Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Michael J. DaCorta (57, Sarasota) to 23 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, money laundering, and filing a false income tax return. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $2,817,876.16, a portion of the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. A federal jury had found DaCorta guilty on May 4, 2020.

According to testimony and evidence presented during the 13-day trial, from November 2011 through April 18, 2019, DaCorta ran an investment company named Oasis International Group, Ltd. (“OIG”). DaCorta and his co-conspirators persuaded at least 700 victims to invest in OIG through promissory notes and other means, causing victims’ losses exceeding $80 million. DaCorta, who had effectively been banned from conducting foreign exchange trading (“FOREX”) by agreement with the National Futures Association, induced victims to invest in OASIS by falsely representing to victim-investors that OASIS was reaping enormous profits by being a “market maker” and collecting “spread” on voluminous FOREX trades. DaCorta also pitched the opportunity as essentially risk free and OASIS as well-collateralized. In reality, OASIS was not making markets and had no true revenue. The “spread” earnings were being paid on each trade by OASIS back to OASIS in order to create the illusion of revenue, which was published to investors on fictious account statements and an online portal. The OIG investor portal showed the “spread” credits but concealed catastrophic underlying trading losses.

DaCorta and his conspirators used the balance of the victim-investors’ funds to make Ponzi-style payments to perpetuate the scheme and to fund lavish lifestyles. For example, the evidence showed that DaCorta used victim-investors’ funds to purchase a Maserati and Range Rovers for his family members, a country club membership, multiple million-dollar homes in Florida, college tuition for family members, flights on private jets, and lavish trips to Europe and the Cayman Islands. DaCorta also under-reported his income on his 2017 federal income tax return, claiming a negative income and receiving a tax refund.

 

“Mr. DaCorta guaranteed his more than 700 clients an “oasis” of an investment, when in reality all they got was a dust bowl of empty promises,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge. “Today’s significant prison sentence ordered by the court should offer some measure of justice to all of those impacted by the destructive wake of Mr. DaCorta’s greed and indifference.”

“Mr. DaCorta surrendered to greed and swindled millions of dollars from honest, hard-working Americans,” said FBI Tampa Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Walker. “Today’s sentencing confirms the FBI’s commitment to hold heartless fraudsters accountable for their actions and ensure justice is served.”

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the National Futures Association, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and David W.A. Chee, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Murray.

 

Tampa, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Jason Pagan-Reyes (40, Orlando) to six years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Pagan-Reyes had pleaded guilty on June 21, 2022, and is currently serving a drug-related state prison sentence.

According to court documents, Pagan-Reyes was part of a conspiracy to deliver $1 million in drug proceeds to a money laundering organization that would launder the money back to the Dominican Republic. Pagan-Reyes was in contact with a courier for that organization who was, in reality, an undercover officer. On July 11, 2020, while driving to meet with the undercover officer, a trooper from the Florida Highway Patrol stopped Pagan-Reyes’s minivan in Polk County for a variety of traffic offenses. After a police dog alerted to the odor of narcotics in the vehicle, law enforcement recovered $1,000,495 in two large bags. A search of Pagan-Reyes’s cellphone revealed communications consistent with both drug trafficking and money laundering.

This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Highway Patrol. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

Ocala, Florida – Senior United District Judge John Antoon II has sentenced Jason Ronald Santore (26, Lecanto) to 16 years and 8 months years in federal prison for possession and distribution of child sex abuse material. Santore had pleaded guilty on June 3, 2022.

According to testimony and court documents, Santore used the internet to transmit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children to a cooperating defendant.  Based on these transmission, federal agents obtained search warrants for Santore’s residence, electronic devices, and online storage accounts. Agents located thousands of images and videos of child sex abuse material on Santore’s online accounts, many of which depicted the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers.

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.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Re’Shod Peter Jontavious Larry (28, Fort Myers) to seven years and eight months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Larry to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offense. Larry had pleaded guilty on June 15, 2022.

According to court records, on November 16, 2021, officers from the Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) stopped a vehicle for a routine traffic infraction. Larry was the front-seat passenger in the vehicle.  After a certified police narcotics-detection dog alerted to the odor of illegal drugs in the vehicle, officers searched the vehicle and found a small baggie containing cocaine residue on the seat where Larry had been sitting. They also recovered a Smith and Wesson handgun from under the front-passenger seat, and a loaded high-capacity magazine from the glovebox directly in front of the front-passenger seat. FMPD personnel were later able to positively identify a latent palmprint lifted from the loaded magazine as belonging to Larry. At the time, Larry was a convicted felon who had only recently been released from prison for selling fentanyl. As a convicted felon, Larry is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

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

Orlando, FL – Senior U.S. District Judge Anne Conway has sentenced Deonte Lee Barber (40, Rockledge) to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Barber had pleaded guilty on February 3, 2022.

According to court documents and evidence produced at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) utilized a confidential source to make controlled purchases of fentanyl from Barber. In total, Barber distributed 167 grams of fentanyl. During the course of the conspiracy, agents discovered that Barber had supplied C.M. with fentanyl on November 4, 2021, which resulted in C.M.’s death. Police were summoned to C.M.’s home in Rockledge after his mother called 911 crying that she had found her son deceased. Located in close proximity to C.M.’s body were a plastic pen with burnt residue on it and a pink plastic baggie with a brown powdery substance, later determined to be fentanyl. At the sentencing hearing, the Brevard County Associate Medical Examiner testified that C.M. died of an overdose in connection with his ingestion of fentanyl. C.M.’s blood analysis revealed that he had more than double the lethal amount in his system necessary to cause death.

Law enforcement established that Barber was the person who had sold the fentanyl to C.M. Testimony and exhibits showed that Barber communicated with C.M. by text message just prior to his death to arrange the fentanyl sale. Agents also uncovered additional evidence to corroborate that Barber had delivered the fentanyl to C.M. at his home just a few hours before C.M. was found dead. After C.M.’s death became known, Barber notified and warned other customers of the drug’s potency.

On December 2, 2021, DEA agents executed a search warrant at Barber’s storage unit, where he stored his drugs. Agents located drugs, scales, and a large number of pink baggies, identical to the one found next to C.M.’s body.

At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing, the judge agreed with the government that Barber’s distribution of fentanyl had caused C.M.’s death and granted the United States’ motion for an enhanced sentence.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Rockledge Police Department, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Cocoa Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Beatriz Gonzalez and Michael P. Felicetta.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Desmond Dondre Williams (34, Jasper) with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud. If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each count and payment of restitution to the United States government.   

