Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Todd Wade Powers (38, Middleburg) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Powers pleaded guilty in April 2025.

According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a gas station regarding a complaint. While there, the deputies observed a car parked near a gas pump and recognized the license plate affixed to the car as one that had been reported stolen out of Jacksonville. The deputies saw an open backpack on the passenger seat of the car along with a firearm and a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine, at the top of the open backpack. During a search of the car, the deputies found fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, as well as two loaded firearms.

During the course of their investigation, the deputies were able to tie Powers to the car, and Powers later admitted that the firearms and drugs were his. Powers was previously convicted of 14 felonies, including three counts of possession of controlled substances, two counts of felony petit theft, seven counts of sale or delivery of controlled substances, dealing in stolen property, and false verification of ownership on a pawnbroker transaction form. Therefore, Powers is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elisibeth Adams.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Kemmye Jimbryl Watson (29, Belle Glade) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Watson to forfeit the firearm possessed during the offense. Watson pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025. 

According to court documents, on August 1, 2024, in Lehigh Acres, Watson sold a pistol to another individual for $500. At the time, Watson had multiple prior felony convictions including aggravated assault with a firearm, trespass while armed, and robbery by sudden snatching. As a convicted felon, Waston is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Virgil Cooper (42) and Angelo Jordan (49), both residents of Ohio, for conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and attempting to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. Cooper was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison and Jordan was sentenced to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison. A federal jury found both guilty on May 1, 2025.

According to testimony and evidence presented during the four-day trial, Cooper contacted a former federal prison cellmate who had been deported to his native country of Colombia after serving his sentence, wanting to purchase multiple kilograms of cocaine directly from Colombia at a discount rate. The former cellmate introduced Cooper to a Drug Enforcement Administration confidential source who helped arrange for a viewing of 10 kilograms of cocaine with undercover officers in Tampa in February 2023. Since Cooper was still serving his sentence from a prior felony in a halfway house, he sent his co-conspirator, Jordan, on his behalf. Jordan drove 17 hours from Ohio to Tampa to view the cocaine. An image from the video of that meeting is below:

Government Trial Exhibit 6

After repeated communications and Cooper’s release from the halfway house, Cooper and Jordan traveled from Cleveland to Tampa on August 3, 2023, to deliver a down payment of $120,000 in cash for an initial 30 kilograms of cocaine. They were subsequently arrested. An image from the video of that meeting is below:

Government Trial Exhibit 26

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney David Rehfuss and Assistant United States Attorney E. Jackson Boggs, Jr.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Eric Brewer (30, Lakeland) to five years and three months in federal prison for tampering with a consumer product and obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. Brewer pleaded guilty on April 28, 2025.

According to court documents, Brewer was a Florida-licensed registered nurse who worked at various hospitals in the Tampa Bay area. Brewer tampered with fentanyl intended for patients by removing a portion of the controlled substance from its container, at times diluting it with another substance, and using the drug for his own personal use. By tampering with the fentanyl, Brewer acted with reckless disregard for the risk that patients would be in danger of death or bodily injury and under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to such risk.

On seven occasions between June 2 and September 12, 2023, Brewer repeatedly took needles, syringes, and saline flushes from the supply room, entered the treatment room of another nurse’s patient who was receiving intravenous fentanyl, and stole the patient’s fentanyl by redirecting it into a Styrofoam cup. At other times, Brewer stole fentanyl directly from a secure medication locker or started and stopped the patient’s intravenous (IV) pump of fentanyl to steal it. After stealing the drugs, Brewer injected them into himself in a restroom.

Brewer’s criminal conduct came to the attention of hospital administrators on September 12, 2023. Although he was not assigned to care for any patients receiving fentanyl, Brewer volunteered to change the fentanyl IV drip bag for another nurse. Brewer acquired a 100mL fentanyl IV bag and tubing from the secured medication locker and disbursed it to the patient. Shortly thereafter, Brewer entered a restroom. When he left the restroom, nurses observed Brewer stumbling, slurring his speech, and falling asleep. An inspection of the restroom revealed a bloody needle and paper towel, which Brewer had used to inject himself with fentanyl. A hospital employee reported Brewer to a manager who requested he take a drug test. Brewer refused and was fired. Subsequent lab testing of the fentanyl IV bag he had administered that morning revealed that fentanyl had been removed from the drip bag and diluted approximately 50% with saline.

This case was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Tony Leroy Bartley, Jr. (37, Jacksonville) with using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Bartley faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. On August 5, 2025, Bartley was arrested by FBI agents in Ponte Vedra Beach. He remains in custody pending a detention hearing set for August 11, 2025.

According to court documents, between June 17 and July 30, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. On July 25, 26, and 29, 2025, the UC and app user “keven” exchanged several private online messages on the app and via text message. After the UC advised “keven” that “she” was only 13 years old, “keven” suggested that they engage in sexual activity. App user “keven,” who was subsequently identified as Bartley, asked the “child” about her sexual experience, described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child,” and sent an explicit photo of himself to the “child.”

