Middle District of Florida

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the results of the third quarter of fiscal year 2024 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) strategy. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, ending on June 30, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida indicted 61 defendants. These individuals face federal firearms, narcotics, and violent crime charges. Law enforcement seized approximately 79 firearms associated with these defendants. (See chart for case details)

The U.S. Attorney’s Office also engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at violent crime prevention throughout the year. Members of the Office spoke with hundreds of middle and high school students during the third quarter of 2024 during different presentations and programs. Prosecutors spoke to more than 100 inmates at re-entry events at Lawtey Correctional Institute and Baker Re-Entry Center, two state prison facilities in the Middle District. Prosecutors also spoke to recently released inmates at the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office DISMAS program at the Jacksonville Bridge Community Release Center. 

“Our office is committed to reducing violent crime throughout the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners and community stakeholders as part of our joint effort to make our communities safer.”

PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. This evidence-based program has proven to be effective at reducing violent crime by engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders working together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in communities and developing comprehensive solutions that reduce crime. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based re-entry programs to reduce recidivism.

Q3 PSN case highlights:

United States v. Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. (Ft. Myers)

In April 2024, Grant Elmore Davis, Jr. was sentenced to life plus 25 years in federal prison for armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Davis, Jr. entered a bank in Fort Myers on October 31, 2023, and discharged a firearm while making verbal demands for money from a teller. After obtaining money from the teller, Davis, Jr. fled the bank but was subsequently apprehended by law enforcement. Davis, Jr. had a prior federal bank robbery conviction in November 2001. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

United States v. Jose Dominguez (Jacksonville)

In June 2024, Jose Dominguez was charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Dominguez completed the required ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Dominguez indicated on the paperwork that he had not been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence and that he had not been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year of imprisonment. According to court records, Dominguez was previously convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery and three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment, including grand theft and two drug offenses. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

United States v. William Scott Fogg (Ocala)

In May 2024, William Scott Fogg pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Fogg, a four-time convicted felon in the state system, faces up to 15 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in August 2024. According to court documents, on August 28, 2023, Fogg entered a vehicle driven by a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. Fogg reached into the vehicle’s center console, removed a pistol, and loaded a round of ammunition. He placed the pistol to his temple, telling the woman that he was “pushed to the edge.” Fogg then threatened to shoot himself, the woman, and her two children, both of whom were in the vehicle. Responding Lake County deputies arrested Fogg and recovered the loaded firearm. This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 

United States v. Jordanish Torres Garcia, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, Giovany Crespo Hernandez and Dereck Rodriguez Bonilla (Orlando)

In June 2024, Jordanish Torres Garcia, Kevin Ocasio Justiniano, Giovany Crespo Hernandez, and Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla were each charged with carjacking resulting in death, kidnapping resulting in death, and use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing the death of K.A. According to the indictment, the charged individuals aided and abetted each other and others to carjack and kidnap K.A, resulting in the death of K.A. If convicted, each faces a minimum mandatory of life imprisonment or the death penalty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the St. Cloud Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the United States Marshal Service.

United States v. Antonio McCray (Tampa)

On June 20, 2024, Antonio McCray was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison—the maximum sentence allowed by law—for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense. According to court records, McCray was a member of the “2x” gang in Hernando County. In September and October 2022, McCray planned to carry out a murder against a rival gang member. On at least two occasions, McCray and his fellow gang members went to a residence in Hernando County, ultimately surrounding the house and shooting the windows, front door, and back sliding door. Two minor children were present at the time of the shooting, and bullets came through the window of a 9-year-old girl’s room. In October 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. McCray was seated in the backseat of the car, and in possession of a Hellcat Pistol. McCray’s DNA was found on the firearm, and FDLE revealed a correlation between the firearm and shell casings recovered from one of the shootings. At the time, McCray had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore was prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This was investigated by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

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

These cases are being prosecuted by the Assistant United States Attorneys in all five divisions throughout the Middle District of Florida. For additional information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit our website: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/project-safe-neighborhoods-0.  

Charged Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

3rd Quarter

Marquis Kitchen

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Andrew Hines

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Timothy Barrett, Jr.

Possession with intent to distribute marijuana

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

 

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Sammie Ray Sewell, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Vincent Wardlow

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Pat Darcey, Simon Eth, and Mark Morgan.

Jacksonville Division

3rd Quarter

Jose Dominguez

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

D’Eante Corker

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Desmend Williams Cunningham

Selling a firearm to a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Jackson Richard Perint

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Jonathan Scott Thompson

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Juan Pablo Trejo-Gonzalez

Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Anthony Rodiguez, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Brian O’Neil Ford

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Christopher John Murchinson

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Christopher O’Neal Houser

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Dedric Dwayne Rivers

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Earl Clarence Grant, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Loranzia Outin III

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Mack Daniel Mims, III

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison

(4)

Matthew Reid Davisson

Unlawful possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

Possession of an unregistered silencer and unregistered destructive devices

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison

(8)

Patrick Wayne McGregor

Possession of unregistered firearms

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Terrich Sentell Buckholtz

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Todd Wade Powers

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

(2)

Trevor Brian Perry

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Vance Perry

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Derrick Tisdale

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Elisibeth Adams, John Cannizzaro, Brenna Falzetta, Kevin Frein, Rachel Lasry, Chip Corsmeier, Kirwinn Mike, Laura Taylor, Kelly Milliron, David Mesrobian, and Frank Talbot.

Ocala Division

3rd Quarter

James J. Vega, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Timothy Lee King

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Juan Dionicio Romero-Mendez

Possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully in the United States

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Lewis Tinson, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(3)

Anthony Donnell Pew

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Andre Jones

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Joshua Walter Fries

Possession of an unregistered silencer

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

Possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(3)

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, Sarah Swartzberg, and Belkis Crockett.

Tampa Division

3rd Quarter

Alfredo Davila, Jr.

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(0)

Robert Pugh

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leon Williams

 

Possession of firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

 

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

(2)

Alex Jones

 

Jhakheem Smith

Hobbs Act robbery

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

 

Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.

(0)

Phillip Michael Valeriani

Smuggling machinegun conversion devices into the United States

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon

 

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

 

Possession of unregistered machineguns and a silencer

 

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(0)

Jermonte Jerome Thornton

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a minimum mandatory of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

(1)

Terry McDonald, Jr.

Possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison. Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

(1)

Elijah Kevon Gay

Possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Cornelius Mack

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

Possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison. Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison.

(3)

Shmar Armeze Gentle

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Wayne Lamar Davis

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

(1)

Darrel V. Edwards

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of 15 years under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

(1)

Calvin Maurice Richardson

Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years, up to life in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

Maximum penalty:15 years in federal prison.

(2)

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Jeff Chang, Samantha Newman, David Sullivan, Michael Kenneth, and SAUSA Ashley Haynes.

Orlando Division

3rd Quarter

Marlon Leodre Lockhart

Hobbs Act robbery, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence

Minimum mandatory penalty of 28 years, up to life in federal prison.

(1)

George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and the seizure of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, pressed pills, firearms, and drug proceeds

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.

(4)

Jordonish Garcia Torres

Carjacking resulting in death

Maximum penalty: death penalty or life in federal prison.

(0)

Tyrone Jose Beltran Lugo

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison.

(0)

Rovonte Lamar Daniels

 

Frederick Lee Brown

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon,

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Lee Ann Roberts

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of unregistered machineguns and silencers

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and up to 10 years in federal prison for procession of unregistered machineguns and silencers.

(3)

Joshua Grant Cobb

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.

(7)

Giovany Joel Crespo Hernandez

 

 

Monicasabel Romero Soto

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

Use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking

Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison.

(2)

Jordanish Torres Garcia

 

Kevin Ocasio Justiniano

 

Giovany Crespo Hernandez

 

Dereck Alexis Rodriguez Bonilla

Carjacking resulting in death

Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.

Kidnapping resulting in death

Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.

Use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death

Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.

Use of firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence causing death

Minimum mandatory penalty of life in federal prison or the death penalty.

(0)

Nijah Mitchell

 

Dany Telfort

 

 

Hobbs Act robberies (4 counts)

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count.

Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence during the commission of the robbery (Mitchell 4 counts, Telfort 2 counts)

Maximum penalty: life in federal prison per count.

(2)

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Lyons, Dana E. Hill, Stephanie McNeff, Michael P. Felicetta, Noah P. Dorman, Richard Varadan, and Megan Testerman.

Adjudicated Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Minimum/Maximum Terms of Imprisonment

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

3rd Quarter

James Michael O’Brien

Theft of a firearm from a firearms dealer

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Javier Velasquez, Jr.

Distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a machine gun, carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime

Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years up to life in federal prison.

(5)

Angel Gabriel Hernandez

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Stephon Jamal Dale

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison

(1)

Roberney Julien

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to life in prison.

(1)

Richardson Bien Aime

Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine

Maximum penalty: 40 years in federal prison.

Possession of firearms by a convicted felon

Mandatory minimum: 15 years up to life in federal prison.

(2)

Mark Anthony Taylor, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(0)

Caleb Frank Hamm

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison. 

(0)

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Michael Leeman, and Simon Eth.

Jacksonville Division

3rd Quarter

Jason Harris

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Allen Tereal Grimes

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(0)

Scott Randall Chance, Jr.

Dealing firearms without a license and knowingly possessing a machine gun

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(8)

Peter Alexander Lawrence

Making false statements and representation to a federally licensed firearms dealer

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Donald Plemmons

Making a false statement and representation to a federally licensed firearms dealer

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Jamie Thompson

Making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Trillian Mitchell

Unlawful possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Sedrick Williams, Jr.

Possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine

Minimum mandatory penalty: 5 years, up to 40 years in federal prison.

(1)

David Wayne Riddle, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Delonte Antonio Martin

Hobbs Act robbery

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison

Brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence

Minimum mandatory penalty: 7 years up to life in federal prison.

(1)

Mar’Kesie Williams

Possession of a machine gun

Maximum penalty:  10 years in federal prison.

(1)

James Clinton Gilmore, Jr.

Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine

Mandatory minimum penalty: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.

(5)

Kameron Lee Ingram

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Matthew Junior Rice

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Ralph Eric Lanham

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

William Earl Union, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSAs Frank Talbot, Kevin C. Frein, Aakash Singh, Brenna Falzetta, Kirwinn Mike, John Cannizzaro, Michael Coolican, and Elisibeth Adams.

Ocala Division

 

                   3rd Quarter

 

Frank Thomas Diviak

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Jerome Junior Swopshire

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Michael Andrew Zallen

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon.

Maximum penalty: up to 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

William Scott Fogg

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Jordan Karod Goodman

Possession of a firearm by a

convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Robert Edward Smith

Possession of an unregistered NFA weapon

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

(3)

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk, Sarah Swartzberg, William S. Hamilton, and Belkis Crockett. 

Tampa Division

3rd Quarter

Gabriel Gladman

Making false statement to a federally licensed dealer to acquire a firearm

Maximum penalty: 10 years in federal prison.

Unlawfully transferring a handgun to a juvenile

Maximum penalty: 1 year in federal prison.

(0)

Cleveland Sanders

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(0)

Johnny Flores

 Hobbs Act robbery (3 counts)

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count.

(0)

Richard Allen Randolph

Hobbs Act robberies (3 counts) Attempted robbery

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison per count. 

Brandishing a firearm (3 counts)

Discharging a firearm during the commission of the robberies

Maximum penalty: 25 years in federal prison per count.

(0)

Xavier Camacho

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Enock Edouard

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Leoon Ricky Davis

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Lennard Rashard Monroe

 

Possession with the intent to distribute cocaine

Mandatory minimum: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.

Possession of a firearm as a convicted felon

Maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

Possession with intent to distribute cocaine

Maximum penalty: 20 years in federal prison.

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine

Mandatory minimum: 5 years up to 40 years in federal prison.

(4)

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Maria Guzman, Brooke Padgett, David W.A. Chee, Michael Kenneth, and David P. Sullivan.

Orlando Division

3rd Quarter

Jamal Joseph Mala Leonardo

Possession or transfer of a machinegun and dealing in firearms without of license

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Reginald Dugger, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(2)

Brandon Eugene Brooke

Dealing in firearms without a license

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(1)

Shawndell Johnson

Distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Mandatory minimum penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.

(2)

Dana Hunter Calley

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of unregistered silencers.

Maximum penalty: 35 years in federal prison.

(1)

Chad Earl Cotsamire

Conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce

Maximum penalty: 5 years in federal prison.

(0)

Edward Charlesalton Chappell

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

(2)

George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis

Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of that conduct

Minimum mandatory penalty: 15 years, up to life in federal prison.

(4)

Luis Rosado

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(3)

Benjamin Garmon, Jr.

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Dominick Yvon Louissaint

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Maximum penalty: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Michael Felicetta, Noah P. Dorman, Megan Testerman, Diana Hu, Dana E. Hill, Michael Sartoian, Kara Wick, Richard Varadan, and SAUSA Matthew Del Mastro.

 

Sentenced Cases

Defendant(s)

 

Charges

Sentence Imposed

Firearms Seized

Fort Myers Division

3rd Quarter

Grant Elmore Davis, Jr.

Armed bank robbery, discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: Life plus 25 years in federal prison.

(1)

Marvin Harris, Jr. a/k/a “Mesh”

 

 

Conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire and murder for hire

Sentence imposed: 45 years in federal prison.

(2)

Jonnetric Devontae Ivey

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 1 year, 9 months in federal prison.

(1)

Ernest Jeshad Foster

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

(1)

Jddarrian Christopher Irons

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 10 months in federal prison.

(1)

Willie Hunter, Jr.

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.

(1)

Coroy Dontavia Flournoy

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 5 months in federal prison.

(1)

These PSN cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Mark Morgan, Michael Leeman, and Simon Eth.

Jacksonville Division

3rd Quarter

Paul Steven Hulbert

Unlawful possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act firearm (sawed-off shotgun).

Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.

(1)

Antonio Jose Melean Reyes

 

Gabriel Daniel Pinnace

Smuggling firearms outside of the United States

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

Smuggling firearms outside of the United States

Sentence imposed: 6 years in federal prison.

(3)

Leonel Bautista Solis

Distribution of fentanyl

Sentence imposed: 7 years, 8 months in federal prison.

(0)

Tomas Oliver Morrison

Making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm

Sentence imposed: 1 year, 9 months in federal prison.

(0)

Sule Pedro

Distribution of methamphetamine

Sentence imposed:  8 years, 3 months in federal prison.

(2)

Andre Lee Long

Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

(1)

Diandre Murel

Conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Sentence imposed: 5 years in federal prison.

(3)

Annette Elaine Jones

Conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

(2)

These PSN cases from the Jacksonville Division were handled by AUSAs Kevin C. Frein, Aakash Singh, John Cannizzaro, David Mesrobian, Kirwinn Mike, and Frank Talbot.

Ocala Division

3rd Quarter

Tyran Terrell Harris

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 2 years in federal prison.

(1)

Michael Latrelle Simpson

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison.

(1)

These PSN cases from the Ocala Division were handled by AUSAs Hannah Nowalk and Sarah Swartzberg.

Orlando Division

3rd Quarter

Robert Lee Pringle

Possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

(2)

Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr.

Failing to record required information about firearms purchases

Sentence imposed: 3 years in federal prison.

(0)

Christie Fier Williams

Smuggling firearms internationally

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison.

(18)

These PSN cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs Megan Testerman, Dana E. Hill, and Noah P. Dorman.

Tampa Division

3rd Quarter

Donald Robert Smith

Hobbs Act robberies, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to one of the robberies, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to another of the robberies

Sentence imposed: 24 years in federal prison.

(1)

Aaron Diggs

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 2 years, 6 months in federal prison.

(1)

Rodney Jones

Carjacking and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

Sentence imposed: 21 years,10 months in federal prison.

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Oscar Freemond Fowler, III

Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 12 years, 6 months in federal prison.

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James Battle, Jr.

Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery

Sentence imposed: 10 years in federal prison.

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Darius Hudson

Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, three Hobbs Act robberies, and brandishing and discharging a firearm during the commission of those robberies

Sentence imposed: 39 years, 2 months in federal prison.

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Christian Perez-Seda

Distribution and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine

Sentence imposed: 24 years, 4 months in federal prison.

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Avery Jones-Neal

Distribution of cocaine

Sentence imposed: 12 years, 7 months in federal prison.

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Gerard Eric Beasley

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 4 years, 9 months in federal prison.

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Elias Xavier Rosario Torres

 

 

Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela

 

 

 

 

Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 38 years in federal prison.

Possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Sentence imposed:  35 years in federal prison.

(1)

Antonio McCray

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Sentence imposed: 15 years in federal prison.

(1)

Aaron Diggs (25)

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentence imposed: 2 years, 6 months in federal prison.

(0)

These PSN cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Samantha Newman, Maria Guzman, Christopher Murray, David P. Sullivan, Michael R. Kenneth, Diego F. Novaes, Charlie Connally, David W.A. Chee, Shauna Hale, Maria Guzman, Jeff Chang, James C. Preston, Jr., and Samantha E. Beckman.

Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Frank Thomas Diviak (24, Altoona) to five years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, and stealing a firearm from a federal firearms licensee (FFL). Diviak entered a guilty plea in April 2024.

According to the court records, Diviak was previously convicted of three state felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement. On December 4, 2023, Diviak entered a Lake County pawn shop, took a revolver from a display, and put it in his pocket. He then fled from the store on his bicycle, but he was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. As Diviak raised his hands to surrender to the officers, the stolen revolver fell out of his clothing. As a convicted felon, Diviak is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Eustis Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Peter Alexander Lawrence (42, Jacksonville) to 18 months in federal prison for making false statements and representations to a federally licensed firearms dealer.  Lawrence entered a guilty plea on April 23, 2024.

According to court documents, in March 2023, Lawrence completed an ATF Form 4473 while attempting to purchase a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. On the form, Lawrence indicated that he had not been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, and that he had never been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Both statements were false. Specifically, in 2008, Lawrence was convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for various firearms offenses, and in 2018, he was convicted of misdemeanor domestic battery.

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Daniel Diaz Garcia (34, Jacksonville) with credit card fraud and theft of mail. If convicted, Diaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the credit card fraud charge, up to 5 years in prison on the theft of mail charge, and payment of restitution to the victims in the case. Diaz was arrested on July 29, 2024, by the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. This case is set for the September 2024 trial calendar.

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 United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Kristian Ramos (44, Kissimmee) to six years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The court also ordered Ramos to forfeit a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun, which was involved in the offense. Ramos entered a guilty plea on February 27, 2024.

According to court documents, on May 23, 2023, Ramos possessed a Beretta Nano 9mm handgun. At the time of the offense, Ramos had prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance, and robbery.  As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

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 launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that JD Irons, Jr. (37, Fort Myers) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Because of Irons’s criminal history—which includes at least three convictions for serious drug crimes—he faces a minimum mandatory term 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has been set for October 28, 2024.

According to court records, on December 8, 2023, Irons fled from officers with the Fort Myers Police Department who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front-seat passenger. Irons was subsequently found hiding in a nearby apartment. Concealed in the glovebox of the vehicle from which Irons fled, officers found a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm handgun. Irons was later forensically linked to the firearm through DNA testing. As a convicted felon who previously served time in prison, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. As a result of his criminal record, which includes multiple prison sentences for serious drug crimes involving cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, Irons faces enhanced sentencing for unlawfully possessing a firearm under the Armed Career Criminal Act.       

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

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

Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Marcelo Manuel Maysonet (24, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession of unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapons, more specifically, a machinegun and 15 machinegun conversion devices. Maysonet faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a search warrant at Maysonet’s residence, where they discovered 15 machinegun conversion devices and a 5.56 caliber AR-style pistol with a machinegun conversion device installed. A machinegun conversion device is an illegal conversion device that converts a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic weapon. Under the National Firearms Act, a machinegun conversion device is classified as a machinegun. None of these items were registered to Maysonet in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, as required under federal law.

As part of the plea agreement, the defendant agreed to forfeit the firearm containing the machinegun conversion device and the 15 additional machine gun conversion devices.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Robert Pugh (33, Clearwater), and Leon Williams (35, Clearwater), have pleaded guilty to an indictment charging Pugh with possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, and Williams with possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Pugh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. Williams faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life imprisonment, under the Armed Career Criminal Act.

According to court records, on or about January 3, 2024, a search warrant was executed at a residence located in Clearwater, Florida. Both Pugh and Williams lived at the residence. During the search, a loaded handgun was located in Pugh’s bedroom, and live rounds of ammunition were located Williams’ bedroom. An additional loaded handgun was located in the shared living room. Interviews were conducted with both defendants. Pugh admitted to ownership of the handgun in his bedroom and having access to the handgun in the living room, and Williams admitted to ownership of the ammunition in his bedroom. DNA evidence was later obtained connecting Pugh to the handgun in his bedroom and Williams to the handgun in the living room.

Both defendants are convicted felons and prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Prior to the offense, Pugh had been convicted of multiple felonies including felonious possession of firearm or ammunition, aggravated battery, and the sale of cocaine. Williams had been convicted of multiple felonies, including multiple counts of selling cocaine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Yessen Vasquez Tolentino (37, Apopka) has pleaded guilty to one count of smuggling goods from the United States. Vasquez Tolentino faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Vasquez Tolentino arranged for a freight forwarding company to pick up a refrigerator that he knew contained multiple firearms, firearms parts, and rounds of ammunition concealed inside the refrigerator’s main door and freezer door, and to ship the refrigerator to the Dominican Republic. 

The defendant agreed to forfeit the 17 firearms, 33 firearms parts, and over 140 rounds of ammunition that were found inside the refrigerator.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane Hu.

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 results of a multi-year cooperative effort by federal law enforcement to prosecute criminal offenses originating from the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County, Florida. Since 2021, the Ocala Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office has prosecuted a wide range of criminal charges from the prison. These crimes include first/second degree murder; assault with the intent to commit murder; forcible assault on corrections staff; possession of controlled substances with the intent to distribute; sexual assault of an inmate by staff; possession of contraband; receipt of a bribe by a public official; and deprivation of civil rights under the color of law.

The efforts by federal law enforcement recently culminated in a March 2024 operation at the prison that resulted in the recovery of contraband (cellphones, homemade weapons, and controlled substances). At least two inmates and a visitor to the facility have been charged as a result of that operation.

Among the individuals prosecuted for offenses at the prison since 2021 are the following:

David Lee Bishop, an inmate, was sentenced to life in prison on May 23, 2024, for second-degree murder. According to court documents, on February 3, 2019, Bishop strangled his cellmate to death using a torn bedsheet. When correctional officers discovered his cellmate’s body, Bishop immediately admitted to the murder. At the time of the offense, Bishop was serving another life sentence for murder.

Fiona Eyana Palmer, a former correctional officer, was sentenced on July 24, 2023, to 15 months in federal prison for sexual abuse of an inmate. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Palmer engaged in sexual acts with an inmate at the prison between January 2018 and March 2019. In recorded phone calls, Palmer discussed the sexual acts and offered to send money to one of the inmate’s relatives. She also directed the inmate to lie to federal investigators about their relationship.

John Jones, an inmate, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on January 11, 2023, for assaulting a federal correctional officer with a deadly weapon and possessing contraband in a federal penitentiary. According to court documents, Jones was serving a life sentence for two first-degree murder convictions when he stabbed his cellmate using a six-and-a-half-inch bladed weapon. When a correctional officer responded to the attack, Jones lunged at the officer multiple times while clutching the weapon. Jones later admitted that he intended to kill his cellmate. 

Wayne Grant, Jr., a former correctional officer, was sentenced in December 2021 to one year and eight months in prison for receiving a bribe as a public official. According to court documents, Grant agreed to smuggle methamphetamine into the prison for an inmate in exchange for money. Grant unwittingly began communicating with an undercover agent to complete the transaction. After receiving approximately 70 grams of fake methamphetamine and $2,000 in money orders from investigators, Grant attempted to deposit the money into his bank account.

Miguel Hidalgo, a correctional officer, was charged in April 2024 with deprivation of an inmate’s civil rights under the color of law. According to court records, on August 31, 2022, while acting under color of law, Hidalgo assaulted an inmate by repeatedly striking the inmate in the head and chest area, resulting in bodily injury. Hidalgo’s case in pending trial in September 2024. 

Jesse Wooden, an inmate, and Janai Chanal Stephens, a visitor to the prison, are charged in connection with the March 2024 operation. In an indictment returned in May 2024, Wooden is charged with possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of contraband (assorted controlled substances). Stephens is charged with making a false statement to a federal correctional officer and attempting to provide a prohibited object (tobacco) to an inmate (Wooden). The case is pending trial. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

The federal agencies involved in the investigation of criminal cases at FCC Coleman include the Bureau of Prisons, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.       

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Jared Dean Eakes (33, Jacksonville) with five counts of wire fraud and three counts of bank fraud. If convicted, Eakes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 30 years’ imprisonment for each bank fraud count. The indictment also notifies Eakes that the United States is seeking orders of forfeiture in the total amount of $7,489,732.20, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

According to the superseding indictment, Eakes portrayed himself as a legitimate advisor and contacted investment advisors who were looking to sell their advisory businesses. After negotiating to take over management of the advisors’ client assets, between approximately January 2019 and February 2020, Eakes converted approximately $2,737,462 of victim investor funds to his own benefit by withdrawing the funds in cash, using investor funds to pay personal expenses, transferring investor funds to a Las Vegas-based casino company, and by engaging in unauthorized options trading in a personal brokerage account. 

