Middle District of Florida

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Matthew A. Inman (39, Orlando) with transportation of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Inman faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. 

According to the complaint, between August and October of 2024, Inman received and saved several videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to his phone. These videos depicted adults sexually assaulting young children. In October 2024, Inman traveled to Las Vegas and began talking online with an undercover law enforcement officer posing as the father of a 9-year-old boy. During this conversation, Inman expressed interest in meeting and sexually assaulting the purported child. He also sent CSAM videos to the undercover officer.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for Inman’s electronic devices and residence. During the execution of the search warrant, Inman attempted to delete the evidence from his phone and hide in the attic of his house.     

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

This case was investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

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.

Note: View the complaint here. 

WASHINGTON – In a civil complaint filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Justice Department alleges that Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co. and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) dispensed millions of unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought reimbursement for many of these prescriptions from various federal health care programs in violation the False Claims Act (FCA). Walgreens is one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains, with over 8,000 pharmacies across the United States.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Our complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful, and that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substance prescriptions, without taking the time needed to confirm their validity. These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores.”

The government’s complaint alleges that, from approximately August 2012 through the present, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. Among the millions of unlawful prescriptions that Walgreens allegedly filled were prescriptions for dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids, prescriptions for early refills of opioids and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of drugs known as the “trinity,” which is made up of an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxant.

The complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled these prescriptions despite clear “red flags” that indicated that the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful. Walgreens allegedly ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, including from its own pharmacists and internal data.

The complaint further alleges that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly without taking the time needed to confirm each prescription’s validity. Walgreens also allegedly deprived its pharmacists of crucial information, including by preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain prescribers.

The complaint alleges that by knowingly filling unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, Walgreens violated the CSA and, where Walgreens sought reimbursement from federal health care programs, also violated the FCA. The complaint alleges that Walgreens’s actions helped to fuel the prescription opioid crisis and that, in some particularly tragic instances, patients died after overdosing on opioids shortly after filling unlawful prescriptions at Walgreens. If Walgreens is found liable, it could face civil penalties of up to $80,850 for each unlawful prescription filled in violation of the CSA and treble damages and applicable penalties for each prescription paid by federal programs in violation of the FCA. The court also may award injunctive relief to prevent Walgreens from committing further CSA violations.

“As alleged in the complaint, Walgreens continually disregarded its obligations under the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act by illegally dispensing powerful controlled substances and unlawfully seeking reimbursement from federal health care programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

“The damage caused by the opioid crisis continues to reverberate in the Middle District of Florida and around the country,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The filing of this civil complaint is a major step in our continued effort to confront those responsible for the harm they have done to our communities.”

“Pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that only lawful controlled substance prescriptions are dispensed – Walgreens failed to do just that,” said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland. “We are committed to holding Walgreens accountable for its role in the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the country, including in Maryland.”

“This country is in the midst of a serious opioid epidemic, and New York is no exception,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny for the Eastern District of New York. “Walgreens, which operates one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, including nearly 300 pharmacies in the Eastern District of New York during the relevant time period, repeatedly ignored its obligations to ensure that these drugs did not fall into the wrong hands. My office will continue to work with others in the Justice Department to combat the opioid crisis by holding pharmacies that fill unlawful prescriptions accountable.”

“The Justice Department has prioritized both combating the opioid crisis and upholding corporate accountability, and the action we are announcing today affirms our resolve,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song for the Eastern District of Virginia. “My office is pleased to partner with our colleagues from across the nation to confront these issues and deter pharmacies and pharmacists from failing to honor their obligation to ensure that these dangerous drugs are only provided to those with a true medical need.”

“Walgreens and its pharmacists have an obligation to ensure that every prescription they fill is legitimate and issued responsibly. As this lawsuit alleges, Walgreens failed in this obligation, and many times ignored the red flags that warned of suspicious prescribing practices,” said DEA Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos. “Walgreens placed the public in danger by disregarding their responsibility.  DEA will continue to pursue any individual or corporation that chooses profit over patient safety and we will hold them accountable.”

“Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and other public health care programs count on pharmacies to dispense drugs responsibly. When pharmacies disregard federal laws and put profits ahead of patients, they endanger Americans’ health and compromise taxpayer dollars,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains diligent in pursuing entities involved in unlawful behavior that abuses the public’s trust in health care services.”

Four different whistleblowers who previously worked for Walgreens in various parts of the country filed whistleblower actions under the qui tam provisions of the FCA. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it has done here. The four cases have been consolidated and are captioned United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. No. 18 C 5452 (NDIL).

The United States’ intervention in this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant Director Amy DeLine, Senior Litigation Counsel Donald Lorenzen and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy for the Northern District of Illinois, Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida, Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran for the District of Maryland, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner for the Eastern District of New York and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Wuerker for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado and the Southern District of California, the DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General and FBI Chicago Field Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The Justice Department is committed to holding responsible those who have fueled the opioid crisis by violating the law. In March 2023, the Associate Attorney General announced the creation of the Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force, which formalizes and enhances coordination of the department’s existing work and will consider new initiatives. Because of the scope and duration of the crisis, the Task Force includes U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, DEA and other department components. The Task Force steers the department’s civil litigation efforts involving actors alleged to have contributed to the opioid epidemic, including by diverting prescription opioids.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.

For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

• Middle District of Florida, justice.gov/usao-mdfl;
• Northern District of Illinois, justice.gov/usao-ndil;
• District of Maryland, justice.gov/usao-md;
• Eastern District of New York, justice.gov/usao-edny; and
• Eastern District of Virginia, justice.gov/usao-edva.

For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal health care fraud, visit:

• DEA at dea.gov;
• FBI at fbi.gov;
• HHS at hhs.gov;
• DHA at health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/Defense-Health-Agency;
• OPM at opm.gov; and
• DOL at dol.gov.

###

In a civil complaint filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the Justice Department alleges that Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co. and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) dispensed millions of unlawful prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought reimbursement for many of these prescriptions from various federal health care programs in violation the False Claims Act (FCA). Walgreens is one of the country’s largest pharmacy chains, with over 8,000 pharmacies across the United States.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many years that it failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Our complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled millions of controlled substance prescriptions with clear red flags that indicated the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful, and that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions, including controlled substance prescriptions, without taking the time needed to confirm their validity. These practices allowed millions of opioid pills and other controlled substances to flow illegally out of Walgreens stores.”

The government’s complaint alleges that, from approximately August 2012 through the present, Walgreens knowingly filled millions of prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked a legitimate medical purpose, were not valid, and/or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. Among the millions of unlawful prescriptions that Walgreens allegedly filled were prescriptions for dangerous and excessive quantities of opioids, prescriptions for early refills of opioids and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of drugs known as the “trinity,” which is made up of an opioid, a benzodiazepine and a muscle relaxant.

The complaint alleges that Walgreens pharmacists filled these prescriptions despite clear “red flags” that indicated that the prescriptions were highly likely to be unlawful. Walgreens allegedly ignored substantial evidence from multiple sources that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions, including from its own pharmacists and internal data.

The complaint further alleges that Walgreens systematically pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly without taking the time needed to confirm each prescription’s validity. Walgreens also allegedly deprived its pharmacists of crucial information, including by preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain prescribers.

