Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Dempsey Emmanuel Gilmore (33, Tampa) to six years and five months in federal prison for threatening to kill an Assistant United States Attorney. Gilmore pleaded guilty to this offense on March 29, 2024.

According to court documents, Gilmore was found guilty during a federal jury trial at the Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse in Tampa on March 9, 2023.  After the jury was polled, Gilmore got up from his table to approach the jury and began to threaten them. Once the jurors left the courtroom, Gilmore continued to approach the Assistant United States Attorney who prosecuted the case, lunged at her, and threatened to kill her. Gilmore was eventually restrained by multiple court security personnel and federal agents. The six year and five-month sentence that was imposed will include an additional term of 24 months’ imprisonment, to be served after Gilmore’s previously imposed sentence of 30 years.

The case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.  

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Jose’Luis Gabriel Villanueva (32, Sanford) to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court also ordered Villanueva to forfeit firearms and ammunition which were used in the commission of the offense. Villanueva entered a guilty plea on May 31, 2024.

According to court documents, in January 2022, law enforcement began monitoring Villanueva’s social media accounts on which he was seen in photos with large sums of money and suspected illegal narcotics, mostly bottles of promethazine and marijuana. Promethazine is a Schedule V prescription drug commonly used to treat allergies and motion sickness. Over the course of several months, law enforcement monitored Villanueva’s activities and observed what appeared to be drug trafficking activity.

On August 17, 2023, law enforcement executed a search at Villanueva’s residence during which they located the following items: 4 firearms and ammunition, including one short-barrel rifle; 19 (16-ounce) bottles of promethazine; one bag of powder cocaine weighing approximately 103 grams; and $6,935 in cash.

Prior to the search, Villanueva had been convicted of several felony offenses, including fleeing and eluding law enforcement, driving while his license was suspended, and driving while his license was revoked. As a previously convicted felon Villanueva is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Enforcement Unit. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

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 the return of an indictment charging Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Florida, with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing yesterday, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, Hnaihen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for each threat offense and up to 20 years’ imprisonment for the destruction of an energy facility offense. The indictment also notifies Hnaihen that the United States intends to forfeit assets connected to the offense.

According to court documents, beginning around June 2024, Hnaihen targeted and attacked businesses in the Orlando area for their perceived support for the State of Israel. Wearing a mask, under the cover of night, Hnaihen smashed the glass front doors of businesses and left behind “Warning Letters.”

(Damage at two of the targeted businesses)

In his letters, which were addressed to the United States 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 is believed to have caused more than $700,000 in damage.

 

(Aerial photo of the solar panel field Hnaihen attacked, with targeted panel areas outlined in red)

 

(Solar panels with cracked glass)

Following a multi-agency effort, law enforcement identified Hnaihen and arrested him on July 11, 2024, shortly after another “Warning Letter” threatening to “destroy or explode everything” was discovered at an industrial propane gas distribution depot in Orlando.

“We allege that the defendant threatened to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by a desire to target businesses for their perceived support of Israel,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Such acts and threats of violence, whether they are targeting the places that Americans frequent every day or our country’s critical infrastructure, are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.”

“Targeting and attacking businesses for perceived beliefs is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and federally prosecute those who make violent or hate-based threats and who seek to act on these threats.”

“Under the guise of expressing his beliefs, the defendant allegedly attacked a power facility and threatened local businesses, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence.”

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 Orange County Sheriff’s Office, with valuable assistance from the Maitland Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

Hashem Younis Hashem Hnaihen, 43, a Jordanian citizen residing in Orlando, Florida, is charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. At his detention hearing yesterday, Hnaihen was ordered detained pending trial.

“We allege that the defendant threatened to carry out hate-fueled mass violence in our country, motivated in part by a desire to target businesses for their perceived support of Israel,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Such acts and threats of violence, whether they are targeting the places that Americans frequent every day or our country’s critical infrastructure, are extremely dangerous and will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.”

“Under the guise of expressing his beliefs, the defendant allegedly attacked a power facility, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, and threatened local businesses,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “Violence and destruction of property to threaten and intimidate others will never be tolerated. The FBI and our partners will work together to pursue and hold accountable those who resort to violence.”

“Targeting and attacking businesses for perceived beliefs is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and federally prosecute those who make violent or hate-based threats and who seek to act on these threats.”

According to court documents, beginning around June 2024, 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.”

Source:Case number 6:24-cr-201 in the Middle District of Florida, Document 17. Supplement to motion for detention. Damage at two of the targeted businesses

In his letters, which were addressed to the United States 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.”

Aerial photo of the solar panel field Hnaihen attacked with targeted panel areas outlined in red Source:Case number 6:24-cr-201 in the Middle District of Florida, Document 17. Supplement to motion for detention. Solar panels with cracked glass that Hnaihen attacked

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 is believed to have caused more than $700,000 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 is charged with four counts of threatening to use explosives and one count of destruction of an energy facility. If convicted, he 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.

The FBI and Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, with valuable assistance by Maitland Police Department, Winter Park Police Department, and Orlando Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Varadan for the Middle District of Florida is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorneys Ryan White and George Kraehe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Nijah Jahni Mitchell (22, Orlando) and Dany Telfort (20, Orlando) with multiple counts of Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. If convicted on all counts, Mitchell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years, up to life, in federal prison, and Telfort faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 14 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mitchell and Telfort that the United States intends to forfeit the Glock 9mm firearm, Taurus 9mm firearm, and associated ammunition, which are alleged to have been used during the commission of the offenses.

According to the indictment, between March 23 and April 1, 2023, Mitchell and Telfort robbed six convenience stores in Central Florida. They also brandished firearms during their respective robberies.

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, the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Clermont Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oakland Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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.

Download Indictment

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Brandon Palmore (29, Tampa) with possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Palmore faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Palmore that the United States intends to forfeit a Sig Sauer handgun and assorted ammunition, which are alleged to have been used in the commission of the offense.

According to the indictment, on December 1, 2023, Palmore, knowing that he had been previously convicted of multiple felonies – including shooting at, within, or into a vehicle, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – was in possession of a Sig Sauer handgun and 10 rounds of ammunition.

