Middle District of Florida

Tampa, FL – Micro Matic USA, Inc. (Micro Matic), a Delaware corporation with a principal place of business in Brooksville, Florida, has agreed to pay a settlement of $2,593,219.18 to resolve allegations that Micro Matic violated the False Claims Act by improperly obtaining a loan under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). This action is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide emergency loans to small businesses suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP was expanded and modified by the Economic Aid Act in December 2020 and the American Recovery Plan Act in March 2021. The PPP authorized small businesses to seek forgiveness of the loans if they spent the loan funds on eligible expenses. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify the truthfulness and accuracy of all information provided in their loan applications. The PPP was administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Under the second round of PPP, only a business with 300 or fewer employees was eligible for a PPP loan. To determine size, businesses were required to apply the affiliation rules under 13 C.F.R. § 121.301(f), which require aggregating the employees and revenue of related companies, including companies outside the United States.

GNGH2, Inc. filed a qui tam complaint in the Middle District of Florida alleging that Micro Matic improperly obtained a $2 million PPP loan. According to the allegations in the complaint, Micro Matic was ineligible for its PPP loan because it was not a small business due to its size after inclusion of its foreign affiliates. The United States investigated GNGH2’s allegations with the cooperation of Micro Matic. This settlement concludes the litigation and GNGH2 will receive $259,321.91 as a share in the recovery. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Micro Matic USA, Inc., Case No. 8:24-cv-00442-MSS-UAM (M.D. Fla.).

“PPP loans were intended to provide economic assistance to legitimate businesses during a national catastrophic event,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue to prosecute those who abuse this federal program and pursue the recovery of improperly obtained funds from anyone found ineligible to receive taxpayer dollars.”

“Investigations like this one reflect the collaboration of the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as the work of private individuals who uncover fraudulent conduct, to recover COVID pandemic relief funds obtained through fraud,” said SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.

This civil settlement resulted from an investigation by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher J. Emden, with the support of Arlene Embrey and Alexis Pinkston from SBA’s Office of General Counsel.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Fort Myers, Florida – Janie Martinez Castillo has been charged by federal indictment with 20 counts of willfully failing to account for and pay employment taxes, filing a false personal tax return, and corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the internal revenue laws. If convicted, Martinez Castillo faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count for willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes, and up to 3 years on each remaining count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Martinez Castillo was responsible for collecting, truthfully accounting for, and paying over to the IRS employment taxes owed by her payroll and tax business, Castillo Payroll and Tax Service Inc. (CPTS). Despite the fact that CPTS owed employment taxes for numerous calendar quarters from 2019 to 2023, Martinez Castillo failed to account for and pay over those taxes. Martinez Castillo also filed personal tax returns falsifying the amount withheld from her income and fraudulently altered CPTS’s books and records after receiving an IRS summons but before providing the records.

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 Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

Orlando, Florida – Matthew Leach (41, Tennessee) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to 65 months in federal prison for the transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court also ordered Leach to forfeit a cellphone, which was used to commit the offense. Leach pleaded guilty on January 20, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Leach encountered law enforcement when his cellphone was searched upon his departure from a cruise ship. During that search, law enforcement found images and videos of CSAM. Leach admitted that he had received or downloaded CSAM on various internet platforms and to having the material on his cellphone prior to going on the cruise. A subsequent forensic review of Leach’s cellphone uncovered hundreds of images and videos of CSAM.

This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Noah Dorman and Courtney Richardson-Jones. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

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

Tampa, Florida – Desiree Doreen Segari (41, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katheryn Kimball Mizell to 14 months in federal prison for interstate communication of a threat to injure. A federal jury found Segari guilty on January 13, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Segari was indicted on September 18, 2025.

According to evidence presented at trial, on August 17, 2025, Segari posted a video on TikTok calling for MAGA supporters to be shot on sight. Segari stated, “so if we all get our guns and use our second amendment right…and you see somebody with a MAGA hat, ‘pew pew’ that’s what we do, that’s the way, it’s the only way.” While saying “pew pew,” Segari used hand gestures mimicking the firing of a gun. She further stated, “Put them back in their basements, make them scared again to be racist, homophobic, and terrible just awful [expletive],” and “MAGA people deserve to be terrified and scared to walk in the streets because they should know that real Americans are gonna [mouths expletive] kill them.” When Segari posted the video, she included a caption: “#seemagapewpewmaga starting a new trend, hope it catches on. Please spread the word. Share this video. Repost it. Use the hashtag all over the internet. Let's go guys. It's time to fight back in a potentially effective manner.”

The next day, Segari posted another video on TikTok, in which she stated, “See MAGA pew pew MAGA, see MAGA pew pew MAGA, see MAGA pew pew MAGA so these [expletive] know we ain’t here to play” while again using hand gestures to mimic the firing of a gun. 

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

Orlando, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that nine members or associates of the RMS/EBK gang (Respect Money Structure/Everybody Killer) have pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. A summary of the charges by defendant is as follows:

Defendant

Charges

Penalties

Sentencing Date

Christian Rou-Rey

(23, Kissimmee)

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of controlled substances

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

July 29, 2026

Jeremiah Maldonado

(21, Orlando)

Benajmin Rivard

(31, Clermont)

Distribution of fentanyl resulting in death

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

August 19, 2026

Elena Falzone

(23, Orlando)

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Distribution of fentanyl

August 19, 2026

Paul Jacas

(32, Orlando)

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense

July 1, 2026

Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez

(21, Orlando)

May 27, 2026

Zaviar Wanya Kidd

(28, Orlando)

Drug trafficking conspiracy

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

July 1, 2026

Olivia Goen

(23, Orlando)

May 27, 2026

Rebecca Murray

(21, Deltona)

July 1, 2026

According to court documents, the criminal activities of the RMS/EBK gang have been under investigation since December 2022, when an overdose death exposed the organization and its criminal enterprise. RMS/EBK members and their associates conspired to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, among other criminal acts. The gang often disguised the true nature of these substances. In particular, RMS/EBK sold blue, circular fentanyl pills with an “M” and the number “30”. The investigation was named “Operation Dirty 30s”.