The complaint alleges that by knowingly filling unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances, Walgreens violated the CSA and, where Walgreens sought reimbursement from federal health care programs, also violated the FCA. The complaint alleges that Walgreens’s actions helped to fuel the prescription opioid crisis and that, in some particularly tragic instances, patients died after overdosing on opioids shortly after filling unlawful prescriptions at Walgreens. If Walgreens is found liable, it could face civil penalties of up to $80,850 for each unlawful prescription filled in violation of the CSA and treble damages and applicable penalties for each prescription paid by federal programs in violation of the FCA. The court also may award injunctive relief to prevent Walgreens from committing further CSA violations.

“As alleged in the complaint, Walgreens continually disregarded its obligations under the Controlled Substances Act and False Claims Act by illegally dispensing powerful controlled substances and unlawfully seeking reimbursement from federal health care programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Morris Pasqual for the Northern District of Illinois. “These laws are critically important in protecting our communities from the dangers of the opioid epidemic. Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.”

“The damage caused by the opioid crisis continues to reverberate in the Middle District of Florida and around the country,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The filing of this civil complaint is a major step in our continued effort to confront those responsible for the harm they have done to our communities.”

“Pharmacies play a critical role in ensuring that only lawful controlled substance prescriptions are dispensed – Walgreens failed to do just that,” said U.S. Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland. “We are committed to holding Walgreens accountable for its role in the opioid epidemic that has devastated communities across the country, including in Maryland.”

“This country is in the midst of a serious opioid epidemic, and New York is no exception,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny for the Eastern District of New York. “Walgreens, which operates one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, including nearly 300 pharmacies in the Eastern District of New York during the relevant time period, repeatedly ignored its obligations to ensure that these drugs did not fall into the wrong hands. My office will continue to work with others in the Justice Department to combat the opioid crisis by holding pharmacies that fill unlawful prescriptions accountable.”

“Today’s announcement demonstrates that we are doubling down on our commitment to both combat the opioid crisis and enforce corporate accountability,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Maya D. Song for the Eastern District of Virginia. “We will continue to work with colleagues across the nation to confront these issues and deter pharmacies from failing to honor their obligation to ensure that these powerful drugs are provided only to those with a true medical need.”

“Walgreens and its pharmacists have an obligation to ensure that every prescription they fill is legitimate and issued responsibly. As this lawsuit alleges, Walgreens failed in this obligation, and many times ignored the red flags that warned of suspicious prescribing practices,” said DEA Principal Deputy Administrator George Papadopoulos. “Walgreens placed the public in danger by disregarding their responsibility. DEA will continue to pursue any individual or corporation that chooses profit over patient safety and we will hold them accountable.”

“Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid and other public health care programs count on pharmacies to dispense drugs responsibly. When pharmacies disregard federal laws and put profits ahead of patients, they endanger Americans’ health and compromise taxpayer dollars,” said Deputy Inspector General Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains diligent in pursuing entities involved in unlawful behavior that abuses the public’s trust in health care services.” 

Four different whistleblowers who previously worked for Walgreens in various parts of the country filed whistleblower actions under the qui tam provisions of the FCA. Those provisions authorize private parties to sue on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in any recovery. The Act permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it has done here. The four cases have been consolidated and are captioned United States ex rel. Novak v. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. No. 18 C 5452 (NDIL).

The United States’ intervention in this matter underscores the government’s commitment to combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant Director Amy DeLine, Senior Litigation Counsel Donald Lorenzen and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer of the Justice Department’s Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy for the Northern District of Illinois, Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie for the Middle District of Florida, Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran for the District of Maryland, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner for the Eastern District of New York and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Wuerker for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado and the Southern District of California, the DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General and FBI Chicago Field Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation.

The Justice Department is committed to holding responsible those who have fueled the opioid crisis by violating the law. In March 2023, the Associate Attorney General announced the creation of the Opioid Epidemic Civil Litigation Task Force, which formalizes and enhances coordination of the department’s existing work and will consider new initiatives. Because of the scope and duration of the crisis, the Task Force includes U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, DEA and other department components. The Task Force steers the department’s civil litigation efforts involving actors alleged to have contributed to the opioid epidemic, including by diverting prescription opioids.

The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section.

For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit:

• Middle District of Florida, justice.gov/usao-mdfl;
• Northern District of Illinois, justice.gov/usao-ndil;
• District of Maryland, justice.gov/usao-md;
• Eastern District of New York, justice.gov/usao-edny; and
• Eastern District of Virginia, justice.gov/usao-edva.

For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal health care fraud, visit:

• DEA at dea.gov;
• FBI at fbi.gov;
• HHS at hhs.gov;
• DHA at health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/Defense-Health-Agency;
• OPM at opm.gov; and
• DOL at dol.gov.

View the complaint here.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Daniel Weatherly (42, Brownwood, TX) has pleaded guilty to possession of an obscene visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Weatherly faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Weatherly has also agreed to forfeit an iPhone 12 Pro Max, which is traceable to proceeds of the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Weatherly used an application on his cellphone to create and possess synthetic or “AI” images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Port Police Department. It is being 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging David Andrew Ogden (39, Winter Park) with five counts of production of child sexual abuse material and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Ogden faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison for each of the production counts. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the possession count.  

According to the indictment, in September 2022 and on multiple occasions between June and September 2024, Ogden used or attempted to use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. Additionally, in September 2024, Ogden possessed additional child sexual abuse material. 

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winter Park Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a new 16-count federal indictment charging 7 individuals with offenses stemming from 4 years of dealing in drugs and an armed robbery spree that culminated in a double homicide on April 10 and 11, 2024. The third superseding indictment alleges the following federal charges:

No.

Charge

Date Range

Defendants

Maximum Penalties

1

9/17/20–4/17/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Monicsabel Romero Soto

2

2/9/24–4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Sonic Torres

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

Anneliz Colon De Jesus

Cesar Silva Fernandez

3

2/9/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Anneliz Colon De Jesus

Cesar Silva Fernandez

4

2/9/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Anneliz Colon De Jesus

Cesar Silva Fernandez

5

2/15/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Sonic Torres

6

2/15/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Sonic Torres

7

4/10/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

8

4/10/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

9

4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

10

4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

11

4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

12

4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla

13

4/11/24

Jordanish Torres Garcia

14

4/17/24

Monicsabel Romero Soto

15

4/17/24

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

Monicsabel Romero Soto

16

4/28/24

Cesar Silva Fernandez

Previously, Jordanish Torres Garcia (28, Orlando), Giovany Crespo Hernandez (27, Orlando), and Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla (21, Orlando) were charged with carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing the death of K.A. on April 11, 2024. Torres Garcia was also charged with possession of ammunition the night before on April 10, 2024, in a homicide in Taft, Florida. Crespo Hernandez and his girlfriend, Monicsabel Romero Soto, were charged with drug crimes occurring on April 17, 2024. The new indictment brings those charges together for one single trial and encompasses years of dealing in drugs and drug proceeds along with multiple robberies culminating in the events of April 10 and 11, 2024.   

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.

In addition, on January 15, 2025, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano (27, Orlando), one of the individuals who participated in the carjacking killing on April 11, 2024, pleaded guilty to federal charges arising from the events of that day, along with drug and firearms charges related to events occurring in August 2022. Ocasio Justiniano pleaded guilty to committing and aiding and abetting the commission of carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and using a firearm resulting in death on April 11, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances from May through August 2022 and possessing an automatic firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. He faces a minimum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the plea agreement, Ocasio Justiniano conspired with others to distribute “dealer packs” of fentanyl and cocaine from May through August 23, 2022, when he was detained by law enforcement carrying a fully automatic handgun. In the months leading up to the robbery on April 11, 2024, and murder of K.A., Ocasio Justiniano participated with Torres Garcia and his brother, Sonic Torres, in an armed home invasion robbery in the Poinciana area.