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

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

This case is part of the 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 for 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 a federal jury has found Kellis Dion Jackson (63, Pinellas Park), a/k/a Chandler Dante Alexander, guilty of making a false statement to a federal agency, theft of government property, and fraudulent use of a Social Security number. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to evidence presented at trial, Jackson stole Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration while on federal supervision for prior federal offenses. Prior to submitting an application for SSI, Jackson obtained a Social Security number under the fictional identity of Chandler Dante Alexander by falsely reporting that he had never had a Social Security number and providing false information regarding his birthdate and parents. Jackson used the fraudulently obtained Social Security number to get a commercial driver license, work, file tax returns, get married, and open bank accounts. Jackson thereafter applied for SSI and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits using his birth name and valid Social Security number. Jackson made false statements on the SSI application and related documents, including falsely stating that he was not married, and his application was approved. Jackson’s SSI application would not have been approved had he reported his marriage and work activity under the fraudulently obtained Social Security number. In total, Jackson received $43,755 in SSI benefits to which he was not entitled.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Huyler.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Hilligardt (21, Brooksville) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hilligardt faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on January 23, 2024, Hilligardt was showing his firearms off to friends, and in the process ended up with an accidental gunshot wound. Deputies with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene and found him in possession of a sawed-off shotgun. The investigation revealed that Hilligardt repeatedly posted images of himself with firearms and ammunition. Detectives later recovered a second shotgun that Hilligardt owned, which had been buried in a yard. As a convicted felon Hilligardt is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive. It is being 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 Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Darnell Credit (51, Tampa) to six years and six months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for receiving and possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Credit to pay $21,000 in restitution and forfeit a computer, two thumb drives, and an external hard drive, which were used to commit the offenses. Credit entered a guilty plea on February 15, 2024.

According to court documents, in November 2021, the FBI executed a search warrant at Credit’s home and seized several of his electronic devices. A forensic search of those devices revealed more than 1,000 photos and over 100 videos of child sexual abuse material, including images depicting sadistic conduct, toddlers, and bestiality.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Tampa Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Abigail K. King and Ross Roberts.

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, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Caleb Belanger (25, Clearwater) to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Belanger to pay $3,000 in restitution and forfeit an iPhone and iPad, which were used to commit the offenses. Belanger entered a guilty plea on March 26, 2024.

According to court documents, Belanger enticed approximately 30 minor females, all between the ages of 13 and 17 years old, to take sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves and send the images to him via a mobile application, in exchange for money, vapes, and alcohol. He also offered money in exchange for sex and other sexual acts. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Belanger’s home and seized his iPhone and iPad. A search of those devices revealed that Belanger possessed 1,209 images and 111 videos of child sexual abuse material.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Tarpon Springs Police Department, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Ross Roberts.

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, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brandale Swails (29, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during the commission of a Hobbs Act Robbery. Swails faces a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 7, 2024.

According to court documents, Swails arrived at a gas station on a bicycle, entered the business, pointed a gun at a clerk, and demanded money. The employee immediately hid behind the counter. Swails jumped over the counter towards the clerk while continuing to point the firearm at him. Swails then stated he would shoot the clerk if he did not open the register. Swails continued to hold the victim at gunpoint while directing him into a bathroom. Swails then exited the business and fled on a bicycle. Swails was arrested two weeks later, hiding inside a bedroom closet.

         

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is geing 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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Thomas Allen Ebersole (32, Dunnellon) on an indictment charging him with transporting a minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Ebersole faces minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison.

According to court records, Ebersole met a 16-year-old female while playing online video games. On December 28, 2023, Ebersole drove from his residence in Florida to Ohio where the minor lived. Once there, Ebersole picked up the minor and immediately drove her back to Florida where they engaged in sexual activity. The minor stayed in Ebersole’s home until January 3, 2024, when law enforcement was able to identify her location through the Internet Protocol (IP) address she used to play video games online. After law enforcement removed the minor from Ebersole’s home, DNA results confirmed that Ebersole had engaged in sexual activity with 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima (Ohio) Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

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 Tyler Jacob (24, Winter Haven) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, aggravated identify theft, witness tampering, and destruction of evidence. Jacob faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 2 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between October 2021 and continuing through October 2023, Jacob, a self-identifying member of the “Trap Boys,” and others engaged in a conspiracy to defraud financial instructions throughout the Middle District of Florida. The conspiracy took many forms. First, Jacob obtained, altered, and created fictitious checks for the purpose of obtaining proceeds from those checks. The amount on the checks ranged from approximately $10,000 to as much as $100,000. In order to find businesses to defraud, Jacob identified bank account information, stole checks from industrial buildings, and called banks to obtain information. Second, Jacob recruited and enlisted a network of individuals to help him deposit those checks at various banks, instructing them on how to successfully deposit and withdraw funds and avoid detection by financial institutions. Third, Jacob, utilizing text messages and social media, sought Personal Identifying Information (PII), including bank account information that belonged to others, so that the fraudulent checks could be deposited in their accounts and the money could be withdrawn or wired from the bank account prior to detection. Jacob later paid his conspirators a portion of the fraudulent amount they obtained.

The conspiracy operated throughout Florida, including Orlando, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Bartow, Tampa, and Miami. During the course of the scheme, Jacob and his co-conspirators deposited approximately $50,000 per week in fraudulent checks, resulting in an intended loss of at least $550,000.

On January 23, 2024, the FBI and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at Jacob’s residence. During the search, Jacob barricaded himself inside the home and began using a shredder to destroy evidence. Investigators found shredded papers on both floors of the residence and a shredding machine that was jammed. Jacob also threw documents inside his washing machine. In addition, investigators located a checkbook and financial documents in the names of others, as well as printers, scanners, and check writing software.

After his arrest, Jacob made phone calls to an individual and attempted to have that individual dispose of evidence and lie to law enforcement.

This case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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.

Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Teresa Eve Hunt (63, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Hunt faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. As part of her plea, she agreed to forfeit the proceeds of her criminal conduct, and to make full restitution to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Hunt is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, M.H. received both Social Security and VA benefits, which were directly deposited into a checking account to which her daughter, Hunt, had access via a power of attorney. M.H. died on April 13, 2016, at Hunt’s home in Orlando, Florida. Hunt did not report M.H.’s death to the SSA or VA, both of which continued to deposit benefits for M.H. into the account, thinking she was still alive. Hunt took those benefits, to which she was not entitled, and spent them on her own personal expenses. In total, Hunt knowingly converted to her own use and/or the use of another $62,857 in Social Security benefits and $59,120.95 in VA benefits.

This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General and Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Avinash Singh (42, St. Cloud) to 24 years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. The court also ordered Singh to forfeit the $57 million in proceeds he obtained from his offenses, as well as real property that he purchased with those proceeds. Singh entered a guilty plea on May 6, 2024.

According to court documents, Singh operated an Orlando-based company by the name of Highrise Advantage, LLC (Highrise). From February 2013 to September 2020, Singh received more than $57 million from over 1,100 victims who believed that they were making investments in retail foreign currency contracts (forex) through Highrise. To induce his victims to invest, Singh claimed that he had a proven track record of success as a forex trader, that he was going to use the funds for investments in forex, and that he would “guarantee” that his victims would not lose any funds for any trading losses. None of these representations were true.

Rather than invest his victims’ funds in forex trading as he had promised, Singh used funds from one investor to pay amounts owed to another investor. Singh misappropriated at least $45 million of the victims’ “investments” in the form of payments to other investors and also spent millions of dollars in personal expenses, including the purchase of real estate, retail purchases, phone bills, events, dining, and reserving music studio space to record music with his band.

“This case epitomizes selfish greed at an astonishing level,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Tampa Field Office. “Mr. Singh tried to use the proceeds of his Ponzi scheme to live like a pop star while popping the dreams of his victim investors. This sentencing shows that we will go to great lengths to ensure those who try to illegally place themselves above others are held accountable.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General, the St. Cloud IRS Federal Financial Crimes Task Force, and the State of Florida Office of Financial Regulation, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda S. Daniels. Asset recovery was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Delta Henry Rushing II (29, Orlando) with enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing a felony offense involving a minor when required to register as a sex offender. If convicted on all counts, Rushing faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Rushing that the United States intends to forfeit assets that Rushing used to facilitate the offenses.

According to the indictment, between November 3, 2022, and December 5, 2022, Rushing, a prior convicted sex offender, enticed an individual who Rushing knew was under the age of 18 to engage in sexual activity.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Aaron Bicknell (37, Zephyrhills) to 17 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Bicknell to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victims of the offense. Bicknell entered a guilty plea on April 22, 2024.

According to court documents, in 2011, Bicknell was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet using a filesharing program. As part of his sentence, Bicknell was required to register as a sex offender. The Federal Bureau of Prisons released Bicknell in May 2021, and he began serving a lifetime term of supervised release. In August 2023, law enforcement downloaded files of child sexual abuse material from Bicknell. After executing a  search warrant at Bicknell’s home, investigators discovered more than100 images and 80 videos of child sexual abuse on Bicknell’s devices.

“The sentencing of this recidivist felon for collecting child sexual abuse material underscores HSI’s commitment to protecting our communities most vulnerable,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah C. McCombs. “Alongside our partners at the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, we will make sure these individuals are not able to hide their actions under a cloak of internet anonymity.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (Tampa), with substantial assistance from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin Claire Favorit.

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.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Alex Jared Zwiefelhofer (27, Wisconsin) to consecutive life sentences in federal prison as a result of his convictions for conspiracy to commit robbery and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, robbery interfering with commerce, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence which resulted in death, conspiring to kill persons in a foreign country, and a violation of the Neutrality Act.  Zwiefelhofer has also been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $10,886 to the family members of the victims of the offenses.  Zwiefelhofer was found guilty by a jury on March 8, 2024.

According to testimony presented at trial, on April 10, 2018, two individuals, S.L., Jr. and D.L., were found dead in Estero, Florida from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body. Further investigation revealed that the couple had traveled to Estero from Brooksville, Florida to complete the purchase of several firearms from an individual who had listed them for sale on a website known as Armslist. As a result of the investigation, Zwiefelhofer was identified as one of two individuals who was believed to have murdered the couple during the course of an armed robbery of the $3,000 that the couple intended to use to purchase the firearms. 

Zwiefelhofer, who had previously fought in Ukraine in 2017 after going AWOL from the U.S. Army, pursued a plan to fight the Venezuelan government and committed the robbery of S.L., Jr. and D.L. to obtain money to fund his travel to Venezuela.

Zwiefelhofer’s co-defendant, Craig Lang, is pending trial.    

“There’s no question that Zwiefelhofer belongs behind bars, and his life sentence guarantees that will happen. When it comes to tackling the violent crime threat, our model is to work together with our state and local law enforcement partners to maximize impact and this case highlights those efforts with the Lee County Sheriff's Office,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor, FBI Tampa Division. “We will stop at nothing to protect our communities from these threats.”

“In collaboration with our law enforcement partners, no stone was left unturned in the investigation and federal prosecution of this case,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “This defendant committed heinous crimes, and justice was served.”         

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jesus M. Casas and Michael V. Leeman.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Chadwick Lemaine (26, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Lemaine faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set on October 31, 2024.

According to court records, Lemaine was convicted of felony offenses in 2018 and 2019 and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. On May 26, 2023, an officer with the Orlando Police Department conducted a traffic stop of Lemaine and discovered narcotics and a firearm inside the vehicle. A DNA analysis confirmed Lemaine was a contributor to the DNA discovered on the firearm.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orlando Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

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 Xavier Hernandez-Gerena, (34, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Hernandez-Gerena faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Sentencing is set for October 23, 2024.