Also, according to the superseding indictment, between March 2020 and November 2021, Eakes fraudulently secured approximately $4,752,270 in emergency funds through four Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP)” loans. 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted March 2020.  It was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of up to $349 billion in potentially forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP.  In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.

The PPP allowed qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses were required to use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities.  The PPP allowed the interest and principal to be forgiven if the business spent the proceeds on these expenses within a set time-period and used at least a certain percentage of the loan towards qualifying business expenses.

According to the superseding indictment, Eakes caused the submission of four PPP loan applications—including applications for two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors—which contained false and fraudulent supporting documentation and statements regarding the entities’ employees and payroll. Once he obtained the emergency loans, Eakes did not use the funds for qualifying expenses. Instead, he used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew them in cash.

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 Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David B. Mesrobian and Aakash Singh.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Johnny Flores (45, Tampa) to 45 years in federal prison for 3 counts of Hobbs Act robbery. A federal jury found Flores guilty on May 30, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, between February 13 and February 25, 2022, Flores entered three Tampa businesses wearing a hooded sweatshirt and facial covering. He brandished and threatened the victims with a weapon and removed cash from the registers. He verbally and physically assaulted the victims during the course of the robberies.

Flores was initially identified through video surveillance recordings that showed him leaving two of the robberies in a vehicle that was traced back to another individual. That individual, however, died prior to the trial. A second individual had dropped Flores off near the robbery. Although he testified that he did not know that Flores had committed a robbery, the individual testified that he had driven Flores to a location near the robbery. Additional video surveillance recordings showed Flores at a clinic prior to the robberies with similar clothing. He was subsequently identified by law enforcement.   

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 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 – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dontrell Deshawn McCaskill (33, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to three counts of fentanyl distribution and one count of possession of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. McCaskill faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is set for October 15, 2024.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office used an undercover agent to conduct multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl from McCaskill throughout 2023. During three controlled purchases, McCaskill sold the undercover agent a total of about 250 grams of fentanyl. In December 2023, the undercover agent arranged for another fentanyl transaction with McCaskill in connection with his arrest on an unrelated state case. At the time of that arrest, McCaskill was in possession of more than 290 grams of fentanyl that he intended to sell the undercover agent.

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 effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Sebastian Gabriel Lugo-Lugo (20, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lugo-Lugo faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Lugo-Lugo sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover agent multiple times between November 2023 and February 2024. During some of those transactions, the undercover agent observed a handgun next to Lugo-Lugo inside his vehicle. Additionally, on February 14, 2024, Lugo-Lugo sold the undercover agent a Ruger 9 mm handgun along with 50 fentanyl pills.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office City-County Investigative Bureau, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Imran Siddiqi (40, North Port) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor and committing a felony offense involving a minor as a registered sex offender. Siddiqi faces a maximum penalty 10 years’ imprisonment on the first count, to be followed by a minimum mandatory 10-year sentence on the second count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the court documents, between January 31 and March 6, 2024, Siddiqi engaged in a conversation with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 13-year-old girl. During the conversation, Siddiqi repeatedly described his desire to have sex with the child, sending multiple explicit photographs of himself along with images of adult pornography to the undercover officer. Siddiqi, a registered sex offender, was convicted in state court of traveling to meet a parent to solicit/entice a child to commit a sex act in 2016.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Robert Howard, III (22, Jacksonville), also known as “Kenny Kapps,” with two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of pure or actual methamphetamine. If convicted on all counts, Howard faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Howard that the United States intends to forfeit $2,250 in U.S. currency, which is alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Aakash Singh and Kirwinn Mike.

This indictment is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrests and filing of a criminal complaint charging E’Barous Harris (25, Tampa), Ronald Brown (23, Riverview), Tra-Vontae Watson (30, Tampa), and Jermaine Dawes (32, Tampa) with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery. If convicted, each faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

According to the complaint, on July 14, 2024, Harris, Brown, Watson, and Dawes robbed a convenience store in Tampa. One of the individuals carried a rifle, and another one forced a customer to the ground before stepping on the customer’s back and stealing money from the customer. The defendants also stole money from the store’s cash register.

On July 16, 2024, Harris, Brown, Watson, and Dawes robbed a second convenience store. Again, one of the individuals carried a rifle and another carried a pistol. The pistol was pointed at the store clerk’s head and the clerk was struck as the defendants demanded money. The individuals stole money and tobacco products from the store.

The robberies were linked, and the defendants identified based in part on surveillance videos from inside and outside the stores, as well as data from the Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority and license plate reader data. In addition, surveillance footage from a location where the defendants were residing helped to confirm the defendant’s identities and their participation in the robberies.

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

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

Tampa, FL – An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. 

According to the court documents, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’ mission.

The indictment alleges that Li was a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company.

From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and to report that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.

For example, according to the indictment, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.       

In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later.          

In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them.         

In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information.      

In March 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training.          

In June 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Karyna Valdes for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee 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.

An indictment was unsealed today charging Ping Li, 59, of Wesley Chapel, Florida, with conspiring to act as an agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without notification to the Attorney General and with acting as an agent of the PRC without notification to the Attorney General. If convicted, Li faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. 

According to the court documents, the PRC’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) is in charge of civilian intelligence collection for the PRC. The MSS often uses “cooperative contacts” located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries. These cooperative contacts assist the MSS in a variety of ways, including by conducting research on topics of interest to the PRC that can be used to further the MSS’ mission.

The indictment alleges that Li was a U.S. citizen who immigrated to the United States from the PRC. At various times, Li worked for a major U.S. telecommunications company and an international information technology company.

From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government. Li obtained a wide variety information at the request of the MSS, including information concerning Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy advocates, members of the Falun Gong religious movement, and U.S.-based non-governmental organizations, and to report that information to the MSS. Li also provided the MSS with information obtained from his employer. Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.

For example, according to the indictment, in August 2012, an MSS officer requested that Li provide information about practitioners of Falun Gong and pro-democracy advocates in the United States. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a religious movement that originated in the PRC in the 1990s. Falun Gong is not one of the five religions formally recognized by the PRC government, and it has been banned since 1999. Its adherents both in China and abroad are of particular interest to the PRC government because of Falun Gong’s advocacy of ideas deemed subversive to the PRC government. Less than a week after receiving this request, Li sent the name and biographical information of an individual affiliated with Falun Gong residing in St. Petersburg, Florida.       

In March 2015, an MSS officer requested information from Li about branch offices that Li’s employer, a major U.S. telecommunications company, had opened in the PRC. Li responded with the requested information three weeks later.          

In March 2017, an MSS officer requested a training instruction plan from Li. In April 2017, Li responded indicating that he had uploaded materials to an online account that he shared with the MSS officer and asked the MSS officer to delete the materials after reading them.         

In May 2021, an MSS officer requested information from Li concerning hacking events targeting U.S. companies, including a widely publicized hacking of a major U.S. company by the Chinese government. Within four days, Li responded with the requested information.      

In March 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning Li’s new employer, an international information technology company, as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training. That same day, Li sent the requested information about his employer as well as materials relating to cybersecurity training.          

In June 2022, an MSS officer requested from Li information concerning an individual who, according to the officer, had resided in the PRC but fled to the United States, and the name and suspected residential address in the United States of that individual. That same day, Li responded with information about the owners of that residential address.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the National Security Division, Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI’s National Security Branch and U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Karyna Valdes for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Scott Claffee 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.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Pierre C. Marc (37, Bradenton) to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, marijuana, and heroin, and possessing with the intent to distribute marijuana and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Marc was found guilty by a jury after trial on April 9, 2024.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Marc was a major drug distributer in the Middle District of Florida. During the trial, a witness testified that Marc supplied him with an ounce of fentanyl and one to two kilograms of cocaine every week between January and September 2019 for distribution in Pinellas County. In 2021, Marc arrived at a controlled delivery of fentanyl with more than 300 grams of fentanyl and a firearm. Another witness testified that in 2020 and 2021, Marc supplied him with three to five kilograms of fentanyl for distribution in Manatee County.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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 https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Alfredo Davila, Jr. (30, Wimauma) today pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. Davila, Jr. faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Davila, Jr. has agreed to forfeit the ammunition used in the commission of the offense.