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Johns 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 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 and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Jessica Corin Mangano (35, St. Cloud) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for distribution, receipt, and possession of child sex abuse material. Mangano pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, Mangano distributed and received videos depicting the violent sexual abuse of infants, toddlers, and other young children. She also distributed images of two children to men that she knew and described her desire to rape these children or watch the men rape these children. A search of Mangano’s cellphone revealed that she had 81 images and 295 videos of child sexual abuse material saved to this device.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaley Austin-Aronson and Chauncey A. Bratt.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Dmitry Shushlebin (45, Russia) has pleaded guilty to conspiring to submit fraudulent voter registrations, wire fraud, false statements, and aggravated identity theft. Shushlebin faces a maximum penalty of 32 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court filings, Shushlebin, a citizen of Russia living in Miami Beach, hired Sanjar Jamilov (32, Uzbekistan) and others to submit more than 100 fraudulent voter registration applications to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections in February and March 2023. These applications were submitted in the names of fake people, in envelopes with return and address labels that were identically formatted, including containing the same typographical error, and bore various indicia of fraud including, repeating dates of birth and addresses and nearly sequential Social Security numbers. The Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections was able to detect the fraud and rejected the fraudulent applications.

One purpose of registering these fake voters was to create synthetic, or fake, identities that Shushlebin could use to commit financial fraud. Shushlebin used the fake identities to obtain fraudulent credit cards and loans, among other financial frauds. For example, on January 6, 2023, Shuhslebin used the identity of fictitious voter “Ariel Elston” to apply for a loan with a victim bank. In order to make Elston appear like a real client for a dental loan, Shushlebin hired a Russian actress to hold a photograph of a fake driver’s license in the name of Ariel Elston. The bank approved the loan application and issued a loan in the amount of $3,099 to a bank account controlled by Shushlebin. Shushlebin perpetrated this scheme against the victim bank hundreds of times using hundreds of different synthetic identities. 

Jamilov previously pled guilty on July 25, 2025, and is pending deportation.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Lindsey N. Schmidt and Trial Attorney Leo Wise from the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section.

Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Senior U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Brandon Clint Russell, 30, of Orlando, Florida, to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for conspiring to damage or destroy electrical facilities in Maryland.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor, FBI Tampa Field Office.

“Russell allowed hatred to drive him and his co-conspirator to plot a dangerous scheme that could have harmed thousands of people,” Hayes said. “The sentence imposed today reflects the gravity of Russell’s egregious conduct and his ongoing threat to public safety.  This conviction underscores our unwavering commitment to dismantling violent extremist threats and holding accountable anyone who dares to conspire to endanger the lives of others.”

“Swift and thorough coordination from our law enforcement partners through the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force disrupted this significant threat to Maryland,” DelBagno said.  “I am proud of the dedicated FBI agents and analysts who worked this case from Maryland to Florida. This investigation shows the commitment and broad reach of the FBI to ensure those plotting harm are brought to justice.”

“This case illustrates the FBI’s vigilance in defending the homeland from radical violent extremists like Brandon Russell,” Fodor said. “Our strong partnerships, resources, and resilience exemplifies our commitment to disrupting hate-filled campaigns intended to harm our communities.” 

Judge Bredar previously sentenced Russell’s co-conspirator, Sarah Beth Clendaniel, 37, of Catonsville, Maryland, to 18 years in prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, in connection with her role in the scheme.

According to evidence presented at trial, from at least November 2022, until February 3, 2023, Russell conspired to carry out attacks against critical infrastructure, specifically transformers located within electrical substations. Russell’s plan was in furtherance of his racially or ethnically motivated violent extremist beliefs. Russell posted links to open-source maps of infrastructure, including the locations of electrical substations. He described how a small number of attacks on substations could cause a “cascading failure.” Additionally, Russell discussed maximizing the impact of the planned attack by attacking multiple substations at one time.

Russell recruited Clendaniel to carry out the attacks in Baltimore and elsewhere. They planned to damage energy facilities involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and to cause a significant interruption and impairment of the Baltimore regional power grid. The intended monetary loss associated with the planned attacks would have exceeded $75 million.

Clendaniel identified five substations to target, and Russell attempted to secure a weapon for her. She stated that if they attacked multiple substations in the same day, they “would completely destroy this whole city,” and that a “good four or five shots through the center of them . . . should make that happen.” Clendaniel further added, “[i]t would probably permanently completely lay this city to waste if we could do that successfully.” 

U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI Baltimore and FBI Tampa for their outstanding work in the investigation and praised the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Maryland State Police, Baltimore County Police Department and FBI Washington for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also acknowledged the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida for their support. Additionally, U.S. Attorney Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Aubin and Joseph R. Baldwin who prosecuted the case.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is a partner in the U.S. Department of Justice’s United Against Hate community outreach program. The United Against Hate initiative seeks to directly connect federal, state and local law enforcement with traditionally marginalized communities in order to build trust and encourage the reporting of hate crimes and hate incidents.

For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach. To report a Maryland-based hate crime, contact the FBI Baltimore field office at (410) 265-8080 or tips.fbi.gov.

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Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Daniel Vega Cabrera (42, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to commit that offense. Vega Cabrera pleaded guilty in March 2025.

According to court documents, in July 2023, an undercover deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office began buying cocaine from Joseph White, a co-defendant of Vega Cabrera’s. Further investigation revealed that Vega Cabrera and Jose Pabon, another co-defendant, were White’s sources of supply. In total, Vega Cabrera provided more than 500 grams of cocaine to White for distribution between July 20, 2023, and May 14, 2024. Vega Cabrera is subject to an enhanced penalty in this case because he has a prior federal drug distribution conviction.