According to court records, in July 2022, Hernandez-Gerena was pulled over for a traffic violation as the sole occupant of a vehicle. Sitting near his lap was an unzipped bag that contained a Ruger firearm. Prior to possessing the firearm, Hernandez-Gerena had been convicted in federal court for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. As a convicted felon Hernandez-Gerena was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. 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.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced Pen Yu (51, Taiwan) to three years and eight months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, followed by three years of supervised release. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $100,000, the proceeds of the wire fraud.

Yu was found guilty on May 2, 2024. Co-conspirator Gregory Muñoz was found guilty on May 9, 2024, and co-conspirator Jonathan Thyng was found guilty on July 23, 2024.

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2016 and continuing through at least May 2023, Yu ordered biochemical products from MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with help from Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma salesperson, by falsely representing that Yu was affiliated with a biology research lab at a large Florida university. This fictitious affiliation led MilliporeSigma to provide Yu over $4.9 million worth of discounts and other benefits, such as free overnight shipping, not available to the public. Yu gave Muñoz thousands of dollars in gift cards for facilitating these fraudulent discounted orders. When the products arrived at the university stockroom, a stockroom employee diverted the products to Yu, who repackaged them and shipped them to China. To avoid scrutiny, Yu made false statements about the value and contents of these shipments in export documents.

This scheme continued until MilliporeSigma compliance personnel identified certain orders as suspicious, prompting the company to retain outside counsel who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division only a week later. MilliporeSigma made the disclosure well before its counsel had completed their investigation and understood the full nature and extent of the scheme. MilliporeSigma offered exceptional cooperation to the prosecution team, including by proactively identifying and producing documents to the Department that established probable cause to search residences and electronic devices of culpable individuals. MilliporeSigma’s cooperation allowed investigators to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the scheme, including Yu, Muñoz, and Thyng, and secure their felony guilty pleas.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Andre Pierrie (26, Tampa) to 8 years and 10 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court also ordered Pierrie to forfeit a Smith and Wesson Air Rite. 38 special revolver that was seized as part of this case. Pierrie entered a guilty plea on February 29, 2024.          

According to court documents, law enforcement officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle Pierrie was driving, but Pierrie accelerated his vehicle and fled the scene. Surveillance by law enforcement indicated that Pierrie had gone to a parking lot in an apartment complex. Officers observed Pierrie in his vehicle throwing a firearm out of the vehicle’s window. The firearm was retrieved by law enforcement and Pierrie eventually pulled over. Officers located methamphetamine and marijuana inside the vehicle. 

At the time of the offense, Pierrie had multiple prior felony convictions including delivery of cocaine and escape from law enforcement. As a convicted felon Pierrie is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.

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 Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Muhamad Almufada Adi (49, Orlando) to 60 years in federal prison for producing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Adi to forfeit the electronic devices used in the commission of the offense. Adi entered a guilty plea on May 14, 2024.

According to court documents, between 2018 and 2022, Adi sexually abused a minor victim and produced child sexual abuse material of the child. Adi then uploaded the child sexual abuse material to online cloud and social media accounts. Adi also sexually abused a second minor victim and forced the second child to look at the child sexual abuse material that had been produced of the first child.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

“Protecting our children from sexual exploitation is a moral obligation for Homeland Security Investigations and our partners at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office,” said Homeland Security Investigation Tampa Special Agent in Charge John Condon. “Our mutual steadfast commitment comes with an unwavering vigilance and compassion for victims.”

This case was 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

A Taiwanese national, Pen Yu, 51, was sentenced today to three years and eight months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $100,000, the proceeds of the wire fraud.

Yu pleaded guilty on May 2. Co-conspirator Gregory Muñoz pleaded guilty on May 9, and co-conspirator Jonathan Thyng pleaded guilty on July 23.

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2016 and continuing through at least May 2023, Yu ordered biochemical products from MilliporeSigma, a subsidiary of multinational science and technology company Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, with help from Muñoz, a MilliporeSigma salesperson, by falsely representing that Yu was affiliated with a biology research lab at a large Florida university. This fictitious affiliation led MilliporeSigma to provide Yu over $4.9 million worth of discounts and other benefits, such as free overnight shipping, not available to the public. Yu gave Muñoz thousands of dollars in gift cards for facilitating these fraudulent discounted orders. When the products arrived at the university stockroom, a stockroom employee diverted the products to Yu, who repackaged them and shipped them to China. To avoid scrutiny, Yu made false statements about the value and contents of these shipments in export documents.

This scheme continued until MilliporeSigma compliance personnel identified certain orders as suspicious, prompting the company to retain outside counsel who voluntarily disclosed the misconduct to the Department of Justice’s National Security Division only a week later. MilliporeSigma made the disclosure well before its counsel had completed their investigation and understood the full nature and extent of the scheme. MilliporeSigma offered exceptional cooperation to the prosecution team, including by proactively identifying and producing documents to the Department that established probable cause to search residences and electronic devices of culpable individuals. MilliporeSigma’s cooperation allowed investigators to quickly identify the individuals responsible for the scheme, including Yu, Muñoz and Thyng, and secure their felony guilty pleas.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge John Johnson for the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry Security (BIS) Miami Field Office and Colonel Kelly Frushour of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group.

The Defense Criminal Investigative Service, BIS and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Jason Washington (42, St. Petersburg) to 13 years and 1 month in federal prison for possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine with the intent to distribute it. Due to the amount of methamphetamine Washington possessed, he was subject to a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.

According to court documents, on April 13, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Washington’s residence. Inside the home, agents located more than 240 grams of methamphetamine, 225 grams of fentanyl, and 102 grams of cocaine. Agents also recovered more than $77,000 in cash and six firearms from inside the home.

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

This case was 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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on the following 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 Paul G. Byron has sentenced Sean White (46, Orlando) to five years and five months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. White pleaded guilty on April 10, 2024.

According to court documents, between January and March 2016, White and two affiliates—Jamie Fort and Sena Howell—executed a scheme to defraud several Orlando-area financial institutions. As part of the scheme, White and Fort obtained names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of identity theft victims. They then used these stolen identities to create counterfeit State of Florida driver licenses. White, Fort, and Howell then used the counterfeit driver licenses to obtain financing in victims’ names from federally insured banks. They purchased three luxury vehicles at Orlando-area car dealerships with this financing, including two Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a Cadillac Escalade. They then sold these vehicles for cash. 