Christian A. Roux-Rey was the leader of the drug trafficking organization and supplied controlled substances to and directed other members of the conspiracy.

Rebecca Murray assisted Roux-Rey with storing controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, in their shared residence. She would also weigh, package, and transport controlled substances.

Jeremiah Maldonado was a senior-ranking member of RMS/EBK, also known as a “black flag” and directed lower ranking members. He distributed fentanyl to an individual who died within hours of consuming it.

Benajmin Rivard was also a black flag and directed lower-ranking members. Rivard distributed fentanyl to an individual who began overdosing within hours and subsequently died. Rivard was armed during drug transactions.

Paul Jacas was a member of RMS/EBK and sold fentanyl on behalf of the organization. Jacas also sold firearms.

Elena Falzone was a member of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances on behalf of the organization. Falzone distributed fentanyl and bromazolam (counterfeit Xanax) to an individual who died within hours of consuming the substances.

Carlos Carrasquillo-Rodriguez was an associate of RMS/EBK and sold controlled substances or supplied controlled substances for the gang. Carrasquillo provided fentanyl and firearms to Jacas which were subsequently sold.

Zaviar Kidd is an associate of RMS/EBK and sold methamphetamine and fentanyl on behalf of the organization.

Olivia Marie Goen was a member of RMS/EBK and distributed fentanyl on behalf of the organization.

This case was investigated by the Orlando Police Department, the Orange County Sherriff’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Rachel S. Lyons.

Ocala, Florida – A federal jury has found Brandon Ejae Elliot (35, Tampa) guilty of one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of contraband (a weapon) by a federal prisoner. Elliot faces up to 13 years in federal prison. A federal grand jury indicted Elliot on December 17, 2024. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to the evidence presented at trial, on December 3, 2022, Elliot was a federal inmate in the United States Penitentiary-II at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County, Florida. During a routine count of the prisoners, Elliot and his cellmate, C.W.J., were locked in their cell at 9:30 AM. When corrections officers opened the cell at 11:00 AM, they found C.W.J. unresponsive with multiple puncture wounds to his body. A sharpened metal shank lay nearby on the cell floor. C.W.J. was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. A medical examiner determined that C.W.J. had been stabbed 12 times by an object matching the appearance and dimensions of the shank. Elliot admitted to stabbing the victim in the heart during a struggle for the weapon.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and William S. Hamilton.

Orlando, FL – Emmet Bowens (57, Apopka) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dalton to 63 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $739,582, the proceeds of the offenses. Bowens pleaded guilty on January 26, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on May 5, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bowens submitted a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application claiming to own the business “Buccaneer Technologies.” The PPP was a provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act enacted to provide immediate assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 emergency. Under the terms of the program, the loans were backed by the United States Small Business Administration and the full principal amount of could qualify for forgiveness.

As part of his application, Bowens certified that Buccaneer Technologies had 102 employees with an average monthly payroll of $295,883. In support of his loan application, Bowens submitted fraudulent tax records. Bowens also filed Articles of Incorporation for his sham business six days after his loan application was filed. The IP address used to submit the loan application was registered to Bowens’ residential address. The application information included Bowens’ social security number and a copy of his drivers license.

The loan was approved in the amount of $739,582 which was disbursed to Bowens’ personal checking account. Bowens then further distributed the funds into various accounts, including funding three new accounts with $250,000, $250,000 and $115,000, respectively. Bowens spent some of the funds on across-country road trip, during which he and his wife were captured on bank surveillance withdrawing $44,000 in cash.

After being charged and released on bond conditions, Bowens cut off his ankle monitor and fled the jurisdiction. Bowens was a fugitive for a year and a half before being located and arrested in the Northern District of Mississippi.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel S. Lyons and Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – Rebecca Stewart Vaughn (64, Tampa) has been charged by federal indictment with four counts of wire fraud and one count of theft of government money. If convicted, Vaughn faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for the theft of government money. The indictment also notifies Vaughn that the United States is seeking the forfeiture of more than $75,000, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Vaughn engaged in a fraud scheme to obtain Social Security benefits and City of New York pension benefits that did not belong to her. The benefits were being paid to Vaughn’s aunt, J.C. When J.C. died, Vaughn concealed her death by wrapping J.C.’s body in layers of blankets, sheets, and plastic bags, placing her body in a mattress bag, and disposing of the body in a wooded lot adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant. Vaughn also falsely represented to law enforcement officers that J.C. was still alive. By concealing J.C.’s death, Vaughn fraudulently induced the Social Security Administration and the Teacher’s Retirement System of the City of New York to continue to pay monthly benefits for J.C., which Vaughn then spent on herself and others.

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 Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Fort Myers, Florida – James Gregory Ford (34, Port Charlotte) has pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, in October 2025, Ford was communicating with a minor using a social media application. He asked the minor to send him nude pictures and videos of herself. Further, Ford sent a nude picture of himself to the minor.

Law enforcement began an investigation into Ford after the child’s parent reported observing the conversations with Ford and seeing the nude photographs and videos on the minor’s cellphone that had been sent on a social media platform.

On October 28, 2025, law enforcement interviewed Ford concerning his communications with the minor. Ford admitted to engaging in conversations and exchanging inappropriate messages and images with the minor. He also admitted that he had initiated communications with the minor. He further acknowledged receiving and sending explicit photographs.

Subsequent to a search warrant for Ford’s cellphone, the forensic examination revealed the social media account belonging to Ford that had been used to communicate with the minor. Images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct were also located on Ford’s cellphone.   

