Middle District of Florida

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Schyular Quinton Willis (24, Sebastian, Florida) to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor child to engage in sexual activity. Willis entered a guilty plea on January 31, 2024. Willis has been in custody since his arrest on October 10, 2023, at Camp Pendleton, California.

According to court documents, on October 4, 2023, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) was contacted by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) regarding a report of child exploitation. On October 1, 2023, JSO responded to a residence regarding a call for service. Minor Parent 1 (MP1), father of Minor Victim 1 (MV1), had located nude images of the child on her cellphone along with a text message thread between MV1 and Willis. The thread contained multiple nude images of MV1 and Willis. During a later conversation with MP1, JSO learned Willis had access to MV1, recently spent time with MV1 while in Florida, and was an active-duty Marine. Based on the information received from MP1, JSO concluded Willis was likely a member of the military. NCIS was contacted and verified Willis was an active-duty lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps and stationed at Camp Pendleton.  

NCIS reviewed MV1’s cellphone and located a text message thread between Willis and MV1, which began on July 31, 2023, and continued through September 26, 2023.  Throughout the text thread, sexual intercourse and the production of child sexual abuse materials were discussed on several occasions. 

On October 10, 2023, Willis was arrested at Camp Pendleton. He consented to an interview and a search of his devices. Willis admitted to talking to MV1 sexually and that it was a mistake. A review of Willis’s cellphone uncovered additional text messages between him and MV1, dating back as early as July 25, 2023, which appeared to reference possible sexual activity between Willis and MV1. 

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos Mendoza has sentenced Chrissie Fier Williams (39, Kissimmee) to three years and one month in federal prison for smuggling firearms internationally. Williams entered a guilty plea on January 2, 2024. 

According to court documents, on five separate occasions from January 28, 2021, through October 4, 2022, Williams prepared packages with household items to be sent to Trinidad and Tobago. Williams concealed numerous firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition inside those packages, prepared fake shipping manifests to conceal the contents, and paid “straw shippers” to deliver the packages under their names. Inside these packages, Williams concealed completed pistols and AR-style rifles, parts that could be readily assembled into completed guns, extended magazines including a 65-round drum magazine and a 100-round drum magazine, and ammunition to match the firearms being smuggled.     

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Gregory Allen Williamson (59, North Port), a/k/a “Vlad Vlad,” to life in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity, and for the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Williamson was found guilty following a jury trial on March 13, 2024.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Williamson isolated and groomed a vulnerable 12-year-old victim, and recent immigrant from Eastern Europe, to engage in sexual activity. Using the alias “Vlad Vlad,” Williamson sent the victim anonymous and graphic sexually explicit emails, including ones containing child sexual abuse material. Williamson later gifted the victim cellphone chargers which, unbeknownst to the victim, contained hidden cameras. Williamson used the chargers to surreptitiously record and produce sexually explicit images of the victim when the victim was naked in the victim’s bedroom. One of the cellphone chargers with a hidden camera is pictured below.

“Life in prison will keep this depraved individual from hurting another child. Our special agents, task force officers, and analysts work these investigations with compassion and dogged determination to ensure the innocent are protected from predators,” said FBI Tampa Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Tampa Division − Sarasota Resident Agency and the North Port Police Department, with substantial assistance from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Lindsey Schmidt.

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 – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Peter Papuchis (43, Norfolk, VA) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Papuchis was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release after his release from prison and register as a sex offender. Papuchis entered a guilty plea on February 21, 2024. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on May 4, 2023.

According to court documents, on April 15, 2023, a federal agent using an undercover persona began conducting an online undercover operation. The agent was using a free mobile application that permits individual users to meet online, engage in conversation through private messages, and share photographs and videos.  The agent was using the persona of the parent of an 11-year-old girl. In his undercover capacity as a “parent” of the “minor child,” the agent posted a message within the group that Papuchis responded to privately. Papuchis told the undercover agent, “I’m a perv with pedo tendencies.” The “parent” exchanged several private messages with him on this same day and continued until April 22, 2023. The same day, Papuchis provided his username on another chat application, and they then began messaging on that application until April 23, 2023. During their chat conversation, Papuchis detailed his interest in meeting the “minor child” of the “parent” and engaging in sexual activity with the “minor child.” On April 23, 2023, Papuchis traveled to meet the “parent” of the “minor child” in St. Johns County.  He was arrested after arriving at the predetermined meeting location and admitted to engaging in the chat conversations with the “parent” of the child and planning to engage in sexual activity with the “child.”

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

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 – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Carmel Linot (34, Titusville) to eight years in federal prison for bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and violating his federal supervision in a separate case. The court also ordered Linot to pay restitution to the victim he defrauded. Linot pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity on February 26, 2024. At the time of sentencing, Linot was on federal supervised release in the Middle District of Florida for aggravated identity theft. Linot was arrested on June 12, 2023, and the court ordered him detained on the federal supervised release case and the new indictment involving bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. 

According to the plea agreement and public records, Linot obtained the Social Security number (SSN) of a minor victim. Using this SSN, a counterfeit Georgia driver license, and false employment documents, Linot opened a bank account under a false identity at a credit union. After opening up the bank account in a false identity, he then obtained a credit card from the credit union using the victim’s SSN. Linot subsequently used the credit card to commit fraud.

This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Antonio McCray (22, Tampa) to 15 years in federal prison—the maximum sentence allowed by law—for possessing a firearm after having been convicted of a felony offense. McCray pleaded guilty on November 14, 2023.

According to court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, 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, telling his rival gang members, “I’m tryna do these f*** [dudes] so dirty…we getting them tonight…I’m [going] to shoot his a**.” 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.