According to the indictment, Williams submitted two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Both PPP loan applications falsely claimed that Williams operated as the “Personal Chef” for his business, “Tastebudz.” Throughout the loan applications, Williams made multiple false statements regarding his purported gross income and expenses associated with operating Tastebudz. In support of his two PPP loan applications, Williams submitted a false IRS Form 1040 “Profit or Loss From Business” for Tastebudz. It contained false statements about operating expenses for his purported business. In truth, Tastebudz did not exist. In reliance on the false statements in his two PPP loan applications, the Small Business Administration funded two PPP loans for Tastebudz, totaling $39,327.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the results achieved by the Middle District of Florida’s efforts to combat fraud related to COVID-19 during fiscal year 2022, ending September 30, 2022. Those efforts have included complementary actions by the Criminal, Asset Recovery, and Civil Divisions, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of government programs established to provide relief for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “Those who seek to exploit these programs and further harm victims should beware. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.”

On the criminal-enforcement front, the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies joined together in March 2020 to form the Middle District of Florida COVID-19 Fraud Task Force to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since its inception, the task force has prosecuted more than 40 defendants for fraud schemes designed to exploit federal programs created or expanded to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”), Unemployment Insurance (“UI”), the Main Street Lending Program (“MSLP”), and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (“ERAP”). These cases and matters involve diverse schemes, from traditional healthcare fraud involving COVID-19 programs, to violent gangs using unemployment insurance fraud proceeds to operate their narcotics businesses. These defendants collectively sought to defraud the United States of over $43 million. Over thirty of those defendants have already been found guilty, while prosecution remains pending against nine defendants. (See chart for criminal case details.)

For example, on September 15, 2022, Marqus Johnson (40, Tampa) pleaded guilty to a 9-count Information charging him with bank fraud and illegal monetary transactions. Johnson formed and operated two corporate entities—All American Health, LLC and Next Level Health & Transportation, LLC—that purportedly were engaged in health care-related transportation services. In April and June 2020 and January 2021, Johnson use false and fraudulent representations to apply for a total of seven SBA-backed loans (one PPP loan and six EIDL) and received loan funding in connection with three of the loan applications. Based on his false representations, Johnson fraudulently obtained $544,900, including a $375,000 PPP loan.

In another matter, Julio Lugo (45, Davenport), a convicted felon on federal supervised release, conspired with others to steal nearly $6 million from the SBA’s PPP and EIDL programs and launder the proceeds of those stolen funds. Lugo pleaded guilty conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to more than nine years in federal prison on July 28, 2022. The court also imposed a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $4.4 million and entered an order of restitution in the amount of $4.8 million. 

The Middle District of Florida has been at the forefront of addressing the complex issues that arise out of investigating and charging frauds relating to new government programs. The Fort Myers Division, for example, was the first office in the country to take a COVID-19 fraud case to trial in United States v. Casey Crowther. Crowther was found guilty and sentenced to more than three years in federal prison. The Orlando Division meanwhile handled the country’s first COVID-19 fraud-related extradition in United States v. Don V. Cisternino. Cisternino recently pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and illegal monetary transactions related to his scheme to secure more than $7.2 million in emergency funds through a PPP loan.

Further, the Asset Recovery Division and federal seizing agencies have completed the forfeiture of more than $14.3 million of EIDL, UI, and PPP funds that were fraudulently obtained, depriving the fraudsters of their ill-gotten gains and recovering the proceeds for the victims. More than $8.5 million in additional pandemic fraud proceeds have been seized and are pending civil or criminal forfeiture.

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

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

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

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

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.

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Max. Imprisonment

Type of Fraud*

Intended Loss

Amount

Tampa Division

Joseph Abdo (39)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$500k

Jorge Gutierrez Echeverria (33)

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL

$150k

Alexander Leszczynski (22)

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$200k

Charles Cunningham (72)

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 years

PPP

$800K

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Candace Rich, Diego Novaes, and Jennifer Peresie

Orlando Division

Brian Blake (30)

 

Possession of device-making equipment

Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

PPP/UI

$832k

Emmet Bowens (53)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$740k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by AUSAs Chauncey Bratt and Amanda Daniels

Jacksonville Division

Jacob Byrd

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$20K

This COVID Fraud case from the Jacksonville Division is being handled by AUSA Kevin Frein

Fort Myers Division

Venera Price (45)

Mail fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

ERAP

$82K

This COVID Fraud case from the Fort Myers Division is being handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava

Ocala Division

Lavelle Harris (36)

Wire Fraud (14 counts)

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years per count

PPP

$1.2M

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

Adjudicated Cases

Tampa Division

Keith Nicoletta (49)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$1.9M

Rosenide Venant (37)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

EIDL/PPP

$413k

 

Keaujay Hornsby (26)

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Kareem Spann (27)

Racketeering conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Access device fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

UI

$3M

Melinda Hernandez (33)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

UI

$1.5M

Richard Simpkins (47)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Illegal monetary transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP

$1.9M

Steve Moodie (33)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum: Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

UI

$1.5M

Marqus Willard Johnson

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$500K

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Tiffany Fields, John Michelich, and Greg Pizzo

Orlando Division

Daniel Johnson (34)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Aggravated identity theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

Unlawful transfer of firearm

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

UI

$2.3M

Joel Greenberg (37)

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

Maximum Prison Term: 15 Years

EIDL

$430k

Teresa McIntyre (55)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and other offenses

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

EIDL

$730k

 

Don Cisternino (46)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Illegal Monetary Transactions

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated Identity Theft

Maximum Prison Term: Two Years Consecutive

PPP

$7.2M

 

 

 

This COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division are being handled by U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg and AUSAs Chauncey Bratt, Amanda Daniels, Jennifer Harrington, and Dana Hill

Fort Myers Division

Daniel Joseph Tisone (34)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Bank fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 30 Years

Money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

Aggravated Identity Theft

Maximum Prison Term: 2 Years Consecutive

Possession of Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

Maximum Prison Term: 10 Years

PPP/EIDL/MSLP

$2.6M

Liliana Gonzalez (31)

 

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

PPP

$169k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division are being handled by AUSAs Trent Reichling and Jesus M. Casas

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Louis Thornton, III (63)

 

Wire Fraud

Sentence Imposed: 42 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$815k

Kary Stevenson (48)

Corey Quinn (35)

 

Conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft

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

Sentence Imposed:7 years in federal prison (Quinn)