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

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

Jacksonville, FL – James Herbert Asberry, III (39, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine. As part of his sentence, the court ordered the forfeiture of $18,938, the proceeds of Asberry’s drug trafficking, which were seized at the time of his arrest. Asberry pleaded guilty on July 17, 2024. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, during a series of meetings in late 2023 and early 2024, Asberry sold fentanyl and methamphetamine to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover task force officer and confidential source. On February 23, 2024, the DEA arrested Asberry and law enforcement executed search warrants both at his home in St. Johns County and at a Jacksonville apartment where Asberry stored drugs. Investigators located $18,938 in cash, as well as cocaine, fentanyl, and nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

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

Tampa, Florida – Dekarri Nixon (28, Jasper) has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe as a public official. He faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The government is also seeking forfeiture from Nixon of $4,000, the proceeds that Nixon obtained by accepting a bribe. A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Nixon worked as a correctional officer at the Citrus County Detention Facility (CCDF), a facility where federal detainees are held as they await trial and sentencing. In his role, Nixon was responsible for supervising federal inmates on behalf of the United States. While working at CCDF, Nixon agreed to receive $4,000 in exchange for bringing a cellphone into the facility. Smuggling contraband, including cellphones, was a violation of Nixon’s official duty. The introduction of contraband, such as cellphones, into secure detention facilities presents a security risk to those both inside and outside the facility.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Buchanan.

Tampa, Florida –A federal jury has found Miguel Cintron (38, Tampa) and Darrius Gustafson (22, Tampa) guilty of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. Each faces a minimum penalty of 20 years, up to life, in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Cintron, Gustafson, David Chudhabuddhi, and Marquis Trant distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. After 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, all four were arrested and a search warrant was executed at Cintron’s residence where law enforcement recovered more than seven kilograms of cocaine, fentanyl, and over $200,000 in cash. 

Chudhabuddhi and Trant previously pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on June 18, 2026.  

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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

Jacksonville, Florida – Rene Mauricio Escobar (55) and Juana Nelida Escobar (36), residents of Orlando, have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger for conspiracy to commit tax fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Rene Escobar was sentenced to four years and nine months in federal prison. Juana Escobar was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment. The court also ordered the defendants to pay $37,174,388 in restitution to the IRS for unpaid payroll taxes. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Juana Escobar pleaded guilty on July 8, 2025, and Rene Escobar pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025.

Juana Escobar is a legal permanent resident from Mexico. Her conviction will likely result in her deportation from the United States. Rene Escobar is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Ecuador.

According to court documents and information presented in court, over the period of approximately December 2015 through August 2024, the defendants conspired to facilitate the payment of construction workers “off the books” to avoid paying payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance premiums. The scheme also facilitated the employment of undocumented workers who were not legally authorized to work in the United States. The defendants, through their company, Escobar Plastering, entered into agreements with hundreds of construction subcontractors to enable the subcontractors to obtain contracts with, and perform work for, construction contractors. In exchange for 7% to 8% of the subcontractors’ payroll, the defendants caused certificates of insurance in the name of the defendants’ company to be sent to construction contractors from which the subcontractors wished to obtain work, representing that the subcontractors worked for their company and were covered by the company’s workers’ compensation insurance. In fact, the company’s insurance policies were based on applications representing that the policies would cover a handful of employees and a minimal payroll.

As a result of the defendants’ using their certificate of insurance to represent that the subcontractors worked for their company, the insurers unwittingly covered hundreds of workers. If the insurers had known the amount of payroll they were in fact covering, they would have charged annual premiums totaling approximately $14,878,207. Thousands of payroll checks totaling approximately $148,760,824 were deposited into bank accounts of the defendants’ company, from which they withdrew cash to pay the subcontractors’ workers, after subtracting their 7% to 8% fee, which totaled, at 7%, approximately $10,413,258—all without withholding, or paying over, payroll taxes to the IRS. As a result, the U.S. Treasury lost $37,174,388 in unpaid payroll taxes. The defendants’ scheme allowed the construction contractors and subcontractors to disclaim responsibility for paying payroll taxes to the IRS, for ensuring that adequate workers’ compensation insurance was obtained, and for verifying that the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States.

“Complex investigations such as this require the skills and diligence of dedicated investigators and prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Because of the interagency cooperation and expertise displayed in this case, an intricate fraud scheme was unraveled, and the defendants were brought to justice.”

“Payroll and workers’ comp fraud doesn’t just break the law—it puts honest contractors at a competitive disadvantage,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Don't be fooled into thinking these schemes are victimless crimes. The actions by these defendants alone cost the US taxpayers $37 million. Alongside our law-enforcement partners, IRS Special Agents will keep exposing complex schemes that exploit workers and steal from American taxpayers.”

“Multi-million-dollar payroll and worker’s insurance fraud schemes fuel the underground economy, create unfair advantages over honest businesses, and put workers at risk, especially when these schemes exploit illegal alien workers for personal gain,” said Homeland Security Investigations Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “HSI is committed to dismantling complex criminal enterprises that exploit our financial and labor systems and exploit workers. By working in close partnership with IRS-CI, we uncovered this fraud, and these criminals will now be held accountable for their actions.”

This case was the result of a joint investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), working collaboratively as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). The Florida Department of Financial Services also assisted with this investigation. It is part of a continuing investigation by those agencies of the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint Locke.

Ocala, Florida – Bradly Dwayne Wimberly (32, Bradley) has pleaded guilty to attempted production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Wimberly faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between February 15, 2024, and July 10, 2025, Wimberly communicated online with someone he believed to be 13 to 14-year-old girl. He repeatedly asked the minor to produce sexually explicit images and videos of herself and send them to him. Wimberly was actually communicating with an undercover special agent from Homeland Security Investigations. 