On April 11, 2024, Ocasio Justiniano made plans with Torres Garcia to conduct the carjacking and kidnapping of K.A. and to rob her of $170,000 in drug proceeds that were being laundered. Ocasio Justiniano received $60,000 for his participation in the crime. In planning for the event, Ocasio Justiniano bought lighter fluid at a gas station near Crespo Hernandez’s home in Casselberry where K.A. was planning to pick up the drug proceeds. After K.A. retrieved the drug proceeds, Ocasio Justiniano drove Torres Garcia’s green sedan while Torres Garcia committed the gunpoint carjacking on East Lake Drive and Tuskawilla Road. When they arrived at the location in Boggy Creek Road site where K.A. was later killed and burned, Ocasio Justiniano drove the green sedan from the construction site to Boggy Creek Road to meet with Rodriguez Bonilla and a juvenile male accomplice to retrieve the gun that Torres Garcia had used to kill K.A.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Cloud Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Hill and Michael Felicetta. 

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jorge Hernan Gonzalez-Ortiz (50, Colombia) and Carlos Andres Aldana-Gil (43, Colombia) have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreements and other court documents, from 2016 until 2023, Gonzalez-Ortiz established and led a drug trafficking organization in Colombia responsible for transporting cocaine via commercial airplanes. Conspirators loaded the commercial aircraft with cocaine disguised in boxes of fruit at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali, Colombia and intended for Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport in San Andrés Island, Colombia. With the assistance of corrupt Colombian police officers, the conspirators unloaded the cocaine and then smuggled it by boat to either Nicaragua or Honduras, then to Mexico and the United States.

From 2016 until 2023, Gonzalez-Ortiz’s organization smuggled cocaine onto at least 27 commercial flights in Cali, totaling at least 43,000 kilograms. 

From 2021 to 2023, Aldana-Gil worked on behalf of Gonzalez-Ortiz for all logistical aspects of the smuggling operation from Cali. He received truckloads of cocaine from other conspirators, transported the drugs to the airport, and paid an airport security supervisor to divert security cameras away from the airport’s external gates. He also hired and paid the conspirators responsible for altering the cargo manifests as well as the luggage cart drivers who loaded the drugs onto commercial aircraft. On July 29, 2023, one of the organization’s cocaine shipments was interdicted by the Colombian National Police after it was offloaded from a commercial aircraft in San Andrés Island.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi- jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Colombian National Police’s Dirreccion de Antinarcotics (DIRAN), and the Colombian Equipo de Trabajo Investigativo Control Aeronaves (ETICA). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David J. Pardo.

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edwin Rivera today pleaded guilty to theft of government property.  Rivera faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between October 2023 and July 2024, Rivera and his co-conspirators operated a scheme to steal government funds. As part of the scheme, Rivera stole the identity of large corporations and filed fraudulent tax returns with the IRS on behalf of those companies, causing the IRS to generate tax refunds and mail them to Rivera. Rivera then deposited the checks into bank accounts he and his co-conspirators controlled. As part of this scheme, Rivera obtained at least four fraudulent tax refunds for a total of $2,741,581.74.

This case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations .  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

Orlando, FL - The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with AWH Orlando Property LLC, the owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in Florida (DoubleTree), to resolve allegations that the DoubleTree discriminated against people of Arab descent in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II). Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in places of public accommodation, including hotels.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleges that the DoubleTree adopted and implemented a discriminatory policy against hosting guests of Arab descent by unilaterally canceling a conference that was to be held by the Arab America Foundation, a non-profit educational and cultural organization, in November 2023, a week before the conference was scheduled to begin.

“No one may be denied the right to use hotel facilities because of their national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of all people to be free from discrimination in hotels and other public accommodations around the country.”

“The right to enjoy and have equal access to places of public accommodation is essential in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District will continue to hold places of public accommodation accountable to ensure that the civil rights of all people are protected.”

The lawsuit alleges that the DoubleTree’s decision to cancel the Arab America Foundation’s conference was not predicated on any legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons. Although the hotel claimed that the cancelation was because of security concerns, the hotel faced no security threats or risks associated with the conference. Indeed, as alleged in the department’s complaint, contrary to representations that the DoubleTree made to the Arab America Foundation, the DoubleTree had not received any calls or other communications raising a safety or security threat to the conference or to the hotel. Rather, the decision to cancel was based on the national origin of the Arab America Foundation’s members and the conference attendees. The complaint therefore alleges that the DoubleTree discriminated on the basis of national origin and denied people of Arab descent the full and equal enjoyment of access to the services, accommodations, and privileges at the hotel.

The settlement, in the form of a consent decree that must still be approved by the court, requires the DoubleTree to:

• Issue a statement to the Arab America Foundation that all guests and groups are welcome to the hotel, including Arab and Arab American guests and groups;
• Retain a qualified compliance officer to oversee compliance with the consent decree for two years;
• Notify employees and executives of the DoubleTree’s obligations under Title II and the consent decree, including DoubleTree’s commitment to ensuring equal access to the hotel, regardless of race, color, religion or national origin;
• Establish a written anti-discrimination policy, which includes a system of accepting, investigating and responding to guest complaints of discrimination;
• Conduct outreach to Arab or Arab American groups to share promotional materials about the hotel and indicate that it is open to all members of the public;
• Provide training to employees and executives on Title II and the DoubleTree’s obligations under the consent decree; and
• Make regular reports to the department to demonstrate its compliance with the consent decree.

Under Title II, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division can obtain injunctive relief that changes policies and practices to remedy the discriminatory conduct. Title II does not authorize the division to obtain monetary damages for customers who are victims of discrimination.

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report discrimination in places of public accommodation that violates Title II by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online.

The Justice Department announced today that it has reached an agreement with AWH Orlando Property LLC, the owner of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Orlando at SeaWorld in Florida (DoubleTree), to resolve allegations that the DoubleTree discriminated against people of Arab descent in violation of Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II). Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion or national origin in places of public accommodation, including hotels.

The lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida alleges that the DoubleTree adopted and implemented a discriminatory policy against hosting guests of Arab descent by unilaterally canceling a conference that was to be held by the Arab America Foundation, a non-profit educational and cultural organization, in November 2023, a week before the conference was scheduled to begin.

“No one may be denied the right to use hotel facilities because of their national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of all people to be free from discrimination in hotels and other public accommodations around the country.”

“The right to enjoy and have equal access to places of public accommodation is essential in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District will continue to hold places of public accommodation accountable to ensure that the civil rights of all people are protected.”

The lawsuit alleges that the DoubleTree’s decision to cancel the Arab America Foundation’s conference was not predicated on any legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons. Although the hotel claimed that the cancelation was because of security concerns, the hotel faced no security threats or risks associated with the conference. Indeed, as alleged in the department’s complaint, contrary to representations that the DoubleTree made to the Arab America Foundation, the DoubleTree had not received any calls or other communications raising a safety or security threat to the conference or to the hotel. Rather, the decision to cancel was based on the national origin of the Arab America Foundation’s members and the conference attendees. The complaint therefore alleges that the DoubleTree discriminated on the basis of national origin and denied people of Arab descent the full and equal enjoyment of access to the services, accommodations, and privileges at the hotel.