According to the plea agreement, on February 18, 2024, deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call where the caller stated that a gun was pointed at her face. The caller provided an address where the incident was occurring and a description of the armed individual. Upon arrival, deputies located Davila, Jr., who matched the description provided by the caller, and saw him throw a black object on the ground. Deputies located the object and discovered it to be a loaded magazine containing 19 rounds of live ammunition. At the time of the offense, Davila, Jr. was on federal supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being 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 – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Bamidele Omotosho (42, Nigeria) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and computer intrusion. The court also ordered Omotosho to pay $2,051,108.70 in restitution to victims of his offenses. Omotosho entered a guilty plea on November 2, 2022.

According to court documents, in 2017 and 2018, Omotosho, a Nigerian citizen and resident, conspired with others to purchase stolen access credentials (i.e. usernames and passwords) and stolen personal identifying information (“PII”) of U.S. citizens, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, on xDedic, a darknet criminal marketplace that has since been seized and shut down. Omotosho, and a group of coconspirators he led, then used the stolen credentials and PII to commit at least six different fraudulent schemes totaling over $7.5 million in intended losses and over $2 million in actual losses.

For example, in June 2017, the conspiracy used that stolen information to hack into the Employees Retirement System of Texas (“ERS”) internet portal. Omotosho and his co-conspirators created fraudulent accounts and diverted retirement payments meant for legitimate ERS participants into accounts that the conspiracy controlled.

In 2017 and 2018, Omotosho and his co-conspirators purchased unauthorized access to computer networks for multiple accounting firms around the United States, including in the Western District of Texas (“WDTX”) and the Middle District of Florida (“MDFL”). With that access, Omotosho and his co-conspirators obtained PII for accounting firm clients, which they used to file fraudulent tax returns with the IRS.

During the same time period, Omotosho and his co-conspirators also engaged in identity theft, using stolen PII to apply for credit cards; romance fraud, in which they swindled vulnerable victims out of their savings; and a business e-mail compromise fraud against a pharmaceutical company that resulted in a loss of $250,000.

Omotosho and his co-conspirators laundered their proceeds by depositing them onto prepaid debit cards or into accounts at financial institutions that Omotosho and his co-conspirators had opened with stolen PII. In some instances they used their proceeds to purchase used vehicles, which they shipped to Nigeria for resale.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Texas Rangers Public Integrity Unit. It is being jointly prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Florida and the Western District of Texas by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael M. Gordon (MDFL) and Michael C. Galdo (WDTX). The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also provided vital assistance in securing the extradition of Omotosho from the United Kingdom, where he was arrested.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Zachary Pegg (28, North Fort Myers) to 12 years and 3 months in federal prison in connection with an armed carjacking he committed in Fort Myers in late-2022. Pegg had pleaded guilty on March 27, 2024, to charges of carjacking and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

According to court records, on December 30, 2022, Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) emergency dispatch received a call concerning an armed carjacking which had just taken place in a condominium complex parking garage on First Street in Fort Myers. The victim explained that as soon as he exited his vehicle, a masked assailant pointed a firearm at him and demanded his keys, cellphone, and wallet. The victim complied with the assailant’s demands, and the assailant quickly fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle.

Law enforcement officers from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Aviation Unit tracked the stolen vehicle to a residence in North Fort Myers, where they apprehended Pegg after a short foot pursuit with the assistance of a police canine. Based on several factors, Pegg was identified as the masked assailant who had earlier carjacked the victim, and he was arrested. 

This case was investigated by the Fort Myers Police Department, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

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

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge William Jung has sentenced Bobby Peterson (41, St. Petersburg) to concurrent terms of life in prison for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, and 30 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl. A federal jury found Peterson guilty on April 30, 2024.

According to testimony, evidence presented at trial, and court records, Peterson was a supplier of fentanyl and other controlled substances in Pinellas County. On May 12, 2020, Peterson distributed fentanyl to an individual, who in turn distributed some of the fentanyl to a friend, M.G. A few hours later, M.G. died of fentanyl toxicity. On the same day, Peterson communicated with another individual, L.O., about the sale of fentanyl. Hours later, L.O. also died of fentanyl toxicity.

When Peterson was told about M.G.’s death, he expressed no remorse and instead responded, “they know what they’re doing.” Peterson continued to sell fentanyl after he became aware that M.G. had died from the fentanyl he distributed. On February 5, 2021, Peterson sold fentanyl to an undercover detective.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Pinellas Park Police Department, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s drug supply.

It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida to combat fraud related to COVID-19. This work has included complementary efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office’s (USAO-MDFL) Criminal, Asset Recovery, Appellate, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The Middle District of Florida United States Attorney’s Office continues to pursue, investigate, prosecute, and recover money from those who were engaged in fraud schemes designed to steal benefits intended for Americans coping with the myriad impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg.

On the criminal enforcement front, the USAO-MDFL and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies combined resources in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception through June 30, 2024, the Task Force has prosecuted 89 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”), as well as government Healthcare programs such as Medicare. Collectively, these defendants sought to defraud the United States of over $84.5 million. Sixty-seven of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against 22 defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.)

For example, in April 2024, a federal jury found Barrett Purvis guilty of wire fraud and money laundering. According to court records, Purvis applied for and received a $500,000 EIDL in May 2021. Although he applied on behalf of a legitimate small business he owned and operated, Purvis never intended to use any of the loan proceeds on working capital as required by the terms of the loan agreement. Instead, Purvis spent approximately half of the proceeds on gambling debt and the rest on other personal debt, including debt incurred on his girlfriend’s three credit cards. Within two weeks of receiving the loan, Purvis had used nearly all the proceeds on personal expenses, unrelated to any legitimate business.

Additionally, in June 2024, Evan Graves was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit approximately $1.35 million and five Fort Myers properties he purchased using his fraudulently obtained EIDL. According to court records, between June 20  and July 23, 2020, Graves submitted 10 EIDL applications to the SBA on behalf of his various Fort Myers-based companies. To qualify for large loan amounts and advance funding, Graves falsely represented his companies’ number of employees, gross revenue, and lost rental income due to the COVID-19 disaster. In total, Graves’s fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve all 10 loans and deposit approximately $1.35 million into bank accounts he controlled. Following disbursement of the EIDL funding, Graves unlawfully used the money to pay off personal credit card debt, fund personal investment accounts, satisfy mortgages, and purchase real estate. 

Further, the USAO-MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $20 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $18 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

The U.S. Attorney General has established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Through the PPP, the federal government authorized over $600 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. The MSLP provided support to small and medium-sized businesses and their employees across the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. UI programs provided unemployment benefits to eligible workers who became unemployed through no fault of their own.

The criminal cases charged by the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force have been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigation, the Department of Labor—Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business Administration—Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation—Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery, Federal Reserve Board—Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services—Office of Inspector General, the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Winter Park Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys throughout the Middle District of Florida.    

The Department of Justice needs the public’s assistance in remaining vigilant and reporting suspected fraudulent activity. To report suspected fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (“NCDF”) at (866) 720-5721 or file an online complaint at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/webform/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. Complaints filed will be reviewed at the NCDF and referred to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement or regulatory agencies for investigation.

United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida

COVID Fraud Criminal Cases

Charged Cases

Defendant

Charge(s)

Max. Imprisonment

Type of Fraud*

Intended Loss

Amount

Tampa Division

Ellyn Pinkney

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$40k

Nicole Bramble-King

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$40k

Devontaie Deravil

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$480k

Jordan Ross

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

EIDL/PPP

$1.3M

Tommy Louisville

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$33k

Marquett James

Alyson Marquett

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL/PPP

$96k

Willie Murray Jr.

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

HCF

$5M

Charles Driver Jr.

Conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 5 years

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

UI

$175k

Eric Canonico

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$2.3M

Alexander Leszczynski

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$1.1M

Capree Holmes

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$159k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Tiffany Fields, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Jennifer Peresie, Michael Kenneth, and Merrilyn Hoenemeyer

Orlando Division

Evan Edwards

Joshua Edwards

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Visa fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 years

False statements

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$8M

Emmet Bowens

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$740k

Latresia Wilson

False statements

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

HCF

$2.6M

Angela Chew

Conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Bribery of a public official

Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$732k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Kara Wick, Amanda Daniels, and DOJ Trial Attorney Keith Clouser

Fort Myers Division

Venera Price

Mail fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

ERAP

$82k

Timothy Jolloff

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL

$2.1M

Lisa Jolloff

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL

$2.1M

Diop McKenzie

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

EIDL/PPP

$237k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava and Trent Reichling

Ocala Division

Henry Wade

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$500k

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division is being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Adjudicated Cases

Tampa Division

Joseph Abdo

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$500k

Keaujay Hornsby

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Demarius Wilson

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$18k

Kareem Spann

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Barrett Purvis

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

EIDL

$499k

Bergeline Lexis

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL/PPP

$68k

Jailyn Holmes

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$28k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs, Diego Novaes, Tiffany Fields, Jennifer Peresie, Greg Pizzo, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, and Jay Trezevant

Orlando Division

Robert Burns

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$57k

This COVID Fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by Shannon Laurie

Jacksonville Division

James Wigg

Wire Fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 years

PPP

$476k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Jacksonville Division are being handled by AUSA, Michael Coolican, and Tysen Duva

Ocala Division

Passion Jackson

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20k

Nicole Harding

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Ocala Division are being handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Louis Thornton, III

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$815k

Kary Stevenson

Corey Quinn

Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 10 months in federal prison (Stevenson)

Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)

UI

$1M

Bridgitte Keim

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison

PPP

$588k

Wayne Ganaway

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison

EIDL

$300k

Eriaius Bentley

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison

UI

$3M

Rolanda Wingfield

Access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison

UI

$135k

Tywon Spann

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison

UI

$3M

Randy Jones

Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

EIDL/UI

$250k

Julio Lugo

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$4.4M

Keith Nicoletta

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 24 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.9M

Rosenide Venant

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$413k

Melinda Hernandez

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud,

wire fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: Three years and six months in federal prison

UI

$1.5M

Bri’antina Mills

Wire fraud and theft of government funds

Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

EIDL

$10K

Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: Two years and six months in federal prison

EIDL

$150k

Omar Esquivel Bello

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: 15 months in federal prison

EIDL

$242k

Steve Moodie

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

UI

$1.5M

Richard Simpkins

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 10 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.9M

Devaris McClain

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, access device fraud

Sentence imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

UI

$85k

Jalissa McDuffy

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: 3 years supervised release with 6 months home detention

PPP

$41k

Kieanna Garrett

Wire fraud

Sentence imposed: 60 days’ imprisonment

EIDL

$40k

Marqus Willard Johnson

Bank fraud

Money laundering

Sentence imposed: 18 months’ imprisonment followed by 60 moths supervised release

PPP

$500k

Mehdi Tazi

Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft

Sentenced imposed: 5 years imprisonment  followed by4 years supervised release

UI

$1.5M

Tyree Wingfield

Conspiracy, Aggravated identity theft

Sentenced imposed: 5 years and 10 months imprisonment  followed by4 years supervised release

UI

$1.5M

Dawn Ogundele

Theft of government funds

Sentence imposed: 2 years’ probation

PPP

$20k

Alexander Alli

Wire fraud conspiracy

Sentence imposed: 13 months imprisonment

EIDL

$80k

Charles Cunningham

Bank fraud

Sentence imposed: 21 months imprisonment

PPP

$800k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, Jennifer Peresie, Merrilyn Hoenemeyer, SAUSA Chris Poor, and DOJ Trial Attorney John Scanlon

Orlando Division

Daniel Johnson

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, unlawful transfer of firearm

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 6 months in federal prison

UI

$2.3M

Jacquavius Smith

Possession of short-barreled rifle; felon in possession of firearm; and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$10k

Johnson Eustache

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$2.2M

Joseph Harrison

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison

UI

$2.1M

Tomas Ziupsnys

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud; bank fraud; aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

PPP

$2M

Holly Urban

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.5M

Joel Greenberg

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses while on pretrial release

Sentence Imposed: 11 years in federal prison

EIDL

$430k

Don Cisternino

           

Wire fraud, illegal monetary transactions, and aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 8 years and 6 months in federal prison

PPP

$7.2M

Keith Ingersoll          

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: 9 years, 1 month in federal prison.  

EIDL

$66k

Jaheim Davis

Access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

Sentence imposed: 3 years, 6 months in federal prison.  

UI

$219k

Teresa McIntyre

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

EIDL

$730k

Brian Blake

Possession of device-making equipment, access device fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 9 years and 8 months in federal prison

PPP/UI

$832k

Joseph Faubert

Bank fraud

Sentenced Imposed: 5 years probation

PPP

$778k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, Shannon Laurie, and Jennifer Harrington, and U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg

Jacksonville Division

Jacob Byrd

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$10k

Deconna Burke

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$20k

Desmond Williams

Wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud

Sentenced Imposed: 5 years’ probation

PPP

$40k

Kenneth Landers

Wire fraud and illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 1 year in federal prison followed by 1 year of supervised release

PPP

$1.4M

Christopher Daragjati

Wire fraud , Theft of government funds, and Aggravated identity theft

Sentenced imposed: 5 years’cisternino imprisonment followed by 3 years’ supervised release.

PPP

$150k

This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division was handled by AUSA Kevin Frein and Michael Coolican

Fort Myers Division

Casey Crowther

Bank fraud, false statement to a financial institution, illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$2.7M

Anthony Bruey

Amber Bruey

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, illegal monetary transactions

Sentence Imposed:

Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison

Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL

$881k

Edrica Leann Watson

False statement to a lending institution

Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison

PPP

$392k

Daniel Joseph Tisone

Wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person

Sentence Imposed: 7 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL/MSLP

$10.7M

Liliana Gonzalez

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed:  5 years of probation with 18 months of home confinement

PPP

$169k

Al Clint LaRoche

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: Two years in federal prison

PPP

$1M

Denis Casseus

Bank fraud and illegal monetary transaction

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison followed by 3 years’ supervised release

PPP

$298k

Evan Graves

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 18 months in federal prison

EIDL

$1.3M

Ismaelle Manuel

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: Credit for time served followed by 5 years supervised release

PPP

$280k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling, Michael Leeman, Jesus M. Casa, Simon Eth, and Yolande Viacava

Ocala Division

Lavelle Harris

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: Two years and three months in federal prison

PPP

$1.2M

This COVID Fraud case from the Ocala Division was handled by AUSA Hannah Nowalk

Types of Fraud*

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Health Care Fraud (HCF)

 

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Terrance Maurice Washington (41, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to six counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine and fentanyl) with the intent to distribute. Washington faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on the five counts involving methamphetamine. On the remaining fentanyl offense, Washington faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 18, 2024.

According to court documents, on multiple occasions between October 2023 and January 2024, Washington distributed methamphetamine and/or fentanyl to a confidential source who was cooperating with law enforcement. The drugs provided by Washington during the transactions ranged from gram quantities to upwards of a pound or more of methamphetamine. Washington bragged that the type of fentanyl he distributed was “dropping people.” Once law enforcement arrested Washington, a search at his residence revealed another two pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Christi Lynn Bien Aime (31, Alva) to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Bien Aime entered a guilty plea on March 27, 2024.

According to court records, in May 2021, Bien Aime solicited an acquaintance to receive a drug-laden package in the mail for her in exchange for cash. The package—which was shipped from California to Cape Coral, Florida, and addressed to a fake name—was intercepted in transit by agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) before reaching its final destination. The package contained approximately 3½ kilograms of fentanyl, approximately 1½ kilograms of methamphetamine, and approximately one kilogram of p-Fluorofentanyl (a fentanyl analogue). DEA agents arranged to conduct a “controlled delivery” of the package and deliver it—after it was emptied of any real controlled substances—as it was originally intended to be delivered. 

After an undercover DEA agent delivered the package to the residence in Cape Coral, Bien Aime’s acquaintance accepted the package and delivered it to a nearby gas station as she was instructed by Bien Aime. At the gas station, Bien Aime paid her acquaintance and opened the package, before being approached and detained by DEA agents.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Allen Tereal Grimes (34, Keystone Heights) to 5 years in federal prison for possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Grimes was also ordered to forfeit the ammunition, which was traceable to his offense. Grimes made his initial appearance in federal court on March 4, 2024, and the court ordered him detained. Grimes entered a guilty plea on April 10, 2024.

According to court records, on August 11, 2023, Grimes was in possession of Winchester 9mm ammunition, among other ammunition. At the time of the incident, Grimes had seven prior felony convictions, including battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest with violence, fleeing and eluding a police officer, felony battery, and assault with intent to commit to a felony. As a previously convicted felon, Grimes is prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Frein and Kirwinn Mike.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Olejuwan Lamar Steele (30, Zephyrhills) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for production of child sex abuse material. The court also ordered Steele to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim and register as a sex offender. Steele entered a guilty plea on April 17, 2024.

According to court documents, Steele was a babysitter in the Dade City community in Pasco County. On one occasion in 2022, while babysitting a two-year-old child, Steele created videos of child sexual abuse material of the victim and shared them on the internet via live-video.

“This babysitter exploited the innocence of a child in his care, betrayed the trust placed in him, and violated the sanctity of childhood itself,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Micah McCombs. “Through HSI’s law enforcement partnership with the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, this predator will now be held accountable for his vile actions against a child.”