On October 29, 2022, detectives from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle. McCray was seated in the back seat 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 Springfield firearm and shell casings recovered from one of the shootings. At the time, McCray had multiple prior felony convictions including burglary of a conveyance while armed, burglary (6 counts), and dealing in stolen property. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

McCray’s phone later revealed additional text messages in which he was threatening individuals who owed him a drug debt, telling people; “Listen bra if u care about ur son an ur grandma have my money by Thursday…or I’m coming for u and ur family…I’ll be at ur house tonight…Im torture ur grandma, u don’t know who u playing with.”

This case 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. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Richard Glenn Kantwill (60, Tampa) with three counts of interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted on all counts, Kantill faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment and court documents, between August 2019 and July 2020, Kantwill sent threats to approximately 42 different victims. Kantwill used email, social media, and text messages to threaten injury and death to various victims. During that time frame, Kantwill sent approximately 100 threats and various other disturbing messages.

The following is an email Kantwill sent to Victim 1, as alleged in the indictment:

The indictment charges Kantwill with sending the following message to Victim 2:

The indictment also charges Kantwill with sending the following to Victim 3:

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 Abigail K. King.

 

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Benjamin Garmon, Jr. (25, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Garmon faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on January 20, 2024, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a homicide investigation and executed a search warrant at Garmon’s home on Gadwall Lane in Orlando. Garmon was present, along with his girlfriend. During the execution of the warrant, law enforcement located a firearm inside a shoebox in the closet of Garmon’s bedroom. The firearm was a Glock, model 21 Gen 4, .45 caliber pistol, loaded with ammunition. Garmon told the deputies that he had moved the firearm from a dresser in his bedroom to a shoebox in the closet when the deputies arrived at his home to execute the warrant.

At the time Garmon possessed the firearm and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of four felonies, including carrying a concealed firearm on July 25, 2018, burglary of a structure, grand theft, and resisting law enforcement officer without violence in March 2019. As a convicted felon, Garmon 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara Wick.

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 filing of a criminal complaint charging William Isaak Sparks (23, Kalamazoo, Michigan) with using a cellphone to attempt to entice a child to engage in sex acts. If convicted, Sparks faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. 

According to the complaint, an FBI special agent was conducting an online undercover investigation designed to identify and target adults who were seeking sexual activity with children. The undercover agent, posing as the parent of an 11-year-old girl, made contact with Sparks in a chat group on a social media app. Sparks offered to travel from Michigan to Florida for the purpose of sexually exploiting the “child.” The undercover agent asked Sparks if he had experience with “young” to which Sparks responded “Yes . . . 12 and 13” and claimed that these sexual encounters with children had happened “a couple of months ago[.]” Sparks provided his cellphone number to the undercover agent, distributed to the undercover agent two videos of children being sexually abused, and offered to send an explicit video of himself. Via text message, Sparks continued to make arrangements to travel to Florida.

The undercover agent again encountered Sparks in a chat room on May 21, 2024. In that conversation, Sparks again offered to travel to Florida to sexually abuse the 11-year old “child.” Sparks provided his true name to the undercover agent so that the agent could book a bus ticket from Michigan to Florida for Sparks.

The undercover agent later learned that on May 24, 2024, Sparks had been arrested by the Michigan State Police after information was provided by a private citizen that Sparks was attempting to engage in sex acts with a purported 11-year-old child in Michigan. Sparks was arrested after he showed up a condom and $45 in cash expecting to sexually abuse the purported 11-year-old child in Michigan.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Michigan State Police, and the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

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.

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department filed a civil federal lawsuit today in the Middle District of Florida against five people for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits anyone from using force, threats of force or physical obstruction against any person because they are seeking or providing reproductive health services.

The lawsuit alleges that Calvin Zastrow, Kenneth Scott, Chester Gallagher, Eva Zastrow and Katelyn Sims, also known as Katelyn Velasco, committed violations of the FACE Act in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2022.  Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants trespassed onto a reproductive health center’s property, blocked the entrances and temporarily stopped operations at the center. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary penalties as provided by the FACE Act.

“These five defendants deliberately obstructed access to reproductive health services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Physically blocking those seeking or providing reproductive health services in order to impose their views is unlawful. The Justice Department will continue enforcing the FACE Act to protect against such obstruction.”

“The Justice Department ensures that individuals cannot pick which laws they wish to follow,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We look forward to continuing to protect the rights of patients and providers to access reproductive health care.”

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling the case.   

For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the FACE act may visit www.justice.gov/crt/freedom-access-clinic-entrances-places-religious-worship. Past FACE Act cases by the Special Litigation Section can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section-cases-and-matters#face.

The Justice Department filed a civil federal lawsuit today in the Middle District of Florida against five people for violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits anyone from using force, threats of force or physical obstruction against any person because they are seeking or providing reproductive health services.

The lawsuit alleges that Calvin Zastrow, Kenneth Scott, Chester Gallagher, Eva Zastrow and Katelyn Sims, also known as Katelyn Velasco, committed violations of the FACE Act in Ft. Myers, Florida, on Jan. 27, 2022. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the defendants trespassed onto a reproductive health center’s property, blocked the entrances and temporarily stopped operations at the center. The complaint seeks injunctive relief and monetary penalties as provided by the FACE Act.

“These five defendants deliberately obstructed access to reproductive health services,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Physically blocking those seeking or providing reproductive health services in order to impose their views is unlawful. The Justice Department will continue enforcing the FACE Act to protect against such obstruction.”