The settlement, in the form of a consent decree that must still be approved by the court, requires the DoubleTree to:

• Issue a statement to the Arab America Foundation that all guests and groups are welcome to the hotel, including Arab and Arab American guests and groups;
• Retain a qualified compliance officer to oversee compliance with the consent decree for two years;
• Notify employees and executives of the DoubleTree’s obligations under Title II and the consent decree, including DoubleTree’s commitment to ensuring equal access to the hotel, regardless of race, color, religion or national origin;
• Establish a written anti-discrimination policy, which includes a system of accepting, investigating and responding to guest complaints of discrimination;
• Conduct outreach to Arab or Arab American groups to share promotional materials about the hotel and indicate that it is open to all members of the public;
• Provide training to employees and executives on Title II and the DoubleTree’s obligations under the consent decree; and
• Make regular reports to the department to demonstrate its compliance with the consent decree.

Under Title II, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division can obtain injunctive relief that changes policies and practices to remedy the discriminatory conduct. Title II does not authorize the division to obtain monetary damages for customers who are victims of discrimination.

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report discrimination in places of public accommodation that violates Title II by calling the Justice Department at 1-833-591-0291, or submitting a report online.

Fort Myers, Florida –U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced James Wallace Mathis, Jr. (44, Fort Myers) to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and distributing controlled substances.  Mathis entered a guilty plea on October 30, 2024.

According to court records, on multiple occasions in July and August 2024, Mathis sold drugs—including fentanyl and cocaine—to a law enforcement informant and an undercover ATF agent. Additionally, on one occasion in July 2024, Mathis sold a loaded Ruger handgun to a law enforcement informant. As a multi-time convicted felon, Mathis is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.       

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Carl Samuel Thompson, Jr. (60, Fort Myers) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Because of Thompson’s extensive criminal history—which includes at least three convictions for violent felonies—he qualified for enhanced sentencing under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Thompson entered a guilty plea on October 30, 2024.

According to court records, on April 7, 2024, a vehicle being driven by Thompson was pulled over in North Fort Myers by deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, deputies discovered that Thompson’s front seat passenger was concealing a loaded firearm, which was secured by the deputies during the traffic stop. A subsequent investigation revealed that Thompson, who had an active warrant for his arrest, had provided the firearm to his passenger to conceal after realizing he was being pulled over. As a career criminal with more than 10 prior felony convictions, Thompson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.       

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Vincent Joseph Robusto (41, Georgia) guilty of transporting a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity and possessing a firearm after a felony conviction. Robusto faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025. Robusto was indicted on December 1, 2021.

According to evidence presented at trial, beginning in at least February 2021 Robusto discussed sexual activity with a minor via chat on a social media application. In July 2021, Robusto purchased an airline ticket for the minor. He provided the airline with the minor’s name and date of birth, confirming that Robusto knew the child’s age. On July 17, 2021, Robusto caused the minor to travel from Texas to the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. Surveillance video from the airport captured Robusto picking up the minor. 

Within a few days, the parent of the minor contacted the Dilley (Texas) Police Department to report the minor missing and shared the locations of the minor’s cellphone using a locator application. The Dilley Police Department reached out to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in locating the minor and provided the residential address of a home in Port Charlotte that the locator application indicated.

On July 23, 2021, at approximately 3:00 a.m., deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the Port Charlotte residence and found Robusto at the residence with the minor. During the execution of a search warrant at the residence, law enforcement located a firearm and ammunition contained in Robusto’s backpack located on a kitchen table. Robusto, a previously convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 

Subsequently, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted DNA analysis on evidence obtained in this case. The Crime Laboratory Analyst from the Biology Section found Robusto’s DNA on the rough surfaces of the firearm and in the analysis of the sexual assault kit that had been collected from the minor. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. Additional assistance was provided by the Dilley Police Department, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Lee County Port Authority. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Yolande G. Viacava and Benjamin S. Winter.

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 Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Justin Alan Seymour (37, Tennessee) with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. The same grand jury had previously returned an indictment charging Seymour with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  If convicted, Seymour faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the robbery offense, up to life in prison for the first firearm offense, and up to 15 years in federal prison for the second firearm offense.

According to court documents, on October 21, 2024, Seymour robbed a pizza shop on Fowler Avenue in Tampa while brandishing a firearm. Two days later, law enforcement pulled over a vehicle driven by Seymour who had a firearm in his waistband. Seymour has a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tampa Police Department with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handed by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench.

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, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Darrius Lovett (27, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He faces up to 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to court documents, Lovett has numerous prior felony convictions, including felonious possession of a firearm. On November 2, 2023, the St. Petersburg Police Department Surveillance Unit located Lovett to arrest him on a felony warrant. The officer who located Lovett told him to get on the ground, but Lovett refused and ran from the officer. During a short pursuit, the officer observed Lovett toss a firearm from his right hand. The firearm was later located in the area of Lovett’s arrest. A witness, who was working in the area, also observed Lovett toss the firearm.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

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, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Martez Manning (26, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Manning faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Manning was previously convicted of seven felonies, including possession of cocaine, tampering with physical evidence, and five convictions for sale or delivery of cocaine. As a convicted felon, Manning is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On January 2, 2023, Manning possessed a Beretta model 21A Bobcat semiautomatic pistol and two rounds of CCI 22 long rifle ammunition.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

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 – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Jamel Williams (26, Altamonte Springs) to four years and six months years in federal prison for conspiracy, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Judge Dalton also sentenced Levar Baker (21, Orlando) to three years and six months in federal prison for the same offenses. Baker and Williams previously pleaded guilty on August 21 and September 17, 2024, respectively.

According to court documents, between March and August 2023, Williams and Baker obtained stolen mail, including checks, altered the payees listed on the checks, and fraudulently negotiated the checks at banks throughout the Middle District of Florida. In total, Williams and Baker defrauded victims out of $307,185.65 as a result of their criminal activities.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara Wick.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that William Roger Clayton (41, Arcadia) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Clayton faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, on July 28, 2022, Clayton directed an ATF agent, acting in an undercover capacity, to meet him in Arcadia where Clayton offered several firearms for sale, including a Ruger Mini-14 .223 caliber rifle, a Mauser 6.5 caliber rifle, a VZ24 6.5 caliber rifle, a Tokarev 7.62mm caliber pistol, and a Romarm-Cugir 7.62mm pistol. Clayton advised that he could also facilitate the sale of silencers as well as “ghost guns,” which are privately manufactured and untraceable firearms. At the time, Clayton had multiple prior felony convictions including grand theft, grand theft of a motor vehicle, trafficking in stolen property, possession of a place for the purpose of trafficking, fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer, and robbery. As a convicted felon he 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 DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael J. Buchanan.

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 – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jack Rocker (19, Tampa) pleaded guilty on December 16, 2024, to possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Rocker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Rocker will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victims. The government is also seeking forfeiture of Rocker’s cellphone, thumb drive, and laptop which were used to commit the offense. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 14, 2025. 

According to court filings, Rocker was a member of a network of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists called “764.” Members of “764” use online social media communications platforms as mediums to support the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and CSAM.

On January 19, 2024, the Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search at Rocker’s home and seized his cellphone, thumb drive, and laptop, all of which contained CSAM. At the time, the FBI determined that Rocker’s devices contain more than 8,300 images and videos of CSAM, including images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, masochistic sexual behavior, and bestiality.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa Spergel and Karyna Valdes.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Daniel Liburdi (35, Miami), Joseph Scotto (44, Bay Shore, NY), Gregory Walker (43, Ontario, Canada), and Frank Carbone III (35, Orlando) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Liburdi and Carbone III are also charged with bank fraud. Each bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud offense carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. The conspiracy to commit money laundering offense carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit three residences in Miami Beach, and one in the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. In addition, the government is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $128,144,908.66.