White and Pabon previously pleaded guilty for their roles in this case and are currently pending sentencing.

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Rico Allen Gandy (47, Orlando) to four years and three months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Gandy to forfeit the firearm and ammunition, which are related to the offense. Gandy pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025.

According to court documents, Gandy was a passenger in a vehicle that was stopped by the Orlando Police Department’s Tactical Anti-Crime Unit. After initially refusing to stop, the driver pulled over and Gandy attempted to walk away from the scene. Gandy was detained by officers who later recovered a bag that he had left on the floorboard of the vehicle. Inside the bag was his Gandy’s Florida identification card, several baggies of crack cocaine, MDMA, marijuana, and a loaded 9mm Springfield pistol. Gandy is a six-time convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms 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 Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta and Courtney Richardson-Jones.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Island Tri Truong (41, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering in relation to drug distribution proceeds. Truong faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Truong’s husband, George Pherai Bogeajis, was sentenced on November 13, 2024, to more than 19 years in federal prison for drug distribution.

According to the plea agreement, on April 9, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant at Truong and Pherai Bogeajis’s home in Orlando. Agents seized more than 51 kilograms of methamphetamine, various amounts of cocaine, MDMA and fentanyl, multiple firearms, and $717,480 in cash proceeds from drug distribution. A financial investigation revealed that Truong had laundered an estimated $766,000 in drug proceeds in the four years leading up to that search. Truong and Pherai Bogeajis deposited hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash into various bank accounts and lived a lifestyle far beyond their reported incomes.

While in Paris in 2023, Truong used another individual to purchase a gold Rolex wristwatch for 40,700 Euros (estimated $44,000 USD) while she reported earning only $21,090 during that year. Truong also avoided depositing cash into her and Pherai Bogeajis’s bank accounts by delivering thousands of dollars in cash to friends and acquaintances who then transferred that money to Truong from their bank accounts. In one transaction, Truong delivered $40,000 to an acquaintance who transferred the same amount to the construction company building her and Pherai Bogeajis’s home on Bearle Road. Truong then advised her friend to deposit the $40,000 into her bank in $9,000 increments over the course of months to avoid triggering bank and law enforcement scrutiny.

As part of her plea agreement, Truong has agreed to forfeit two properties, including one property valued at approximately $838,000, and two luxury watches – all of which were purchased with proceeds of the drug distribution activities and were used to conceal the origin of those funds

This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Money Laundering Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Orange County Sheriff's Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana E. Hill and Jennifer Harrington.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Daniel Weatherly (42, Brownwood, TX) to two years in federal prison for possession of an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The court also ordered Weatherly to serve three years of supervised release and to have no contact with minors following his prison sentence. Weatherly pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025.

According to court documents, Weatherly used an application on his cellphone to create “AI” images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The application specifically allowed users to create high-quality visuals based upon word prompts, which Weatherly used to specify exactly what child sexual abuse images he desired. Weatherly’s prompts included age ranges between five and eight years old engaging in various sexual activity. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance from the North Port Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Abigail K. King.

This 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.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Lorenzo Valerio-Popoca (31, Mexico) guilty of two counts of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine. Valerio-Popoca faces a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is set for October 29, 2025.

According to testimony presented at trial, Valerio-Popoca brokered and coordinated the delivery of a half kilogram of methamphetamine in Palmetto. On March 30, 2018, Valerio-Popoca then brokered and coordinated the delivery of 2 kilograms of methamphetamine in Sun City Center. Valerio-Popoca remained a fugitive until November 2022, when he was arrested for trafficking 10 kilograms of methamphetamine in Pasadena, Texas.

Half kilogram of methamphetamine from January 29, 2018

2 kilograms of methamphetamine recovered from March 30, 2018

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pasadena (Texas) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Aidan Francis Akins (31, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Akins pleaded guilty on October 2, 2024.

According to court documents, during April 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Jacksonville received information from an undercover investigation of a social media chat application about a user offering to sell CSAM. Further investigation led law enforcement to Akins, who was purchasing CSAM.

On June 16, 2023, an HSI special agent obtained a federal search warrant for Akin’s residence. When law enforcement searched his home, Akins was present and agreed to speak with law enforcement. Akins admitted he was in contact with an individual who had CSAM for sale and acknowledged purchasing CSAM from that individual on multiple occasions. When asked if CSAM would be discovered on his phone, Akins stated, “Yes, there may still be some in there, yes.” Akins said he knew possessing and viewing CSAM is illegal and admitted to viewing CSAM approximately every 2 to 4 weeks.

“The possession, trading, and viewing of child sexual abuse material from the darkest corners of the internet, makes these child predators complicit in the ongoing victimization of children,” said Homeland Security Investigation Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI, alongside our state and local partners, are committed to protecting children, hold their offenders accountable, and stop the cycle of harm these images perpetuate forever.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced William Thomas Hogan (35, Jacksonville) to eight years and one month in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Hogan pleaded guilty on April 10, 2025.

According to court documents, in December 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began an investigation into reports regarding CSAM in a cloud account. An HSI special agent applied for and obtained a federal search warrant for the content in that cloud account. The account was associated with Hogan’s phone number and the contents included multiple files of CSAM.