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Carlos Felipe Jaramillo Grajales (55, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to making false statements in an application for a U.S. passport, aggravated identity theft, falsely claiming that a Social Security number had been assigned to him, and falsely claiming to be a U.S citizen to vote in an election. He faces a minimum term of 2 years, up to 22 years, in federal prison. His sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, Jaramillo Grajales is a Colombian citizen who used the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to apply for and obtain a passport. He used those same identifiers and claimed to be a U.S. citizen to apply for and obtain a Florida driver license and to register to vote. He then voted in several elections.

Jaramillo Grajales first obtained a driver license in the U.S. citizen’s name in March 2003 and subsequently renewed it several times, with the last renewal occurring in February 2024.

In April 2003, Jaramillo Grajales submitted an application for a U.S. passport. He identified himself as the U.S. citizen and provided a Puerto Rican birth certificate in the U.S. citizen’s name along with the driver license he had obtained. Based on these fraudulent—but authentic—documents, he was issued a passport in May 2003. He submitted passport renewal applications in February 2013 and March 2023 and a renewed passport was issued each time.

In December 2010, Jaramillo Grajales submitted a Florida Voter Registration Application, identifying himself as the U.S. citizen and affirming that he was a U.S. citizen who had been born in Puerto Rico. The registration was approved and he subsequently voted in several elections, including the election held in Duval County on November 3, 2020.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), Homeland Security Investigations, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier.

Ocala, Florida – Jiaan Cao (33, China) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Cao faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 31, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, beginning in at least October 2024 and continuing through December 12, 2024, Cao conspired with others to commit wire fraud by gaining access to a victim’s computer, fraudulently posing as a representative of a victim’s financial institution, and informing the victim their account had been subjected to fraudulent criminal activity. A member of the conspiracy then directed the victim to withdraw money from their account and purchase gold. Afterward, the victim was instructed to provide this gold to a “federal agent” for safekeeping. In actuality, the “federal agent” was another member of the conspiracy. Conspiracy members often exchanged electronic communications with each other, including the location details of the victims, for this purpose. On December 12, 2024, Cao was arrested at a victim’s residence in Marion County when he arrived to pick up gold that had been purchased in this manner. 

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

Tampa, Florida – Melissia Gauthreaux has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Gauthreaux faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Gauthreaux that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $894,274.26, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Gauthreaux was the founder, president, and managing member of Accounting Resources and Management Services, LLC. From 2017 through 2021, Gauthreaux used her business to steal more than $890,000 from one of her clients, a public figure who lived in the Middle District of Florida. Gauthreaux had signatory authority on her client’s bank accounts and was able to remove the funds without the client’s knowledge or consent. 

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.

Fort Myers, Florida – Dagoberto Miguel Pena (37, Punta Gorda) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 60 years in federal prison for producing, receiving, possessing, and accessing with intent to view images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pena was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Pena pleaded guilty on January 23, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, from October 2024 through February 2026, Pena used and persuaded two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of their sexual abuse. 

In April 2025, law enforcement launched an investigation into Pena, a physical education teacher and a coach, after a parent discovered his inappropriate communications with a minor. Search warrants executed on Pena’s cellphone and online storage account revealed text messages with minors. In some text messages, Pena received images of a minor nude and engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  Additionally, images and videos that Pena had taken during his sexual abuse of two minors were located. The investigation further identified a third minor that Pena possessed images and videos of engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

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

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

Orlando, Florida – Jerry Smith (73, New Smyrna Beach) has pleaded guilty to one count of receiving stolen government money. Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, Smith falsely represented to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (“VA”) that he was legally blind and that his vision conditions prevented him from driving, working, and performing various daily functions. As a result, Smith received $244,953.70 in VA disability compensation and benefits between 2017 and 2021. In reality, Smith’s vision was significantly better than what he had represented during eye examinations and in his statements to the VA, as he could drive, read, navigate around people and obstacles in stores, conduct transactions at cash registers and drive-through ATMs, and worked as a firearms specialist and school guardian. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – Gilmar Pereira Da Silva, Jr. has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Katherine K. Mizelle to 37 months in federal prison for filing a false tax return. The court also ordered Pereira Da Silva to pay $103,646 in restitution to the United States Department of the Treasury associated with false IRS Forms 1040 filed by him for tax years 2019 and 2020. Pereira Da Silva pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Pereira Da Silva filed a false Form 1040 tax return with the IRS for tax year 2021, wherein he claimed a refund of taxes in the amount of $3,413,844, based upon false and fictitious claimed fuel tax credits to which he was not entitled. The 2021 Form 1040 was not processed by the IRS. Previously, Pereira Da Silva had likewise filed false Forms 1040 for tax years 2019 and 2020, claiming refunds in the amount of approximately $20,699 (for tax year 2019) and $82,947 (for tax year 2020), which were largely based upon false and fictitious fuel tax credits. Those false 2019 and 2020 Forms 1040 were processed by the IRS, and the resulting refunds were paid into accounts controlled by Pereira Da Silva.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay G. Trezevant.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Jordan O’Keefe Woods (33, Seffner) guilty of two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of inducement to travel to engage in prostitution. Woods faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to evidence presented at trial, on September 22, 2024, and July 22, 2025, Woods knowingly trafficked the victim in reckless disregard of the fact that means of force, threats of force, and coercion would be used to cause the victim to engage in a commercial sex act. Woods orchestrated the victim’s commercial sexual activity, determining rates for sex acts and managing communication with soliciting dates, and controlled all the victim’s money.

Additionally, on September 20, 2024, and July 20, 2025, Woods knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced Victim 1 to travel from North Carolina to Florida to engage in prostitution and sexual activity. Law enforcement encountered the victim at hotels in Tampa, Florida in 2024 and 2025 and observed Woods conducting countersurveillance at both locations while the victim engaged in commercial sexual activity.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

Orlando, Florida – Kasey James Caudill (29, Melbourne) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to life in federal prison for coercing and enticing minors to engage in sexual activity. Caudill pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in August 2024, Caudill persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced a minor to engage in the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In addition, between August 10 and 12, 2024, Caudill persuaded, induced, enticed, or coerced another minor to engage in the production of CSAM. The victims were both located in the Philippines. Caudill sent money to the children’s caregiver via PayPal in return for the videos and images of CSAM of her children, ages 7 and 12. 