White and his affiliates also used the counterfeit driver licenses to obtain credit and make fraudulent purchases in victims’ names at various retail stores in the Orlando area. Evidence located at White’s residence included stolen personal identifying information of a number of identity theft victims, as well as a book entitled “How to be Invisible.” White eluded arrest for several years after being charged. He was located in 2023 and arrested, at which time he was living under the alias of another identity theft victim.

Howell was sentenced in March 2017 to two years and three months’ imprisonment for her participation in the scheme to defraud. Fort was sentenced in October 2017 to five years and five months’ imprisonment for his involvement in the scheme. 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chauncey A. Bratt and Michael Sartoian.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Joshua Grant Cobb (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Cobb faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for October 23, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, on April 30, 2024, law enforcement received information from a confidential source that Cobb was distributing methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl out of his residence in Orlando. The confidential source arranged for a fentanyl deal to take place at Cobb’s home later that night. Law enforcement detained Cobb as he was leaving his apartment following the transaction. On his person, agents located a loaded handgun and 55 grams of a fentanyl mixture.

Law enforcement then executed a search warrant on Cobb’s residence, during which they located large quantities of drugs (including over 700 grams of pure methamphetamine and over 250 grams of fentanyl mixtures), six additional firearms, drug processing materials, and $4,000 in cash.

As part of the plea agreement, Cobb has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he possessed.

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

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 Paul G. Byron has sentenced William Fisher (60, Melbourne) to 3 years and 6 months in federal prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Fisher pleaded guilty on April 4, 2024.

According to court documents, Fisher, while aiding and abetting Tonie Marie Marriott, knowingly and with intent to defraud, used an unauthorized debit card in another person’s name to make purchases over $1,000 at various retail stores and elsewhere. Together, Fisher and Marriott also broke into United States post office boxes and stole mail throughout the Middle District of Florida.

Marriott was previously sentenced to 3 years in federal prison for her participation in the offenses.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

Ocala, FL – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Aaron Taylor Lemire (29, Lady Lake) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for possession of child sexual abuse material. Lemire entered a guilty plea on February 6, 2024.

According to court documents, after an undercover detective received child sexual abuse images from Lemire, agents executed a search warrant on Lemire’s residence and seized his electronic devices. A forensic review of those devices revealed more than 100 files of child sexual abuse material depicting the abuse of children as young as six years old.

This case was investigated by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Crockett.

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’ 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 Michael Wayne Burroughs (46, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. Burroughs faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, in 2022, federal agents began investigating Burroughs’s drug trafficking activity. Agents purchased pure methamphetamine from Burroughs at his residence in Jacksonville on three separate occasions using a confidential source. In 2023, agents identified one of Burroughs’s methamphetamine suppliers as Devan Hall. Between April and June 2023, agents observed Hall and Burroughs conduct multiple drug transactions in Jacksonville. In July 2023, agents arrested Burroughs and Hall on criminal complaints.

Hall pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. On January 8, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.

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 as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Aakash Singh.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber today sentenced Janet Pettyjohn (78, Spring Hill) to three years in federal prison and Shelly Gallagher (34, Brooksville) to six years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute drugs. As part of Pettyjohn’s sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $34,132, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Pettyjohn and Gallagher entered guilty pleas in May 2024.

According to court documents, Pettyjohn was an osteopathic physician licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida with a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration number to prescribe controlled substances. In July 2020, Florida’s Board of Osteopathic Medicine (BOM) restricted Pettyjohn from prescribing opioids due to complaints about the manner in which she prescribed controlled substances. After the BOM’s Final Order and the prescribing restriction took effect, Pettyjohn continued to prescribe opioids in violation of the Final Order. The BOM later lifted the prescribing restriction in March 2021.

Gallagher is Pettyjohn’s granddaughter and did not hold a medical license. Between March 2021 and February 2023, Gallagher sponsored patients at Pettyjohn’s clinic and ordered controlled substances for herself and others from Pettyjohn. Despite obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion, Pettyjohn knowingly and intentionally prescribed the controlled substances for Gallagher and others for no legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice, which Gallagher and others abused and diverted.

A search of Pettyjohn’s residence in February 2024 revealed $34,132 in U.S. currency in a safe, which were proceeds of her illegal prescribing. Pettyjohn relinquished her medical license and DEA registration in May 2024.      

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - Tampa District Office, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, and by the Opioid Fraud Abuse and Detection Unit at the United States Attorney’s Office, which focuses on opioid-related fraud and abuse by medical and health care professionals who have contributed to the prescription opioid epidemic. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Greg Pizzo.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced William Alfred Harris (62, Cape Canaveral) to five years in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Harris to forfeit the electronic device used in the commission of the offense and to pay a $250,000 fine and $22,000 in additional assessments. Harris entered a guilty plea on April 30, 2024.

According to court documents, in January 2023, the FBI identified Harris as being a recipient or downloader of child sex abuse material (CSAM) on a file-sharing platform. Agents downloaded multiple images and videos of CSAM from Harris’s internet protocol (IP) address. In May 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Harris’s residence and seized his laptop. A forensic examination of the computer revealed CSAM, three file wipers, and encryption software. In addition to the 21 images of CSAM recovered on the laptop, the forensic examination also uncovered a pattern of Harris downloading, viewing, and then deleting CSAM.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

This case was 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 victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Michael Angelo Tollen (75, Brevard County) to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for sexual abuse of a minor. In addition, Tollen will be required to register as a sex offender and comply with the provisions of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act upon his release from prison. Tollen entered a guilty plea on March 11, 2024.