UI

$1M

Bridgitte Keim (52)

 

Bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 2 years in federal prison

PPP

$588k

Wayne Ganaway (47)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 4 years in federal prison

EIDL

$300k

Eriaius Bentley (29)

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: One year in federal prison

UI

$3M

Rolanda Wingfield (39)

 

Access device fraud, Aggravated identity theft

Sentenced Imposed: 3 years in federal prison

UI

$135k

 

Tywon Spann (25)

Racketeering conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, access device fraud

Sentence Imposed: 6 years and 9 months in federal prison

UI

$3M

Randy Jones (34)

 

Wire fraud, aggravated identity theft

Sentence Imposed: 5 years and 1 month in federal prison

EIDL/UI

$250k

Julio Lugo (45)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 7 years and 6 months in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$4.4M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones, Greg Pizzo, Tiffany Fields, Diego Novaes, and SAUSA Chris Poor

Orlando Division

Jacquavius Smith (21)

 

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

Sentence Imposed: 7 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$10k

 

 

Johnson Eustache (40)

 

Wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

EIDL/PPP

$2.2M

Joseph Harrison (43)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 12 months in federal prison

UI

$2.1M

Tomas Ziupsnys (39)

 

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

Sentence Imposed: 5 years in federal prison

PPP

$2M

Holly Urban (36)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank fraud

Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

PPP

$1.5M

These COVID Fraud cases from the Orlando Division were handled by AUSAs John Gardella, Amanda Daniels, Chauncey Bratt, Emily Chang, and Jennifer Harrington

Fort Myers Division

Casey Crowther (36)

 

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

Sentence Imposed: 3 years, 1 month in federal prison

PPP

$2.7M

Anthony Bruey (36)

Amber Bruey (35)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Wire fraud

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Illegal monetary transactions

Sentence Imposed:

Anthony Bruey: 4 years, 3 months in federal prison

Amber Bruey: 4 years in federal prison

PPP/EIDL

$881k

Edrica Leann Watson (30)

 

False statement to a lending institution

Sentence Imposed: 15 months in federal prison

PPP

$392k

These COVID Fraud cases from the Fort Myers Division were handled by AUSA Trent Reichling and AUSA Jesus M. Casas

Types of Fraud*

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

Main Street Lending Program (MSLP)

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

 

 

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Edwin Hill (51, Holiday), a/k/a “Z,” has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 1 kilogram or more of heroin, four counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Hill faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and is subject to enhanced minimum penalties due to a prior conviction for attempted first-degree murder. He has agreed to forfeit his interest in a house in Pasco County that was used in the offense, approximately $400,536 in drug proceeds, three handguns, and assorted ammunition. Hill was arrested on September 27, 2018, where he has remained in custody. The charges and penalties for each offense are as follows:

Count

Offense

Penalty

One

Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 1 Kilogram or More of Heroin and 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl

Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment

Two 

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Three

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Four

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Five

Distribution of Fentanyl

Maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment

Seven

Possession of 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

Mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment up to a maximum term of life imprisonment

Eight

Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment to be served consecutively to the drug counts

According to court documents, Hill trafficked fentanyl in in Pasco County. He used a residence in New Port Richey for distributing the drugs and his personal residence in Holiday for storing the controlled substances, cash, and firearms. After four controlled purchases of fentanyl from Hill, federal authorities obtained search warrants for both residences and executed them on September 27, 2018. During the execution of the search warrants of the two houses, agents recovered more than a half-kilogram of fentanyl, almost a kilogram of cocaine, five firearms – including two that had been reported stolen – and more than $370,000 in cash. During an interview with law enforcement, Hill admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking, ownership of the seized guns, and that the money was the result of drug proceeds.     

After agreeing to cooperate with law enforcement, Hill secretly, and without informing law enforcement, sent three text messages to coconspirator Nelson White letting him know that Hill had been arrested:

Text 1: D e a

Text 2: Dont come

Text 3: Stop answering the feds got me

Law enforcement officers observed White leave his residence after a bag was loaded into his car. A deputy from the Pasco Sheriff’s Office pulled over White’s car for a traffic violation and found approximately an additional pound of fentanyl, almost a half-kilogram of cocaine, more than $29,000 in cash, four additional firearms, and assorted ammunition.

White was convicted of conspiracy and sentenced on December 1, 2020, to over 21 years in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Hardee County Sheriff’s Office, the Plant City Police Department, and the Winter Haven Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza. Assistant United States Attorney James Muench is handling the forfeiture.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton has sentenced Dominic Taddeo, Jr. (65) to 3 years in federal prison for his escape from an Orlando half-way house, to be served consecutively to his remaining term of imprisonment on other federal convictions. Taddeo had pleaded guilty to the escape on May 17, 2022.

According to court documents, on February 15, 2022, Taddeo was transferred from the Coleman Correctional Institution to a half-way house in Orlando to complete his term of incarceration for federal convictions out of the Western District of New York. Taddeo’s projected release date from the half-way house was February 2023. On March 28, 2022, Taddeo was granted a community pass to leave the half-way house for a medical appointment, but he failed to return to the half-way house as required.  At the time of his arrest on April 4, 2022, Taddeo was in possession of over $5,000 cash and a driver license of a deceased individual.

This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service, the Florida Regional Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister (54, Live Oak) to 40 months in federal prison for conspiracy to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit extortion, wire fraud, and tax fraud. His co-defendant and former Dixie County Attorney Marion Michael O’Steen (43, Old Town) has been sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for extorting a client and for failing to file a form with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. As part of Siegmeister’s sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $518,803.30, which are proceeds of the wire fraud offense. As part of O’Steen’s sentence, the court entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $60,000, which are proceeds of the extortion offense, and ordered O’Steen to pay a $45,000 fine.

A federal jury had found O’Steen guilty on June 15, 2022. Siegmeister had pleaded guilty on February 22, 2022. 

According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, O’Steen was a criminal defense attorney who represented clients being prosecuted by former State Attorney Jeffrey Alan Siegmeister’s office in the Third Judicial Circuit. O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his client, and the delay of official actions–in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen extorted one of his clients, telling him that if the client paid him an additional $60,000, O’Steen would use up a “favor” with the state attorney to make “everything go away,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him. O’Steen told his client he could “go to trial and fight em’ out, which I don’t think you can win.” O’Steen further advised his client that he would not get the same results from another attorney.

O’Steen received two payments of $30,000 each from his client. Evidence at trial established that O’Steen knew the reporting requirements but failed to timely file a Form 8300 with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.       