“The Justice Department ensures that individuals cannot pick which laws they wish to follow,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We look forward to continuing to protect the rights of patients and providers to access reproductive health care.”

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling the case.   

For additional information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. Those interested in finding out more about the FACE act can visit www.justice.gov/crt/freedom-access-clinic-entrances-places-religious-worship. Past FACE Act cases by the Special Litigation Section can be found at www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section-cases-and-matters#face.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Damond Alford (31, Tampa) guilty of trafficking in unauthorized access devices and aggravated identity theft. Alford faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the trafficking offense followed by an additional two-year mandatory consecutive sentence for the aggravated identity theft offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, officers from the Tampa Police Department stopped Alford twice in August 2020. During those traffic stops, law enforcement searched Alford’s vehicle and discovered debit cards in other individuals’ names and a ledger containing personal identifying information of others. An investigation by the Department of Labor reveled that the personal identifying information on the ledger had been used to apply for unemployment insurance benefits throughout the country on at least 57 occasions. Debit cards containing unemployment insurance benefits were then mailed to Alford and, on several occasions, he used those debit cards to withdraw thousands of dollars. In total, more than $300,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance payments were attributed to Alford.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Andre Lee Long (48, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. The court also ordered Long to forfeit a rifle and $113,074, which were traceable to proceeds of the offense. Long entered a guilty plea on March 14, 2024.

According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began an investigation of Long for fentanyl distribution. During the course of three transactions on June 14, June 21, and July 18, 2023, Long distributed over 220 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant. Prior to each transaction, surveillance footage captured Long leaving his residence and meeting the informant in a parking lot.

On August 1, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Long’s residence and located more than 360 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, and small quantities of crack cocaine. Authorities also seized a rifle, ammunition, drug scales, baggies, drug paraphernalia, and over $113,000 in cash.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kirwinn Mike.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Octavio Adalberto Robledo (54, Jacksonville) to 8 years and 4 months in federal prison for using the internet to download videos and photos of young children being sexually abused. Robledo was also ordered to serve a 20-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. Robledo entered a guilty plea on March 6, 2024. He was arrested on July 2, 2023, at the Miami International Airport immediately after returning to the United States from Argentina, and he has been detained in federal custody since then.

According to court documents, a detective with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, who was also an FBI task force officer, was investigating individuals located in Florida who were actively receiving child sexual abuse material over the internet using a particular online file sharing network. The detective downloaded a video and several photos depicting children being sexually abused from a particular internet

protocol (IP) address that was traced to an apartment in Jacksonville where Robledo was living.

On April 18, 2017, two FBI agents went to Robledo’s apartment to interview him. Robledo provided consent for the FBI to take custody of his desktop computer and search it. Robledo admitted that he used online file-sharing programs to seek out child sexual abuse material and had done so just two days before. He further stated that he kept these materials locked in a secure program to avoid detection. A short time after this interview, Robledo traveled to Argentina where he remained for more than six years.  

The examination of Robledo’s computer revealed that it contained 655 photos and two videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. This material was found in folders and subfolders that were organized alphabetically by either the name of the content or the apparent name of the individual depicted. Robledo downloaded this child sexual abuse material during the period from February 2016 through April 2017 in Jacksonville.   

This case was investigated by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Miami, with assistance from the State Attorney’s Office in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Miguel Cintron (36, Tampa), Marquise Trant (35, Tampa), David Chudhabuddhi (37, Tampa), and Darrius Gustafson (20, Tampa) with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, resulting in death. All four are also charged with additional distributions of fentanyl over 40 grams. Cintron is further charged with possession with intent to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted on all counts, each faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit all assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. All four defendants were arrested, made their initial appearances in federal court, and have been ordered detained pending trial. 

According to the indictment and court documents, on February 16, 2024, Cintron, Trant, Chudhabuddhi, and Gustafson distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. Subsequent to Victim-1’s death, all four individuals continued to distribute fentanyl to undercover deputies and detectives with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

On April 10, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Cintron’s residence where law enforcement recovered firearms, several rounds of ammunition, more than 7 kilograms of cocaine, 1 kilogram of black tar heroin, 1 kilogram of heroin, 1,200 pressed pills containing fentanyl, and over $200,000 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 University of South Florida Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dominick Yvon Louissaint (19, Lake Mary) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Louissaint faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Louissaint has previously been convicted of felonies on three occasions, including robbery and firearms offenses. On January 24, 2024, officers with the Sanford Police Department responded to a call about a suspected burglary. The officers encountered Louissaint at the scene and ordered him to show his hands. Instead, Louissaint attempted to flee from the officers and was later apprehended. The officers located a loaded Taurus pistol concealed in Louissaint’s pant leg and a box of ammunition in his pocket. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.  

As a result of his plea, Louissaint will forfeit the firearm and ammunition involved in the offense.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Sanford Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Angel Ruben Hernandez, Jr. (75, Altamonte Springs) to three years in federal prison for failing to record required information about firearms purchases. Hernandez entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2024.

According to court documents, Hernandez was an owner and responsible party for Arms Hill LLC, a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL or Federal Firearms Licensee) from 2019 through 2023. In 2022, the FBI obtained information that Hernandez was supplying firearms to an individual who was unlawfully selling them to drug dealers and convicted felons and that Hernandez was falsifying paperwork in connection with supplying those firearms. FFL dealers who operate within the law require purchasers to complete specific forms (ATF Form 4473) and answer numerous questions about the buyer’s background and eligibility to purchase firearms.