According to court documents, Tollen, who resided on Patrick Air Force Base at the time of the offense, was arrested in October 2023 after his family discovered he had been sexually abusing the victim who suffered from developmental and cognitive impairment. Evidence presented at sentencing showed that Tollen had been sexually abusing the victim starting when the victim was about 13 years old and continuing for over a year. Tollen’s sentence was enhanced because the Court ruled that, due to the victim’s development and cognitive impairments, the victim was incapable of appraising the nature of the conduct against the victim. The Court also ruled that Tollen had attempted to obstruct justice by threatening to divorce his wife and cut off her access to his military benefits if she testified against him. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Jonathan Corbett Cosie (56, Chesterfield, Virginia) to two years in federal prison for introducing misbranded drugs into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. Cosie pleaded guilty on May 30, 2023.

According to court documents, from approximately 2017 through 2020, Cosie owned and operated HCGRX, a Florida corporation that he used to distribute misbranded drugs via the internet. Among others, Cosie distributed multiple varieties of injectable drugs containing human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved certain prescription drugs containing HCG for the treatment of female infertility and other medical conditions but has repeatedly warned consumers against the use of illicit products containing HCG for unapproved purposes such as weight loss. 

Cosie obtained his products containing HCG from companies in India, China, and elsewhere, which did not have the required approvals of the FDA for distribution in the United States. Cosie marketed the HCG products on his website explicitly for weight loss and made fraudulent claims to consumers that HCGRX could allow customers to avoid having to obtain a prescription to purchase the drugs and that it was cooperating with “international pharmacies” to ship out the products.  In reality, Cosie was obtaining the drugs from foreign and domestic suppliers, creating counterfeit labels and re-labeling the products at a residence in Jacksonville, and shipping the drugs along with syringes to customers directly. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Jacksonville residence and recovered numerous vials of products containing HCG, boxes of misbranded erectile dysfunction drugs, syringes, empty vials, product labels, and other items related to the HCGRX business.

Over the course of the scheme, Cosie obtained approximately $626,000 from the distribution of misbranded drugs.

This case was investigated by the FDA - Office of Criminal Investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office – Pharmaceutical Diversion & Designer Drug Unit – North Florida HIDTA, and the Virginia State Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jessie Thomas Taylor (42, Tampa) with sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Taylor advertised and transported a minor victim and caused the minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act.

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 Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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 Bryan Lyndell Chapman (26, Mississippi) has pleaded guilty to manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Chapman faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the counterfeiting charge, up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the firearm charge, and payment of restitution to the victims he defrauded. As part of the plea agreement, Chapman has agreed to forfeit a Bushmaster pistol, ammunition, and a printer, all traceable to his offenses. Chapman was arrested on February 26, 2024, and ordered detained. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 26, 2024.

According to court documents, in late 2023 into January 2024, Chapman traveled from Tennessee to Florida. During his trip, he manufactured counterfeit Federal Reserve notes and passed them at various businesses. On January 17, 2024, a member of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigated a vehicle occupied by Chapman. During the investigation, the CCSO located inside the vehicle a loaded firearm, ammunition, equipment for manufacturing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes, 78 counterfeit $20 bills, and 35 pages of incomplete counterfeit bills with only the front of a $20 bill printed on it. The CCSO subsequently determined that Chapman was out on bond for a felony firearm charge pending in Mississippi and had previously been convicted in Tennessee of felony aggravated assault. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office, and the United States Secret Service – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. 

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 District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Abraham Othman Yacoub (26, Lakeland) to three years and six months in federal prison for violating airport security requirements and attempted possession of a dangerous weapon on an aircraft. Yacoub entered a guilty plea on April 10, 2024.

According to the court records, on August 4, 2023, Yacoub arrived at Tampa International Airport to board a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada. Yacoub entered the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening line and placed his backpack, shoes, and other personal items into a TSA bin before proceeding through TSA screening.

The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority Rules and Regulations for Tampa International Airport state that “[n]o person except those persons authorized by law may carry a firearm or concealed weapon inside the passenger terminal and sterile areas of the airport…” Further, the airport has clearly posted no-firearms signs at the entry of every airport security line. 

TSA electronically screened Yacoub’s items with an x-ray machine and observed a firearm inside of Yacoub’s bag. While TSA agents were attempting to locate the bag containing the firearm, Yacoub took his bag from the conveyor belt and proceeded to the nearest men’s restroom. Once in the restroom, Yacoub removed the firearm from his backpack, wrapped it in toilet paper, and hid it in a trashcan.

 A short time later, Yacoub exited the men’s restroom and returned to the TSA screening area, still holding his backpack, where he was met by a TSA agent. TSA agents rescreened Yacoub’s backpack and questioned Yacoub who lied to TSA agents and told them that he had not brought a firearm into the airport. The airport terminal had to be evacuated of passengers and numerous flights were delayed.

The Tampa Airport Police Department (TPA PD) responded to the screening area, questioned Yacoub, and searched the men’s restroom that Yacoub had entered. Inside a trashcan in the bathroom, TSA and TPA PD officers located a black firearm partially wrapped in toilet paper with 14 nine-millimeter rounds of ammunition inside of a magazine loaded into the gun.

Yacoub agreed to forfeit the Glock 19 and assorted ammunition, seized on August 4, 2023, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense.

This is Yacoub’s second time bringing a firearm into a Florida airport. In late 2020, Yacoub brought a firearm into the TSA secured area of an airport in Miami-Dade County. Yacoub pleaded guilty on August 19, 2021, to carrying a concealed firearm for that offense.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Tampa International Airport Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an eleven-count indictment charging Joshua Keith Davis (52, Jacksonville) with producing, distributing, and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Davis faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison, for each production offense (5 counts), a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years’ imprisonment, for each distribution offense (5 counts), and up to 20 years in prison for the possession offense (1 count).

According to court documents, between 2011 and 2013 Davis produced CSAM and later distributed the material. Davis was also found in possession of CSAM in 2022. He is currently detained pending the resolution of his ongoing state and federal criminal charges.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis has sentenced Aaron Zahn (44, formerly of Jacksonville Beach) to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to steal and embezzle City of Jacksonville municipal funds and for wire fraud. Zahn was found guilty after a four-week jury trial on March 14, 2024.

