin Oliveira, Camara’s son and clinic employee, and Jeremiah Foor, a patient/co-conspirator, were each sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment. And, David Arbogast, a patient/co-conspirator, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation.

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel George.

Jacksonville- FL - United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, along with Special Agent in Charge James Spero, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), announce today the distribution of more than $1.7 million in civilly forfeited funds to three law enforcement agencies. These awards are the result of a federal civil forfeiture of more than $4.5 million in funds obtained fraudulently through the hacking of bitcoin accounts. Pursuant to the Department of Treasury Equitable Sharing Program, the funds were distributed to the Nassau County Sheriff’s ($1,044,550.05); the Florida National Guard ($627,487.74); and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office ($209,162.58). The presentations took place today at the Jacksonville Office of Homeland Security Investigations. 

 

“I applaud the cooperation and diligence of our law enforcement partners in working with us to investigate and prosecute this case successfully,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Divesting criminals of their ill-gotten gains and returning these resources to our enforcement agencies is yet another step in continuing our fight against crime.” 

 

“This asset sharing is a perfect example of how a criminal’s illegal profits can be used to protect the citizens of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Spero. “The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida National Guard’s Counterdrug Program and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office all worked with HSI to hold these criminals accountable and we are honored to be able to publically recognize them for their hard work, while sharing with them a large portion of the seized monies.”     

 

According to court documents, in November 2013, HSI special agents learned of the theft of approximately 5,400 bitcoins from Sheep Marketplace, an illicit online marketplace that has since been shut down. Sheep Marketplace was used predominantly for the illicit sale of narcotics. Jacksonville residents Sean Mackert and Nathan Gibson determined that the Sheep Marketplace had a single online “wallet” that contained the bitcoins earned by individuals using the marketplace. They devised a scheme that tricked Sheep Marketplace’s “wallet” into transferring the bitcoins of others into “wallets” they controlled. During their investigation, HSI agents determined that Mackert and Gibson had routed the bitcoins through multiple online “wallets,” then wired them to a licensed money service business. At their direction, the money service business exchanged the bitcoins for United States currency, then wired the funds to bank accounts in Jacksonville that were controlled by Mackert and Gibson.

 

Mackert and Gibson both have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and are awaiting sentencing. Each faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

 

During the criminal investigation, HSI agents and local law enforcement, with the assistance of the United States Attorney’s Office, seized the funds and two vehicles. The United States commenced a civil forfeiture action against the funds, alleging that they were the proceeds of fraud. The district court ultimately ordered the forfeiture of the funds and two vehicles.     

 

In the Middle District of Florida, enforcement of federal asset forfeiture laws is an integral part of our law enforcement mission. Taking the profit out of crime is important in disrupting and dismantling illegal enterprises, deterring crime, and restoring property to victims. It is also an effective way to have criminals help fund law enforcement efforts. Through the Equitable Sharing Program, our state and local law enforcement partners receive resources to supplement their law enforcement mission. Asset forfeiture and equitable sharing are valuable law enforcement tools that send a clear message that crime does not pay.

 

The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida National Guard, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. The civil forfeiture action was handed by Assistant United States Attorney Bonnie Glober. The criminal prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Frein.   

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Ryan Elton Devore (31, Satsuma) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse videos over the Internet. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to court documents, on July 18, 2017, federal agents and local officers executed a search warrant at Devore’s home in connection with an online child exploitation investigation. When the agents asked Devore if he had come across pornography involving children under the age of 12, he responded, “Well, yeah, I was gonna say, I know, I, I probably have before, yeah.” Forensic analyses of Devore’s custom-built computer tower and a cellphone revealed that the devices contained numerous depictions of child pornography, including at least 400 videos of children being sexually abused.   

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Gainesville (FL) Police Department, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. It 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 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.

 

Maria Chapa Lopez

United States Attorney

Middle District of Florida

 

James C. Spero

Special Agent in Charge

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s

Homeland Security Investigations

 

Participating Agencies

Florida National Guard, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Nassau County Sheriff’s Office

 

WHAT:

Agencies to receive forfeiture proceeds

WHEN:

WEDNESDAY, January 17, 2018

2:00 P.M. EST  

 

WHERE:  

Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

13077 Veveras Drive

Jacksonville, Florida 32258

 

 

OPEN PRESS

 

NOTE: 

All media must have government-issued photo I.D. (e.g. Driver’s License), as well as valid media credentials. Media may begin arriving at 1:30 P.M. for security clearance. Please RSVP to Amy.Filjones@usdoj.gov by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 17th.

The owner of an Orlando, Florida-area pharmacy, a medical doctor and a patient recruiter were convicted today for their role in a kickback scheme involving pain and scar creams that resulted in the payment of approximately $4.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE.  TRICARE provides coverage for active duty military and their families, as well as retired veterans.

 

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, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Resident Agent in Charge Brooke M. Harris of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG) Defense Criminal Investigative Service made the announcement.

 

Larry Howard, 53, of Oviedo, Florida; Nicole Bramwell, M.D., 52, of Apopka, Florida; and Raymond Stone, 57, of Orlando, were convicted after a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and paying and receiving kickbacks.  Howard was also convicted of two counts of paying health care kickbacks, and Bramwell and Stone were convicted of one count each of receiving health care kickbacks.  In addition, Howard was convicted of two counts of money laundering.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, Howard was the owner of Fertility Pharmacy, located in Oviedo.  The evidence showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Raymond Stone, who in return referred patients to doctors previously selected by Howard.  The doctors then prescribed expensive pain and scar creams to the patients, which Howard then billed to TRICARE.  The evidence also showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Dr. Nicole Bramwell, who in return wrote prescriptions for the expensive creams.  The creams could cost up to $17,000 per bottle.  Between October 2014 and May 2015, TRICARE paid Fertility Pharmacy over $4.3 million procured through illegal kickbacks.

 

The case was investigated by the DOD-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.  Senior Litigation Counsel John Michelich and Trial Attorneys Timothy Loper and Alexander Kramer are prosecuting the case.  Former Senior Trial Attorney Christopher Hunter previously prosecuted the case. 

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov. 

 

Orlando, FL – The owner of an Orlando, Florida-area pharmacy, a medical doctor and a patient recruiter were convicted today for their role in a kickback scheme involving pain and scar creams that resulted in the payment of approximately $4.3 million in false and fraudulent claims to TRICARE.  TRICARE provides coverage for active duty military and their families, as well as retired veterans.

 

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, Special Agent in Charge Eric Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office and Resident Agent in Charge Brooke M. Harris of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (DOD-OIG) Defense Criminal Investigative Service made the announcement.

 

Larry Howard, 53, of Oviedo, Florida; Nicole Bramwell, M.D., 52, of Apopka, Florida; and Raymond Stone, 57, of Orlando, were convicted after a five-day trial of one count of conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks and paying and receiving kickbacks.  Howard was also convicted of two counts of paying health care kickbacks, and Bramwell and Stone were convicted of one count each of receiving health care kickbacks.  In addition, Howard was convicted of two counts of money laundering.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, Howard was the owner of Fertility Pharmacy, located in Oviedo.  The evidence showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Raymond Stone, who in return referred patients to doctors previously selected by Howard.  The doctors then prescribed expensive pain and scar creams to the patients, which Howard then billed to TRICARE.  The evidence also showed that Howard paid illegal health care kickbacks to Dr. Nicole Bramwell, who in return wrote prescriptions for the expensive creams.  The creams could cost up to $17,000 per bottle.  Between October 2014 and May 2015, TRICARE paid Fertility Pharmacy over $4.3 million procured through illegal kickbacks.

 

The case was investigated by the DOD-OIG and the FBI and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.  Senior Litigation Counsel John Michelich and Trial Attorneys Timothy Loper and Alexander Kramer are prosecuting the case.  Former Senior Trial Attorney Christopher Hunter previously prosecuted the case. 

 

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force.  Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, now operating in nine cities across the country, has charged nearly 3,500 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $12.5 billion.  In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

To learn more about the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), go to: www.stopmedicarefraud.gov. 

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Jose Gerardo Mejia-Rangel (41, Dade City) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. He previously pleaded guilty in a separate case to illegally reentering the United States. Mejia-Rangel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for illegal reentry and a mandatory, consecutive two-year prison sentence for aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing is set for January 23, 2018.  

 

According to court documents, Mejia-Rangel, who has been previously deported from the United States at least four times, used a California man’s name, birth certificate, and Social Security number to apply for a state of Florida identification card and driver license. Upon his arrest for domestic battery in July 2017, Mejia-Rangel presented himself under the California man’s identity. He also admitted to using the identity to avoid detection from federal immigration authorities.

 

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

Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Jason Dixon (32, Palm Coast) today pleaded guilty to distributing “crack” cocaine and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to the plea agreement, Dixon provided crack cocaine to a confidential informant (CI) and an undercover ATF agent on multiple occasions. He bragged about his access to firearms and told the CI and the agent that he could sell them a gun “with no bodies on it.” During a meeting on June 30, 2017, Dixon sold the undercover agent a semi-automatic pistol and 47 rounds of ammunition. 