“Those who target, exploit, and abuse children should know that we will leave no stone unturned to bring them to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “I applaud our law enforcement partners for their diligence and cooperation in investigating this case beyond our borders.”

“Protecting children from exploitation is a sacred duty, and it is through unwavering collaboration, determination, and courage that law enforcement agencies across the globe are able to locate and rescue victims of these heinous crimes from monsters and bring them to justice,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Tim Hemker. “This level of accountability demonstrates the power of partnership and the relentless commitment of HSI Orlando, HSI Manilla, HSI Portland (Maine), and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our communities.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kaley Austin-Aronson and Patrick Flanigan.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – The United States has filed a civil complaint in federal district court against Dr. Kevin Rosenbach, a doctor practicing in allergy and immunology in Naples Florida, and Kevin P. Rosenbach, M.D. P.A. The complaint alleges that Dr. Rosenbach and Kevin P. Rosenbach, M.D. P.A knowingly caused false claims for subcutaneous immune globulins to be submitted to Medicare Part B. As part of these claims, Dr. Rosenbach would change or add diagnoses to a rare immunodeficiency disease for patients who did not meet the definition of that disease to obtain Medicare Part B coverage. The complaint further alleges that by falsely diagnosing patients, Dr. Rosenbach caused the submission of false claims to Medicare Part B by special pharmacies dispensing immune globulins, resulting in a loss of over $1.9 million to Medicare Part B.

“The United States Attorney’s Office will vigorously pursue and prosecute those who violate the law and compromise the integrity of federally funded programs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This action sends a message that our office will continue to protect Medicare funds and the valuable healthcare services the program provides.”

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

This case was investigated by the Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. It is being litigated on behalf of the United States by Assistant United States Attorney Chad Spraker.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Ocala, Florida – Reshawn Graham (36, Ocala) and Tyrone Pierson (29, Ocala) have pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Graham faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Pierson faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Graham’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 25, 2026. Pieron’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 21, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea documents, on October 7, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer negotiated the purchase of a pound of methamphetamine with Graham. Later that day, Pierson met with the undercover officer and told the officer that the source of supply for the drugs had been delayed. The next day, Graham again reached out to the undercover officer and stated that Pierson now had the methamphetamine. Afterward, Graham and Pierson were arrested by law enforcement at a predetermined meeting location for the drug transaction. Pierson was wearing a bag that contained approximately 438 grams of methamphetamine. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Ocala, Florida – Shawn Adampeter Grunther (42, Marion County) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Grunther pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in July 2025, a Homeland Security Investigations special agent posed online as a 14-year-old girl (UC). Grunther messaged the UC account and, after learning the minor’s age, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. On July 24, 2025, Grunther was arrested after he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the UC to engage in sexual activity. 

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

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

Ocala, Florida – Marlon Jefferson Fajardo-Paiz (22, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to eight years and one month in federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Fajardo-Paiz pleaded guilty pleas on November 13, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Fajardo-Paiz is a citizen and national of Guatemala. He was previously removed from the United States on July 20, 2018, and has never received permission from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to apply for readmission to the United States. On April 24, 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Fajardo-Paiz during an investigation of a Cybertip relating to an upload of CSAM to the internet. Fajardo-Paiz told investigators that he had participated in viewing, downloading, and transmitting CSAM. A subsequent search of Fajardo-Paiz’s cellphone revealed at least 20 items of CSAM in his possession.

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

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

Ocala, Florida – Keiron Jashua Williams (23, Deltona) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Williams pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in June 2025, a detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office posed online as a 13-year-old girl (UC). Williams messaged the UC account. After learning he was speaking with a minor, Williams engaged in a sexually explicit conversation. On July 5, 2025, Williams was arrested after he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity. A search of Williams’s car revealed he had brought an unopened box of condoms, a video game system, and marijuana for the meeting with the minor.

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

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

Orlando, Florida – Colleen Kieran (57, Clermont) has been charged by federal indictment with six counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Kieran faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Kieran that the United States is seeking the forfeiture of $3.9 million, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Kieran oversaw the accounting department of a business based in Seminole County. Over the course of nearly 13 years, Kieran used her position to siphon more than $3.9 million from the company’s accounts into her own personal PayPal account. After taking the money, Kieran spent it on clothing, travel, entertainment, dining, consumer electronics, and entertainment media. Throughout the scheme, Kieran obtained loans in the company’s name to conceal the stolen money. She also provided false information about the company’s finances to her employers and the company’s tax preparer. 

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

This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Longwood Police Department, and the Seminole Financial Crimes Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko. 

Ocala, Florida – Yoandris Jose Ruiz Bello (32, Venezuela) has been charged by federal indictment with attempted production of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Ruiz Bello faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment and evidence presented in court, on August 21, 2024, Ruiz Bello, believing he was communicating with a 13-year-old girl, asked the minor to produce a sexually explicit video of herself and send it to him. In fact, Ruiz Bellow was communicating with an undercover Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent. Ruiz Bello is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

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

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

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

Ocala, Florida – Benjamin Hoover (44, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to three years and 10 months in federal prison for attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. Hoover pleaded guilty on January 7, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on July 23, 2025, Hoover transferred a sexually explicit image of himself to someone whom he believed was a 15-year-old girl. In actuality, the minor was an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.