Siegmeister acknowledged having conspired with O’Steen to use a facility of commerce for unlawful activity, between approximately November 2017 and May 16, 2019, during which time O’Steen requested official acts from Siegmeister—including the favorable disposition of charges filed against his clients, and the delay of official actions in order to enable O’Steen to obtain additional “fees” from at least one of his clients—for which Siegmeister solicited bribes from O’Steen. The plea agreement provides that, on April 16, 2018, Siegmeister sent O’Steen four photographs of bulls he was selling, after the sentencing of one of O’Steen’s clients, indicating that Siegmeister expected O’Steen to purchase a bull from him in exchange for the favorable treatment Siegmeister had provided O’Steen’s client. With respect to the extortion count, O’Steen solicited Siegmeister to resolve a case against his client through pre-trial intervention (“PTI”). Siegmeister acknowledged that he made it clear to O’Steen that if O’Steen wanted his client to get a PTI agreement, O’Steen would have to buy one of Siegmeister’s bulls. On August 17, 2018, O’Steen told his client, “I can make everything go away all, your brothers, the other two nolle pros with you sign an agreement to pay their cost of investigation, you leave, you will not have to report but one time, uh, ah, I need $75,000 and everything goes away and you pay the money,” representing that O’Steen had favors with Siegmeister for which people would pay him.   

Siegmeister also admitted to committing wire fraud by defrauding the probate court and the estate of a man identified by the initials “L.T.” While serving as the voluntary guardian of L.T., Siegmeister admitted to inflating the expenditures incurred by L.T. in a filing to the probate court and to diverting more than $500,000 in assets from L.T.’s estate to pay Siegmeister’s own personal expenditures in 2015 and 2016. Siegmeister also admitted that he had failed to report the diverted funds on his tax returns.

Attorney Ernest Maloney Page IV was previously sentenced to six months’ imprisonment on September 6, 2022, for conspiracy to bribe Siegmeister in connection with the resolution of his client’s pending criminal cases.

“As former officers of the court, who were sworn to serve the interests of the public, the defendants were rightly held to a higher standard,” said Brian Payne, IRS-CI special agent in charge. “These sentencings affirm that they egregiously betrayed the public trust placed in them in pursuit of their own selfish greed. The prison terms handed down today now hold them accountable for their criminal actions.”

“As a member of law enforcement, Jeffrey Siegmeister was given incredible power to enforce the law and ensure justice,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks. “Likewise, as an officer of the court, Michael O’Steen had a duty to uphold the highest standards. However, instead of protecting the rights of citizens, both chose to abuse their positions of authority in an effort to line their own pocketbooks, and this type of activity will not be tolerated by the FBI. We will continue our work to root out any and all forms of corruption within the judicial system to ensure those who violate the public’s sacred trust are held accountable."        

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly S. Karase and David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Ghasan Awad (60, Safety Harbor) to 27 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The court also ordered Awad to make restitution to the USDA in the amount of $654,502.28.

According to court documents, Awad helped to orchestrate a conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements the USDA. Awad recruited others to assist in submitting false and fraudulent representations to the USDA that a third party was buying a St. Petersburg convenience store that Awad then owned which was enrolled to accept USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) program benefits.  

Specifically, in 2015, after the USDA had prohibited Awad from accepting any SNAP benefit purchases and prohibited him from owning the store or even working at the store, co-defendant Bassam Al Saleh joined with his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, and Awad to create false records and representations that Ahmad Al Saleh had bought the store and that Ahmad Al Saleh was operating it himself. In reality, Awad continued to operate and manage the store and continued to make profits from it, paying Ahmad Al Saleh a fee for the use of Al Saleh’s name as the owner of the store on USDA documents. In 2019, during the time that Awad was still operating the store under the supposed ownership of Ahmad Al Saleh, Awad committed numerous acts of SNAP benefits trafficking at the store. In those instances, Awad bought SNAP benefits from customers and paid for them in cash, in direct violation of USDA SNAP regulations. The court determined that the losses to the USDA and the SNAP program from the engagement of Awad and his co-defendants in this scheme to defraud the USDA was at least $654,502.84.

“The integrity of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is critical to ensure that assistance is available to those truly in need,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “The combined efforts of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG), National Security Group, St. Petersburg Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations stopped this fraud from perpetuating.”  

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with the assistance of the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Raymond Reeves (22, Jacksonville) to 27 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Reeves to forfeit a Taurus 9mm pistol that was used in the offense. Reeves had pleaded guilty on July 22, 2022.

According to court documents, Reeves was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) after he was observed driving recklessly. After the traffic stop, JSO officers arrested Reeves and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol from the floorboard of his car. Reeves had a prior conviction for armed carjacking and had been released from prison in 2020. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot and was previously prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus Zomorodian. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.

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

Ocala, Florida – Senior United States District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced James Clay Bexley (35, Center Hill) to three years in federal prison for possessing unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers and for possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. Bexley had pleaded guilty on July 28, 2022.

According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Deputies from the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office located six firearms, two silencers, and two small explosive devices in Bexley’s vehicle. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office bomb squad then responded and discovered two destructive devices (pipe bombs) on Bexley’s front porch. After obtaining a search warrant, federal agents recovered approximately 35 pounds of explosive materials and bomb-making equipment from within the residence, along with an additional 12 firearms and two silencers.

Firearm silencers and destructive devices, such as pipe bombs, are illegal to possess unless registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. None of Bexley’s silencers or destructive devices had been registered as required under federal law. Furthermore, it is also a federal crime to possess firearms while subject to a domestic violence injunction.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer. 

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

Ocala, FL – Roy Lashley, 55, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for attacking a Black man because of his actual and perceived race.

According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 17, 2021, Lashley traveled to the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs, Florida, where the victim, a Black man, was shopping inside. Lashley repeatedly used racial slurs inside the store in reference to the victim and then followed the victim into the parking lot. There, Lashley retrieved an axe handle from the bed of his truck and struck the victim multiple times with it. Lashley directed racial slurs towards the victim before, during and after the attack. The victim sustained painful injuries to his face and legs, including a laceration to the inside of his mouth. 

“Racially motivated and hate-fueled attacks on Black people have no place in this country,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “As we mark 13 years since passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, we renew our commitment to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal to prosecute unlawful acts of hate.”