According to court documents and evidence admitted at trial, Zahn became the interim CEO of the Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA) in April 2018, then the permanent CEO in November 2018. During his tenure as CEO, Zahn led a process to convince the JEA Board of Directors that if JEA did not privatize or recapitalize, the historically successful municipal utility (in operation since 1895) faced daunting headwinds that it would not overcome over the ensuing decade, such that considering privatization through a statutorily required process known as an Invitation To Negotiate (ITN) was the only viable path forward. During that process in the summer of 2019, Zahn developed a bonus plan known as the Performance Unit Plan (PUP) that appeared to pay reasonable bonuses to PUP unit holders if JEA hit certain performance metrics. In reality, the PUP had hidden aspects designed to pay Zahn and other JEA executives lavish bonuses based on a calculation tethered to a sale of the municipal utility.

Trial evidence showed that the 100,000 PUP units were designed to increase in value from $10 to upwards of $11,500, for a potential bonus pool of $315,000,000, which would have been funded from the sale or privatization of JEA. Zahn expected to personally benefit from the PUP if JEA was sold in the amount of approximately $40 million, and Zahn expected other high level JEA executives to make approximately $10 million. The PUP was a made-up stock tethered to a public entity (JEA) that had no concept of equity. The formula was engineered to lead to the certainty of large payouts of money if JEA was sold pursuant to minimum requirements for recapitalization that Zahn created.

On November 18, 2019, after studying the PUP and asking numerous questions of Zahn and others, the City of Jacksonville Council Auditor issued a memorandum to the Members of the Jacksonville City Council that exposed the true nature of the PUP, based on potential net proceeds to the City of Jacksonville upon a sale of JEA in the amounts of $3 billion to $5 billion. After the Council Auditor revealed the intention to steal and embezzle funds from the sale of JEA, the ITN process was cancelled, and Zahn was terminated from his CEO position.

“Fraud and corruption pose a fundamental threat to our national security and our way of life, and the FBI will not tolerate those who seek to deceive American citizens. As a taxpayer, you are entitled to decisions based on the public's best interest, and we take very seriously our responsibility to investigate and aggressively pursue individuals who attempt to defraud publicly funded institutions in a selfish effort to line their own pockets,” said Special Agent in Charge Kristin Rehler of the FBI Jacksonville Field Office. “FBI Jacksonville is committed to ensuring that anyone who violates the public's trust is held accountable to the fullest extent possible.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators from the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit assigned to the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys A. Tysen Duva and Chip Corsmeier.

Note: View the indictment here.

Tampa, FL – Jordan Guy MacDonald Goudreau, 48, of Melbourne, Florida, and Yacsy Alexandra Alvarez, 43, of Tampa, Florida, were arrested yesterday pursuant to a now-unsealed indictment charging them with conspiracy to violate export laws, smuggling goods from the United States, violating the Arms Export Control Act, and violating the Export Control Reform Act. The indictment also charges Goudreau with violating the National Firearms Act and unlawful possession of machineguns.

According to court documents, beginning in November 2019, Goudreau, Alvarez and others conspired to export AR-type firearms, night vision devices, laser sights and other equipment from the United States to Colombia, without obtaining the required export licenses. These unlicensed exports were undertaken to carry out activities in Venezuela. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Goudreau, Alvarez and their co-conspirators procured firearms and military-related equipment through Goudreau’s Melbourne-based company, Silvercorp, and exported those items to Colombia, where some of the items were seized by the Colombia National Police. The indictment further alleges that Goudreau unlawfully possessed machineguns and unregistered silencers.

If convicted, Goudreau and Alvarez face the following maximum penalties: five years in prison for conspiracy, 10 years in prison for smuggling, 20 years in prison for violations of export control laws, and 10 years in prison for each violation of the National Firearms Act and unlawful possession of a machinegun. The indictment also notifies Goudreau and Alvarez that the United States intends to forfeit firearms and other military equipment, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Risha Asokan and Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Jordan Guy MacDonald Goudreau, 48, of Melbourne, Florida, and Yacsy Alexandra Alvarez, 43, of Tampa, Florida, were arrested yesterday pursuant to a now-unsealed indictment charging them with conspiracy to violate export laws, smuggling goods from the United States, violating the Arms Export Control Act, and violating the Export Control Reform Act. The indictment also charges Goudreau with violating the National Firearms Act and unlawful possession of machineguns.

According to court documents, beginning in November 2019, Goudreau, Alvarez and others conspired to export AR-type firearms, night vision devices, laser sights and other equipment from the United States to Colombia, without obtaining the required export licenses. These unlicensed exports were undertaken to carry out activities in Venezuela. In furtherance of the conspiracy, Goudreau, Alvarez and their co-conspirators procured firearms and military-related equipment through Goudreau’s Melbourne-based company, Silvercorp, and exported those items to Colombia, where some of the items were seized by the Colombia National Police. The indictment further alleges that Goudreau unlawfully possessed machineguns and unregistered silencers.

If convicted, Goudreau and Alvarez face the following maximum penalties: five years in prison for conspiracy, 10 years in prison for smuggling, 20 years in prison for violations of export control laws, and 10 years in prison for each violation of the National Firearms Act and unlawful possession of a machinegun. The indictment also notifies Goudreau and Alvarez that the United States intends to forfeit firearms and other military equipment, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

The FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security are investigating the case, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Risha Asokan and Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Menno Goedman and Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indictment

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging David Ingram (72, Sanford) with four counts of making false declarations on bankruptcy forms and one count of making a false oath or account during a bankruptcy proceeding. If convicted on all counts, Ingram faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, in January 2023, Ingram executed and caused to be filed two separate Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions and associated schedules under criminal penalty on behalf of two companies he controlled: (1) Altosgroups Florida, LLC (Altos-FL); and Altosgroups North Carolina, LLC (Altos-NC) with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. In each bankruptcy case, Ingram made materially false declarations under penalty of perjury on the Schedules of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Financial Affairs that Altos FL and Altos-NC held approximately $4.6 million of assets held on behalf of creditors in an Altos-FL corporate bank account he controlled. Ingram knew at the time he made the declarations that he had transferred over $3 million of creditor assets Altos-FL was holding out of the Altos-FL bank account in November 2019.