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

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

Ocala, Florida – Terry Levi Brown (36, Summerfield) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Brown pleaded guilty on November 20, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, in July 2025, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) conducted an undercover operation aimed at apprehending individuals using the internet to sexually exploit children. On July 27, 2025, two MCSO detectives posed online as a 14-year-old girl and 15-year-old girl. Brown messaged both undercover accounts. After learning he was speaking with minors, Brown engaged in sexually explicit conversations with both undercover accounts. Brown was arrested after he traveled to a location in Marion County to meet the minors to engage in sexual activity.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Jose Adilio Anaya-Alas (36, El Salvador) has been charged by federal indictment with illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Anaya-Alas faces up to two years in federal prison and subsequent deportation and removal from the United States. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on September 16, 2015, and again on November 19, 2015, Anaya-Alas was removed from the United States by immigration authorities. On March 25, 2026, Anaya-Alas was found to be voluntarily back in the United States and was arrested in the Middle District of Florida. Records checks confirmed that he had not applied to U.S. immigration authorities for permission to lawfully reenter the United States after his prior removals.

This case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the United States Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and human trafficking.

Jacksonville, Florida – Tony Leroy Bartley, Jr. (38, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 10 years in federal prison for using the internet to attempt to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Bartley was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and register as a sex offender. He pleaded on January 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made this announcement.

At the time of his arrest in this case, Bartley was working as a pre-kindergarten teacher at a school in Ponte Vedra Beach.

According to court documents, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an online undercover operation on a social media application to identify adults who were seeking to meet and engage in sexual activity with children. On July 25, 26, and 29, 2025, UC and app user “keven,” subsequently identified as Bartley, exchanged several private online messages on the app and by text messaging. After UC advised Bartley that the “child” was 13 years old, Bartley suggested that they engage in sexual activity. Bartley provided graphic descriptions of the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child.” He also sent an explicit photo of himself to the “child.”   

On August 5, 2025, Bartley was arrested by FBI agents. During an interview with agents, Bartley admitted that he had recently communicated online with a girl who was “underage” and that he had discussed having sex with the “child.” Bartley added, “I should have stopped at 13 [years-old], and that’s on me.” Bartley also admitted sending the explicit photo to the “child,” adding, “I’m going away for a long time.”   

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

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

Orlando, Florida – Seven members of a gun trafficking scheme have been sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Roy. B. Dalton. Six of the individuals pleaded guilty. Jincheng Shi was convicted by a jury. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. The convictions and sentences are listed below:

Name

(Age, City of Residence)

Victor Manuel LaFontaine Ruiz

(32, Poinciana)

Gun trafficking conspiracy 

Brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

Jose Emanuel Maldonado Rodriguez

(33, Kissimmee)

Gun trafficking conspiracy 

Possession of machinegun

Freddie Geovani Cruz Batiz

(37, Kissimmee)

Gun trafficking conspiracy 

Possession of machinegun

7 years, 3 months

Jomar Manuel Lopez Montanez

(31, Kissimmee)

Gun trafficking conspiracy

Felon in possession of a firearm

Derrick Yamil Rivera Robles

(30, Kissimmee)

Gun trafficking conspiracy 

Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

Possession of machinegun

Leonardo David Joseph Guerra

(24, Orlando)

Gun trafficking conspiracy

Possession of a firearm by an illegal alien

Jincheng Shi

(28, St. Cloud),

Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

Possession of a firearm as an alien admitted under a non-immigrant visa

According to court documents, from at least as early as September 2023 onward, Lafontaine and Maldonado operated a gun trafficking ring involving hundreds of firearms, machineguns, machinegun conversion devices, and high-capacity magazines needed for fully automatic weapons. This operation did not involve any federally licensed firearms dealers. Instead, Lafontaine and Maldonado obtained firearms parts, including from Shi, a Chinese national who was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa in 2022, which places him in a prohibited class of persons not legally allowed to possess firearms. Lafontaine and Maldonado assembled, manufactured, and modified semi-automatic and automatic firearms using a “ghost gunner” machine and specialized “endmill” drilling devices at a workspace on Maldonado’s property in Kissimmee: 

From there, Lafontaine and Maldonado, along with assistance from Batiz, sold firearms, including fully automatic weapons and machinegun conversion devices (“chips” or “buttons”) that are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machineguns. They sold those items to illegal aliens and convicted felons such as Lopez Montanez, Rivera Robles, and Joseph Guerra, who were often brokered such transactions on behalf of other unknown customers. 

On February 7, 2025, Lafontaine sold Lopez Montanez (a convicted felon) two firearms falsely branded to appear as though they were legitimate firearms manufactured with engraved fake sequential serial numbers. When Lopez Montanez was stopped by law enforcement, he fled and attempted to hide the weapons that were eventually recovered.

The next day, Lafontaine delivered five similar firearms to Maldonado.

On February 20, 2025, law enforcement executed five search warrants at various locations associated with this conspiracy. Federal agents recovered five AR-style pistols with sequential and identical serial numbers at Maldonado’s residence (depicted below), along with at least three machinegun conversion devices, machinery used to assemble, modify, and manufacture the firearms and machine guns sold through this operation.

At Lafontaine’s residence, agents recovered a completed rifle, gun parts, gun manufacturing and modification equipment, and drug distribution paraphernalia with a blender and fentanyl, packaged for sale.

At Batiz’s residence, agents recovered a handgun and an AR pistol, four machinegun conversion devices, along with drug paraphernalia.

At Shi’s residence and storage facility, eight handguns, three rifles, and eight AR-style receivers were recovered, as depicted below.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Winter Garden Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, the Apopka Police Department, the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Felicetta and Dana Hill.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Tampa, Florida – Brandon Bernard Williams (41, Palmetto) has been charged by federal indictment for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Williams faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, on March 5, 2026, Williams was in possession of ammunition after having been previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including a prior firearms offense. At the time of the offense, Williams was serving a term of supervised release for his prior federal convictions. As a convicted felon, Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. 