According to the indictment, Liburdi, Scotto, Walker, and Carbone conspired to commit bank fraud by submitting fraudulent applications to U.S. financial institutions to obtain merchant processing accounts. These applications contained the private personal information of unwitting individuals, obtained by the conspirators under false pretenses. After fraudulently obtaining these merchant accounts, the conspirators were then able to accept credit and debit cards to further an e-commerce enterprise which used high-risk and unscrupulous sales techniques. By using the personal information of unwitting individuals, the conspirators insulated themselves from personal liability and risk associated with their business model, to the detriment of those persons, and to the financial institutions which materially rely on honest and full disclosures of ownership when providing merchant services. As a result of their activities, the conspirators obtained criminal proceeds processed through these fraudulent accounts exceeding $128 million dollars.

The indictment also charges the defendants with conspiring to launder their criminal proceeds. The conspirators allegedly used the proceeds of their bank fraud activity to pay for services in promotion of the scheme, such as advertising services. The conspirators shared in the proceeds of the bank fraud through these transactions, moving criminal proceeds in and between conspirator-controlled bank accounts.

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 jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa) and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (Tampa). Additional assistance was provided by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (Miami and New York), and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (Miami and New York). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Duso.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Gary Anthony Andrews (34, Holiday) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. The court also ordered Andrews to forfeit a Hi-Point firearm and a Taurus firearm, which are instrumentalities of the offense. Andrews entered a guilty plea on September 27, 2024.

According to court documents, on March 11, 2024, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Andrews via criminal complaint as he was on his way to sell methamphetamine to a confidential source. Agents recovered approximately 897 grams of methamphetamine and oxycodone pills from the vehicle. Andrews also had two young children in the car. During a search warrant executed at Andrews’s home, agents recovered approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine, 9.9 grams of crack cocaine, scales, baggies, masks, and Narcan. Agents also located two loaded firearms in the home, one with a spent casing inside. 

Andrews was identified as the source of supply for another individual in the Tampa area. From October 2023 to March 11, 2024, Andrews was responsible for 2,491.8 grams of methamphetamine, 84.2 grams of fentanyl, and 9.9 grams of cocaine. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Lewis Tinson, Jr. (29, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Tinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court records, on August 27, 2021, Tinson’s girlfriend called 911 because Tinson had placed a gun to her face earlier that day. When deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Tinson was outside the girlfriend’s home with firearms in his hands. Upon seeing the deputies, Tinson fled inside the residence and unsuccessfully tried to hide three loaded firearms in a clothes hamper.

Tinson is a four-time convicted felon. All his prior felony convictions involve firearms—carjacking with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and shooting at, within, or into a vehicle. As a convicted felon, Tinson 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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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 – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Esteban Suarez Trejo (33, Mexico) to 33 months in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States after deportation by a felon. Suarez Trejo pleaded guilty on October 4, 2024.

According to court documents, Suarez Trejo was convicted of aggravated assault on January 4, 2010, and deported from the United States to Mexico.  Following his deportation, Suarez Trejo illegally reentered the United States. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan has sentenced Ronald Holland (46, Jacksonville) to 18 years and 9 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Holland to forfeit $1,500, which represents proceeds of the offense, and multiple firearms seized during the investigation. Holland entered a guilty plea on March 26, 2024.

According to court documents, between 2020 and 2023, Holland operated and managed a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Jacksonville. Holland and his co-conspirators acquired bulk narcotics from Mexico-based sources of supply who trafficked the narcotics through Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia to Jacksonville. Holland directed two of his underlings, Annette Jones and Janice Strong, to distribute the fentanyl and methamphetamine from two houses he operated off Verbena Road in Jacksonville. 

In 2022, federal agents and local law enforcement officers jointly investigated the drug trafficking activities of all three individuals. Between December 2022 and March 2023, agents conducted multiple controlled purchases of pure methamphetamine directly from Strong at one of the houses off Verbena Road. During this time, agents also conducted multiple controlled purchases of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl directly from Jones. Agents observed Holland re-supplying Jones and Strong, and accompanying Jones during drug transactions. Law enforcement officers also observed heavy foot traffic at the two houses off Verbena Road, which was indicative of drug trafficking activity. 

On March 15, 2023, federal agents and local law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Holland’s apartment off Harts Road and the two houses off Verbena Road. At Holland’s apartment, agents seized approximately 680 grams of cocaine, 173 grams of pure methamphetamine, 130 grams of fentanyl, assorted drug paraphernalia, and ammunition. At the Verbena Road houses, agents seized approximately 415 grams of pure methamphetamine, 50 grams of fentanyl, and $1,500. Agents also located a Springfield Armory pistol, a North American Arms revolver, a Savage Arms rifle, two Ruger pistols, extended magazines, assorted ammunition, and a bulletproof vest. 

According to the joint investigation, Holland was responsible for distributing more than 50 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, over 5 kilograms of fentanyl, and 680 grams of cocaine during the drug trafficking conspiracy. In a related case, Annette Jones pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

Janice Strong was indicted, and her case is pending trial. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

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 Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Teresa Brady (69, Jacksonville) and Ruby George (81, Jacksonville) with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, eight counts of aiding and abetting wire fraud, and three counts of aiding and abetting mail fraud. Brady is also charged with two counts of money laundering. If convicted on the conspiracy, wire fraud, and mail fraud counts, Brady and George each face a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. Brady also faces a maximum penalty of 10 years on each money laundering count. The indictment notifies Brady and George that the United States intends to forfeit at least $2,600,235.99, which are alleged to be proceeds obtained from the fraud.

According to the indictment, Brady and George were the President and Executive Vice President of Duval Teachers United (DTU), a labor union that represents Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) teachers, paraprofessionals, and office personnel. DTU has approximately 6,500 members and represents approximately 80 percent of eligible DCPS employees. DTU’s annual revenue is approximately $5 million, which is comprised of funds paid by dues-paying members.

The indictment alleges that between 2013 and 2022 Brady and George engaged in a conspiracy to steal more than $1.2 million each from the DTU by selling back leave time that they had not accrued or earned back to DTU. Brady and George allegedly hid this activity by providing false information to DTU’s auditors (Certified Public Accountants), and by signing each other’s checks when distributing the unaccrued and unearned leave money, hiding those payments from the DTU Secretary/Treasurer. The indictment further alleges that Brady and George withheld this unearned compensation from the Florida Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC), responsible for public labor unions in Florida, in required annual financial statement filings, some of which were mailed to PERC.

Brady also allegedly used the fraud proceeds and engaged in two monetary transactions of more than $10,000 to pay personal credit card debt.    

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys A. Tysen Duva and Kelly S. Milliron.

Orlando, FL – A Florida man was sentenced to 21 months in prison for obstructing the IRS in connection with his use of the “Note Program,” a tax fraud scheme.

According to court documents and statements made in court, from 2015 to 2018, Arthur Grimes, of Ocoee and Orlando, was a client of a tax fraud scheme promoted by Jasen Harvey and Christopher Johnson. The scheme involved Harvey and Johnson filing false tax returns for clients that claimed that large nonexistent income tax withholdings had been paid to the IRS and sought substantial refunds based on those purported withholdings. 

Grimes participated in the scheme by causing four false income tax returns prepared by Harvey to be filed that sought refunds totaling $627,587 of which the IRS paid approximately $270,000. When the IRS attempted to recover a refund issued to Grimes based on one of those returns, Grimes made false statements and submitted false documents to an IRS revenue officer and transferred funds to a nominee bank account.