Beginning in April 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), through a cooperating source, conducted a series of undercover purchases from Hernandez. On April 20 and 24, 2023, and May 1, 2023, Hernandez sold nine firearms to the ATF’s source. Hernandez charged above-market prices for the firearms while also creating false ATF Form 4473 forms documenting fake sales to Hernandez’s relatives. On May 19, 2023, during the execution of a search warrant, ATF agents found pre-filled ATF 4473 forms with information from Hernandez’s relatives that had been pre-populated and prepared for future fake sales.  Hernandez’s FFL records indicate that nearly a quarter of his sales as an FFL from 2019-2023, including more than 260 firearms, were recorded as though they were sold to his relatives.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Apopka Police Department, and the Altamonte Springs Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dana E. Hill and 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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Lucio Daza Marquez (73, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to possession and receipt of child sex abuse material. Marquez faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, an undercover FBI agent discovered an Internet Protocol (IP) address that was sharing files containing child sex abuse material. The IP address was traced to Marquez. During the execution of a search warrant at Marquez’s residence, FBI agents located multiple files depicting the sexual abuse of children on Marquez’s laptop and external hard drives. During an interview with the FBI, Marquez admitted to downloading child sex abuse material.  Marquez further told the FBI that he had been viewing child sex abuse material for nearly 10 years, and that he preferred young girls approximately 12 years old. He also admitted to viewing videos involving much younger children being sexually abused, including infants.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that George Andrew Pherai-Bogeajis (35, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of that conduct. Pherai-Bogeajis faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement and court documents, in March 2024, Pherai-Bogeajis was surveilled paying a known DEA target nearly $150,000 in exchange for a duffle bag. On April 9, 2024, DEA agents searched Pherai-Bogeajis’s primary residence in Orlando and a stash house in Ocoee that he was known to use. Pherai-Bogeajis had approximately 68 kilograms (around 150 pounds) of methamphetamine, nearly a kilogram of fentanyl, four firearms used to protect drugs and drug proceeds, $717,480 in currency, and vehicles used in the offenses, including two vehicles that contained secret compartments to conceal drugs and proceeds during transport. Pherai-Bogeajis has agreed to forfeit the currency that is proceeds of the offense, as well as the firearms and vehicles used to facilitate the offense. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Orlando Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Oviedo Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Luis Rosado (28, Winter Park) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Rosado faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on August 20, 2023, Rosado was stopped by law enforcement after committing a traffic infraction when officers observed a rifle and shotgun on the front passenger seat. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed an additional firearm in the glove compartment, as well as ammunition throughout the vehicle. Rosado was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

At the time Rosado possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including thirteen convictions for burglary of a conveyance, four for grand theft of a motor vehicle, one for possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and one for fraudulent-illegal credit card use. As a convicted felon, Rosado is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Rosado has agreed to forfeit a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Radical Firearm 7.62mm semi-automatic rifle, a Silver Eagle 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, and assorted ammunition.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Nicole Danielle Devilbiss (35, Jacksonville) to four years and three months in federal prison for conspiracy to create and distribute animal crush videos. Devilbiss entered a guilty plea on February 13, 2024. She has been in custody since her arrest on October 31, 2023.

According to court documents, in September 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) received information regarding an individual residing in Jacksonville who was identified as an administrator of a messaging application group chat that was dedicated to the abuse, torture, and death of various-aged monkeys. The HSI investigation revealed that numerous people involved in the group exchanged hundreds, if not thousands, of messages about the abuse and torture of monkeys, as well as videos depicting the abuse and torture of monkeys. The purpose of the group was to fund, view, distribute, and promote animal crush videos that depicted, among other things, the torture, murder, and sexually sadistic mutilation of animals, specifically baby and adult monkeys. The co-conspirators agreed to create animal crush videos using videographers and animals in other countries, to include Indonesia, which would then be sent to the United States. The name of the group changed multiple times to innocuous names that were inconsistent with the goals and interests of the group, which appeared to be to avoid detection by law enforcement. This investigation led to the identification of Devilbiss as a member of that group. Law enforcement obtained some of those messages and videos that were exchanged involving Devilbiss, which detailed her interest in the abuse and torture of monkeys.

Devilbiss and her co-conspirators collectively funded the creation of animal crush videos using online payment applications. Co-conspirators outside the United States received this funding and used it create animal crush videos. 

During the execution of a search warrant at Devilbiss’s residence, numerous electronic devices were seized. Law enforcement found numerous videos depicting the torture of monkeys on Devilbiss’s devices. Law enforcement also located a journal that detailed Devilbiss’s interest in obtaining a monkey locally to abuse to create additional content.

“This investigation uncovered an unsettling underworld dedicated to the torment, torture, and exploitation of innocent animals,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “Through our relentless pursuit of justice, alongside our Sheriffs with Clay County, Jacksonville, and St. Johns County, we have exposed a network of depraved people inflicting unspeakable cruelty on monkeys, who record their suffering and share it for profit and perverse pleasure.”    

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Washington and Elisibeth Adams.

Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy J. Corrigan has sentenced Diandre Murel (30, Jacksonville Beach) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. Murel entered a guilty plea on October 23, 2023. 

According to court documents, Murel and another individual were investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for distributing cocaine in the Jacksonville Beach area. During the course of the investigation, Murel went to Atlanta and purchased almost a kilogram of cocaine. Murel was stopped in Baker County on his way back from Atlanta. Deputies from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office searched the car and located the cocaine. DEA agents and officers from the Jacksonville Beach Police Department then executed a search warrant at a condo where Murel was renting a room. Law enforcement located additional cocaine, three firearms, and over 100 rounds of ammunition inside Murel’s room. Murel’s plea agreement includes a provision that he forfeit the firearms and ammunition seized by law enforcement.  