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

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

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

Orlando, Florida – Christian Eric Harmon (38, Kissimmee) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison for receipt of child sexual abuse material. Harmon pleaded guilty on August 7, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, on April 7, 2024, Harmon was chatting with another user on an internet-based application. During that chat, Harmon requested child sexual abuse material and received approximately 22 illicit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as infants.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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

Orlando, Florida – Nico Jonte Lennear (35, Rockledge) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 15 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. Lennear pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, law enforcement used a confidential source to conduct two controlled purchases of drugs from Lennear in Melbourne, Florida, each of which involved 4 ounces of methamphetamine and 1 ounce of fentanyl. At the time of Lennear’s arrest, Lennear had over 80 grams of additional methamphetamine in his rental vehicle. In total, Lennear was responsible for over 300 grams of methamphetamine and over 50 grams of fentanyl mixtures. 

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

Orlando, Florida – The United States has filed an eleven-count civil lawsuit in federal district court against Dr. Kerri Zavota, a veterinarian practicing in Volusia County, and her clinic, Veterinary Emergency Center of East Volusia, L.L.C., alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Dr. Zavota is alleged to have failed to track and record handling and dispensing of controlled substances, including fentanyl and other dangerous drugs.

According to the government’s allegations, a concerned employee contacted the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Orlando offices with concerns regarding the handling of controlled substances. DEA investigators responded to the Veterinary Emergency Center of East Volusia, L.L.C., where hundreds of violations are alleged, including blank and inconsistent dispensing logs and inventories.

The claims asserted against Dr. Zavota and Veterinary Emergency Center of East Volusia, L.L.C. are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 

This case is being investigated by the Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Conor Flynn.

Tips and complaints from all sources about potential diversion, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration at www.DEADiversion.usdoj.gov or  tips can be sent via email to OrlandoDiversion@dea.gov.

Tampa, Florida – Alexander Justin McAfee (34, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with two counts of interstate communication of a threat to injure. If convicted, McAfee faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison on each count. McAfee made his initial appearance in federal court on April 17, 2026, and has been detained pending trial. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment and information presented during court proceedings, on April 8, 2026, McAfee published a video threatening FBI Director Kash Patel. The following day, McAfee published a video threatening Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tampa Police Department, and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Muriel Moore.

Jacksonville, Florida – Abigail Payton (30, Kentucky) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to three years and six months in federal prison for aggravated identity theft and bank fraud. Payton pleaded guilty on November 13, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Payton obtained the personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, of at least four victims. She then used fraudulent driver licenses containing the victims’ personal information—but with Payton’s photo—to open checking accounts at credit unions in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. Payton applied for loans in two of the victims’ names and spent more than $38,000 of the proceeds. She also wrote checks to herself from accounts she had opened in two other victims’ names. Payton also opened accounts at other banking institutions under separate victims’ names, causing an additional $35,000 in loss.

In May 2024, Payton was stopped by law enforcement in Kentucky. During that encounter, officers located blank checks issued in additional victims’ names as well as a cellphone with photos of fraudulent driver licenses containing Payton’s photo, but personal information belonging to others.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

Jacksonville, Florida – Jose Ruben Curet Villa (41, Hialeah) has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Curet Villa faces a minimum penalty of 40 years, up to life, in federal prison. The date for his sentencing hearing has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the plea agreement, in April 2024, Curet Villa made an illegal arrangement with his co-conspirators to set up “pop-up shops,” where he sold and distributed large volumes of marijuana at five locations in Jacksonville. He conspired with others, including those who provided locations and security for these temporary businesses. On two occasions, a confidential informant made controlled purchases of marijuana from Curet Villa and his co-conspirators at these pop-up shops. Based on their investigation, law enforcement believed that Curet Villa was transporting marijuana from the townhome where he was staying to the pop-up shops.

On November 15, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at various locations associated with Curet Villa, including the townhome where Curet Villa had been staying and was present. Items recovered included: a money counter, vacuum sealers, plastic bags and marijuana residue, scales, cash, five firearms (one of which was stolen), 113 rounds of ammunition, and more than 298 pounds of marijuana.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

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

Orlando, FL – Joseph Elegele, Jr. (41, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $801,559.33, the proceeds of his criminal conduct. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Elegele pleaded guilty on December 18, 2025.

According to court documents, between August 2017 and June 2023, Elegele was part of a fraud scheme that laundered funds that had been fraudulently obtained from various businesses throughout the United States and in the Bahamas. Elegele’s role in the scheme was to establish business bank accounts in the Middle District of Florida through which large money transfers could be routed. Other members of the conspiracy, who were located overseas, used online communications and business email compromises to scam the businesses into making fraudulent transfers to accounts controlled by Elegele, who then immediately made large cash withdrawals or cashier check purchases to launder and dissipate the fraud proceeds. Elegele kept portions of the proceeds for himself and passed the remainder on to other scheme conspirators.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

Jacksonville, Florida – Issac Darnell Henderson (32, Jacksonville) has been charged by federal indictment with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including more than a pound and a half of fentanyl. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The indictment also notifies Henderson that the United States intends to forfeit assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

On February 14, 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed a search warrant for a residence belonging to Henderson and recovered more than one and a half pounds of multi-colored fentanyl.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachel Lasry. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

Orlando, Florida – Omar Idonis Graciani Rodriguez (32, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to life in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute at least 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. Graciani Rodriguez pleaded guilty on December 19, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Graciani Rodriguez operated a drug trafficking organization while incarcerated in prison on state charges. Graciani Rodriguez used contraband cellphones to instruct non-incarcerated co-conspirators to pick up money and controlled substances from various addresses, then deliver the money and controlled substances to other individuals. Graciani Rodriguez instructed his co-conspirators to maintain ledgers and send photos of the ledgers and currency to himself.

During the conspiracy that began no later than July 28, 2023, through November 30, 2023, Graciani Rodriguez directed his co-conspirators via phone calls, text messages and pictures. Specifically, during one transaction involving a kilogram of fentanyl, Graciani Rodriguez was on a contraband cellphone in real time from prison while his co-conspirator delivered the fentanyl to a buyer in the Middle District of Florida.