Harvey and Johnson previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the IRS and were respectively sentenced to 48 months in prison and 37 months in prison.

In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton Jr. for the Middle District of Florida ordered Grimes to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $238,973 in restitution to the United States.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind, Jeffrey McLellan and Caroline Pearson of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Hu for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Matthew L. Stephen Easton (35, Melrose) has pleaded guilty to firearms trafficking. Easton faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 24, 2025. Easton’s co-defendants, Derick Yamir Perez Diaz (22, Orlando) and Ernesto Vasquez (23, Kissimmee), previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms. They each also face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Perez Diaz and Vasquez are scheduled to be sentenced on March 25 and April 8, 2025, respectively.

According to the plea agreements, Easton, a federally licensed firearms dealer, supplied Perez Diaz with large quantities of firearms, despite knowing that Perez Diaz was dealing in firearms without a license. Perez Diaz, in turn, trafficked those firearms to Vasquez who resold them and smuggled them out of the country. Between October and December 2023, more than 100 Glock pistols and AK-47 rifles were trafficked, including those pictured below:

Additionally, Vasquez and Perez Diaz admitted to trafficking machinegun conversion devices:

On April 18, 2024, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, executed a Search Warrant at Vazquez’s residence. Inside they found multiple firearms, stockpiles of ammunition, and grenades:

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah P. Dorman and Dana E. Hill.

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 – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Pete Supan (35, Bradenton) with coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and production of child sex abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Supan faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Supan coerced and enticed an individual under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity. He also persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such 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 was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the  Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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.

Jacksonville, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Jucory Randell Kirtsey (44, Jacksonville) to 15 years in federal prison for possessing of a firearm as a convicted felon. Kirtsey qualified for an enhanced sentence as an Armed Career Criminal. He entered a guilty plea on September 5, 2024. 

According to court documents, on September 6, 2023, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Kirtsey’s residence due to narcotics activity. Officers located a loaded Taurus pistol inside the home. Kirtsey later admitted to possessing the pistol. As a convicted felon, Kirtsey is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Kirtsey’s criminal history includes more than 10 felony convictions involving narcotic sales and trafficking.  

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 

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 Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Billy Ruiz (46, California) guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Ruiz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.

Ruiz was indicted on April 6, 2017. After his indictment, Ruiz evaded law enforcement for years, but he was ultimately arrested, then arraigned in the Middle District of Florida on July 12, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Ruiz sold large amounts of methamphetamine in March 2016 to a lower-level drug dealer for redistribution in central Florida. Ruiz operated out of southern California and, along with one or more co-conspirators, shipped methamphetamine to Orlando by overnight delivery. The methamphetamine was then repackaged and distributed in central Florida. The evidence presented at trial showed that Ruiz sold two batches of methamphetamine, each of which weighed approximately two pounds. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lake Mary Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Sowell and Chauncey Bratt. 

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, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the indictment of Peter Latimore, Jr. (43, Zephyrhills) with interference of commerce by robbery, attempted robbery, use of a firearm during and in commission of a felony offense, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, Latimore faces a minimum sentence of 29 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

According to the criminal complaint and indictment, between October 2 and November 22, 2024, Latimore committed armed robberies of Tampa Bay area businesses, including a supermarket on Fowler Avenue in Tampa, a supermarket in Brandon, a supermarket in Zephyrhills, and a beauty supply shop in Plant City. On each occasion, Latimore approached the customer service desk and lifted his shirt to display a firearm to the clerks. In one instance, Latimore told the clerk to hurry up or he would shoot her. 

ATF agents and local law enforcements officers identified Latimore, arrested him, and on December 3, 2024, executed search warrants at his residence. During the search, law enforcement officers located the pistol he allegedly used in the commission of his offenses. 

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Plant City Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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 has sentenced Benjamin Cedric Graddy (41, Tampa) to 14 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and for violating the terms of his supervised release in a separate federal criminal case. Graddy entered a guilty plea on October 2, 2024. 

According to court documents, on March 17, 2023, officers from the Tampa Police Department (TPD) observed a vehicle driven by Graddy fail to stop at a stop sign in Ybor City, Florida. During the traffic stop, the officers smelled burnt marijuana and observed white power in plain view on the driver’s floorboard. A search of the vehicle revealed a Glock 22 .40 caliber firearm loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition in an extended magazine in the vehicle’s center console. TPD officers also found a distribution amount of dimethylpentylone in two containers in the vehicle, cocaine in Graddy’s pocket, a digital scale, and small plastic baggies.

At the time of the incident, Graddy was on federal supervised release for a prior conviction involving possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David W.A. Chee and Michael J. Buchanan.

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 Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Allen Ebersole (32, Dunnellon) has pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Ebersole faces a minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. 

According to court records, in December 2023, Ebersole began communicating with a 16-year-old girl through online video games. On December 28, 2023, Ebersole drove from Florida to Ohio where the minor lived. Ebersole then drove the minor from Ohio back to his home in Florida to engage in sexual activity. The minor stayed in Ebersole’s home until January 3, 2024, when law enforcement identified her location through the Internet Protocol (IP) address she used to play online video games. After law enforcement removed the minor from Ebersole’s home, DNA results confirmed that Ebersole had engaged in sexual activity with her. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima (Ohio) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ricardo Fermin Sune-Giron (34, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy, firearms trafficking, dealing in firearms without a license, and possessing firearms as an illegal alien. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison for the conspiracy and each possession offense. He faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment for dealing in firearms without a license. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, between 2023 and April 2024, Sune-Giron was a member of a transnational firearms trafficking operation. Sune-Giron recruited straw purchasers to illegally buy firearms—including Glocks, rifles and AK-47s—from federal firearms licensees across Florida. After purchasing the firearms, Sune-Giron and co-conspirators smuggled them overseas, including to the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Between 2023 and 2024, Sune-Giron and his co-conspirators trafficked thousands of firearms. Several were later recovered at crime scenes.

On April 18, 2024, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations in Tampa and Orlando executed three coordinated search warrants at residences in the Orlando area. At Sune-Giron’s residence, and as depicted below, agents recovered more than 50 firearms, ammunition, money counters, and approximately $16,000 in U.S. currency.

At the time of the search, Sune-Giron had been living in the United States illegally under an assumed name. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diego F. Novaes and Noah P. Dorman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Anthony Sanders, a/k/a “Slanga” (28, McRae-Helena, GA) and Marlita Andrews (28, Macon, GA) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Sanders and Andrews each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Sanders and Andrews that the United States intends to forfeit $12,825, which is alleged to represent proceeds obtained from the offense. 

According to court documents, Sanders, an inmate in a Georgia prison, and Andrews, his associate outside the prison, conspired to defraud a victim of over $12,000. A victim in Sarasota reported that she received a call from a scammer impersonating a deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, who stated that a warrant was issued for her arrest because she missed jury duty. The victim was directed to a “Bonding Transition Center” to make payment to satisfy the warrant. In reality, the “Bonding Transition Center” was a Bitcoin ATM machine, which allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies. 

The victim deposited over $12,000 into three separate accounts as cryptocurrency, as instructed. The victim’s funds were then quickly transferred from those accounts into a bitcoin wallet belonging to Andrews. By the next day, all funds were dispersed from Andrews’ account into several other accounts. The investigation revealed that Sanders participated in this scheme and used phones in prison to direct Andrews where to send profits of the scam. Sanders also directed Andrews to purchase prepaid phones to send to him in prison, via a drone.