As a previously convicted felon, Dixon is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

 

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

         

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. 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 – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Tyree Alexia Hall (27, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to 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.

 

According to court documents, at around 2 a.m. on March 19, 2017, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call in a residential neighborhood involving Hall. Callers reported that Hall was holding a firearm and knocking on the window of a home, and that he had threatened to shoot a dog. Upon arriving at the location, two officers observed Hall standing in the road holding a dark object. After shining a light on him, the officers observed Hall drop the object in the street. Hall was apprehended and admitted to the officers that he had possessed a firearm. The gun was recovered and identified as a Ruger .38 caliber revolver.

 

Hall was previously convicted in 2010 and 2012 for possession of cocaine and burglary with assault or battery, respectively. 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 and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. 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 – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Trayone Lefferio Bell (42, Titusville) to 14 years and 6 months years in federal prison for one count of fraudulent possession of access devices, two counts of theft of government money, and three counts of aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the Court also entered a money judgment in the amount of $266,769, and ordered him to pay $823,797 in restitution.   

 

A federal jury found Bell guilty on October 11, 2017.

 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Bell possessed the stolen names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of hundreds of victims. He then used that information to file false federal tax returns and requested that the refunds be issued via prepaid debit cards in the victims’ names. Bell obtained more than 100 such cards and used them to make a series of large cash withdrawals and purchases.

 

This case was investigated by the St. Cloud Internal Revenue Service-Secret Service Financial Crimes Task Force, which includes the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; the U.S. Secret Service; the St. Cloud Police Department; the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office; the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office; the Palm Bay Police Department; the Casselberry Police Department; the Kissimmee Police Department; the Winter Park Police Department; and the Maitland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.

 

Brandon Clint Russell, 22, of Tampa, Florida, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison for possessing an unregistered destructive device and for unlawful storage of explosive material.  Russell pleaded guilty on Sept. 27, 2017.  

Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Division, and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan made the announcement.  The sentence was issued by Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew.

“Russell, an active and founding member of a neo-Nazi group, was sentenced today by a federal judge after he unlawfully possessed and stored dangerous explosive materials in his home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente.  “This case is but one example of the National Security Division’s resolve to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist threats, whether domestic or international.”

“I am thankful for the great collaboration and coordination among our law enforcement partners in bringing this case forward,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez.  “Their quick response and in-depth investigation has resulted in a successful prosecution.”

“This investigation exemplifies the close working relationship between Tampa area federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and highlights the importance of collaboration in diffusing potential threats to our community,” said Special Agent in Charge Sporre.  

“This is the kind of case where our collaboration and close working relationships serve the public well,” said Police Chief Dugan.  “We’re grateful to our federal partners for this successful investigation and prosecution.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 19, 2017, officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to a double homicide at an apartment in the Tampa Palms area where Russell had been living with the alleged shooter, Devon Arthurs, and the two deceased victims.  According to Arthurs, the four roommates were active members of the “Atomwaffen,” a neo-Nazi group that was started and led by Russell.  Arthurs also claimed to have seen Russell participating in online neo-Nazi chat rooms, where he threatened to kill people and bomb infrastructure.  Arthurs further advised law enforcement that Russell had explosive materials in the house.

During a search of the residence, law enforcement officers discovered a cooler in the garage containing the explosive HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine), along with various other explosive precursors, multiple pounds of ammonium nitrate, nitro-methane, empty shell casings, fuses and electric matches in close proximity.  

In Russell’s bedroom, officers found neo-Nazi and white supremacist propaganda, including a framed picture of Timothy McVeigh on his dresser.  Russell’s closet contained his own military uniform, firearms and ammunition, and camouflage military-type gear containing the name and symbols of “Atomwaffen.”  Law enforcement officers also located various books, military gear and flags throughout the apartment that are commonly associated with white supremacist extremist organizations. 

Upon questioning, Russell admitted that he had manufactured the HMTD located in the garage and that the explosive precursors belonged to him.  He also admitted to being a member of the “Atomwaffen.”  The following day, Russell was arrested on federal criminal charges in Key Largo, where he was found with two long rifles and ammunition that he had purchased after leaving the Tampa area.   
   
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tampa Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Daniel A. George of the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Champagne and Thomas E. Brzozowski of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

Tampa, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Susan Bucklew today sentenced Brandon Clint Russell (22, Tampa) to five years in federal prison for possessing an unregistered destructive device and for unlawful storage of explosive material. He pleaded guilty on September 27, 2017. 

 

U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente, Special Agent in Charge Eric W. Sporre of the FBI’s Tampa Division, and Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan made the announcement. 

 

“I am thankful for the great collaboration and coordination among our law enforcement partners in bringing this case forward,” said U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “Their quick response and in-depth investigation has resulted in a successful prosecution.”

 

“Russell, an active and founding member of a neo-Nazi group, was sentenced today by a federal judge after he unlawfully possessed and stored dangerous explosive materials in his home,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Boente.  “This case is but one example of the National Security Division’s resolve to identify, disrupt and prevent terrorist threats, whether domestic or international.”

 

“This investigation exemplifies the close working relationship between Tampa area federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and highlights the importance of collaboration in diffusing potential threats to our community,” said Eric W. Sporre, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Tampa Division.

 

“This is the kind of case where our collaboration and close working relationships serve the public well,” said Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan. “We’re grateful to our federal partners for this successful investigation and prosecution.”

 

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 19, 2017, officers from the Tampa Police Department responded to a double homicide at an apartment in the Tampa Palms area where Russell had been living with the alleged shooter, Devon Arthurs, and the two deceased victims. According to Arthurs, the four roommates were active members of the “Atomwaffen,” a neo-Nazi group that was started and led by Russell. Arthurs also claimed to have seen Russell participating in online neo-Nazi chat rooms, where he threatened to kill people and bomb infrastructure. Arthurs further advised law enforcement that Russell had explosive materials in the house.

 

During a search of the residence, law enforcement officers discovered a cooler in the garage containing the explosive HMTD (Hexamethylene Triperoxide Diamine), along with various other explosive precursors, multiple pounds of ammonium nitrate, nitro-methane, empty shell casings, fuses, and electric matches in close proximity. 

 

In Russell’s bedroom, officers found neo-Nazi and white supremacist propaganda, including a framed picture of Timothy McVeigh on his dresser. Russell’s closet contained his own military uniform, firearms and ammunition, and camouflage military-type gear containing the name and symbols of “Atomwaffen.” Law enforcement officers also located various books, military gear, and flags throughout the apartment that are commonly associated with white supremacist extremist organizations.

 

Upon questioning, Russell admitted that he had manufactured the HMTD located in the garage and that the explosive precursors belonged to him. He also admitted to being a member of the “Atomwaffen.” The following day, Russell was arrested on federal criminal charges in Key Largo, where he was found with two long rifles and ammunition that he had purchased after leaving the Tampa area.    

  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It is was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Josephine W. Thomas and Daniel A. George, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Joshua D. Champagne and Thomas E. Brzozowski of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Maurice Mervin (41, Jacksonville) to five years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute “crack” cocaine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a Dodge Challenger that he had used in his drug business.

Mervin pleaded guilty on July 13, 2016.

 

According to court documents, Mervin lived with his family in a suburban community in southern Duval County. Each day, he commuted more than 20 miles to Jacksonville’s northside to manage and supply crack houses operated by his underlings. In taking down Mervin’s drug ring, special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives executed multiple search warrants that led to the discovery of a loaded firearm in Mervin’s home, over 100 rounds of ammunition, and equipment and chemicals used to “cook” crack cocaine.  Mervin has a prior felony conviction for possession of cocaine and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

 

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

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN) — a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. 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 – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announced today that William Marion Patterson, III (49, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to receiving child sexual abuse videos and images over the Internet.  Patterson, who was previously employed as a computer security contract worker, faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison.  His sentencing hearing is set for April 26, 2018.      

 

According to court documents, in 2015, the FBI conducted an undercover online child exploitation investigation of an individual using a file sharing network. At that time, this user was the most prolific trader of child pornography in the state of Florida on this network. The user’s IP address traced back to Patterson’s residence. On June 11, 2015, FBI agents and other law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the home and made contact with Patterson. During an interview, Patterson admitted, among other things, that he had used this file sharing network and that he was responsible for anything found on his computer.  Subsequent forensic analyses revealed that Patterson’s computer media contained approximately 850 videos and 5,390 images depicting children being sexually assaulted. 

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It 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.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida– U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Jarvis Rodrick Thomas (43, Bradenton) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The Court also ordered him to forfeit a .25 caliber Beretta firearm, seven rounds of ammunition, and $23,486 that are traceable to proceeds of the offense. 

 

Thomas pleaded guilty on September 5, 2017.