“The defendant in this case deliberately and brutally attacked the victim because of his race,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “There is no place in our country for this type of abhorrent behavior, and we will prosecute those who commit these heinous crimes to the fullest extent of the law.

“Civil rights investigations are at the heart of what we do at the FBI,” Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks for the FBI Jacksonville Field Division. “Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim; they are meant to threaten and intimidate an entire community. Because of their wide-ranging impact, investigating hate crimes is among the FBI's highest priorities, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to seek justice for victims and their communities.”

A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Lashley faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment, three years of mandatory supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Lashley was charged in an indictment that was unsealed on June 17. The indictment charged Lashley and co-defendant Robert Dewayne Lashley, each aiding and abetting one another, with willfully causing bodily injury to the victim because of the victim’s actual and perceived race. Robert Dewayne Lashley pleaded guilty on Oct. 4.

Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Handberg and Special Agent in Charge Onks made the announcement.

The FBI and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter. Trial Attorneys Maura White and Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hamilton for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. 

For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Eddie Joe Oglesby, Jr. (52, Fort McCoy) guilty of two counts of production of child sex abuse material and one count of receipt of child sex abuse material. Oglesby faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years in federal prison on each of the two production counts. He faces a minimum mandatory of 5 years, up to 20 years, on the receipt count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2023, before Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II. A superseding indictment was returned against Oglesby on September 13, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Oglesby created an elaborate false identity that he used to impersonate a federal agent. He used this false identity to coerce underaged female victims to produce and send him sexually explicit images over the internet. Posing as the false agent, Oglesby threatened to have the victims arrested, imprisoned, institutionalized, or killed if they did not comply with his demands.

When the FBI searched Oglesby’s home on September 27, 2021, they found him with an underaged female runaway. A search of Oglesby’s cellphone showed him logged into multiple social media applications under both his real and false identity. Agents ultimately found 473 pages of electronic communications between Oglesby and one of his victims on that cellphone.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Weatherford (Texas) Police Department, and the Cobb County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah J. Nowalk.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area clinic, its operators and a doctor from administering, dispensing or distributing any controlled substances, including issuing prescriptions for opioids, the Department of Justice announced.

In a complaint filed on Oct. 11 and unsealed Oct. 14, the United States alleges that the individual defendants, Dr. Vivian Herrero, Christopher Ferguson and Patricia Ferguson, used Phoenix Medical Management Care Centers Inc., a Tarpon Springs, Florida, pain clinic, to unlawfully issue controlled substance prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The complaint alleges that two Phoenix patients died soon after receiving opioid prescriptions issued by Dr. Herrero, and further alleges that drug toxicity played a role in those deaths.

“Medical clinics that facilitate the unlawful use of opioids and other controlled substances cannot continue to operate,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use all available tools to stop the illegal distribution of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”

“Medical professionals who abandon their oath to protect patients from harm and violate the law compromise the health and safety of patients and must be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The illegal distribution of opioids continues to cause great harm to people in our communities. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to put an end to this devastating crisis.”

“As communities across Florida are facing the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic, we need to be doing everything we can to prevent prescription opioid misuse,” Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains steadfast in our mission of working with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who jeopardize the safety and health of our communities.”

The complaint alleges that the Fergusons operate Phoenix Medical, where Dr. Herrero, a licensed pediatrician, writes prescriptions for powerful opioids and other drugs without a legitimate medical basis and despite obvious signs of abuse or diversion. The complaint further alleges that Phoenix operates with unqualified physicians and issues prescriptions to patients with only limited interaction or evaluation. According to the complaint, Christopher Ferguson previously was convicted on state drug trafficking charges, and he currently faces state extortion charges based on alleged conduct at Phoenix.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The pending complaint seeks civil penalties as well as a permanent injunction against the defendants. 

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay S. Griffin and Kelley Howard-Allen for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Thomas S. Rosso and Scott B. Dahlquist of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch are handling the case.

The claims made in the complaint are merely allegations that the United States must prove if the case proceeds to trial. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dartis Cobb (35, St. Petersburg) with one count of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. If convicted, Cobb faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

According to the indictment, on August 13, 2022, Cobb knowingly possessed 9mm Luger ammunition. Cobb has previously been convicted of two felonies – robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon – therefore he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

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

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

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

Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Billy Rengifo Saaverda (44, Medellin, Colombia) to 11 years and 3 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 464 kilograms of cocaine and 217 kilograms of marijuana – approximately 1,500 pounds of narcotics. Saaverda had pleaded guilty on June 6, 2022.

According to court documents and information offered in open court, on February 21, 2022, in the middle of the night, Saaverda and his two co-conspirators were trafficking narcotics on the high seas in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, approximately 70 miles south of Panama. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Legare was patrolling in the vicinity and deployed its helicopter and 26-foot small boat to interdict the suspected drug traffickers. When the Legare’s small boat team approached Saaverda’s 30-foot boat, a high-speed pursuit commenced in rough waters with both vessels travelling at speeds over 30 knots. Saaverda was behind the helm of the drug-running vessel, leading the chase. Given it was the middle of the night in the Pacific Ocean, the only lighting in the immediate area was the USCG vessel’s blue, flashing law enforcement lights, yellow spotlights, and mast light. The defendants failed to heed the USCG’s repeated verbal directives to halt. Warning shots were fired from both the USCG’s helicopter and its small boat; this did not deter the drug traffickers. Rather than stop, for over 20 minutes Saaverda continuously attempted to ram his vessel into the USCG’s small boat, seriously endangering the lives and safety of the five United States servicemembers on board.

 

Undeterred, and after an hours-long pursuit, the USCG successfully interdicted the defendant’s vessel, which was laden with over $14,000,000 of cocaine and marijuana.

This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Pardo.

 

Ocala, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Tymane D. Hamilton (30, Phoenix, Arizona) to 16 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Hamilton had pleaded guilty on April 19, 2022.

According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Hamilton was involved in a drug conspiracy with accomplices in Lake County, Florida, that imported more than 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, over 50 kilograms of cocaine, over 1 kilogram of heroin, and over 50 kilograms of marijuana that were distributed in central Florida. Between 2018 and 2019, Hamilton agreed with others to ship 49 parcels containing illegal narcotics to Florida from source states, including Arizona and California. Once they arrived, the drugs were distributed to other dealers in the Middle District of Florida. Hamilton was responsible for acquiring the drugs and packaging them in parcels. On at least two occasions, he also personally shipped packages from California containing several kilograms of methamphetamine and marijuana.