This case was investigated by the DEA, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, and the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Ernest Jeshad Foster (32, Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Foster to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Foster entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024.

According to court records, on August 23, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle in which Foster was the front seat passenger. Upon approaching the vehicle, law enforcement observed Foster reaching into the glove compartment and quickly shutting it. As soon as Foster exited the car, the glove compartment popped open and officers saw a firearm, which was later identified as loaded Taurus handgun. As a seven-time convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.     

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

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Coroy Dontavia Flournoy (40, Fort Myers) to three years and five months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Flournoy to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed during the offense.  Flournoy entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024.

According to court records, on February 21, 2023, Flournoy was arrested at a home in Fort Myers in connection with an active warrant, after which law enforcement searched the residence and found a loaded Glock handgun, multiple magazines, and several dozen rounds of ammunition under the mattress of a bed inside the house. DNA analysis performed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement later linked the firearm to Flournoy, a multi-time convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. At the time of the conduct charged in this case, Flournoy was on Florida state probation for a firearm-related offense.     

This case was investigated by the Cape Coral Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 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. 

Fort Myers, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that William Joseph Timothy (43, Ave Maria), a former Naples Airport U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, today pleaded guilty to stealing cash from arriving international airline passengers during the course of his official duties. Timothy faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, between mid-2023 and early-2024, Timothy stole approximately $18,700 in cash from airline passengers during 17 incidents of theft uncovered by CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility investigators. Evidence collected during the investigation showed that Timothy was surreptitiously stealing cash from arriving international passengers during border enforcement examinations and currency verifications performed as part of his official duties as an assigned CBP Officer at Naples Airport.

As part of his plea agreement, Timothy has agreed to pay full restitution to the victims of his thefts, and he has further agreed to immediately resign from his employment with CBP. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Protection’s Office of Professional Responsibility. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jddarrian Christopher Irons (33, Fort Myers) to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Irons to forfeit the firearm and ammunition possessed during the offense. Irons entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024.

According to court records, on October 5, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Irons was the front seat passenger. During the traffic stop, Irons initially misidentified himself to the  officers by providing a false name and date of birth. Then, when officers searched the car, they found a loaded Smith and Wesson handgun in a fanny pack wedged between the front passenger seat—where Irons had been sitting—and the door. Minutes earlier, before getting into the vehicle, Irons had been seen wearing the fanny pack in a nearby apartment complex. As a multi-time convicted felon who had recently been released from a seven-year state prison sentence, Irons is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.     

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington today sentenced Tequan Ramsey (29, St. Petersburg) to 5 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The court also ordered Ramsey to forfeit $4,705, an amount traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ramsey entered a guilty plea on January 25, 2024.

According to court documents, law enforcement received information that individuals were distributing narcotics in Clearwater, Florida. During an investigation conducted by federal and local law enforcement officers, Ramsey and his co-defendant, Ciera Anderson, distributed heroin on December 8, 2022. On January 13, 2023, Ramsey and Anderson distributed heroin and methamphetamine.  On March 3, 2023, Ramsey and Anderson were found in a vehicle with heroin and methamphetamine and arrested. 

Anderson previously pleaded guilty for her role in this case. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 2, 2024.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Clearwater Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench handled the forfeiture proceedings.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Alfred Clayton Rosier, Jr. (30, Sarasota) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Rosier entered a guilty plea on January 18, 2024.

According to court documents, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Sarasota Police Department (SPD), and Sarasota County Sherriff’s Office (SCSO) began investigating Rosier in mid-2021. On September 22, 2022, a FedEx representative contacted law enforcement about a parcel suspected of containing narcotics in their Manatee County facility. A FedEx employee had opened the box and observed black vacuum-sealed bags commonly used to ship and package narcotics. A deputy from the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office (MCSO) arrived at the FedEx facility, retrieved the suspect parcel, transported it to MCSO, and conducted a canine sniff test. The dog alerted to the package. The package was addressed to a person at an address on McCloud Circle in Sarasota. After procuring a search warrant for the package from a Sarasota County judge, the deputy opened the package and discovered two wrapped packages that contained eight pounds each of a crystal substance, which tested positive for methamphetamine. DEA agents then conducted a controlled delivery of the suspected methamphetamine.

Later that day, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a detective with SCSO, acting in an undercover capacity, delivered the package to the address on McCloud Circle. Air surveillance observed Rosier outside the home next to a white van, where he retrieved a large box from inside the van. As the SCSO SWAT team approached Rosier, he threw the box back inside the van and jumped into the driver’s seat of a blue sedan parked next to the van.

Rosier was found sitting on a portion of the label from the delivered

package. A small backpack was located in the sedan as well. The backpack contained a loaded Draco pistol with a 30-round magazine, prescription medication with Rosier’s name, cellphone receipts, and another FedEx shipping label for a package sent to California.

Upon searching the van and the box that Rosier had thrown inside, agents

located approximately 22 pounds of marijuana and 647 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the DEA, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Manatee County Sherriff’s Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edward Charlesalton Chappell (41, Kissimmee) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Chappell faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison under the Armed Career Criminal Act. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2024.

According to the plea agreement, on July 13, 2022, a state search warrant was executed on a hotel room occupied by Chappell after he sold fentanyl to an undercover agent. Inside the hotel room, agents located cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs as well as drug processing materials. Agents also located a Glock pistol, a Ruger pistol, and 9mm caliber ammunition.

At the time Chappell possessed the firearms and ammunition, he had previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including four convictions for delivery of cocaine and one conviction for possession of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver. As a multi-time convicted felon, Chappell is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Chappell agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition he unlawfully possessed.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office 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.

Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Lucious Denard Scott, Jr. (32, Melbourne) to 12 years in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. Scott entered a guilty plea on November 9, 2023.

According to court documents, a confidential source conducted four controlled purchases of drugs from Scott. In total, Scott distributed over 13 grams of fentanyl and approximately 1,428 grams of pure methamphetamine to the confidential source. A search warrant was then executed at Scott’s home where agents located fentanyl, a large quantity of methamphetamine, two loaded firearms, and additional ammunition in a shed behind the residence.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger has sentenced Thomas Oliver Morrison (64, Jacksonville) to 21 months in federal prison for making false statements to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. Morrison entered a guilty plea on February 21, 2024. 

According to court records, Morrison attempted to purchase a 9mm pistol from a firearms store in Jacksonville on April 20, 2022. At the time, Morrison was subject to a permanent injunction for protection against domestic violence that was issued in 2017. Morrison also had multiple felony convictions, including battery and false imprisonment. Morrison had also been involuntarily committed to a mental institution in 2020, which also prohibits him from lawfully possessing or purchasing a firearm. Morrison made multiple false statements on an ATF Form 4473 related to the injunction, his felony status, and his mental health condition.

This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.  

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with special assistance from the State Attorney’s Office (Fourth Judicial Circuit). It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot.

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

violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Willie Hunter, Jr. (22, Fort Myers) to three years in federal prison for possession a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Hunter to forfeit the firearm used in the offense. Hunter entered a guilty plea on February 28, 2024.  

According to court documents, on November 30, 2023, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department were on patrol in the area of Palm Avenue and Douglas Street. An officer observed a vehicle with illegal dark window tint in violation of Florida law. An officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle with his lights and sirens, but the vehicle accelerated into the parking lot of a convenience store. After reaching the parking lot, the front passenger, later identified as Hunter, got out of the vehicle, and proceeded into the convenience store. The vehicle then fled, as Hunter walked into the store.

Officers located Hunter in the convenience store while additional officers pursued the vehicle. The vehicle was later found abandoned and officers located two firearms inside the vehicle. Fingerprint analysis linked Hunter to possessing one of those firearms. At the time, Hunter had multiple prior felony convictions, including possession of firearm by a delinquent and aggravated assault with deadly weapon. As a convicted felon he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make 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. 

         

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jamie Thompson (50, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Thompson faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Thompson completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Thompson indicated on the required paperwork that he was not a convicted felon. Thompson admitted this was a false statement, and that he was previously convicted of six felony offenses.

This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.  

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

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Dovantate Wright (26, Bradenton) to two years and six months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wright entered a guilty plea on March 8, 2024. The federal sentence was imposed consecutively to a separate sentence of five and six months imposed in Manatee County.  

According to court documents, on September 2, 2022, Wright was the front seat passenger of a vehicle driving in the wrong direction on a one-way road in Sarasota, Florida. Officers from the Sarasota Police Department stopped the vehicle, and Wright fled on foot into an auto parts store. Inside the store, Wright ran behind the counter into the back of the store where he stumbled into a product bin as he attempted to pull from his waistband a fully loaded Smith and Wesson model 40C .40 caliber pistol with one round in the chamber. 

During an interview with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wright admitted to possessing the firearm and to being a convicted felon. Wright previously served three years in Florida State Prison for aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and grand theft of a motor vehicle. As a convicted felon, Wright is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.  

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

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Abdul Q. Aziz to 15 months in federal prison for aiding in the preparation and filing of numerous false and fraudulent income tax returns. Aziz entered a guilty plea on April 4, 2022.

According to court documents, Aziz aided in the preparation of false income tax returns on behalf of friends and family members. He offered to help these taxpayers obtain large and unwarranted refunds by filing tax returns which falsely claimed income obtained and withholding credits based upon the payment of interest on mortgages which the taxpayers had previously obtained. The multiple tax returns which Aziz helped to prepare and file with the IRS led to claims on behalf of taxpayers for unlawful and unauthorized refunds in excess of $1.5 million. The actual loss to the IRS as to those returns exceeded $226,000.

“This sentencing shows how seriously we are committed to investigating and stopping the filing of fraudulent returns,” said Lani Rosado-Espinal, acting Special Agent in Charge of CI Tampa Field Office. “Schemes meant to defraud the government will be uncovered. We hope that anyone thinking of participating in this kind of nefarious activity will pause and hopefully realize that their freedom is more valuable than the potential for ill-gotten gains.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation. It is part of a lengthy investigation by the IRS in Tampa and Orlando centered upon this mortgage income/withholding scheme. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Three Florida residents pleaded guilty today to conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate employees of pregnancy resource centers in the free exercise of the right to provide and seek to provide reproductive health services. The defendants selected reproductive health facilities that provided and counseled abortion alternatives and vandalized those facilities with threatening messages.

According to court documents, between May and July 2022, Caleb Freestone, Amber Smith-Stewart and Annarella Rivera engaged in a series of targeted attacks on pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. The defendants admitted they participated in the attack in the dark of night and, while wearing masks and dark clothing to obscure their identities, spray painted the facilities with threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U” and “We are everywhere.”

“These defendants vandalized pregnancy resource centers with threatening messages meant to terrify the employees of those centers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Violence and threats have no place in the national discourse about reproductive rights. The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country, without regard to the point of view of the defendants or their victims.”

“Federal law protects providers who render reproductive health care and those who seek their services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Neither should be subject to unlawful intimidation or threats of harm. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in protecting access to reproductive health care and federally prosecuting those interfering with that right.”