On November 15, 2024, an HSI agent approached Hogan as he walked to his vehicle in a parking lot. The agent explained to Hogan that she wanted to talk to him about an investigation. Hogan agreed to talk to the agent. When asked how much CSAM was on his cellphone, Hogan said, “I imagine there’s probably a bit.” Hogan admitted to having a mixture of CSAM and provided consent to search his phone. A a review of the phone confirmed that it contained multiple video files of CSAM. Hogan acknowledged he saved the CSAM in a location on his cellphone to keep them protected. He also admitted to receiving CSAM via social media applications in group chats and direct messages.

“Every click, every download of child sexual abuse material is a crime against a child, evidence of real abuse that’s fueling a cycle of lifelong trauma,” said Homeland Security Investigation Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI will use every tool at our disposal to find these predators, hold them accountable for their heinous actions, and break the perpetual cycle of child victimization.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that David Araujo (57, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Araujo faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for the production offense and a minimum prison sentence of 10 years, up to life, for the attempted enticement offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to the plea agreement, in July 2024, an undercover officer from the Ocala Police Department posed online as a 14-year-old prostitute (UC). Araujo messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. During the conversation, Araujo described to the UC a prior relationship he had had with another minor. Araujo was arrested by law enforcement when he drove from St. Petersburg to Marion County to meet with the UC to engage in sexual activity. A search of Araujo’s cellphone revealed he had produced CSAM with the previous minor victim on September 25, 2023. 

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Jose Santos Pardo (25, Homestead) to 14 months in federal prison for possession of contraband by a federal inmate. Santos Pardo pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025.

According to court records, Santos Pardo was an inmate at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in 2022. He was assigned to a low security section of the prison where inmates are not confined by fencing. On the night of November 19, 2022, a correctional officer saw Santos Pardo running along the side of the road carrying two duffle bags and a trash bag. Staff members confronted Santos Pardo and searched the bags which contained drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and cellphones. During an interview with law enforcement, Santos Pardo admitted that he had picked up the bags from the road to bring them back to his housing unit. Inmates are prohibited from possessing these items because they threaten the order, discipline, and security of the prison, as well as the life, health, and safety of federal prisoners and staff.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that six individuals have been sentenced to federal prison terms for their roles in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.

See chart below:

Name

(Age, City of Residence)

Angel Velazquez Delgado

(34, DeLand)

Firearms trafficking

Straw purchasing

Jesus Hernandez

(32, DeLand)

Edgar Jimenez

(30, DeLand)

Jesus Paulino

(27, DeLand)

Jonathan Borja

(23, DeLando)

Jesus Andres

(28, DeLand)

According to court documents, in May 2023, investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating a firearms trafficking organization operating in the Middle District of Florida. The organization was comprised of at least six individuals and led by Angel Velazquez Delgado. The conspirators purchased high-caliber firearms in the United States for resale to Mexican drug cartels. These cartels were and are criminal organizations engaged in the trafficking of controlled substances into the United States.

The trafficked firearms included high-caliber, armor-piercing, and anti-material weapons. For example, approximately 11 of the firearms trafficked by this organization included Barrett .50 caliber rifles, which can expel a very accurate, heavy, and fast-moving projectile that defeats all individually worn body armor, can penetrate and disable vehicles, aircraft, boats, and can even defeat some types of protection provided by armored vehicles. These rifles are highly sought after by the cartels in their efforts to control large territories. The organization also trafficked approximately 16 FN M249S rifles, which are sold in the United States as a semi-automatic weapon but are easily converted into a machinegun. The firearms were purchased at the request of the cartels and transported to the cartels soon after purchase.

Using the eTrace Firearm Recovery Notification Program, Mexican authorities were able to confirm the presence of at least one of the trafficked firearms in Mexico. On March 22, 2023, Mexican State Police and Mexican Military personnel were involved in a shootout with suspected members of the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación in Zitacuaro, Michoacan, Mexico. Two individuals were killed during the exchange of gunfire. After the shooting, a Barrett, model 82A1, .50 caliber rifle purchased by Jesus Hernandez on November 8, 2022, was recovered. At some point, members of the firearms trafficking conspiracy began removing the serial numbers from the firearms prior to shipment.

“Dismantling this Central Florida-based firearms trafficking ring is a huge win for public safety in Mexico and America,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “The CJNG is a notoriously brutal transnational criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist organization that now has less fuel for its violent criminal activities, thanks to this joint team.”

“The investigation and prosecution of violent crime is one of the top priorities of my District,” said U.S. Attorney Kehoe. “These individuals have trafficked high-caliber, military-grade weapons into the hands of dangerous Mexican cartel members and thus have caused a serious risk to the health and safety of others. My office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to hold those who jeopardize public safety accountable for their crimes.”

This case was investigated by the ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Volusia Bureau of Investigations, and the DeLand Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lyons and Noah Dorman.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of a two-count indictment charging Trevor Hedge (56, Ocala) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. If convicted on all counts, Hedge faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Hedge is currently detained pending the resolution of his case. 

According to the indictment and court records, in May 2025, a deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old child (UC). Hedge messaged the UC and, after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Hedge and the UC agreed to meet at a predetermined location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. Hedge was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at that location.

Hedge is a registered sex offender. He was convicted of first-degree sexual assault in 1993. 