 

According to court documents, on June 26, 2016, a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) stopped Thomas in front of a Walgreens for driving with a suspended license. While the deputy was investigating the traffic stop, Thomas threw a black bag out of the car’s window. A short time after his arrest, another SCSO employee found the black bag in the Walgreens parking lot. The bag contained 20 small bags containing 69 grams of methamphetamine and 45 small bags containing 3.8 grams of heroin. Security video from the Walgreens showed Thomas throwing the bag out of the window, into the parking lot.

 

Following Thomas’s arrest, a SCSO detective learned that Thomas might be storing illegal narcotics at his home in Bradenton. SCSO detectives, in coordination with the Bradenton Police Department, executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence and recovered more than 1,000 grams of methamphetamine, 29 grams of heroin, a loaded .25 caliber Beretta handgun, and $23,486 in cash.

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.

Tampa, FL – In recognition of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and various Middle District of Florida (MDFL) law enforcement executives highlighted recent human trafficking prosecutions in the MDFL during a presentation in Tampa today.

In 2017, the United States Attorney’s Office, in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, brought charges against individuals for human trafficking where victims, including minors, have been forced to commit commercial sex acts and engage in sex tourism.

“Investigating and prosecuting human trafficking remains a priority for our district,” stated U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez. “In order to tackle this problem, we must continue to collaborate with our law enforcement and other partners to bring human traffickers to justice and assist trafficking survivors.”

 

MDFL Human Trafficking Case Highlights

 

U.S. v. Rowy Vasquez – Vasquez (27, Altamonte Springs) provided a 14-year-old girl, who had run away from home, with a cellphone so that she could post advertisements for prostitution services online and communicate with potential customers. He also set the prices for her sex acts and kept all of the proceeds. Vasquez pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Abdhullah Hamidullah – Hamidullah (44) lured a young woman to travel to Florida on false pretenses, then forced her to engage in commercial sex acts with multiple customers a day for several months, and provide him the proceeds. He isolated her in his apartment, took away her money and phone, and installed an alarm without providing her the code. He also assaulted her, showed her his handgun, and branded her with a tattoo in the course of compelling her to prostitute for his profit. Hamidullah pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and to enticing and transporting individuals for prostitution. He was sentenced to 40 years and 2 months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay $1.179 million in restitution to his victims.

 

U.S. v. Gary Paul Moorman – Moorman (35, Cincinnati, OH) systematically and violently abused multiple victims and induced them, against their wills, to travel between Florida, Ohio, and elsewhere to commit acts of prostitution. He took provocative photos of the victims and posted prostitution advertisements online. After the victims were forced to provide the sex acts, Moorman demanded and took all of the proceeds for himself. Moorman pleaded guilty to inducement to travel to engage in criminal sexual activity and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Michael Gallon, U.S. v. Kavin Carter, U.S. v. Thomas Carr – Gallon (52, Lakeland) recruited minor and adult women to travel and work at “parties” and “VIP rooms” as “models,” where customers paid to have sex with them. Gallon partnered with Carter (42, Lake City), who co-hosted parties at his home, and they charged the women to use the “VIP” rooms and kept most of the money the women had earned. Carr (50, Jacksonville) was identified as one of Gallon’s regular customers. Gallon would call Carr when he had girls available and the two would meet so that Carr could select girls to take back to his home. Gallon pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a minor and distributing child pornography and was sentenced to 33 years and 9 months in federal prison. Carter pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. A federal jury in Jacksonville found Carr guilty of using underage girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2018.

 

U.S. v. Xavier Villanueva, Jose Carmona, Ashley Barnett, and Keith Romby – Orlando residents Villanueva (28), Carmona (24), Barnett (28), and Romby (27) agreed to recruit and entice a 14-year-old girl to engage in commercial sex acts. Over a period of nine days, they used drugs, intimidation, and physical restraint to cause the minor to engage in prostitution with customers they solicited online. The minor ultimately escaped from the house where she was being held captive. Villanueva, Carmona, and Romby were part of the “Nine Trey Billy Bad Ass” gang, which is affiliated with the “Bloods” street gang. A federal jury found Villanueva, Carmona, and Barnett guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Carmona and Barnett were also found guilty of aiding and abetting each other in the commission of the offense. Romby pleaded guilty to both charges. Villanueva was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison; Carmona was sentenced to a term of 12 years and 6 months; Barnett was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment; and Romby was sentenced to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Maurice Williams and Antawan Hudson – Tampa brothers Williams (32) and Hudson (27) worked together to post online prostitution ads for underage females and then transported the girls throughout central Florida to have sex with customers. After the victims had sex with the customers, Williams and Hudson took some or all of the money and, in exchange, offered the victims drugs, alcohol, and beauty appointments. Hudson pleaded guilty to sex trafficking minors on the first day of trial and was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. A federal jury found Williams guilty of child sex trafficking and possessing child pornography; he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Kennedy Harris, Jr. – Harris (24, Cocoa) took in a 16-year girl, after she ran away from home. He took sexually suggestive photographs of the girl and advertised her for sex on Backpage.com. He also enticed the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of photographing her. Over the course of approximately two weeks, the teen had sex with up to eight individuals per day, and gave the money to Harris. In exchange for her sex acts, Harris gave the girl crack cocaine nearly every day. The victim was recovered by the Cocoa Police Department. A federal jury found Kennedy guilty of sex trafficking a child and producing child pornography. In May 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Alysia Algere – Algere, a/k/a “Coco” (30, Tampa), recruited two boys and a girl, who were between 14 and 16 years of age, to engage in commercial sex acts. She took sexually explicit photos of the teens and posted advertisements on online, selling them for sex. After pleading guilty, she was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for sex trafficking.

 

U.S. v. Devin Pemberton – Pemberton (40, Tampa) recruited adult and minor women, via the Internet, to work for his “escort” business. Law enforcement identified multiple women, including at least three minors that he had trafficked. Pemberton recruited his victims and took photographs of them in sexually explicit clothing. He posted the photos online, scheduled clients for them to meet with, and provided housing and hotel rooms for the sex acts. He then took the proceeds from the sex acts.  Pemberton was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison.   

 

U.S. v. Nathan Madsen – Madsen (37, Tampa), a music professor at the University of Tampa, was sentenced to nearly 18 years in federal prison for enticing a child to produce child pornography, and for possessing child pornography. Madsen responded to an online ad for prostitution services posted by Homeland Security Investigations. He requested and negotiated the price to have sex with a 14-year-old-girl. In an attempt to verify the existence of the minor, Madsen asked for her picture, spoke to her on the phone, withdrew money from the ATM, drove to the designated location, and met with an undercover special agent. Madsen paid the agent $140 to have sex with the teen. After his arrest, law enforcement determined that Madsen had engaged in a series of sexually explicit online conversations with a 16-year-old girl and had persuaded her to produce explicit images and videos for his personal benefit. At the time of his arrest, Madsen had 61 images and 14 videos of the girl, at least some of which depicted violence.

 

 

Tampa, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Patrick D. Cummings (43, Pinellas County) to 27 years in federal prison for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty to the robbery count on July 26, 2017. Following a bench trial on November 28, 2017, Chief Judge Merryday found him guilty of the firearm offense.

 

According to court documents, at approximately 4:09 a.m. on March 24, 2017, Cummings entered a Walgreens in St. Petersburg. He pressed a black handgun against a cashier’s back, demanded all of the money from her register, and repeatedly threatened to shoot her. He then stole approximately $374 and fled. Investigators traced fingerprints left at the scene to Cummings.

 

This case was investigated by the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives as part of the St. Petersburg Violent Crime Reduction Initiative. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. 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 – United States District Judge Brian Davis today sentenced Justin Pennington (30, St. John’s County), Marcelene M. Keesbury (54, Ft. Wayne, Indiana), and Charles M. French (50, Ft. Wayne, Indiana) for their roles in a multi-million dollar conspiracy. Pennington was sentenced to five years and five months in federal prison and ordered to pay $4,075,000 in restitution. Keesbury and French were both sentenced to three years and five months’ imprisonment and were also ordered to pay $4,075,000 in restitution. A federal jury found Pennington guilty in April 2017.  Keesbury and French pleaded guilty in October 2016.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, while Pennington was employed as an Information Technology Director at The Wholesale House, an Ohio-based company with offices in Jacksonville, he and his co-conspirators created a fraudulent company, 3 Kings, LLC. 3 Kings was incorporated in Delaware in an attempt to conceal the identity of the owners who purchased products from The Wholesale House at or near cost and then resold those products to consumers and retailers. Unbeknownst to the owners of The Wholesale House, 3 Kings illegally competed with The Wholesale House’s customers and thereby caused significant financial difficulties for the company’s legitimate customers. In all, 3 Kings purchased nearly $40 million of products from The Wholesale House and never paid the entirety of its bills owed to them. Instead, Pennington and his co-conspirators spent tens of thousands of dollars themselves, with Pennington incurring credit card balances of up to $100,000 per month, while owing his employer millions of dollars.