In addition to Hamilton, three other conspirators have pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Dalton as follows: 

Defendant (Age, Residence)

Pleaded Guilty:

Sentenced:

Term of Imprisonment:

Devonne L. Walker (36, Lady Lake, FL)

7/28/21

11/16/21

25 years

Chauncy Stackhouse (30, Leesburg, FL)

3/25/21

5/16/22

8 years

Kanisha D. Savage (29, Phoenix, AZ)

11/10/21

4/19/22

5 years, 10 months

This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, with support from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Felicetta.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced Jesus Enriquez Pimentel (41, Mexico) to five years and six months in prison and Tomas Borjas Mendez (38, Texas) to four years and six months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine internationally. Pimentel and Mendez had pleaded guilty on June 28, 2022, and July 5, 2022, respectively. 

According to information revealed during the sentencing hearings, on May 28 and December 8, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) used an undercover agent (UC) and a confidential source (CS) to negotiate with Pimentel and Mendez to purchase a private passenger jet for users in Mexico. During recorded conversations, Pimentel and Mendez told the UC and the CS that they needed to purchase the airplane in order to transport approximately 2,500 kilograms of cocaine. They explained that they would only be able to use the airplane once or twice. Then, the buyers would destroy the plane by intentionally crashing it in a jungle or the ocean. Pimentel and Mendez also attempted to bribe an individual, who they thought was an airport customs official, in order to allow cash and drugs to pass through the airport. The airport customs official was actually an undercover law enforcement officer.

To conclude the purchase of the airplane, Pimentel and Mendez traveled around the Southeastern United States over a one-month period and gathered more than $600,000 in cash and provided it to the undercover law enforcement officers.  Shortly after providing the final payment for the airplane Pimentel and Mendez were interviewed and arrested. 

“These criminals sought to exploit their abilities as mechanics by acquiring an aircraft to figuratively fly under the radar and smuggle drugs intercontinentally, as well as move physical cash globally,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David J. Pezzutti. “The sentencings of these individuals demonstrate HSI’s commitment to stand on the frontlines fighting to disrupt the flow of illicit narcotics into our communities.”             

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today that the Department of Justice has awarded $541,026 to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program in the Middle District of Florida. Funding will support law enforcement and community efforts to address the epidemic of gun crime and serious violence in the district. As part of the strategy, PSN partners focus on prevention and intervention efforts through community engagement and problem-solving partnerships, strategic enforcement of the most violent offenders, and locally based reentry programs to reduce recidivism. The grant is one of a number of awards being made to state and local agencies across the country. Funds are administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department’s Office of Justice Programs.

Launched two decades ago as an evidence-based and community-oriented response to serious gun crime, Project Safe Neighborhoods, known as PSN, is a key component of the Department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, outlined by Deputy Attorney General Monaco in May 2021. The PSN approach is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

“Public safety is our number one priority,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and community partners to find sustainable solutions for reducing crime and creating safer communities.”

PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies and community organizations. The programs’ emphasis on community engagement, prevention and intervention measures, focused and strategic enforcement, and measurement and accountability has helped achieve overall reductions in violent crime, including gun homicides, in neighborhoods where PSN strategies have been implemented.

“Over its two-decade history, Project Safe Neighborhoods has evolved to meet the complex challenges of community violence by enlisting the insights and expertise of local partners and by relying on the latest evidence,” said BJA Director Karhlton F. Moore. “We are proud to support our U.S. Attorneys and their allies in their critical work to curb violent crime and build the mutual trust necessary to ensure lasting success.”

The awards announced above are being made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about awards under PSN and other OJP grants can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law.  More information about OJP and its components can be found at  www.ojp.gov.

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced William Shumaker, Jr. (39, St. Petersburg) to five years in federal prison for four counts of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Shumaker had pleaded guilty on July 20, 2022. 

According to court documents, Shumaker, a multiple-convicted felon, sold quantities of fentanyl to undercover law enforcement officers on several occasions and in increasingly large amounts between March and April 2021. Shumaker told undercover officers that he could sell them a firearm in addition to the fentanyl. In one such fentanyl sale, Shumaker sold a loaded Ruger .357 Magnum revolver and offered to sell a .22 caliber SCCY pistol along with the fentanyl and Magnum revolver.

This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment and arrest of Derrick Evans (44, St. Petersburg) for seven counts of possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics, one count of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of the narcotics offenses, Evans faces a maximum penalty of 20 years on each count. If convicted of the carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, Evans faces a consecutive 5 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of the felon in possession of a firearm offense, Evans faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, and up to, life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Evans that the United States intends to forfeit the firearms recovered in this investigation.

According to the indictment, on multiple occasions between February 25 and May 6, 2022, Evans possessed with the intent to sell or deliver cocaine. On May 6, 2022, Evans possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. As a result of his multiple prior convictions, including attempted first-degree murder, Evans is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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

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

This case was investigated by the Pinellas Park Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Leon Erick Williams (41, St. Petersburg) has pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine. Williams faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, on February 7, 2022, Williams sold cocaine to undercover police officers at a Gentleman’s Club in Pinellas Park. The following day, Williams coordinated another cocaine deal with undercover officers via text message. On February 10, 2022, Williams sold an additional quantity of cocaine to the undercover officers in the Gentleman’s Club’s restroom.

This case was investigated by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Jacksonville, FL - A district court judge accepted the guilty plea yesterday of the former CEO of a Jacksonville company who admitted to evading income taxes owed to the IRS based on a fraud he ran on his employer.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2015 and 2016, Jason Cory was a manager at a New York-based information technology services. From 2017 through 2019, Cory was the CEO of a different information technology services company based in Jacksonville. From 2015 through 2018, Cory used his positions as manager and CEO at the two companies to cause his employers to direct a total of more than $1.5 million to Gambit Matrix LLC, a shell company he controlled. With respect to the second employer, Cory did so under the false pretense the payments were for consulting services. In reality, Gambit Matrix did not provide consulting services and there was no justification for these payments.

Cory did not report the income he earned through transfers to Gambit Matrix on his tax return for 2015. He also did not file tax returns for the years 2016 through 2018 as required by law. To conceal the fraud scheme from the second employer and evade taxes on his income for these years, Cory invented fictitious owners of Gambit Matrix, made false representations to his employer, and falsified emails and IRS Forms W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number). Cory used the money directed to Gambit Matrix to pay for personal expenses such as credit card bills, rent and club memberships. Cory admitted that between 2015 and 2018, he evaded more than $600,000 in taxes.