“The FBI works diligently to safeguard the civil rights of our citizens,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “We and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate those who conspire to attack facilities providing these lawful reproductive health services.”

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Charges remain pending against a fourth defendant.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Miami Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacie Harris for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.

WASHINGTON – Three Florida residents pleaded guilty today to conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate employees of pregnancy resource centers in the free exercise of the right to provide and seek to provide reproductive health services. The defendants selected reproductive health facilities that provided and counseled abortion alternatives and vandalized those facilities with threatening messages.

According to court documents, between May and July 2022, Caleb Freestone, Amber Smith-Stewart and Annarella Rivera engaged in a series of targeted attacks on pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. The defendants admitted they participated in the attack in the dark of night and, while wearing masks and dark clothing to obscure their identities, spray painted the facilities with threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U” and “We are everywhere.”

“These defendants vandalized pregnancy resource centers with threatening messages meant to terrify the employees of those centers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Violence and threats have no place in the national discourse about reproductive rights. The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country, without regard to the point of view of the defendants or their victims.”

“Federal law protects providers who render reproductive health care and those who seek their services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Neither should be subject to unlawful intimidation or threats of harm. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in protecting access to reproductive health care and federally prosecuting those interfering with that right.”

“The FBI works diligently to safeguard the civil rights of our citizens,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “We and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate those who conspire to attack facilities providing these lawful reproductive health services.”

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Charges remain pending against a fourth defendant.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Miami Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacie Harris for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.

Three Florida residents pleaded guilty today to conspiring to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate employees of pregnancy resource centers in the free exercise of the right to provide and seek to provide reproductive health services. The defendants selected reproductive health facilities that provided and counseled abortion alternatives and vandalized those facilities with threatening messages.

According to court documents, between May and July 2022, Caleb Freestone, Amber Smith-Stewart and Annarella Rivera engaged in a series of targeted attacks on pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. The defendants admitted they participated in the attack in the dark of night and, while wearing masks and dark clothing to obscure their identities, spray painted the facilities with threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U” and “We are everywhere.”

“These defendants vandalized pregnancy resource centers with threatening messages meant to terrify the employees of those centers,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Violence and threats have no place in the national discourse about reproductive rights. The Justice Department is committed to holding accountable those who seek to interfere with access to reproductive health services in our country, without regard to the point of view of the defendants or their victims.”

“Federal law protects providers who render reproductive health care and those who seek their services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Neither should be subject to unlawful intimidation or threats of harm. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners in protecting access to reproductive health care and federally prosecuting those interfering with that right.”

“The FBI works diligently to safeguard the civil rights of our citizens,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “We and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate those who conspire to attack facilities providing these lawful reproductive health services.”

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Charges remain pending against a fourth defendant.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Miami Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stacie Harris for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce FACE Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Krupaben Himanshu Bhatt (37, Odessa) with international parental kidnapping. If convicted on all counts, Bhatt faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, in January of 2024, Bhatt unlawfully removed her two minor children from the United States with the intent to obstruct the parental rights of the father of the children.

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.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Noel Alfredo Garcia (34, Las Vegas, Nevada) guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Garcia faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Garcia was indicted on March 12, 2024.

According to evidence presented at trial, Garcia conspired with his co-defendant, Jesus Villapudua, to transport nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine from Victorville, California, to Lakeland, Florida for distribution. Villapudua coordinated the shipment and enlisted Garcia to transport the methamphetamine. Phone records showed Garcia in constant communication with Villapudua leading up to, and for the duration of the transportation. Ultimately, on January 29, 2024, the Florida Highway Patrol conducted a traffic stop on Garcia and the methamphetamine was in the trunk of his vehicle. Prior to this delivery, Garcia made multiple other trips across the United States to transport narcotics and the proceeds of narcotics sales.

Villapudua previously pleaded guilty to the same offenses on May 23, 2024.

     

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Bradenton Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang and Samantha Newman.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Gerard Eric Beasley (50, Tampa) to four years and nine months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Beasley was found guilty on March 12, 2024, following a bench trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, Beasley was stopped by officers from the Tampa Police Department for driving without his headlights on and for a partially open trunk. During a search of Beasley’s vehicle, the officers located marijuana, crack cocaine, and a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol loaded with one round of ammunition. During an interview, Beasley admitted to possessing the firearm and the narcotics. At the time of the offense, Beasley had multiple prior felony convictions and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

           

                       

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Elias Xavier Rosario Torres (26, Tampa) and Veronica Estefania Rodriguez Pinuela (23, Tampa) after both were found guilty by a jury on March 8, 2024. Rosario Torres was sentenced to 38 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and over 500 grams of cocaine, possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Rodriguez Pinuela was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and over 500 grams of cocaine, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

According to evidence presented at trial, Rosario Torres and Rodriguez Pinuela were stopped by Tampa Police Department officers on March 8, 2022, for a traffic infraction. During the traffic stop, officers located two backpacks containing nearly a kilogram of cocaine, 16 grams of fentanyl, a Glock 23 handgun, two loaded magazines, and additional ammunition. The Glock 23 was modified with a chip that converted the handgun into a machine gun. At the time of the offense, Rosario Torres was a convicted felon, having been convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Tampa Police Department.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jeff Chang, James C. Preston, and Samantha E. Beckman.