 

During the trial, Pennington’s co-conspirators testified that he was the mastermind of the scheme, created detailed proposals, named the corporation, incorporated the company, and controlled the corporation’s bank accounts. Further, The Wholesale House owners testified that they had personally infused more than $7 million into the company to ensure its survival and to protect the jobs of the company’s more than 60 employees. 

 

"The subjects in this case developed a sophisticated scheme to deceive a local business owner using a competing business," said Charles P. Spencer, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. "Incidents of fraud, like this, are not victimless crimes. The FBI is dedicated to working closely with government and private entities to track down and stop scams in an effort to protect the business community."

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Mark Devereaux. 

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James S. Moody has sentenced Priscilla Ellis (51, Killeen, Texas) to 65 years in federal prison for murder-for-hire, witness retaliation, and securities counterfeiting. A federal jury found her guilty of these offenses on March 9, 2017. The judge ordered the 65-year sentence to run consecutive to a 40-year sentence previously imposed following a prior federal conviction.

 

According to court documents, following a three-week trial in October 2016, Ellis and her two co-defendants were convicted of conspiracies to commit international money laundering and mail and wire fraud and were remanded to federal custody. After arriving at the Pinellas County Jail, Ellis immediately began soliciting other inmates to assist her in finding a hitman to murder one of the witnesses who had testified during her trial, as well as the mother of a second trial witness. Meanwhile, she directed coconspirators in Nigeria and Texas to create electronic images of counterfeit cashier’s checks with face values totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars that were to be cashed and used to pay for the murders.

 

Over the course of the next week, Ellis “hired” an undercover FBI agent posing as a hitman and provided explicit instructions on how she wanted her targets killed. On October 28, 2016, a family member acting at Ellis’s direction provided a down payment on the murder contracts to the undercover agent posing as the hitman in Texas, with the remainder to be paid only after the intended victims were killed.    

 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Austin (Texas) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric K. Gerard and Patrick D. Scruggs, both of whom tried the prior case as well.

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Albert Jason Miller (46, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax-related document. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the fraud count and up to 3 years’ imprisonment on the false filing count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to the plea agreement, Miller was an employee of CEVA Logistics, a Netherlands–based contract logistics and freight/transportation management company that has offices in Jacksonville. From 2008 through March 2013, he worked in the company’s procurement department. In May 2010, Miller created a fictitious business named “CEVA” and told vendors to make checks payable to CEVA because CEVA Logistics was undergoing a legal name change. He then began diverting those checks and depositing them into a bank account he had opened in the name of CEVA, where he was the sole authorized signor. Miller diverted a total of $162,281.96 and failed to disclose the stolen proceeds as income on his 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013 tax returns. Miller used the stolen proceeds to pay for personal expenses.

 

This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement as part of the IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Northeast Florida Financial Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Beatriz Gonzalez.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez announces that Antonorio Nelson (29, Lakeland) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute furanyl fentanyl resulting in death. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison.

 

Furanyl fentanyl is a Schedule I controlled substance that is used in the same manner as fentanyl. Because of its potency, a small amount of furanyl fentanyl is potentially lethal.

 

According to the plea agreement, between February 2 and 6, 2017, Nelson conspired to distribute furanyl fentanyl that resulted in the death of “T.C.,” who died from furanyl fentanyl intoxication. The investigation of “T.C.’s” death identified Nelson as the supplier. “T.C.” had purchased baggies of furanyl fentanyl with green dragon stamps on them from Nelson on February 3, 2017. The next morning, “T.C.” was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.

 

On February 6, 2017, detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Nelson’s residence. Inside the home, detectives found 73 baggies of furanyl fentanyl and a loaded .38 caliber revolver. Several of the furanyl fentanyl baggies recovered during the search had a green dragon stamp consistent with the bags “T.C.” had purchased from Nelson before dying.

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Tampa, FL – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO-MDFL) last year charged 84 individuals as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood (PSC) initiative. Since 2006, this nationwide initiative has collectively marshaled federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims of abuse. Since the inception of the program, the Middle District of Florida has charged more than 1,000 individuals with child exploitation offenses.

 

“Child predators are using more cunning and persuasive techniques and technologies to lure and exploit innocent children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The individuals who prey upon children are becoming bolder and more violent and must be stopped. As a community, we also must educate ourselves and raise awareness on how to best protect our children against these threats. We are thankful to the men and women who investigate, prosecute, and seek justice for these victims.”

In 2017, the USAO-MDFL, in partnership with numerous federal, state, and local agencies, brought charges against various individuals for traveling to engage in sexual conduct with minors, and for producing, advertising, distributing, receiving, possessing, soliciting, and accessing child pornography. In addition, the Office has prosecuted cases involving human trafficking where individuals, including minors, have been forced to commit commercial sex acts and engage in sex tourism. MDFL prosecutors also charged cases involving convicted sex offenders who failed to register with authorities as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

 

2017 MDFL PSC Case Highlights January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017

 

Fort Myers Division

 

U.S. v. William Lee – Lee produced a video of himself engaged in sexually explicit conduct with a child. On September 16, 2016, deputies responded to the victim’s residence in Lehigh Acres and made contact with the girl and her mother. The child’s mother provided Lee’s deactivated phone to the deputies. Pursuant to a search warrant, a forensic examination of the phone revealed two videos capturing Lee engaging in explicit conduct with the girl. Lee pleaded guilty to production and possession charges. On October 2, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Jorge Guerrero-Torres – While residing with a family in Fort Myers, including four children, Guerrero-Torres used his cellphone to take sexually explicit photos of one of the children. Shortly after moving out, he became a person of interest in the disappearance of the child that he had photographed and attempted to flee the area. He was apprehended by law enforcement and the images were recovered from his discarded phone. A federal jury found Guerrero-Torres guilty of producing and possessing child pornography and, on August 14, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Brian Author Thomas – During an FBI Task Force investigation, agents were able to download images and videos of child pornography from Thomas’s computer using a file sharing program. Agents executed a search warrant at his home and seized his laptop computer and cellphone. Forensic analyses of the electronic media revealed that from at least July 18, 2012, through March 30, 2016, Thomas had collected more than 6,000 images and 35 videos depicting young children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. His cellphone also contained videos that he had produced of a child engaging in sexually explicit conduct. On February 23, 2017, Thomas pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. On August 7, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Joseph Spradlin – An FBI Task Force officer was able to download images and videos of child pornography from Spradlin’s computer using a file-sharing network. A search warrant was executed at his residence and agents located more than 65,000 images and 668 videos of child pornography on four separate thumb drives. Further investigation revealed that Spradlin had produced child pornography images and videos of an 8-year-old girl on at least two occasions. He pleaded guilty to producing and possessing child pornography, and on March 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

 

Jacksonville Division

 

U.S. v. Chad Theodore Dillon – As part of an undercover investigation to identify users of an app who were attempting to entice and sexually exploit children, an agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement published a post purporting to be from a 13-year-old child. Within a few minutes, the agent received a private message from “Ice Whale,” that initiated a conversation between the two. “Ice Whale,” later identified as Dillon, repeatedly solicited the “child” for sexual acts. He also offered to have sex with the “child’s” 12-year-old “friend,” who he believed to be sleeping over at the “child’s” house. Dillon claimed that he had had sex with 12-year-olds a “couple times,” and he provided his cellphone number to the “child.” Dillon ultimately declined to meet the “child” for the sexual encounter they had previously discussed. However, further investigation revealed that Dillon had previously solicited a 13-year-old girl online to produce nude images of herself. During the execution of a search warrant, agents found chat messages revealing that Dillon had traveled to Georgia to have sex with a child, and had enticed another child to produce child pornography and to meet him for sex. Dillon pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. On September 6, 2017, he was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Justin Laurence McKinley – McKinley, a Jacksonville resident, communicated online via a video streaming program with individuals in eastern Europe who molested young children for broadcast over the Internet. This sexual abuse was live-streamed to McKinley and others in the United States. Over a two-year period, McKinley paid the abusers more than $31,000 for these live “sex shows.” FBI agents executed a search warrant at McKinley’s home and seized computer media that contained, among other things, videos depicting the child sexual abuse that he had commissioned and paid for. The victims depicted in the videos ranged in age from a newborn to an 8-year-old child. Forensic analyses of McKinley’s computer media revealed that his external hard drive contained at least 613 videos and 6,846 images depicting the sexual abuse of children. McKinley pleaded guilty to advertising for child pornography and was sentenced on July 20, 2017, to 30 years federal in prison.

 

U.S. v. Wilfrido C. Baldera – In March 2016, detectives from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office began investigating possible child exploitation offenses after they had identified an IP address that was a prolific sharer of child pornography. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) obtained a search warrant for the address associated with the IP address, Baldera’s residence. Baldera admitted that he had viewed and downloaded child pornography and acknowledged his attraction to young girls. He told agents that he had visited Walmart to look at girls between the ages of 8 and 16 who “put it out there” for sexual arousal, before going home to his wife and described it as being better than going to a strip club. A forensic review of Baldera’s devices revealed videos and photographs that he had produced depicting him raping a 10-year-old girl. Baldera pleaded guilty to producing child pornography and, on October 4, 2017, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. He also faces capital sexual battery charges filed by the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville.