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

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Levelle Joseph Harris (38, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud. Harris faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count. Harris is also facing a forfeiture order of $640,911.85, which represents the total proceeds he obtained through his fraudulent conduct. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, Harris previously committed wire fraud in 2020 by fraudulently obtaining $1,283,029.81 in COVID relief funds. He then used some of the stolen funds to purchase a residential property. Harris was federally prosecuted and convicted of 14 counts of wire fraud relating to that conduct. The United States then sought the forfeiture of the residential property Harris had purchased with the stolen COVID relief funds. Before his sentencing in that case, Harris claimed he had sold the property and gave the proceeds to the United States. Agents later determined, however, that the sale was unlawful. Between February 7, 2022, and January 31, 2023, Harris devised another fraudulent scheme to avoid paying the criminal forfeiture by obtaining a mortgage on the property through false representations. He used the fraudulent mortgage proceeds to purchase the residence and pay off his criminal forfeiture. Through Harris’s mortgage fraud scheme, he fraudulently obtained another $640,911.85.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.  

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Johnardo Davis (42, Ocala) to 25 years in federal prison for distributing and conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and other drugs. Davis pleaded guilty on April 11, 2025.

According to documents and information presented in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted controlled buys from Davis on July 29 and August 15, 2024. Each purchase involved more than two kilograms of methamphetamine. On December 10, 2024, agents searched Davis’s apartment and storage unit and located numerous items indicative of drug sales, including several pounds of marijuana, more than 600 grams of cocaine, and nearly $9,000 in cash.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Brett Eugene Baldwin (43, Mount Dora) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Baldwin was found guilty on March 27, 2025, following a trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on November 28, 2023, Baldwin’s cellphone was seized during an unrelated state investigation. Pursuant to a search warrant, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) reviewed the contents of the cellphone and discovered thousands of files depicting CSAM, primarily of young children. After his first cellphone was seized by law enforcement, Baldwin obtained a second one. The second cellphone was later seized by law enforcement and searched pursuant to a warrant. Agents discovered that Baldwin had again downloaded thousands of files depicting CSAM onto the replacement cellphone. 

“Our communities are safer today with this child predator off the streets,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “This is an example of effective collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mount Dora Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Cain Matias Godinez (42, Mexico) with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Matias Godinez faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Matias Godinez is currently detained pending the resolution of this criminal case. 

According to the indictment and court records, in May 2025, a detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl (UC). Matias Godinez communicated with the UC, and after learning the UC’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. Matias Godinez and the UC agreed to meet at a location in Marion County to engage in sexual activity. When Matias Godinez arrived at the location, he was arrested by law enforcement. 

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

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Bryce Fleetwood (26, Clermont) to 25 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Fleetwood pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025. 

According to court documents, Fleetwood’s cellphone was seized by law enforcement during an unrelated state investigation. A search of the phone revealed 850 videos and 120 photos depicting CSAM, primarily of very young children. Investigators further determined that Fleetwood had received CSAM over the internet on two occasions in 2022. 

“You can’t hide from our Homeland Security Investigations special agents and our law enforcement partners,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Another child predator off our streets.”      

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that John Don Bannister, Jr. (31, Clermont) has pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bannister faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison on each count. Bannister is currently detained pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to the plea agreement, on April 26 and May 4, 2023, in Lake County, Bannister produced CSAM with a 14-year-old child. An investigation by law enforcement showed that Bannister had been supplying vape pens and drugs to minors. In return for these items, Bannister asked the minors to provide him nude images and videos of themselves.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Mascotte Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This 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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kahlil Yanier Amilivia Rodriguez (27, Groveland) has pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Rodriguez faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement and court records, on October 5, 2023, Rodriguez had an online conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. Rodriguez graphically described to the fictional child the sexual acts he wanted to perform with her. Rodriguez was arrested when he arrived at a pre-determined location to meet with the minor to engage in the sexual activity. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kevin Eugene Leeks, Jr. (34, Leesburg) has been arrested on an indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Leeks faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Leeks has been a convicted felon since 2013. He has two prior felony convictions, including robbery with a deadly weapon. As a convicted felon, Leeks is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On July 13, 2019, Leeks possessed a firearm and ammunition. 

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Daniel N. Pulley (59, St. Petersburg) guilty of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempted coercion or enticement of a minor, coercion or enticement of a minor, possession of CSAM, and penalties for registered sex offenders. Pulley faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 29, 2025. 

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Pulley was a registered sex offender following a 2009 federal conviction for possession of child pornography. In 2022, he used a social media app to communicate with a teenage minor online, coercing her to produce CSAM for him and detailing different ways he wanted to sexually abuse her. Pulley also possessed various images and videos of CSAM on his cellphone, including depictions of young children.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Probation Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Muriel Moore.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Ocala, Florida – U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Joseph Dibello (48, Wildwood) guilty of attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Dibello faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for October 17, 2025.

According to evidence presented at trial, on July 23, 2024, Dibello attempted to meet with a 13-year-old girl for sex. Dibello did not realize that he was corresponding with an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office who was posing as a minor on a website. After sending multiple text messages in which he expressed his intention to have sex with the minor, Dibello agreed to meet her at a gas station in Marion County. When he arrived, Dibello realized the meeting was a law enforcement operation. He fled the scene, leading deputies on a high-speed chase that exceeded 100 mph. Dibello was later apprehended at his girlfriend’s home in Wildwood. Dibello later admitted that he was the person who had been corresponding with the minor and that he had intended to have sex with her. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer.