Cory is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 30, 2023, and faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

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

The FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David B. Mesrobian for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Richard J. Hagerman of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has convicted Simon Arcentales Castro (38, Ecuador) of possessing with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine on a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Arcentales Castro faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to, life in federal prison. His sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 6, 2023. He and two other individuals were indicted on January 27, 2022.

According to testimony presented at trial, a maritime patrol aircraft spotted a 50-foot low-profile in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, about 100 miles from the nearest point of land. The vessel was suspected of drug smuggling because it was purposely built to avoid detection, was operating without navigational lights at night, and was sailing in a location where maritime drug smuggling by similar vessels is common. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter James launched a small boat to investigate and found Arcentales Castro and two other men on board. The USCG determined the vessel to be without nationality, and therefore subject to U.S. jurisdiction. A search of the vessel revealed over 1,100 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $30 million, hidden in the vessel’s forward hull.

This case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Panama Express Strike Force, a standing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) Strike Force comprised of agents and analysts from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Southern Command's Joint Interagency Task Force South. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Timothy James Roberts (29, Hernando) with possession of an unregistered National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon (short-barreled shotgun) and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Roberts faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the unregistered NFA weapon count, and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on each count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.   

According to the superseding indictment, Roberts was in possession of firearms on two separate occasions. On August 7, 2022, he possessed a short-barreled shotgun not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Additionally, on August 31, 2022, Roberts was in possession of a pistol and a revolver. Roberts has four prior felony grand theft convictions in state court. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

A superseding 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 Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

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

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Gregory A. Presnell has sentenced Joseph Ellicott (43, Bradenton) to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, honest services fraud, and distribution of a controlled substance. The court also ordered Ellicott to forfeit $114,747, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Ellicott had pleaded guilty on February 9, 2022.

According to court documents, in January 2017, Ellicott was hired by a government agency in Seminole County (Governmental Agency) as a Special Projects Manager. The elected head of the Governmental Agency was a public official and Ellicott’s friend (Public Official). Beginning at least by January 2017, and continuing through 2019, Ellicott, the Public Official, and a contractor with the Governmental Agency (Contractor Conspirator) conspired with each other to commit wire fraud and honest services fraud.  

The conspiracy involved the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company entering into a contract with the Governmental Agency to provide goods and services to the Governmental Agency. The Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company submitted inflated invoices for payment. The Public Official agreed to use his official position to provide favorable official action on behalf of the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company, including by continuing to employ the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company and by causing the Contractor Conspirator and the Contractor Conspirator’s company to be paid, including for the inflated invoices. In exchange for the Public Official providing such favorable official action, the Contractor Conspirator agreed to pay bribes and kickbacks to the Public Official. Ellicott’s role in the conspiracy was to serve as the intermediary for the payment of a bribe and kickback of $6,000 that was made on September 25, 2017.

Further, for at least two years, Ellicott illegally sold Adderall to others. Over the course of at least two years, one of Ellicott’s customers paid him more than $5,000 for hundreds of Adderall pills.

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Harrington and Amanda S. Daniels and United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell today sentenced Kermon Williams, a/k/a “The General” (42, St. Petersburg), James Higgs, Jr., a/k/a “Hammer” (40, St. Petersburg), and Jhaphre Higgs, a/k/a “Pre” (35, St. Petersburg) each to life in federal prison followed by 20 years’ imprisonment for a double homicide, murder for hire conspiracy. Williams, Higgs, Jr., and Higgs were found guilty by a federal jury on June 24, 2022.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Williams asked Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., to kill Tywan Armstrong, a rival drug dealer, who Williams saw as a threat to his drug business. Williams paid Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., with cash and drugs and gave them an AR-15 rifle to commit the murder. Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr. made their first attempt on Armstrong’s life on September 22, 2018, shooting at him several times with an AR-15. Armstrong survived the first attempt on his life. Afterwards, Williams directed Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr. to make the murder as public as possible to send a message on the street.

On January 21, 2019, Jhaphre and James Higgs, Jr., following William’s directive, opened fire on Armstrong’s car with an AR-15 and .40 caliber pistol in front of a large crowd of people gathered at a St. Petersburg gas station. The hail of bullets struck Armstrong 28 times, front passenger Roger Ford 11 times, and a rear passenger several times. Despite heroic efforts on the part of officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department and members of St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, both Armstrong and Ford died from their injuries.

All three defendants have previously been convicted of multiple felonies. Williams had previously been convicted of performing a lewd and lascivious act in the presence of a child under the age of 16. Jhaphre Higgs had previously been convicted of aggravated battery with possession of a firearm. And James Higgs, Jr., had previously been convicted of accessory after the fact to murder.

“This demonstrates how science – in this case, digital ballistics technology – can breathe life into violent gun crime cases,” said ATF Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Saier. “And despite the twist and turns over the course of the three-plus year investigation, we never gave up.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was investigated and prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorney Natalie Hirt Adams. The trial was conducted by Assistant United States Attorneys Craig R. Gestring and Charlie D. Connally.

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Thaddeus Timeaus Howard (29, Tampa) with unlawful possession of a firearm. If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.

According to statements made in open court, on July 9, 2022, near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Fairbanks Street in the Sulphur Springs neighborhood of Tampa, Howard fired approximately seven shots at his ex-girlfriend. Surveillance video played during Howard’s arraignment showed an individual, whom prosecutors allege is Howard, fire multiple shots from a pistol. After firing the weapon, Howard entered his vehicle and chased his target who had fled in a car driven by her cousin. That chase ended when Howard caused a multi-vehicle accident near the intersection of North Nebraska Avenue and East Broad Street after swerving in and out of oncoming traffic. Howard fled the scene of that crash on foot and was apprehended by officers from the Tampa Police Department. Officers searched Howard after taking him in to custody and located a pistol in the pocket of his jeans.

At the time of the incident, Howard had prior felony convictions for armed robbery and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition.

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

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David P. Sullivan. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Bassam Al Saleh (65, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for conspiracy to defraud and to make false statements to the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The court also ordered Al Saleh to make restitution to the USDA in the amount of $654,502.28.