Additionally, Ingram falsely testified under oath at a Section 341 meeting of creditors that the Altos-FL and Altos-NC Schedules of Assets and Liabilities and Statements of Financial Affairs were true and correct.

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. The Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida provided substantial investigative assistance. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jatarius Nyquan Horne (27, Deltona) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Horne faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on July 3, 2022, officers with the Orlando Police Department stopped a vehicle on West Central Boulevard, in Orlando, after they observed the vehicle bearing two different license plates from two separate states. When they approached the vehicle, officers observed marijuana in plain view. Officers removed the vehicle’s occupants, including Horne, who had a loaded 9mm handgun in his waistband. Horne had been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including fleeing to elude and burglary. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Orlando Police Department. 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.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Tramon Jamal Stewart (23, Orlando) to seven years and three months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Stewart to forfeit a Glock 34 9mm pistol, which was involved in his offense. Stewart entered a guilty plea on April 4, 2024.

According to court documents, on September 27, 2023, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Gang Enforcement Unit located Stewart to serve a felony arrest warrant. As law enforcement officers approached Stewart, a multi-convicted felon, he fled, jumped a nearby fence, and fell to the ground where he was apprehended. Officers searched Stewart and found a handgun loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and 1 round in the chamber. The handgun had been stolen out of Suwannee County, Florida, and casings from the handgun matched casings from an Orlando shooting in 2023.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Nate.

This case was 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 of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on the following 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 Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Nicanor Daniel Sanchez (32, Lehigh Acres) to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. The court also ordered Sanchez to forfeit a cellphone, which was used to commit the offense. Sanchez entered a guilty plea on January 9, 2024.

According to court documents, Sanchez had online conversations with an undercover law enforcement officer in which Sanchez expressed his desire to sexually abuse a female child. During those conversations, Sanchez described how he wanted to abuse the child and sent several videos of child sexual abuse material to the undercover officer. One of the videos depicted a young girl being sexually abused. Sanchez agreed to meet for purposes of sex and was arrested.

A search of Sanchez’s cellphone revealed additional child sexual abuse material, including photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ross Roberts and Abigail K. King.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Jeffrey John Borho (38, Bradenton) with extortion by interstate communication and interstate communication of a threat to injure. Borho was arrested on July 19, 2024, and has been ordered detained pending trial.

According to court documents, Borho was fired from his employer on July 1, 2024. Over the next several days, he sent threatening phone calls and messages to his former employer in which he threatened to kill his former employer and former employer’s wife if he did not give Borho $10,000; $20,000; and then $100,000. Borho also sent videos of himself threatening to harm his former employer, stating things like, “I’ll kill you easily” and “I don’t sue people, I kill people. And I get away with it every f***ing time. Praise God, you’re on my time now.”

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kevin Patrick Wilson (39, Ponte Vedra) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempted enticement and coercion of a minor. If convicted, Wilson faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Wilson was arrested on July 24, 2025, and ordered detained pending trial.

According to court documents, on July 20, 2024, a social media user posted a public message in a Facebook group seeking a tutor for a child. On the day of the post, an individual, posing as a woman, but later identified as Wilson, reached out and directed the poster to contact her “husband,” Wilson, by text message. The poster contacted Wilson and had a short text conversation. The poster said she was seeking tutoring assistance for an 11-year-old child. Wilson sent a photo of himself and asked for a photo of the child. The text conversation ended shortly thereafter.  The poster later contacted the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office about the interaction.

On July 24, 2024, an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 12-year-old female “child” reached out to Wilson about tutoring services for the “child.”  After the undercover detective initiated the conversation, Wilson began discussing sexual topics involving the “child” and meeting the “child” to perform sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson also spoke to undercover detectives portraying the 12-year-old female child via phone and text message. Wilson and the undercover detective portraying the guardian of the “child” ultimately agreed to meet at a predetermined location during the evening of July 24, 2024, for Wilson to engage in sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson traveled to the predetermined meeting location that evening and was arrested.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has violated federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Luis Miguel Plaza (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distributing and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Plaza faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration used an undercover agent and confidential informants to conduct multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from Plaza. During two controlled purchases in August 2023 and January 2024, Plaza sold the undercover agent and a confidential informant a total of over 1,100 pills weighing approximately 115 grams and containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, an analogue of fentanyl. In February 2024, a confidential informant arranged for another fentanyl transaction with Plaza. At the time of his arrest, Plaza was in possession of over 7,000 pills weighing approximately 750 grams and containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, which he intended to sell to the confidential informant.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Christopher Switlyk (45, Orlando) on an indictment charging him with four counts of removal of property to prevent government seizure. If convicted, Switlyk faces up to five years in federal prison on each count.

According to the indictment, Switlyk, before, during, or after the seizure of property by investigators of the United States Marshals Service, persons authorized to make such seizure, knowingly disposed of and transferred three real properties and a vehicle, for the purpose of preventing and impairing the government’s lawful authority to take said property into its custody and control.

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 United States Marshals Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.

Download Indictment

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Caleb Robert Wien (22, North Fort Myers) to six years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. He was also sentenced to a 20-year term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Wien pleaded guilty on January 24, 2024.

According to court documents, from May 16, 2023, through September 7, 2023, Wien possessed and accessed with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that he sought out and collected through the use of social media apps.

Beginning in May 2023, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received three cybertips from an electronic service provider reporting that Wien was involved in the possession of child sexual abuse material. 

On September 7, 2023, the FBI executed a search warrant at Wien’s residence and seized Wien’s cellphone. During an interview with agents, Wien stated that he had been viewing CSAM for two years and admitted to using two social media apps to view and save CSAM. Wien admitted to saving CSAM to a secured folder on his cell phone and provided the passcode for the secured folder. Wien further admitted to using three email addresses to log into the different platforms to search for CSAM. A subsequent forensic examination of Wien’s cell phone revealed images and videos of CSAM.

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.

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.