This 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.

Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Christopher Fitzgerald Spivey, Jr. (41, Melbourne) to 20 years in federal prison for distributing controlled substances. The court also ordered Spivey to forfeit $10,500, the proceeds of his drug distribution. Spivey pleaded guilty on March 6, 2025.

According to the court records, on four occasions between November 5 and December 10, 2024, Spivey distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine to a confidential source. Following Spivey’s arrest, a search warrant was executed at his residence where law enforcement recovered additional fentanyl, drug processing materials, and five firearms. In total, Spivey was responsible for distributing or possessing with intent to distribute more than 1.2 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and over 130 grams of fentanyl.

Prior to Spivey’s conduct in this investigation, he was convicted of a aggravated assault upon a law enforcement officer, which subjected him to enhanced penalties.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Alfredo Javier Fuentes (22, Tampa) and Luz Mary Vasquez Cruz (45, Tampa) with forcibly assaulting, resisting, or impeding a federal officer or employee. If convicted, Fuentes and Cruz each face a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. 

According to court records, on July 15, 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were investigating a Honduran national for immigration-related matters at a residence in Tampa when Vasquez and Cruz placed themselves between agents and the subject of the investigation. Vasquez and Cruz shoved an HSI agent backwards, allowing the subject to flee into the residence. 

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Marina Tusca Brooks Stewart (62, Groveland) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID relief. Stewart faces up to 20 years in federal prison. She is also facing a forfeiture order of $10,000, which represents the proceeds she obtained through this offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, during the COVID pandemic, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offered Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advances that did not need to be repaid. The advances were for small businesses that were in low-income communities and received a reduction in revenue of more than 30% during an eight-week period. Between June 28 and 30, 2020, Brooks devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by electronically applying for an EIDL advance and providing false representations in her application. Based on her false representations, Stewart fraudulently received a $10,000 EIDL advance.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. 

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kenneth Tyrone Jackson (59, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID relief. Jackson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He is also facing a forfeiture order of $19,333, which represents the proceeds he obtained through this offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, during the COVID pandemic, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offered loans to small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Between March 18 and April 1, 2021, Jackson devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by applying for a PPP loan with false representations. Jackson claimed that he owned a landscaping business that made $99,675 in 2019, which was not true. Jackson also provided the SBA with a fraudulent IRS tax form as proof of this reported income. Based on his false representations, Jackson fraudulently received a $19,333 loan from the SBA.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www. justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Nicholas Robert Davis (30, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. Davis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for August 22, 2025.

According to court documents, during an undercover operation on July 24, 2024, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent posed as a 13-year-old girl (UC) and received a message on an online social media platform from Davis. After learning the UC’s age, Davis and an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, also posing as the minor, had a video call. Davis exposed his genitalia during the call and, afterward, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. He also sent the UC an explicit video himself. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Alfred Denmark, Jr. (49, Reddick) to 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl and 500 grams of cocaine, distribution of more than 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of two firearms by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Denmark to forfeit $186,220 in cash, a Highpoint rifle, a Highpoint 45mm pistol, and ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the drug offenses and that he possessed as part of the criminal activity. Denmark pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025.

According to court documents, during an ongoing investigation on September 7, 2023, Denmark distributed a kilogram of cocaine to an individual named Tasha Ervin. Deputies from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Ervin later that day after she left Denmark’s residence. The deputies arrested Ervin and seized the cocaine. Later during the investigation, on November 12, 2024, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Denmark’s residence. During the search, agents located more than 12 kilograms of fentanyl, 3 kilograms of cocaine, a rifle, a pistol, and $186,200 in cash.

Ervin pleaded guilty to her role in this case. She was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney A. Tysen Duva.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Darrell Lamar Corbin (35, West Melbourne) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Corbin pleaded guilty on January 3, 2025.

According to court documents, Corbin possessed and intended to distribute over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine. These drugs were found throughout Corbin’s apartment after law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home. Law enforcement also seized drug distribution paraphernalia, including digital scales, pill presses, and an electronic money counter from the apartment.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Melbourne Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Eric James Stone (42, St. Augustine) with 10 counts of fraud (wire and mail) and 5 counts of money laundering. If convicted, each fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and each money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, Stone was fired from Fidelity Investments in June 2021 due to allegations that Stone had solicited and obtained loans from his clients. After Stone was terminated, he began to solicit money from his former clients by way of personal loans. Stone promised to repay the loans but never did. After one victim provided loan proceeds to Stone, she was advised that there was an investigation into the funds and Stone had incurred costs and fees that also needed to be paid before Stone could repay her. Stone created fake email accounts, sent fake text messages, and pretended to hire attorneys to further defraud the victim. In total, the victim paid Stone more than $2 million that he used to fund gambling activities, personal travel, and satisfy personal debts.         

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

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Secret Service, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Corrections. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

If you believe that you may have been victimized by Eric Stone, please contact the FBI-Jacksonville Office at 904-248-7000 or visit https://tips.fbi.gov/home. 