 

U.S. v. Andrew Ryan Leslie – Leslie was an information technology specialist and part-time babysitter in Middleburg, Florida. During an investigation by ICE-HSI into websites known to host images and videos depicting child pornography, Leslie was identified as a member of one of the sites. When law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at his residence, Leslie had a two-year-old child in bed with him, who the agents then rescued. A digital camera located next to Leslie’s bed had an SD card containing a series of images depicting Leslie engaged in sexual acts with two different children. Several of the images were of the child that had been in bed with Leslie that morning. Other images depicted a different child, who was less than a year old, being sexually abused by Leslie. Forensic analyses of Leslie’s other digital media items revealed that he had produced, received, distributed, and possessed numerous images and videos depicting child pornography. Leslie pleaded guilty to two counts of producing child pornography. His sentencing is set for January 30, 2018, where he faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 60 years, in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Kyle Adam Kirby – Kirby was a sergeant with the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD). Following an undercover online child exploitation investigation, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Kirby’s home. They also consensually obtained his patrol car computer and an LOPD desktop computer that he had used. During the investigation, Kirby unsuccessfully solicited another officer to delete evidence from the desktop computer. A forensic examiner recovered several deleted thumbnail images of child pornography from the computers, including images of two children that Kirby had produced using hidden cameras. After using his patrol car computer to access and share videos of child pornography, Kirby used a wiping program in an attempt to delete the evidence. On December 7, 2017, a federal jury found Kirby guilty of producing, attempting to produce, possessing, and accessing child pornography. His sentencing is scheduled for March 21, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 120 years, in federal prison.

 

Ocala Division

 

U.S. v. Thomas Edward Abney, Jr. – Abney used his cellphone to produce pornographic images of a two-year-old relative, which he then traded online for other child pornography images. In June 2017, Abney communicated with an undercover agent using an Internet messaging service and claimed that he had performed oral sex on the same child. He sent the agent a link to an 11-minute video depicting child pornography. After his arrest, Abney admitted that he had used his cellphone to produce, distribute, receive, and possess child pornography, including the images of a relative. Abney pleaded guilty to producing and transporting child pornography and will be sentenced in January 2018. Due to his prior state convictions for qualifying child sex offenses, he faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 25 years, up to 90 years, in federal prison.

 

Orlando Division

 

U.S. v. Meinrad Kopp – Between April and June 2017, Kopp communicated via the “dark web” with a law enforcement officer, posing as the father of a 13-year-old child, about engaging in sadistic sexual activities with the child. He stated that he wanted to humiliate and inflict severe pain on the child for his sexual gratification by treating her like a dog and torturing her with certain instruments he intended to bring with him. According to Kopp, he had previously beaten an 11-year-old child using a leather belt. On June 16, 2017, Kopp flew to Orlando and was arrested. Inside his luggage, he had packed weights, clamps, rope, tape, a bottle brush, and a flashlight that he intended to use on the minor, along with a camera to record his activities. Kopp pleaded guilty to attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and was sentenced on December 13, 2017, to life in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Billy Leon Dyer – Between June 2016 and February 2017, Dyer induced at least three teenage girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce child pornography. He paid the girls, who were between 14 and 15 years old, $140-$200 each time he had sex with them. Sometimes, he gave them drugs in exchange for sex. Agents discovered Dyer’s conduct after he discussed the details during jail calls that he made to adult inmates at the Brevard County Jail. In March 2017, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation using an undercover officer posing as an adult woman online. The “woman” said that she was unable to have sex with Dyer, but referred her 15-year-old cousin. Dyer told the “woman” that he would pay her a $40 finder’s fee for referring her “cousin,” and that he would pay her “cousin” $150 to have sex with him. When Dyer arrived to meet the “cousin,” agents arrested him. On his phone, computer, and thumb drive, agents located more than 170 images depicting the teen girls that Dyer had engaged in sex with at his house. Dyer pleaded guilty to producing images depicting child pornography and on December 20, 2017, he was sentenced to 24 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his residence and the vehicle that he had used during the offense. 

 

U.S. v. Jamie P. Esposito – Esposito sexually abused a 7-year-old child once or twice a month over an 18 to 24 month period and chronicled it with photos and videos that he then shared with several individuals online. When agents executed a search warrant at Esposito’s home, they found more than 2,700 images of child pornography, including the images and videos that he had produced. In July 2016, Esposito brought the child to Tampa to be sexually abused by Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli, who were later separately charged in Tampa. Esposito took photos and video of the abuse. On August 15, 2017, Esposito was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

 

U.S. v. Michael Michalak – During the course of several months, Michalak sent links to thousands of images and videos depicting child pornography to an FBI agent who was acting in an undercover capacity on social media. The victims in the images and videos included infants, toddlers, and other young children. Michalak had also sexually assaulted several children, including a preschooler, prior to the commission of these offenses. Michalak pleaded guilty to transporting and distributing child pornography. On February 23, 2017, he was sentenced to 36 years and 8 months in federal prison.

 

Tampa Division

 

U.S. v. Richmond McDonald and Shauna Boselli – This couple engaged in abusive sexual activity with a 7-year-old child, with the consent and in the presence of the child’s relative. McDonald and Boselli met the relative, Jamie P. Esposito online and engaged in explicit conversations regarding sexual acts with the child. Esposito brought the child to Tampa to meet McDonald and Boselli. After spending time at the zoo and taking the child for ice cream, McDonald and Boselli sexually abused the child at their Tampa home while Esposito watched. Two days later, McDonald and Boselli met Esposito and the child at their hotel, where the couple continued the sexual abuse. A search of McDonald and Boselli’s residence revealed more than 1,300 images and videos of child pornography, including some with the child victim that Esposito had taken. McDonald and Boselli pleaded guilty to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. They were sentenced to life imprisonment and 40 years in federal prison, respectively. Esposito was charged with producing child pornography in the Orlando Division and was sentenced to 75 years in federal prison (see above). 

U.S. v. Nathan Madsen – Madsen requested and negotiated a price to have sex with a 14-year-old girl, took steps to verify the minor’s existence, and met with and paid an undercover agent to have sex with her. During a search of Madsen’s electronic devices following his arrest, agents discovered that he had persuaded a 16-year-old girl to produce and transmit explicit images and videos, some of which depicted violent, sadistic, or masochistic conduct, for him. Madsen pleaded guilty to enticing a child to produce child pornography and possession of child pornography and was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison.  

U.S. v. David Paul Lynch – According to evidence presented during 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 “facilitators” in the Philippines to locate children to exploit. He produced child pornography of at least three Filipino children on these visits, and he solicited child pornography via email of a fourth. In December 2016, Lynch was arrested in San Francisco while attempting to board a flight to the Philippines. Simultaneously, FBI agents executed a search at his home in Venice, Florida, and located dozens of self-produced images and videos of child pornography accumulated during his trips abroad. In October 2017, a federal jury found Lynch guilty of eight counts of production of child pornography, two counts of sex tourism, one count of receiving child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on February 14, 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each production count, up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each travel count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, for receiving child pornography, and up to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography.

 

U.S. v. Robert Ware – According to court documents, in December 2011, Ware produced three images of child pornography depicting “E.F.,” who was 18 months old at the time, and sent them to an individual in New York. The investigation of Ware began after law enforcement agents in New York discovered the images of “E.F.” on another defendant’s phone and traced them to Ware. “E.F.’s” mother reported that Ware, a relative, had babysat for the victim during the time the photos were taken. She also recognized the bedding in two of the images as matching that in Ware’s bedroom. Ware pleaded guilty on December 20, 2017, to producing child pornography. His sentencing date has not yet been set. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison.

 

U.S. v. Paul Fabrizio Solis – In February 2017, undercover FBI agents located a user, later identified as Solis, who was sharing numerous images of child pornography on a file-sharing network. During the execution of a search warrant, agents learned that Solis had taken explicit photographs of a 5-year-old that had been entrusted to Solis’s care by a longtime family friend. Solis kept the photos on a thumb drive in a locked safe in his home. In addition to these images, Solis had more than 4,000 videos and images of child pornography on his laptop computer. Solis pleaded guilty in November 2017 and will be sentenced in February 2018. He faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison for producing and possessing child pornography. 

Tampa, FL – Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced the appointment of Maria Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 546, which provides that “the Attorney General may appoint a United States Attorney for the district in which the office of United States Attorney is vacant.”  This appointment will take effect on January 5, 2018.