In such scams, individuals impersonate real law enforcement or court officials, call victims, and claim that a warrant is out for their arrest because they missed jury duty. To avoid immediate arrest, the victim is advised they must pay a fine or deposit money into an account. Scammers often provide personal information about the victim, such as their correct home address and date of birth, and the caller ID of the scammer will often match the telephone number of a local law enforcement agency. Law enforcement investigation has revealed that inmates in Georgia state prisons are participating in this scheme by using illegally obtained prepaid phones and that associates outside the prison may assist with receiving the funds or transferring them to other accounts.

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 Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and FBI Tampa Division – Sarasota Resident Agency, with assistance from the FBI – Atlanta Division – Macon Resident Agency and Atlanta Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

Orlando, FL – A Florida man was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for filing false tax returns with the IRS for two consecutive years that he knew underreported his business’s revenue.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Jeremy Charles DeWitte owned and operated Metro State Special Services, a funeral-procession escort business located in Central Florida. DeWitte filed individual income tax returns for 2017 and 2018 that materially understated the revenue he received from operating his business.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed ordered DeWitte to serve one year of supervised release and to pay approximately $70,000 in restitution to the United States. 

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Assistant Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Curtis Weidler of the Tax Division prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

Jacksonville, Florida –Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Austin Adams (32, Jacksonville) to 36 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. Adams pled guilty to that offense on September 24, 2024. Following his incarceration, he will serve 10 years of supervised release and will be required to register as a sexual offender.

According to the court documents, on March 20, 2024, Adams possessed child sexual abuse material by purchasing it with cryptocurrency. He spent close to $1,000 on a website that was eventually shut down due to the child sexual abuse material the website was distributing. The discovery of Adams’ purchases on the website led law enforcement to search Adams’ residence where a forensic review of his cellular phone revealed multiple images and videos of child sexual abuse material, some of which were over 45 minutes in length. 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. 

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.  

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Zevion La’Quawn Collins (30, Jacksonville) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. Collins faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to court documents, between April 2023 and the time of his arrest on June 17, 2024, Collins distributed methamphetamine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana in Jacksonville, Florida. During this time, federal agents observed Collins conduct multiple drug transactions, including on 6 separate occasions, during which Collins sold one to two ounces of pure methamphetamine at a time. On June 17, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at Collins’ stash house on Ken Knight Drive in Jacksonville, and arrested Collins on federal drug charges. From this residence, agents seized approximately $4,970 in U.S. currency, and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

This case is part of Operation Ice Drop, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. 

Orlando, Florida – Following a bench trial, United States Magistrate Judge Embry J. Kidd has found Joshua Joseph Gray (45, New Smyrna Beach) and George Douglas Metz (51, Belleview) guilty of unlawfully video recording and failing to comply with official signs and directives inside multiple Social Security field offices. Gray and Metz were each sentenced to pay a $3,000 fine and serve six months’ probation. Gray and Metz were charged by an Information on November 28, 2023.

According to evidence presented at trial, on various dates between November 2022 and January 2023, Gray and Metz each entered three different Social Security field offices in Central Florida while video recording. Gray and Metz continued to video record despite being informed by official signage and Social Security representatives that video recording is prohibited in Social Security offices without prior permission. Gray and Metz were informed that the video recording rules serve to protect the privacy of customers who come to Social Security offices to conduct business and exchange personal information. Gray and Metz subsequently posted their video recordings, which depicted members of the public and Social Security representatives conducting business, on their public YouTube channels, where Gray and Metz were paid for their videos and solicited donations.

This case was investigated by the Federal Protective Service and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the indictment and arrest of Stephen Andrew Leedy (59, St. Petersburg) on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted on all counts, Leedy faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to the indictment and court documents, Leedy, a palliative care doctor in the Tampa Bay area, utilized the username “maximumuncle#9112” to sexually exploit and victimize approximately ten minors online. In online conversations and video chats, Leedy instructed the minors to produce sexually explicit images of themselves and directed them to cut, choke, and hang themselves. In November 2022, Minor Victim 1 was discovered deceased, having hanged herself in front of her phone in a manner consistent with instructions Leedy had previously provided her. 

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 Pasco Sheriff’s Office and the FBI – Tampa Office, with assistance from St. Petersburg Police Department, FBI – Atlanta Office, and the Holly Springs Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Ilyssa M. Spergel.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jeffrey A. Sager (55) has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Veterans Affairs (VA) police officer. Sager faces a maximum penalty of eight years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to court documents, on February 13, 2024, Sager entered the Lake City VA Medical Center in Lake City, Florida. Sager immediately locked himself inside a triage room and began berating a nurse who was inside the room with him. The nurse hit a silent panic alarm and VA police responded to the scene. Sager continuously refused officers’ orders to open the triage room door. Officers were able to get inside the triage room and Sager took off running down the hallway of the medical center. An officer was able to catch up to Sager, who resisted the officer and they both fell to the floor. In an effort to escape, Sager kicked the officer in the shoulder, dislocating her shoulder and causing a fracture. Other officers arrived and took Sager into custody.

This case was investigated by the Lake City VA police and Osceola National Forest Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Antoine Johnson (45, Indialantic), as an Armed Career Criminal, to 15 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Johnson was found guilty on August 8, 2024.

According to the evidence presented at trial, after being stopped for violating a Florida traffic law on May 9, 2023, Johnson was found with a loaded firearm in his waistband. Johnson admitted to law enforcement that he knew he was a convicted felon and should not have been carrying a firearm. In a special finding, the jury found that before being stopped by the police, Johnson had been convicted three different times in Florida, including for robbery and two sales of cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Palm Bay Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie McNeff.

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 Roger B. Handberg announces that Christopher John Murchison (52, Oklahoma) has pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in records required to be maintained by a licensed firearms dealer. Murchison faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. 

According to the plea agreement, Murchison, along with Michael Sawyer and Randolph Swindle, aided and abetted each other to illegally acquire and traffic approximately 177 firearms, which were subsequently sold on the streets for profit. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) began investigating the firearm trafficking operation after several firearms were recovered in connection with international crimes in Puerto Rico and Colombia. The investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme involving Sawyer purchasing firearms online and shipping them to Swindle, a federal firearms licensee in Bunnell, Florida.

Once the firearms arrived, Sawyer prefilled ATF Form 4473s using his own name, as well as the names of his mother and a friend. These falsified forms were then handed to Murchison, who used them to retrieve the firearms from Swindle. Murchison subsequently rebuilt the firearms into assault-rifle-style pistols, which were then handed back to Sawyer for resale on the street. Between July 2021 and February 2022, the group purchased, modified, and trafficked approximately 177 firearms. Many of these firearms have been recovered in connection with crimes both nationally and internationally.

All individuals involved in the scheme have been arrested and have pleaded guilty in federal court. Swindle and Sawyer each pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in records required by a licensed firearms dealer. They face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

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

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 Roger B. Handberg announces that Desean Williams (38, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Williams faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. 

According to the plea agreement, on January 31, 2024, Williams distributed approximately 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine to another individual at a gas station in Marion County.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alexander Thomas Daugherty (24, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Daugherty faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. 

According to the plea agreement, on September 20, 2024, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) posed undercover as a 13-year-old girl on an online social media platform. Daugherty contacted the undercover agent’s account and, after learning the child’s age, discussed engaging in sexual activity. Daugherty arranged to meet the minor for sex at a predetermined location in Marion County. Daugherty then traveled to the location and was arrested by law enforcement.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jonathan Patrick Maston (59, Pass Christian, MS) has pleaded guilty to transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Maston faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is set for March 6, 2025.