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.

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Andre Adams, Jr. (43, Bradenton) guilty of possession of 500 grams or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. Adams faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to forty years, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2024. Adams was indicted on January 23, 2023.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) began investigating an unknown individual in Bradenton for selling fentanyl and using Cash App for payment after a complaint from a concerned citizen. Investigators were able to determine the identity of the individual as Andre Adams. Jr. Over the next several months, investigators surveilled Adams’ residence and observed frequent visitors to the residence briefly meeting with Adams and appearing to make exchanges with him. Adams’s Cash App records showed that tens of thousands of dollars had been paid to him over a short period of time. Many of the senders had known drug addiction issues and used coded drug language such as “Scooby snacks,” a street term for heroin or fentanyl.

On August 4, 2022, detectives with MCSO executed a search warrant at Adams’ residence. They discovered a loaded handgun, scales, drug cutting agents, a money counter, Kilo press, $22,000 in cash, 55 grams of methamphetamine, 400 grams of cocaine, and 80 grams of fentanyl. Later that same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Adams’ storage unit. There they discovered two kilograms of cocaine, more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, drug cutting agents, and a digital scale. They also discovered three additional firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, and several dozen rounds of ammunition.

Prior to Adams’ conduct on August 4, 2022, he had been convicted of trafficking in cocaine and spent 15 years in Florida state prison. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Adams agreed to forfeit all firearms and ammunition found in this case.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shauna S. Hale.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jadyn Howard Loman (21, Naples) has been charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Loman faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Loman that the United States intends to forfeit two firearms traceable to the offense.

According to the indictment, on September 29, 2023, Loman possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute it. In furtherance of that crime, he also possessed two Smith & Wesson firearms.

Loman was indicted on February 22, 2024. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

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.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging John Don Bannister, Jr. (30, Clermont) with two counts of production of child sex abuse material. If convicted, Bannister faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison on each count. Bannister is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

According to the indictment, on April 26 and May 4, 2023, Bannister employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction.

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, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Mascotte Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 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 – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber today sentenced Javier Joel Perez (46, Immokalee) to 8 years in federal prison for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Perez to forfeit the firearm involved in the offense. Perez entered a guilty plea on February 21, 2024.

According to court documents, during the execution of a search warrant at Perez’s residence, deputies from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office located marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine packaged for distribution in addition to a loaded firearm. Perez told deputies that the items located in his home belonged to him. Perez is a nine-time convicted felon and is therefore prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Dariel Javier Quiles-Davila (25, Kissimmee) pursuant to a criminal complaint charging him with knowingly receiving child sex abuse material. If convicted, Quiles-Davila faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison.

According to court documents, Quiles-Davila was an officer with the Kissimmee Police Department in October 2023. At that time, Quiles-Davila met a child victim while on duty. After receiving the child victim’s contact information, Quiles-Davila began to communicate directly with the child victim, sent the child victim money, and solicited and received sexually explicit photographs and videos of the child-victim.

Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland stated, “Our Department is aware of the charges and arrest and we are cooperating fully with the Department of Justice.”

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Stephen Godbolt (50, Cross City) has pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with the intent to distribute it. Godbolt faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 13, 2024.

According to court documents, on January 31, 2024, Godbolt sold three pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. After the transaction, Godbolt was stopped by law enforcement in Dixie County. A search of his vehicle revealed approximately nine additional pounds of methamphetamine, all of which was intended for distribution. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST), and the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of David Antonetti (28, Riverview) on an indictment charging him with two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Antonetti faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.                                                                                                                                  

According to court records, between March 2021 and October 2021, Antonetti devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting two false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. PPP loans were one of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Antonetti made false representations in both of his PPP applications to secure the loans. The loan proceeds were later electronically transferred into his bank account.                                 

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

In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.                      

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced Evan Sims (41, Rhode Island) to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for false information and threats regarding an explosive on an airplane. Sims has been in custody since his arrest on December 6, 2023. The court also ordered Sims to pay $25,478 in restitution to Breeze Airways. Sims pled guilty on March 5, 2024.

According to court documents, Sims was traveling on a flight from Orlando, Florida to Providence, Rhode Island on December 5, 2023. While seated on the plane, prior to takeoff, Sims began arguing with his travel companion. Sims told his travel companion that he had never heard of the airline for the flight and that he hoped the airplane did not “go down.” Sims stated that they would be “gone with the wind.”

During boarding and the airline safety briefing, Sims made comments to his travel companion about needing to use the emergency doors and that the windows looked like they had not been used. Sims also told his travel companion that he hoped they did not have to use the windows. Further, Sims questioned the flight crew regarding the emergency life raft that was in the overhead storage compartment. Sims’s travel companion and the surrounding passengers were uncomfortable with Sims’s statements and Sims’s travel companion asked Sims to stop making his comments.

As the flight began the initial ascent into the air, Sims partially stood up in his seat and exclaimed that he wanted to get off the plane. While the flight was airborne, Sims stated approximately two times that his travel companion had a bomb on the plane. Thereafter, due to Sims’s repeated disturbances and escalating behavior, the flight was diverted to the Jacksonville International Airport. Bomb detection dogs were deployed and searched the plane but did not locate a bomb.  

This case was investigated by the Transportation Security Administration, Jacksonville Aviation Authority Airport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Joseph Raymond Morin (51, Ocala) with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Morin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Morin was arrested on July 15, 2024. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.

According to the indictment, between May 3, 2024, and June 26, 2024, Morin  knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual whom he believed had not yet attained 18 years of age 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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Kirtan Patel (24, India) with attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Patel faces a mandatory minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Patel was arrested on the indictment on July 18, 2024. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.

According to the indictment, between May 22-24, 2024, Patel knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce an individual whom he believed had not yet attained 18 years of age 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 Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Jacksonville, Florida –United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Edgar Diaz Aquino (20, Jacksonville) to 24 months in federal prison, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. Aquino pleaded guilty to that offense on March 28, 2024. Following his prison sentence, Aquino will be deported from the United States.

According to the court documents, on November 16, 2023, Aquino was involved in an altercation with his girlfriend. During the altercation, Aquino retrieved a Glock pistol with an extended magazine and discharged it five feet away from his girlfriend’s feet. When he was arrested by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officers, he admitted to possessing the firearm. Aquino was illegally present in the United States and admitted that he was a Honduran national and crossed into the United States through Mexico on April 2, 2019. Illegal aliens are prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. 

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.  

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Rosson Hamilton (40, Brandon) on an indictment charging him with two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Hamilton faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count.                                                                                                                                  

According to court records, between February 2021 and January 2022, Hamilton devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration by submitting a false and fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application. PPP loans were one of the sources of economic relief provided for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Hamilton made false representations in his PPP application to secure the loan. The loan proceeds were later electronically transferred into his bank account.                                                         

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

In May 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.               

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Brian Todd Walker (51, Bradenton) with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Walker faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to court documents, Walker contacted a 12-year-old female living in his community over the social media application, TikTok. Walker engaged in sexual conversations with who he believed to be the 12-year-old female and attempted to coerce and entice her to engage in sexual activity. Within the conversations, Walker shared his attraction to 12-year-old females and expressed his desire to meet in person. On June 24, 2024, Walker travelled to meet the minor in person at the community pool and was arrested at the scene. Law enforcement seized a cell phone from Walker and located images of minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

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

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

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Wendy Cudemo-Gamez (47, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Cudemo-Gamez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Cudemo-Gamez owned and managed a construction company which she registered with the State of Florida in May 2021. This company purported to supply construction services and labor to work for construction site contractors. In order to comply with Florida law, Cudemo-Gamez’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage.

Providers of worker’s compensation insurance based the premiums they charged and the amount of coverage they provided on the number of employees a company had and the total annual payroll of those employees. Cudemo-Gamez’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be Cudemo-Gamez’s employees at construction sites, and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Cudemo-Gamez or others would then regularly receive “payroll checks” from contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay Cudemo-Gamez’s purported “employees” and other related expenses.

During the time period charged in the criminal information, Cudemo-Gamez falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that her company had a very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. Cudemo-Gamez also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that her company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.

In reality, Cudemo-Gamez’s company received and cashed more than $7.8 million in checks from various construction contractors for these purported “employees.” These payroll figures far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Cudemo-Gamez had reported to her worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees of Cudemo-Gamez’s company, in reality the employees of other entities, performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover.