 

“With one American dying of a drug overdose every nine minutes, we are facing the deadliest drug crisis in American history,” said Attorney General Sessions.  “I am appointing today, as Interim U.S. Attorney, someone with a lot of experience taking dangerous drugs off of our streets. Maria Chapa Lopez has secured convictions of Columbian cocaine smugglers, Tampa crack dealers, and doctors and pharmacists overprescribing and illegally dispensing opioids.  This is incredible work and I am convinced it has saved lives.  She will undoubtedly keep up this good work as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.”

 

Ms. Chapa Lopez has worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the MDFL for the past 16 years, from April 2000 to April 2016, prosecuting transnational drug trafficking organizations, complex domestic narcotics trafficking cases, large-scale money laundering cases, and complex opioid cases. From April 2016 to the present, Ms. Chapa Lopez has been the DOJ Deputy Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

 

Ms. Chapa Lopez received her B.A. from the University of Texas, her J.D. from South Texas College of Law, and her L.L.M. from the Judge Advocate General’s School, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

 

Upon the appointment of Ms. Chapa Lopez as Interim United States Attorney, Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow will resume his role as First Assistant United States Attorney.

 

Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announced today the results of the first phase of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative in the Middle District of Florida. Over the past three months, 125 individuals have been charged with firearm and violent crime offenses, and 227 firearms and assorted ammunition have been removed from the streets. 

 

Since 2001, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida (USAO/MDFL) has participated in “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a national strategy to reduce gun violence in communities through coordination and cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. To increase the prosecutorial resources dedicated to firearm and violent crime cases across the District, multiple initiatives have been implemented. These initiatives include:

 

• In Orlando, the District established a “Gun Unit.”

 

• In Jacksonville, the District launched a joint initiative with the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to locate and seize unlawfully possessed guns and then swiftly prosecute the offenders using both federal and state gun laws.

 

• In Brevard County, State Attorney Phil Archer is calling the initiative "Operation Cease Fire."

 

• In Tampa, the District collaborates with law enforcement agencies in eight counties, including the State Attorneys’ Offices for the Sixth, Twelfth, and Thirteenth Judicial Circuits, to investigate and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.

 

• In Ft. Myers, the District works in concert with the State Attorney’s Office for the Twentieth Circuit to identify and prosecute violent crime and firearm cases.

 

• District-wide, in an effort to prevent and decrease future gun-related incidents, the USAO-MDFL employs a proactive community outreach strategy, including, but not limited to, outreach to youth. In 2017, more than 2,500 youths have been engaged and administered the National Gun Pledge to reduce violence.

 

To support these efforts, beginning on August 23, 2017, Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow directed every prosecutor in each of the District’s five offices to prosecute firearm or violent crime cases. Of the 125 individuals charged so far, offenses include possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence, possession of a stolen firearm, robbery, and bank robbery. A chart containing the details for each case is below.

 

“In August 2017, I directed every prosecutor in the Criminal Division to assist in the prosecution of firearm and violent crime cases,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Over the past three months, we have dedicated additional resources to the prosecution of violent crime and firearm cases. I would like to commend our local, state, and federal partners that have investigated these cases. Our community is safer because of their tremendous efforts. We pledge to continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute these cases.”

 

The cases identified in the attached chart were investigated by the Apopka Police Department, the Bradenton Police Department, the Cocoa Beach Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Mary Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, the Palm Bay Police Department, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Sanford Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Haven Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Border Patrol, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.   

                     

An indictment or 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.

 

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Natalie Hirt Adams, Callan Albritton, Daniel Baeza, Robert E. Bodnar, Jr., E. Jackson Boggs Jr., Chauncey A. Bratt, D. Rodney Brown, Dale Campion, Vincent S. Chiu, Charlie Connally, Michael J. Coolican, Arnold B. Corsmeier, Christina R. Downes, Kristen Fiore, Kevin C. Frein, Carlton Gammons, Daniel George, Eric Gerard, Beatriz Gonzalez, Michael Gordon, Shauna Hale, Nathan W. Hill, Rachel Jones, Kelly S. Karase, Embry J. Kidd, Michael Leeman, Robert Mosakowski, Ilianys Rivera Miranda, Frank Murray, Shawn P. Napier, Gregory Nolan, Diego Novaes, Kaitlin O’Donnell, Thomas Palermo, Matthew Perry, Christopher Poor, James Preston, Mandy Riedel, Alejandro J. Salicrup, Charles Schmitz, Sean Shecter, Taylor Stout, Jay Taylor, Laura Cofer Taylor, Frank Talbot, Lisa Thelwell, Josie Thomas, Ashley Washington, Kara M. Wick, and Acting U.S. Attorney Stephen Muldrow.

 

 

Fort Myers

Month of Indictment/ Information

Defendant, Age, City of Residence

Status

Number of Firearms Seized/Recovered

8/2017

Herman Fleming, 25, Lehigh Acres

Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer and one count of receipt of a firearm by a person under felony indictment or information; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

3

8/2017

Sondrejah Wilbon, 23, Fort Myers

Pending*; charged with one count of making a false statement in required information kept by a firearms dealer; facing up to 5 years in federal prison

Included in total for Fleming

8/2017

Oliver Rocher, 33, Alva

Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Javier M. Rascon, 32, Perry

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

10/2017

Christopher Jones, 29, Indiantown

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

Included in the total for Rascon

10/2017

Reginald Lakeith Hodge, 24, Fort Myers

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

10/2017

Alejo Guerrero, 36, Lehigh Acres

Pending*; charged with eight counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felone; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years, up to life, in federal prison

3

11/2017

Robert E. Clifton, 35, Immokolee

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prisonPending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

Jacksonville

9/2017

Johnnie Spydale Thomas, Jr., 24, Bunnell

Pending*; charged with one count of distribution of cocaine base and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison

2

9/2017

Serome Bell, 27, Palm Coast

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, facing up to 10 years in federal prison

Included in total for Spydale

9/2017

Jason Dixon, 31, Palm Coast

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and three counts of distribution of cocaine base; facing up to 70 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Bruquanna Griffin, 21 Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to steal a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer and two counts of stealing a firearm from a federally-licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

2

9/2017

Gregory Greer, 35, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to ten years in federal prison.

1

9/2017

Brandon Oxendine, 39, St. Augustine

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life

4

9/2017

Derek Hatcher, 35, Tallahassee

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Michael Anthony Deyton, 59, Sanderson

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of firearms by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

20

10/2017

Tantai Vo, 27, Jacksonville

Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marihuana, one count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and one count of structuring; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 40 years

4

10/2017

James Edward Moultrie, 42, Jacksonville

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

10/2017

John Robert Horner, 29, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

2

10/2017

Michael A. Crider, 37, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Derrick Burney, 40, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of marijuana; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

5

11/2017

Daniel Francesco Vidal, 27, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

3

11/2017

Ronald Andrews, 33, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Nathaniel Harrison, 33, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

5

11/2017

Charles Robert Alexander, 47, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

John Stevenson Jordan, 51, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Sheldon Tarence Wright, 27, Savannah, Georgia

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Andrew James Ward, 29, Middleburg

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Edward Lamont Thomas, 44, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life

5

11/2017

Joseph Arnold Thomas, 47, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Darrick Flozell Stafford, 41, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of distribution of cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 130 years

8

11/2017

Daryl D. Shack, 27, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Bernandino G. Bolatete, 69, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of an unregistered silencer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

11

12/2017

Maurice Sanders, 27, Jacksonville

Pending*, charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

1

12/2017

James Robert Cotton, 33, Jacksonville

Pending*, charged with one count of manufacturing (cultivation) of marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

 5

12/2017

Dorothy Pearl Smith, 49, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of distribution of crack cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

12/2017

William Charles Nolan, 50, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Daniel Dwain Lundeby, 42, Jacksonville Beach

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Walter John Smith, 31, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison

1

12/2017

Rashann Lamont Bennet, 31, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison

1

12/2017

Sauvier Addorinn Wright, 35, Jacksonville

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

Ocala

8/2017

Anthony Michele Decotis, Jr., 29, Eustis

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life

3

10/2017

Devion-tae Wess, 25, Ocala

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

1

Orlando

8/2017

William Matthew Tex Price, 31, Cocoa

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of marriage fraud; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

2

8/2017

James Arthur Van Meerten, 35, Palm Bay

Sentenced to 210 months for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

1

8/2017

Aniceto Aguirre- Cardenas, 56, San Pedro, Michoacan, Mexico

Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and ammunition, and one count of illegal reentry after removal as an aggravated felon; facing up to 40 years in federal prison

1

8/2017

Chad Wycoff, 40, Kissimmee

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 20 years in federal prison up to life

1

8/2017

Arkee Vernard Howard, 27, Orlando

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin and marijuana and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Tyrondrick Madry, 32, Orlando

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Eric Jean Gilles, 36, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 25 years in federal prison up to life

6

9/2017

Edson Gelin, 39, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for Gilles

9/2017

Jimmy Remy Fernetus, 30, Miami

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 50 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for Gilles

9/2017

Silky Johnson, 35, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life

1

9/2017

Jeffrey Noel, 24, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and marijuana, three counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life