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Matthew Eric Baumgardner (49, Jacksonville) has been arrested and charged by indictment for using the internet to access child sexual abuse materials. If convicted, Baumgardner faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. He was arrested on July 28, 2025, and has been ordered detained pending trial.

Baumgardner is a registered child sex offender who was convicted in 2017 of possessing photographs depicting the sexual performance by a child, traveling to meet a minor for unlawful activity, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Samuel Brandon Smith (38, Ocala) to three years and one month in federal prison receipt of a bribe by a public official and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. The court also ordered Smith to forfeit $43,901, which represents the proceeds of these offenses. Smith pleaded guilty in February 2025.

According to court records, Smith was a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. As an employee of a government agency, Smith was a “public official” under federal law. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, Smith received $43,901 in bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman for inmates. On September 4, 2024, when Smith reported to work at FCC Coleman, staff members searched him and found 668 grams of marijuana and other controlled substances hidden within his duty vest. Smith was smuggling this contraband into the facility with the intent to distribute it to federal prisoners in exchange for monetary payments.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Kevin Ray Marcano (37, Cambridge, MA) to 15 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, specifically 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Marcano pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025. 

According to court documents, in March 2022, Marcano began supplying methamphetamine across the country by shipping multi-pound packages to known customers, including an individual in Jacksonville. From March 2022 to July 2023, Marcano sent approximately 5 packages each containing about 10 pounds of methamphetamine to the Jacksonville customer. In September 2023, the same individual called Marcano and ordered another shipment of four pounds of methamphetamine in exchange for $4,900. Within five days of placing the order from Marcano, the four-pound shipment of methamphetamine arrived.

“This criminal was responsible to shipping large quantities of methamphetamine across the country, fueling addiction and poisoning communities far beyond his own,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of HSI and FBI special agents, this individual’s nationwide narcotics distribution network has been dismantled.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron. 

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan today sentenced Eduardo Anibal Escobar (45), Carlos Alberto Rodriguez (36), and Adelmy Tejada (57), all residents of Orlando, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. Escobar was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in prison, Rodriguez was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months in prison, and Tejada was sentenced to 18 months in prison plus 6 months of home detention. Each pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.

The court ordered the defendants to pay $36,957,616 in restitution to the IRS for unpaid payroll taxes and a total of $397,895 in restitution to two insurance companies for workers’ compensation claims they paid out.

Escobar and Rodriguez are legal permanent residents from El Salvador. Tejada is a naturalized U.S. citizen from El Salvador.

According to court documents and information presented in court, from approximately January 2015 through August 2024, the defendants conspired to facilitate the payment of construction workers “off the books” to avoid paying payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance premiums. The scheme also facilitated the employment of undocumented workers who were not legally authorized to work in the United States.

The defendants, through their companies—T. Escobar Construction and C. Escobar Construction—entered into agreements with hundreds of construction subcontractors to enable the subcontractors to obtain contracts with, and perform work for, construction contractors. In exchange for 6 to 8 percent of the subcontractors’ payroll, the defendants caused certificates of insurance in the name of the defendants’ companies to be sent to construction contractors from which the subcontractors wished to obtain work, representing that the subcontractors worked for their companies and were covered by the companies’ workers’ compensation insurance.

In fact, the companies’ insurance policies were based on applications representing that the policies would cover a handful of employees and a minimal payroll. As a result of the defendants’ using their certificate of insurance to represent that the subcontractors worked for their companies, the insurers unwittingly covered hundreds of workers.

A total of $146,077,535 in payroll checks were deposited into the bank accounts of the defendants’ companies, from which they withdrew cash to pay the subcontractors’ workers, after subtracting their 6 to 8 percent fee—all without withholding, or paying over, payroll taxes to the IRS. As a result, the U.S. Treasury lost $36,957,616 in unpaid payroll taxes. The defendants’ scheme allowed the construction contractors and subcontractors to disclaim responsibility for paying payroll taxes to the IRS, for ensuring that adequate workers’ compensation insurance was obtained, and for verifying that the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States.

“This case highlights how federal and state agencies are working together to successfully investigate and assist in the prosecution of individuals who engage in illegal financial schemes to enrich themselves,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, IRS-Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Financial Services collaborated our resources to bring down a criminal enterprise that facilitated unfair competition by defrauding workers’ compensation insurers and evading their obligation to pay federal taxes.”

“These criminals defrauded the government by dodging payroll taxes and exploited vulnerable workers by not carrying proper insurance,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “Unscrupulous and illegal tactics in the construction industry damage the integrity of law-abiding contractors, and that price is eventually passed on to the consumer. These sentences are a testament to the persevering investigative work of HSI special agents and our partners with IRS Criminal Investigation and the Florida Department of Financial Services.”        

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a continuing investigation by these agencies of the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Andre Dominique Barnes (35, Lehigh Acres) to three years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Barnes to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense. Barnes pleaded guilty on April 9, 2025.

According to court documents, on September 20, 2024, Barnes was stopped by the Florida Highway Patrol in Lee County for speeding. He was identified by his Oklahoma identification card and had a suspended driver license. Upon search of his vehicle, troopers located a loaded pistol. Court records show that Barnes was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses in Oklahoma. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Luis Miguel Alvizures (33, Guatemala) to two years in federal prison—the statutory maximum sentence—for illegally reentering the United States following deportation. Alvizures pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025.