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 Gabriel Gladman (23, Akron, OH) today pleaded guilty to a 14-count indictment charging him with 8 counts of providing a false statement to a federally licensed dealer to acquire a firearm and 6 counts of unlawfully transferring a handgun to a juvenile. Gladman faces a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment for each count of providing a false statement to acquire a firearm, and 1 year in federal prison for each count for unlawfully transferring a handgun to a juvenile. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Gladman, on several dates, purchased firearms from federally licensed dealers in Tampa, where he represented that he was the actual buyer of the firearms. On those same dates, however, Gladman transferred those firearms to juveniles.

As part of the plea agreement, Gladman has agreed to forfeit 8 firearms, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Those firearms included a Glock .26 semi-automatic firearm, an FMK 9C1 semi-automatic firearm, a Taurus G3 semi-automatic firearm, two Tara TM-9X semi-automatic firearms, and a Taurus G3C semi-automatic firearm.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tampa Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is responsible for the forfeiture of the firearms.

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 Nahum Rodriguez-Jaimes (48, Lakeland) pleaded guilty today to three counts of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Rodriguez-Jaimes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Rodriguez-Jaimes is a citizen of Mexico and subject to deportation.

According to the plea agreement and court records, law enforcement received information that Rodriguez-Jaimes was distributing fentanyl in Plant City. Rodriguez-Jaimes was involved in three separate transactions at a commercial business in Plant City. On September 28, 2023, Rodriguez-Jaimes distributed 200 fentanyl pills; on October 10, 2023, he distributed 300 fentanyl pills; and on October 19, 2023, he distributed an additional 3 baggies of fentanyl pills. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Plant City Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Hani Wafik Kaakati (43, Kissimmee) with 24 counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Kaakati faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Kaakati that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of at least $443,137.98, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct.

According to the indictment, Kaakati, through his car dealership, NextGear Automotive, entered into a floorplan financing agreement with victim Company 1.  In September 2019, Kaakati misrepresented to Company 1 the availability of funds in NextGear Automotive’s bank account, so that Company 1 would release 24 car titles to him. In fact, Kaakati had withdrawn money from that bank account so that there would be insufficient funds to cover the amount owed to Company 1 for the car titles under the floorplan financing agreement. As a result, Company 1 initiated 24 ACH transactions with NextGear Automotive’s bank account in the total amount of $528,337.98, all of which were returned for insufficient funds.

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 Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.

Jacksonville, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Jose Dominguez (50, Jacksonville) with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer during the attempted purchase of a firearm. If convicted, Dominguez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, Dominguez completed an ATF Form 4473 during the attempted purchase of a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Dominguez indicated on the required 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 in Duval County and three crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment in Miami-Dade County, including grand theft and two drug offenses.

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

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

This is another case uncovered through the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). All NICS denials are reported to federal law enforcement and are reviewed daily for potential criminal prosecution. Federal law makes it a felony offense to make a false statement to a firearms dealer when trying to buy a gun.  

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Frank Anthony Acanda (26, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Acanda faces up to 30 years in federal prison and payment of restitution to the victims he and his co-defendant, Jonathan Benavide Hidalgo (26, Jacksonville), defrauded. A sentencing date has not been set.

According to court documents, for several months, Acanda, Hidalgo, and others drove around Fleming Island, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine and stole large volumes of mail from residential and business mailboxes. After opening the mail and stealing checks and money orders, Acanda, Hidalgo, and others acting on their behalf, deposited the items into bank accounts controlled by them and then used ATMs to immediately withdraw cash. In some instances, the co-defendants altered the stolen checks by increasing the amount of the checks to maximize the amount of money they could withdraw from ATMs. 

Hidalgo is set for trial in August 2024.

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

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the United States Postal Inspection Service - Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Chad Earl Cotsamire (44, Titusville) today pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce. Cotsamire faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Cotsamire has agreed to forfeit $190,314.83, the proceeds of the conspiracy.

According to the plea agreement, Cotsamire was an employee of a firearms and firearms parts manufacturer. Between September 2019 and June 2022, at the direction of co-conspirators, Cotsamire stole firearms parts from his employer, and transported those firearms parts to buyers across state lines. Cotsamire personally obtained $190,314.83 as a result of the conspiracy.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Sule Pedro (47, Jacksonville) to eight years and four months in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine. Pedro entered a guilty plea on April 13, 2023.

According to court documents, Pedro was a known drug trafficker selling methamphetamine and fentanyl out of a carwash in the Jacksonville area. Between January and August 2022, Pedro sold approximately 230 grams of methamphetamine and 23 grams of fentanyl to a cooperating defendant. On September 27, 2022, federal and state law enforcement executed a search warrant at the carwash, where they recovered two firearms and approximately 325 grams of methamphetamine, 57 grams of fentanyl, 268 grams of alpha-PVP (also known as “flakka”), hydrocodone pills, and other narcotics. 

“This sentencing emphasizes the severity of exploiting a legitimate business to fuel the scourge of narcotics trafficking in our communities,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “HSI’s partnerships with Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office are instrumental in combating drug trafficking and safeguarding the well-being of our communities.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Alexander Alli (39, Riverview) to 13 months in federal prison for conspiracy and wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent receipt of COVID-19 relief funds. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $82,400, the proceeds of the fraud. Alli was found guilty by a jury on March 13, 2024.

According to court documents, Alli and a co-conspirator submitted a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Alli falsely represented that he had a business suffering injury due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the EIDL funds would be used only for business-related purposes, as specified in the loan applications. However, Alli’s business was no longer operational at the time his EIDL application was submitted and had ceased operations prior to the start of the pandemic. While Alli certified the EIDL funds would be used for his business, the evidence showed he spent the funds fraudulently. Alli’s false and fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve and fund a total of $82,500 in EIDL funds. 

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 Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Peresie and Merrilyn E. Hoenemeyer.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.