2

9/2017

Herichie Paul, 20, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for Noel

 9/2017

 Awetu Megersa, 22, Orlando

 Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit carjacking, one count of conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of carjacking, two counts of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of carjacking; facing a minimum mandatory of 32 years in federal prison up to life

 Included in total for Noel

9/2017

Jose Luis Sanchez-Rosado, 43, Volusia County

Pending*, charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Bakari McCant, 26, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life

3

10/2017

Deandre Brewer, 25, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for McCant

 10/2017

 Jarvis Wingster, 27, Ocoee

Pending*; charged with one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

 Included in total for McCant

10/2017

Rodolfo Luna Fernandez, 42 Mexico

Pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Frederick Hankins, Jr., 30, New Symrna

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Thomas Porter, 39, Daytona Beach

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Hector Luis Santiago-Jorge, 47, Kissimmee

Pending*; charged with one count of dealing in and manufacturing firearms without a license and one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

10

11/2017

Jamus Dixon, 35, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 50 years

1

11/2017

Windesthon Junior Pierre, 22, Kissimmee

Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Stephon Te’vonta Johnson, 22, Kissimmee

Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for Pierre

11/2017

Bernard Henry, 27

Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Joshua Franceschi, 22, Kissimmee

Pending*; charged with one count of stealing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Harold Omar Vargas-Delgado, 32, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, one count of possession with intent to distribute 1 kilogram or more of heroin, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

11

11/2017

Theodore Vazquez, 43, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

0

11/2017

Michael Gordon Watson, 41, Melbourne

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA, marijuana, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

2

11/2017

Taylor John Creevy, 23, Orlando

Pending*; charged with three counts of bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

0

12/2017

Cedrick Antwain Gant, 27, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of carjacking, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 30 years in federal prison up to life

1

12/2017

Tariq Malik Cherry, 20, Orlando

Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison.

4

12/2017

Lamarcus Demane Harvey, 40, Orlando

Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

Included in total for Cherry

12/2017

Coryell Demond Robinson, 30, Orlando

Pending*; charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

Included in total for Cherry

12/2017

Walter Lee Jones, 39, Mt. Dora

Pending* charged with attempted bank robbery; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

Included in total for Cherry

12/2017

Raymond Lee Kelly, 50, Cocoa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

12/2017

Prince Toburas Jermaine Rolle, 31, Orlando

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

1

Tampa

8/2017

Keagan Williams, 27, Winter Haven

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

8/2017

Thomas Paul Stephens, 49, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life

6

8/2017

Devante Moreno Smith, 26, Clearwater

Pending*; charged with two counts of distribution of crack cocaine, one count of distribution of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

2

8/2017

Kevin Lopez Duerte, 19 Bradenton

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

8/2017

Jonathon James Dryburgh, 23, Ellenton

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Woodrow Pressey, 46, Bradenton

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 30 years in federal prison

5

9/2017

Tramel Ronsha Middleton, 25, Tampa

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Miguel Angel Algarin, 41, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life

1

9/2017

Chauncey Gregory, 33, St. Petersburg

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ecstasy, one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life

1

9/2017

Demario Cornelius Buckner, 25, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Edward Lamont Dash, 29, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Dallan Bolden, 23, St.

Petersburg

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

9/2017

Lawrence Xavier Freeman, 34, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

3

9/2017

Rakim Jamal Philon, 27, Tampa

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

Included in total for Freeman

9/2017

Richard Deandre Walton, 23, Tampa

Pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

Included in total for Freeman

9/2017

Zane Coraderell Brassfield, 23, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

10/2017

Antwan Williams, 34, Bradenton

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 47 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Tronesh Sparkels Akerman, 24, Palmetto

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; facing a minimum mandatory of 7 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Cedrick Lee Taylor, 31, Sarasota

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Jason Michael Trigger, 34, Port Richey

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Tracy Lee Williams, 37, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count distribution of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

2

10/2017

Joshua Christian Cantrell, 24, Dade City

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

Included in total for Williams

10/2017

Arvester Lamonica Anderson, 46, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Devan DI’Andre Bristol, 29, Spring Hill

Pending*; charged with seven counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine, codeine, and marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Lecardo Renard Albury, 32, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

10/2017

Doga Kuyon Yuoh, 25, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

10/2017

Jodarin Marquis Whitfield, 27, Sarasota

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years

0

10/2017

Herbert Adelphus Pinckney, 39, Sarasota

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years

0

10/2017

Rashica Shaguana Ford, 39, Palmetto

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive and one count of attempt to damage and destroy by means of fire and explosive; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 20 years

0

11/2017

Raheem Davis, 46, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Steven Garcia, 22, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

7

11/2017

David Valentin, 27, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Jeremy Dwayne Simmons, 36, Brandon

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Joshua Dekoyer, 30, Sarasota

Pending*; charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute U-47700, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine; facing a minimum mandatory of 10 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Pierre Rashawn Walker, 31, Sarasota

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 80 years in federal prison

3

11/2017

Ashanti Roundtree, 42 Bradenton

Pending*; charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to life

1

11/2017

Kurt Gell, 36, Bartow

Pending*; charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and one count of felon in possession of a short- barreled shotgun; facing a minimum mandatory of 5 years in federal prison up to 100 years

2

11/2017

Ian Brook Weigant, 44, Bradenton

Pending*; charged with two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 20 years in federal prison

2

11/2017

Clifford Etheridge, 28, St. Petersburg

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Edgar Delgado, 26, Plant City

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

11/2017

Steven Lawrence Moore, 41, Lakeland

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Juan Carlos Ramrez-Arcos, 32, Mexico

Pending*; charged with one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Rico Remon Washington, 44, New Port Richey

Pending*; charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, on count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison.

 

12/2017

Madio Morris, 36, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 10 years in federal prison

1

12/2017

Reginald Hollie, 35, Tampa

Pending*; charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; facing up to 15 years, up to life in federal prison

1

*An indictment or 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.

Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Elizabeth M. Jordan (52), and her daughter, Dolores A. Youmans  (30), both of Jacksonville, have pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting others with the filing of fraudulent tax returns. Each faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

 

According to the plea agreements, Jordan had been working as a tax preparer since approximately 1990. Since 2011, she was the owner and operator of a business that offered tax return preparation services. At the business, Jordan, Youmans, and others prepared individual income tax returns, with accompanying forms and schedules, on behalf of clients. In doing so, they reported false information, including false deductions, false claims for education and other credits, and false claims of business expenses. These false representations reduced the amount owed by, or increased the amount refunded to, the taxpayers.

 

Jordan pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2011 tax return in which she represented that the taxpayer owned a business with no income and $34,755 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,000. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation who had not operated a business in 2011, and had not incurred any education expenses that year.

 

After Jordan filed the return, the IRS issued a refund of $10,021 to the taxpayer.  In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $533. The tax loss to the IRS was $9,488.

 

Youmans pleaded guilty to preparing and filing a fraudulent 2012 tax return.  On the return, she represented that the taxpayer had a business with no income and $36,895 in expenses. She also represented on the return that the taxpayer had $4,000 in education expenses and was entitled to an education credit of $1,500. In fact, the taxpayer was a wage-earning employee of a corporation, had not operated a business in 2012, and did not incur any education expenses during that year. She further represented that the taxpayer had bought 5,255 gallons of gasoline and was entitled to a $962 fuel tax credit.  Although the taxpayer was a truck driver, the employer had paid for all of the fuel and the taxpayer was not entitled to the credit. After Youmans filed the return, the IRS issued a refund to the taxpayer of $16,469.  In the absence of the false statements and other improperly claimed deductions and credits, the taxpayer would have been entitled to a refund of $5,182. The tax loss to the IRS was $11,287.

 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that a federal jury has found Oniel Christopher Russell (40, Jamaica), a/k/a OG Russel, guilty of possessing firearms and ammunition as an illegal alien and felony assault on a federal officer. He faces a maximum penalty of 18 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 9, 2018.

 

Russell was indicted in May 2017.

 

According to evidence presented at trial, Russell last entered the United States on October 29, 2008, as a non-immigrant visitor with authorization to remain in the country until January 3, 2009. He failed to depart and remained without any lawful immigration status thereafter. On August 24, 2013, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office pulled Russell over for a traffic violation and subsequently conducted a search of his vehicle. They located a loaded firearm in the glove compartment and another loaded firearm, with one round in the chamber, under the passenger seat where a female passenger had been sitting prior to the traffic stop. Russell gave a written confession to the gun recovered from the glove compartment, but denied knowledge of the other firearm. During the trial, the female passenger testified that Russell had handed her the gun right before the deputy pulled them over, and told her to put it under the seat and say it was hers. Neither were arrested that night on firearms charges.