According to court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing, Alvizures, an alien and citizen of Guatemala, was deported from the United States in 2017. Following his deportation, Alvizures illegally reentered the country. While unlawfully present in the United States, Alvizures committed a string of burglaries of local businesses for which he was later convicted in state court. Should he return to the United States illegally in the future, Alvizures could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Elmer Modesto Rodriguez Amador (41, Honduras) today pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft. Amador faces a penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The SSA and USCIS verify the submitted information against the records of actual persons who are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a voluntary program for employers and requires documents such as a Social Security card and photo identification of a prospective employee. From 2019 through at least 2022, Amador used the means of identification of other persons to defeat the E-Verify system, obtain employment at the Joint Venture, and to commit the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security number and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul Byron has sentenced Jorge Mendez-Bamaca (33, Guatemala) to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Mendez-Bamaca entered a guilty plea on April 21, 2025.

According to court records, Mendez-Bamaca, a citizen of Guatemala, was convicted in Florida state court of fleeing or attempting to elude siren lights on November 24, 2015, possession of cocaine on May 1, 2018, and lewd and lascivious molestation on November 15, 2018.  As a result of his conviction of lewd and lascivious molestation, Mendez-Bamaca was required to register as a sex offender. Mendez-Bamaca was deported from the United States on February 26, 2019.

Mendez-Bamaca was arrested on January 16, 2025, by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office for driving without a valid license and giving false identification to law enforcement. After his arrest, law enforcement learned that Mendez-Bamaca was present in the United States illegally and that he had not registered as a sex offender in Florida.

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Augusto Rene Reyes-Gonzalez (37, Orlando), a/k/a “Zorro,” to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and illegal reentry after prior deportation. Reyes-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to illegal reentry on April 18, 2025. Three days later, on the first day of trial, he pleaded guilty to the remaining charges. On May 21, 2025, co-conspirator Calos Grijalva-Garcia was sentenced to 18 months and co-conspirator Brandon Charod Smith was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months.

According to court documents, from August through December 2023, Reyes-Gonzalez served as a connection for a law enforcement confidential informant, offering “[w]hatever drug you want I can get it, whatever you ask for. If you want fentanyl I can get it. . . I get whatever nasty thing you want.” In five separate transactions, Reyes-Gonzalez helped the law enforcement source purchase cocaine through Grijalva-Garcia. On four separate occasions, Reyes-Gonzalez facilitated the sale of several pounds of methamphetamine sold by Smith, along with a firearm sold by another supplier. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, with assistance from the FBI, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rockledge Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Brandon Cruz, Megan Testerman, and Dana E. Hill.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Terrence Jennings (47, Jacksonville) to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jennings pleaded guilty on April 23, 2025.

According to court records, on May 28, 2024, Jennings was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) for failure to pay child support. The officers first encountered Jennings sleeping on a couch. When the officers woke Jennings, they observed a firearm in his waistband. Jennings was handcuffed and a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol was removed from his waistband. When the officers checked Jennings’s criminal history, they discovered he had previous felony convictions, including fleeing to elude a police officer, possession of cocaine, and possession of a firearm on school grounds. As a convicted felon, Jennings is prohibited from possessing a firearm 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 Frank Talbot.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the arrest of Alexander Jose Barreto-Rodriguez (31, Venezuela) on an indictment charging him with distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Barreto-Rodriguez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. He was indicted on July 23, 2025. His case is set for trial in September 2025, before United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger.

According to court documents, Barreto-Rodriguez distributed CSAM using various messaging applications in December 2024. These videos depicted children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In addition to distributing the CSAM, Barreto-Rodriguez advised a confidential source working for law enforcement that he could arrange for various female children from ages 8 to 13 to engage in sexually explicit conduct.   

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

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Flager County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

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 the United States Attorney’s 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, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Georgelys Natal Vazquez (29, Hudson) guilty of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Natal Vazquez faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge and a consecutive term of at least 5 years’ imprisonment for the firearm offense. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 28, 2025. Natal Vazquez was charged in a superseding indictment on March 28, 2024, along with twelve other co-conspirators for charges related to drug trafficking. The others all previously pleaded guilty.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Natal Vazquez was a high-ranking member in a familial drug trafficking organization operating between Puerto Rico and the Middle District of Florida. Natal Vazquez had over 470 grams of cocaine in her freezer and a loaded firearm in her home on January 18, 2024, during the execution of a search warrant at her home.

Natal Vazquez was also seen delivering cocaine to a home used by the drug trafficking organization. Agents obtained a warrant for her phone following her arrest and located photographs of Natal Vazquez with suspected cocaine and the same firearm recovered during the search warrant.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Beckman and Jeff Chang.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Esai Pastrana Cruz (30, Puerto Rico) with conspiring to make and making false statements to a firearms dealer. If convicted, Pastrana Cruz faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and up to 10 years on each substantive count. The indictment also notifies Pastrana Cruz that the United States intends to forfeit all firearms and ammunition involved in or used in the violation. 

According to the indictment, between June 29, 2019, and December 22, 2023, while living within the Middle District of Florida, Pastrana Cruz purchased dozens of firearms on behalf of his co-conspirators. While making the purchases, Pastrana Cruz falsely represented to federally licensed firearms dealers that he was the actual buyer or transferee of the firearms.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).