As a result of these misrepresentations, Cudemo-Gamez’s company also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and that required state and federal payroll taxes were being paid for these workers. The contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were able to avoid responsibility for those duties as well.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

 

Orlando, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Ernesto Vazquez (23, Orlando) and Derick Yamir Perez Diaz (22, Orlando) with federal firearms trafficking related offenses, including conspiracy to traffic firearms, firearms trafficking, and dealing in firearms without a license. If convicted on all counts, Vazquez and Perez Diaz each face a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Vazquez and Perez Diaz engineered a firearms-trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the distribution of over 100 firearms, including machineguns, into the Middle District of Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. Vazquez and his co-conspirators acquired firearms (pictured below) from private sellers, federal firearms licensees (FFLs), and Chinese manufacturers:

 

The majority of the transactions occurred in public places. Perez Diaz carried trunks full of firearms to the meeting locations.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant at Vazquez’s residence. Inside they found multiple firearms, stockpiles of ammunition, and grenades:

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

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

Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Jose G. Medina (48, Leesburg) on a criminal complaint charging him with one count of knowingly making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm, and one count of causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. If convicted, Medina faces a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment—10 years on the materially false statement offense and 5 years on the record-keeping offense.

According to the complaint, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Medina purchased multiple firearms in the Middle District of Florida for other individuals. Some of these firearms were intercepted by the United States Custom and Border Protection (CBP) as other individuals attempted to transport them across the United States’ border into Mexico. 

On May 27, 2023, an individual was encountered by CBP as he attempted to make entry into Mexico at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry. He was attempting to bring 10 handguns, 9 rifles, 7 shotguns, 20 magazines, and large amounts of assorted ammunition into Mexico. The individual stated that he was traveling from Orlando, Florida, to San Diego de la Union, Guanajuato, Mexico—an area where Mexican cartels are fighting for control of the territory. Medina had purchased one of these recovered firearms only nine days prior.  

On November 17, 2023, CBP officers stopped another individual at the Eagle Pass (Texas) Port of Entry who also was attempting to bring five firearms to Mexico. Medina had purchased two of these firearms less than two weeks before their recovery by CBP.

A record check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, firearms, and Explosives (ATF) showed that between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023, Medina had purchased 82 firearms for a total of $42,085.61—an amount that exceeded his reported annual income. The investigation also revealed that another firearm purchased by a person associated with Medina had recently been recovered and electronically traced by Mexican law enforcement using ATF’s e-Trace system.     

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Eustis Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

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

Jacksonville, Florida –United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Joven Montecer Reyes (39, Jacksonville) to 7 years and 11 months in federal prison, for distributing child sexual abuse material. Reyes pleaded guilty to that offense on March 28, 2024.  

According to the court documents, Reyes distributed child sexual abuse material on a social media website on November 3, 2022. During the investigation, Reyes’ cell phone was searched, and forensic analysis revealed that he possessed over 200 images and 300 videos of child sexual abuse material.

“This predator’s disgraceful actions of possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material online inflicts irreparable physical and psychological damage upon innocent victims for a lifetime,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker. “Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force law enforcement partners work tirelessly to protect children from predators who exploit the innocence of children by distributing their abhorrent content.”

This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John John Cannizzaro. 

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

Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Josue Garriga III (34, St. Augustine) today pleaded guilty to enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Garriga faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Following his release from prison, Garriga will be required to register as a sex offender and serve a term of supervised release of at least 5 years. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Garriga, who at the time was a detective with the gang unit of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), met the minor victim, who was 17 years old, at church in 2023. Garriga pursued a sexual relationship with the child victim until approximately March 7, 2024. This included reaching up the child victim’s skirt while she worked serving coffee before church service. At some point, Garriga used his JSO-issued cell phone and an undercover Instagram account to reach out to the child victim and obtained her phone number. Garriga then used his personal cell phone to communicate with the child victim, directing their messages to an end-to-end encrypted app set to automatically delete the messages after 24 hours. 

Garriga requested nude photos from the child victim and sent her nude photos of himself. Garriga also video chatted with the child victim over FaceTime more than 120 times, including when the child victim showered. On one occasion, Garriga requested that the child victim livestream herself masturbating.

On at least two occasions, Garriga used his JSO work vehicle to travel to the child victim’s neighborhood in Clay County to meet with the minor victim and engage in sexual contact that was illegal under Florida law. On another occasion, Garriga met with the child victim at a coffee shop in Clay County and enticed her to his JSO work vehicle, where he engaged in unlawful sexual activity with the child victim and refused to let her leave until she performed oral sex on him.

This case was investigated by the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force, to include Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Kelly S. Milliron.

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

Tampa, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Benjamin Crawford (46, Brandon) with distribution of child sexual abuse material, destruction of evidence, and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Crawford faces a maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Crawford that the United States intends to forfeit a cellphone and laptop, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to the indictment, Crawford distributed child sexual abuse material with the intent to view child sexual abuse material. Additionally, Crawford did knowingly alter, destroy, and mutilate records or tangible objects with the intent to impede, obstruct and influence the investigation and proper administration of the execution of a search warrant.

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 Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Abigail K. King.

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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

Orlando, Florida– U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Cristian Manuel Rodriguez Nunez (28, Sanford) to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. Rodriguez Nunez entered a guilty plea on April 1, 2024.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2019, Rodriguez Nunez, along with his co-defendants Tauri Benjamin Rivas Nunez (Rivas Nunez), Victor Hugo Castillo Vallejo (Castillo Vallejo), and Luis Miguel Valdez Mendez (Valdez Mendez) robbed a T-Mobile store in Oviedo, Florida. During the robbery, Rodriguez Nunez entered the store wearing a facemask and pointed a firearm at one of the employees. While pointing the firearm at the employee, Rodriguez Nunez forced the employee to open the store’s safe and remove the electronics and other merchandise from the safe into a trash bag. Meanwhile, Rivas Nunez approached another T-Mobile employee, who he placed in a chokehold, after which he stole that employee’s cell phone and money from the cash register. Valdez Mendez searched through a customer’s purse and assisted Rivas Nunez with taking money from the register. Once the robbery was completed, all defendants entered a vehicle driven by Castillo Vallejo, who acted as the lookout and getaway driver.

Unbeknownst to Rodriguez Nunez and his co-defendants, a location tracking device placed into the trash bag containing the stolen merchandise provided law enforcement with their location, which led to the apprehension of Valdez Mendez, Rivas Nunez, and Castillo Vallejo, as well as the recovery of approximately $20,000 in stolen electronics and the firearm.

Rodriguez Nunez had fled the area prior to law enforcement arriving and remained a fugitive for several years. In October of 2023, law enforcement located and apprehended Rodriguez Nunez in New York.

Castillo Vallejo pled guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison on July 14, 2021. Valdez Mendez pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on July 14, 2021. Rivas Nunez was found guilty by a jury on May 12, 2021, and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison on July 21, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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 Cristian Manuel Rodriguez Nunez (28, Sanford) to 10 years and 5 months in federal prison for Hobbs Act Robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to the robbery. Rodriguez Nunez entered a guilty plea on April 1, 2024.

According to court documents, on August 10, 2019, Rodriguez Nunez, along with his co-defendants Tauri Benjamin Rivas Nunez (Rivas Nunez), Victor Hugo Castillo Vallejo (Castillo Vallejo), and Luis Miguel Valdez Mendez (Valdez Mendez) robbed a T-Mobile store in Oviedo, Florida. During the robbery, Rodriguez Nunez entered the store wearing a facemask and pointed a firearm at one of the employees. While pointing the firearm at the employee, Rodriguez Nunez forced the employee to open the store’s safe and remove the electronics and other merchandise from the safe into a trash bag. Meanwhile, Rivas Nunez approached another T-Mobile employee, who he placed in a chokehold, after which he stole that employee’s cell phone and money from the cash register. Valdez Mendez searched through a customer’s purse and assisted Rivas Nunez with taking money from the register. Once the robbery was completed, all defendants entered a vehicle driven by Castillo Vallejo, who acted as the lookout and getaway driver.

Unbeknownst to Rodriguez Nunez and his co-defendants, a location tracking device placed into the trash bag containing the stolen merchandise provided law enforcement with their location, which led to the apprehension of Valdez Mendez, Rivas Nunez, and Castillo Vallejo, as well as the recovery of approximately $20,000 in stolen electronics and the firearm.

Rodriguez Nunez had fled the area prior to law enforcement arriving and remained a fugitive for several years. In October of 2023, law enforcement located and apprehended Rodriguez Nunez in New York.

Castillo Vallejo pled guilty and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison on July 14, 2021. Valdez Mendez pled guilty and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison on July 14, 2021. Rivas Nunez was found guilty by a jury on May 12, 2021, and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison on July 21, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sartoian.

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.