 

In October 2016, deportation officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) received a lead as to Russell’s whereabouts and attempted to locate him for six months. On April 25, 2017, the officers located Russell and attempted to execute an administrative warrant for his arrest. While trying to handcuff him, Russell dragged one of the officers 6 to 10 feet, slamming him against the house in an attempt to flee back into the home. Only when another officer pulled his firearm out and ordered Russell to stop resisting, did he allow himself to be handcuffed and taken into custody. 

 

This case was investigated by ICE, 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, on assignment from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.

Jacksonville, Florida – Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow announces that Haven Hospice (Haven), a hospice company headquartered in Gainesville, Florida, has agreed to pay $5,085,024 to resolve allegations that Haven violated the False Claims Act by knowingly billing the government for medically unnecessary and undocumented hospice services. 

 

The government alleges that Haven knowingly submitted false claims to the Medicare and Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary hospice care for certain patients who had lengths of stays greater than three years. Typically, federal health care programs only pay for hospice care when patients are in a terminal condition and have a life expectancy of less than six months.

 

Since June 1, 2011, Haven treated at least 63 patients with lengths of stay exceeding three years. The government contends that for those 63 patients, Haven either knowingly or recklessly failed to document a valid basis for the initial start of hospice care and/or subsequent hospice coverage. Haven’s diagnoses were not adequately supported, or were supported only with inconsistent practitioner information. Many patients failed to demonstrate objective indications of decline throughout their time in the company’s care, despite some being in hospice for nearly six years. Some patients had their hospice diagnoses changed after several years when they did not show decline under their original “terminal” diagnosis. The government has agreed to accept $5,085,024 to resolve these allegations based on Haven’s ability to pay.

 

“Unfortunately, some healthcare providers seek to defraud Medicare by billing for unnecessary hospice services,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “Left unchecked, this misconduct would deplete funds available for terminally ill patients desperately in need of the relief that hospice care provides. This settlement should serve as notice to others who consider similar practices that we will vigorously pursue them.”

 

“Charging taxpayers for unnecessary health care services such as hospice care is intolerable,” said Special Agent in Charge Shimon R. Richmond of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General.  “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, we will vigorously protect the integrity of our Federal health care programs and hold health care companies accountable.”

 

The settlement concludes a lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida by a former employee of Haven Hospice, Dr. John Simons. The lawsuit was filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act that permits private individuals to sue on behalf of the government for false claims and to share in any recovery. The Act also allows the government to intervene and take over the action. Dr. Simons will receive roughly $900,000 of the proceeds from the settlement with Haven.

 

The government’s action in this matter illustrates the emphasis on combating health care fraud, and one of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

 

This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, SafeGuard Services LLC (Medicare’s Zone Program Integrity Contractor), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Shea Gibbons.

 

The case is captioned United States ex rel. Simons v. North Central Florida Hospice, Inc. d/b/a Haven Hospice, Case No. 3:16-cv-330-J-32JRK. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims in that case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore today sentenced Michael O. Johnson (28, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He pleaded guilty on August 10, 2017.

 

According to court documents, Johnson sold undercover agents six firearms over a period of several months, including a Russian model SKS 7.62x39-caliber rifle with an extended magazine. He sold the guns to agents even after they told him that the guns would be resold illegally in other markets within the United States, including in New York City.

 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Murray.

 

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide, crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety — one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and reentry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, Acting U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

 

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Jeremy Craig Traylor (32, St. Cloud) to 60 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. He pleaded guilty on October 6, 2017.

 

According to court documents, on September 1, 2016, a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) led law enforcement officers to identify Traylor as a suspect involved in the distribution of child pornography.  During the execution of a search warrant at Traylor’s residence, agents found several items of computer media containing thousands of images of infants, toddlers, and young children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During an interview, Traylor admitted that he had used file sharing software to search for, download, and view child pornography for at least the past six years. Forensic analyses of his computer media revealed images and a video that depicted Traylor sexually assaulting an infant girl and sexually explicit images of a minor boy that he had also produced. Traylor shared these images with others via text messaging and other applications on his phone.

 

"Two young lives are forever impacted by these incomprehensible crimes," said HSI Tampa Special Agent in Charge James C. Spero. "Nothing will return the innocence of these children, but we hope putting this criminal behind bars will help them in their recovery.”

 

This case was investigated by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was 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.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge James D. Whittemore sentenced Natasha Pierre (46, Davenport), a/k/a Elsie Petitfrere, to six months in federal prison for obtaining U.S. citizenship through false and misleading representations to U.S. immigration authorities. She pleaded guilty on August 30, 2017. The Court also entered an order denaturalizing Pierre and stripping her of her United States citizenship; she is now subject to deportation to Haiti.

 

According to her plea agreement and evidence presented in Court, Pierre first applied for asylum protection to remain in the United States in 1993, claiming that she had entered the United States from Haiti and feared persecution and arrest if she returned there. In June 1995, the INS rejected her application and ordered her to appear before an immigration judge for possible deportation proceedings. In July 1995, she failed to appear as directed and the court ordered her removal from the United States. The immigration judge also entered a warrant for her arrest and deportation.

 

While her case was still pending before the immigration court, Pierre assumed the new identity of Elsie Petitfrere and filed for legal protection and permanent resident status in the United States using this new identity and a different set of biographical data. In 2012, she applied for U.S. citizenship, and Petitfrere ultimately became a U.S. citizen on September 11, 2012.

 

In her immigration paperwork and application for citizenship, Petitfrere denied the use of prior names, denied having been subject to an order of deportation, and denied lying to immigration authorities. Photographic and fingerprint evidence later established that Pierre and Petitfrere were the same person and that Pierre had lied on several keys parts of her citizenship application.

 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This investigation was a part of “Operation Second Look,” a nationwide initiative of the Department of Homeland Security to review the files of hundreds of persons who were ordered deported from the United States but have not left the country as directed. The Pierre case is one of four similar investigations in the Tampa Bay area. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

 

Tampa, Florida – United States District Judge James D. Whittemore has sentenced Latronda Brooks to three years and six months in federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft in connection with income tax fraud. She was taken into custody immediately following the pronouncement of her sentence today. In addition, she was ordered to pay $327,521 in restitution, representing the proceeds of the tax fraud. She pleaded guilty on June 30, 2017.

 

According to court documents, Brooks opened an Urban Trust Bank account in her name, doing business as Magnificent Tax Services, and used it to deposit more than $327,000 in fraudulent tax refund checks. These fraudulent checks were falsely endorsed with the taxpayer signatures and deposited with a falsely-endorsed “permission” form that purportedly gave Brooks permission to deposit third-party tax refund checks into her bank account. Brooks spent the money on personal expenditures, including paying others involved in the tax fraud, and did not provide any of the funds to the taxpayers.

 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich has sentenced Terrance F. Taylor (52, Bradenton) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also ordered him to pay $3,341,500 in restitution to the victims of the fraud.

 

Taylor pleaded guilty on September 9, 2015.

 

According to court documents, in 2010, Taylor and Timothy Roberts 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 to sell products, regardless of the device used by the online purchaser. Roberts and Taylor marketed Savtira stock to investors by making false claims about the company, including that Savtira was profitable and that the company had entered into executed agreements with nationally recognized technology firms. They also falsely claimed that Savtira owned patents and/or that the company was valued between $450 and $540 million. Roberts and Taylor then misused and misappropriated some of the investors’ funds for personal expenses and cash withdrawals without the investors’ consent or knowledge. They also failed to disclose that Roberts had entered into a settlement agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2008 that required Roberts to pay a fine and banned him from selling unregistered securities.

 

Roberts previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 16, 2018.

 

This case was investigated by the Florida Office of Financial Regulation’s Bureau of Financial Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mandy Riedel and Rachel Jones.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Billy Leon Dyer (78, Melbourne) to 24 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. The Court also ordered him to forfeit his residence located at 7664 Candlewick Drive and a vehicle that he used during the offense. 

 

Dyer pleaded guilty on September 20, 2017.

 

According to court documents, between June 22, 2016, and February 9, 2017, Dyer induced at least three teen girls to engage in sexually explicit conduct so that he could produce child pornography. Dyer paid the girls, who were between 14 and 15 years old, $140-$200 each time he had sex with them. Sometimes he gave them drugs in exchange for sex. Agents discovered Dyer’s conduct after he discussed the details of his explicit activity during jail calls that he made to adult inmates at the Brevard County Jail.           

 

In March 2017, law enforcement officers conducted an undercover operation using an undercover officer posing as an adult woman online. Dyer began a conversation with the “woman” and asked to “meet her soon.” The “woman” said that she was unable to have sex with him, but referred her 15-year-old cousin. Dyer told the “woman” that he would pay her a $40 finder’s fee for referring her “cousin,” and that he would pay her “cousin” $150 to have sex with him. During their conversation, Dyer admitted that he liked young girls and arranged a time to meet the “cousin” for sex. When he arrived at the predetermined location, agents arrested him. On his phone, computer, and thumb drive, agents located more than 170 images depicting the teen girls that Dyer had sex with at his house. 

 

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Christina R. Downes, on assignment from the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, ICE.

 

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.