According to the plea agreement, in April 2022, Maston arrived in Port Canaveral, returning from an international cruise. As he was disembarking the ship, Maston was referred for a secondary inspection. A search of his cellphone revealed CSAM images and videos. During an interview with law enforcement agents, Maston admitted to viewing CSAM over the last 15 years. A search warrant was also executed on Maston’s iCloud account, which revealed additional CSAM. In total, the contents of Maston’s cellphone and iCloud account contained more than 1,000 CSAM images and videos.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Tonya Lynn Romero (37, Okahumpka) has pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. Romero faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is set for April 10, 2025.

According to the plea agreement, law enforcement conducted a narcotics interdiction operation at the Orlando International Airport, which resulted in a canine alerting to the presence of drugs in a suitcase that had been checked in Romero’s name. After Romero took possession of the luggage, law enforcement approached, and she provided consent to search the suitcase. Inside, law enforcement located over 13 kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Orlando, FL - Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 44, of Orlando, pleaded guilty today to four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility.

“With this plea, we are holding this defendant accountable for his threats to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by his desire to ‘warn’ businesses because of their perceived support of Israel,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The Justice Department will fiercely protect the right of every person to peacefully express their opinions, beliefs, and ideas, but we have no tolerance for acts and threats of hate-fueled violence that create lasting fear.”

“Today, the defendant is admitting he attacked a solar power facility, damaged a number of Florida businesses, and left a series of threatening messages about perceived support for Israel,” said Director Christopher Wray of the FBI. “Violence, destruction of property, and threats are simply unacceptable. The FBI will work with our partners to pursue and hold accountable those who commit illegal and destructive acts and cause our citizens to fear for their safety and livelihoods.”

According to court documents, beginning around June, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for Israel. Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind "Warning Letters."

In his letters, which were addressed to the U.S. government, Hnaihen laid out a series of political demands, culminating in a threat to “destroy or explode everything here in whole America. Especially the companies and factories that support the racist state of Israel.”

Hnaihen's attacks escalated. At the end of June, as law enforcement worked to identify the masked attacker, Hnaihen broke into a solar power generation facility in Wedgefield, Florida, and spent hours systematically destroying solar panel arrays. He smashed panels, cut wires, and targeted critical electronic equipment. Hnaihen left behind two more copies of his threatening demand letter. Hnaihen's attacks caused nearly $500,000 in damage.

Following a multiagency effort, law enforcement identified Hnaihen and arrested him on July 11, shortly after another “warning letter” threatening to “destroy or explode everything” was discovered at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando.

Hnaihen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each threat offense and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the destruction of an energy facility offense. Hnaihen has also agreed to make full restitution to the victims of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Ryan White and George Kraehe of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger today sentenced Jameise Vaughn Christian (22, Washington, DC) to 12 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robberies in New Jersey and Florida, and for brandishing a firearm during the robberies. 

According to court documents, Christian and his co-conspirators planned and executed a series of jewelry store robberies in New Jersey, Florida, and the District of Columbia. Based in the Washington, D.C. area, the group targeted predominantly South Asian jewelry stores along the East Coast. Wearing disguises and armed with firearms, they used hammers to smash jewelry display cases and steal valuable items. These stores were specifically chosen because they sold high-purity gold, which yielded higher proceeds when sold for cash.

On October 25, 2022, Christian, along with Trevor Wright, William Hunter, Keith McDuffie, and an unindicted co-conspirator, traveled in two vehicles from Washington, D.C., to a jewelry store in Paterson, New Jersey. Upon arrival, Christian and two accomplices exited their vehicle wearing masks and carrying firearms and a hammer, while the other two remained outside to serve as lookouts. Inside the store, the group used the hammer to smash display cases and brandished a firearm to force employees to lie on the ground. In less than two minutes, the group stole approximately $1.9 million worth of jewelry before fleeing the scene.

Less than two months later, in early December 2022, Christian and his co-conspirators—Trevor Wright, Avery Fuller, Antonio Tate, and Jaylaun Brown—planned another robbery, this time at a jewelry store in Jacksonville, Florida. To prepare, the group coordinated travel from Washington, D.C., to Miami, Florida, where they rented a black BMW and a white Mercedes. On December 6, 2022, they drove these vehicles to Jacksonville. Upon arrival at the jewelry store, Christian and three others exited the black BMW, entered the store wearing disguises, and brandished firearms. Christian ordered store employees to kneel behind the counter with their heads down while the group used a hammer to smash glass display cases. Meanwhile, two accomplices remained in the white Mercedes to monitor the store’s entrance.

After approximately three minutes, one of the conspirators exited the store and drove the black BMW directly in front of the store, honking the horn to signal the others to exit. Before leaving, Christian approached the store employees kneeling in the corner, pointed his firearm, and stole the store owner’s wallet. The group then loaded the stolen jewelry into the trunk of the black BMW and fled the scene, with the white Mercedes traveling in the same direction. The group stole approximately $880,000 in jewelry from the jewelry store.

Due to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, this complex investigation resulted in the identification of these six individuals. They were eventually traced back to Miami and observed on surveillance at a Miami condominium, where they were seen exiting their vehicles unmasked and carrying the stolen jewelry.

To date, all individuals involved in the Jacksonville and New Jersey robberies have been arrested and face pending federal cases in Jacksonville and Washington, D.C. In Jacksonville, Delontae Martin and Antonio Tate pled guilty to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the Jacksonville robbery. Martin was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment, and Tate was sentenced to 120 months. Avery Fuller pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robberies in Jacksonville and New Jersey and to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the robberies. He faces a minimum of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. Trevor Wright and Jaylaun Brown are in custody and awaiting trial in Washington, D.C., for robbery and firearm offenses.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Miami Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.

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 – Senior United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Amol Chandrashekhar Khedkar (59, Jacksonville) to 12 years and 6 months in federal prison for using his cellphone and the internet to attempt to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Khedkar was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. Khedkar was working as an information technology architect for a financial institution when he was arrested on November 29, 2023, in St. Johns County. He has been detained since that time. Khedkar pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024.

According to court documents and evidence discussed in open court, on November 28, 2023, an undercover FBI agent (UC) in the Jacksonville area was conducting an online undercover operation to identify adults seeking to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted a notice in a public chat room of a particular online social messaging application (app). Minutes later, an individual using the app name “drbrownee,” who was subsequently identified as Khedkar, contacted the UC online by private message on the app. After being advised of the “child’s” age, Khedkar confirmed that he would “love to see [the ‘child’].” He asked the UC specific questions about access to the “child” and the “child’s” sexual experience, including “[d]oes she suck,” “[d]o you allow fondling?,” and “[w]hat do you charge?” Khedkar and the UC discussed meeting in person the next day at the “child’s” residence. Khedkar stated, “I’ll show up, … [t]hen you can invite me inside.”

On November 29, 2023, Khedkar and the UC exchanged text messages and arranged to meet at a location in St. Johns County. When Khedkar arrived at the location, he was arrested by FBI agents. During an interview with agents, Khedkar stated that his username was “drbrownee,” that he used his online account to communicate with the UC, and he had asked the UC about sexually abusing the “child.” Khedkar’s cellphone was seized incident to his arrest and a search of its contents revealed at least 25 online conversations between Khedkar and other individuals on the app discussing the sexual exploitation of children, as well as several photos depicting young children being sexually abused.       

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

It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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.