During a sweep of prison cells in June of 2024, the correctional officer found Graciani Rodriguez with two hidden cellphones and a SIM card from one of the phones in Graciani Rodriguez’s mouth. Graciani Rodriguez swallowed the SIM card after being instructed to spit it out. The officer also found a drug ledger in Graciani Rodriguez’s cell. 

In total, Graciani Rodriguez distributed at least 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and profited $211,903 in drug proceeds. 

Two co-conspirators, Rachel Beth Cordero and Mayerline Patricia Salcedo, pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. Cordero and Salcedo were sentenced on March 28, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger. Cordero was sentenced to 6 years and 6 months’ imprisonment. Salcedo was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with help from the Florida Department of Corrections. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff.

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

Orlando, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Bryan John Parker (58, Holly Hill) with damaging, destroying, or disabling airport facilities and entering an aircraft or airport area in violation of security requirements. If convicted on all counts, Parker faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment and criminal complaint, on March 25, 2026, Parker crashed his Ford Mustang through a closed gate into a restricted area at Daytona Beach International Airport. Once inside, Parker drove towards one of the runways and exited his car. He proceeded to run around on foot, urinate on the taxiway, and chase after taxiing aircraft. After climbing into several empty planes and attempting to enter the cabin of a running aircraft, Parker was apprehended by security personnel. 

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the Transportation Security Administration, and the Federal Air Marshal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Varadan.

Jacksonville, Florida – Marcus Eichelberger (46), a former church pastor in Jacksonville, Florida, has been indicted on four counts of wire fraud related to Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). If convicted, Eichelberger faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, between March 2021 and February 2022, Eichelberger directed another individual to fraudulently complete and submit applications for PPP loans from the SBA that they were not entitled to receive. As part of the application process, it is alleged that Eichelberger and the other individual certified that the proceeds would be used to maintain payroll and pay expenses for a purported business. After the loans were approved, it is alleged that Eichelberger and the other individual retained the proceeds for their personal use and not for any legitimate PPP purpose. Finally, it is alleged that Eichelberger and the other individual fraudulently applied for forgiveness of both loans, causing approximately $50,000 in loss. 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who use fraud and deception to exploit our nation’s federal benefits programs,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of these taxpayer-funded programs.”

“This case demonstrates the VA OIG’s unwavering commitment to detecting and preventing fraud,” said Special Agent in Charge David Spilker with the VA Office of Inspector General’s Southeast Field Office. “Through a proactive initiative with the SBA OIG, our investigation uncovered that a VA employee and the employee’s pastor fraudulently obtained federal relief funds intended for legitimate businesses in need. The VA OIG appreciates the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners as we work together to hold accountable anyone who exploits these critical programs.”

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 Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.

The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – A federal jury has found Justin Alan Seymour (37, Tampa) guilty of Hobbs Act Robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, in October of 2024, while robbing a pizza store in Tampa, Seymour pointed a gun at the store clerk. Law enforcement obtained their first break in the case when they obtained dashcam video from a delivery vehicle parked outside the store, then utilized the video to ascertain specific unique characteristics of the suspect’s vehicle. Two days later, law enforcement pulled over the vehicle being driven by Seymour, who had a firearm in his waistband. Seymour’s cell phone data placed him near the pizza store at the time of the robbery.

Seymour has a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon; therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal law. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The Federal Bureau of Investigation assisted with the cell phone analysis. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.

Orlando, Florida – Eric William Garvin (29, Palm Bay) and Anthony Lee Khan (40, Palm Bay) have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Garvin was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months, and Khan was sentenced to 14 years and 8 months. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between August and September 2025, Khan sold an ounce of fentanyl to a confidential source on three occasions. Garvin supplied the fentanyl to Khan for each of these deals. Search warrants were then executed at both of their residences, resulting in the recovery of an additional over 900 grams of cocaine, over 400 grams of methamphetamine, and over 350 grams of fentanyl.  

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Palm Bay Police Department, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

Orlando, Florida – Dexter Ray King (36, Orlando) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. to six years and three months in federal prison for bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. The Court also ordered King to forfeit $549,375.50 in proceeds from his bank fraud scheme. A restitution hearing is scheduled for June 29, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

King was convicted on January 9, 2026, following a jury trial.

According to evidence presented at trial, during the COVID-19 pandemic, King filed dozens of fraudulent claims for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits across several states. For many of the claims, King used stolen identities of other people and fake addresses. Once the claims were approved, King changed the addresses on the claims to his Orlando, Florida apartment, ensuring that the debit cards containing the fraudulently obtained government benefits were mailed to him. He then used the debit cards to withdraw the money from the bank. King also filed fraudulent claims using his own name, but Social Security numbers that did not belong to him and had the resulting benefits direct deposited into his bank account. In total, King received over half a million dollars in fraud proceeds, which he spent on a new $77,000 SUV, a trip to Las Vegas, expensive restaurants, and luxury fashion brands.

This case was investigated by the Department Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General and the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Orlando, FL – Aaron Starbird (44, Orlando) has been charged by indictment with two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), four counts of receipt of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM. If convicted, Starbird faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, in 2025 Starbird became the target of an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation when he began chatting with an undercover officer and expressed interest in engaging in sexual activity with minors. Starbird’s cellphone was seized as part of that investigation. A search of his device revealed that between 2021 and 2024, Starbird coerced and enticed two minor victims to engage in illegal sexual activity and attempted to entice another minor victim to do the same. For one of the minor victims, who was 14 years old at the time, Starbird made plans to meet with the minor, picked the minor up from the minor’s home, and took the minor back to Starbird’s residence, where they engaged in sexual acts. During this period, Starbird also induced another minor victim to produce CSAM, and Starbird received other CSAM on multiple occasions in connection with conversations Starbird had with others about engaging in sexual activity with minors. 

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.

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