According to court documents, Bassam Al Saleh joined in a conspiracy to defraud the USDA and to make false statements to the USDA in 2015 when he agreed to aid in submitting false and fraudulent representations to the USDA that his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, was buying a St. Petersburg convenience store that was enrolled to accept USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (“SNAP”) program benefits. After the USDA prohibited the prior owner of the store from accepting any SNAP benefit purchases and prohibited him from even working at the store, Bassam Al Saleh joined with his brother, Ahmad Al Saleh, and the prior store owner to create false records and representations that Ahmad Al Saleh had bought the store and that Ahmad Al Saleh was operating it himself. In reality, the previous store owner continued to operate and manage the store and continued to make profits from it, paying Ahmad Al Saleh a fee for the use of Al Saleh’s name as the owner of the store on USDA documents. During the time that the prior owner was still operating the store under the supposed ownership of Ahmad Al Saleh, the prior owner committed numerous acts of SNAP benefits trafficking at the store. In those instances, the prior store owner bought SNAP benefits from customers and paid for them in cash, in direct violation of USDA SNAP regulations. The court determined that the losses to the SNAP program from the prior store owner’s engagement in this conduct during the time period of the supposed “ownership” of the store by Ahmad Al Saleh was at least $654,502.84.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Agriculture -Office of Inspector General, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, and Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the St. Petersburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Bradenton residents Nathasha Prieto (33) and Angel Hernandez Coss (37) with conspiring to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine. If convicted on all counts, each faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years, and up to, in federal prison. 

According to court documents, Prieto, a United States Postal carrier, provided addresses on her postal route to Coss, who arranged for the shipment of packages containing kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to those addresses. Instead of delivering the packages, Prieto removed the packages from the mail stream so that the cocaine within them could be distributed by Coss. On August 15, 2022, the investigation resulted in the seizure, from Prieto, of packages shipped from Puerto Rico containing kilograms of cocaine.

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

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James C. Preston, Jr.

Tampa, FL – In the wake of extreme devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) today issued a reminder that as with any major disaster, there are unscrupulous thieves who seek to take advantage of the environment to line their own pockets.

“The people of our district are working tirelessly to recover from the devastating impact Hurricane Ian had on our region,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg.  “During this time, it’s especially important to be vigilant against fraudsters who seek to profit from natural disasters. Our office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who commit this type of fraud.”

The NCDF, a national coordinating agency, was created by a partnership between the Department of Justice and various law enforcement and regulatory agencies. Its goal is to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud.

Historically, the NCDF has echoed federal, state, and local law enforcement messaging designed to assist individuals to avoid becoming the victim of crimes related to disaster fraud. This messaging has included warnings regarding electronic (email, internet, phone/robocall, social media, etc.) communications designed to obtain information and money from individuals affected by disasters. These communications are frequently disseminated prior to a disaster striking (e.g., targeting individuals in the potential path of hurricanes and wildfires) or immediately after disaster strikes (now for victims of Ian).

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, there is no indication that criminals will slow down their efforts to commit fraud on individuals already victimized by the storm. The following examples of disaster-related fraud are based on over 200,000 historical complaints submitted to the NCDF:

• Fake charities immediately soliciting donations using the names of well-known charities or appearing reasonable as related to a disaster
• Individuals impersonating government officials and insurance company representatives advising that disaster assistance will be made available should the potential victim provide a sum of money or personal identifiers such as date of birth, social security number, and bank account information (name of financial institution, routing number, and account number)
• Individuals soliciting victims to invest in non-existent businesses and ventures offering recovery efforts such as cleanup, rebuilding, and making structures, such as homes, more resistant to future disasters by elevating structures to minimize future flood risks
• Individuals overcharging for goods and services needed by victims of disaster, also known as price-gouging

In addition, based on the type of disaster, individuals are frequently victimized by theft of property from businesses and residences abandoned because of a disaster (either pre-disaster evacuation or to obtain living accommodations because of damaged apartments and homes).

Recommended measures to avoid becoming a victim of disaster fraud:

• Only make donations to known charities and only after contacting the charity directly and not in response to an email, instant message, phone call, text, etc. A recommended step is to research the charity by visiting recognized charity information/rating websites such as the Give.org, CharityNavigator.org, and CharityWatch.org 
• Never click on a link in an unsolicited email, instant message, text, etc.
• Never assume that charity solicitations posted on the internet and social media are legitimate
• Avoid cash donations to charities - use a credit card or pay with a check
• Never transmit donations to a specifically named individual
• Charities do not seek donations via electronic fund (financial institution)/wire transfers, so do not wire donations
• Avoid being victimized by impersonators of government officials, insurance companies, investment companies, etc., by terminating the phone call or other exchange of information (e.g., email, texts) and calling the actual government agency, insurance company, and/or investment company directly using a well-advertised phone number or email address

Individuals who have been targeted by fraudsters or been the victim of disaster-related fraud are encouraged to contact the NCDF at (866) 720-5721 or online at www.justice.gov/DisasterComplaintForm.

Disaster fraud awareness PSA narrated by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg can be found at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAqORFvRGLw

Orlando, FL – The Justice Department announced that Concord Court at Creative Village Partners LTD., Concord Management LTD., related entities and a property manager have agreed to pay $265,000 to resolve allegations that they discriminated against families with children in violation of the Fair Housing Act by imposing unlawful restrictions on minors at an apartment complex in Orlando, Florida. The complex, Amelia Court at Creative Village, is a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit development with more than 250 market-rate and affordable units.

Under the consent order, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the defendants will pay $260,000 to residents who were harmed by their practices and a civil penalty to the government to vindicate the public interest. The settlement also requires the defendants to implement nondiscrimination policies and provide fair housing training to employees with management or leasing responsibilities at over 80 residential rental properties they own or operate in Florida.

“Families with children should not be subject to discrimination to access or live in affordable housing,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to fight for the fair housing rights of families across the country.”

“Discriminatory practices that deny families equal and fair access to housing and all of their available amenities are inexcusable,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the nation’s fair housing laws are enforced throughout our district.”

“Families with children should not be denied the full use and enjoyment of their home because of discrimination,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Demetria L. McCain of HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. “HUD appreciates its partnership with the Department of Justice and commends the agency for safeguarding the housing rights of all families.”

Amelia Court at Creative Village includes two apartment towers, Concord Court and Amelia Court. The defendants manage both towers and own Concord Court’s residential units. The government’s complaint, also filed today, alleges that the defendants refused to issue building access devices to minor residents, prohibited children from common areas and amenities unless supervised by adults and misrepresented the availability of units in Concord Court to families with children.

The case arose when ten families who resided at the complex filed complaints with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which determined that the defendants had violated the Fair Housing Act. The matters were referred to the Justice Department, which conducted its own investigation and filed this lawsuit.

Individuals who believe they or someone they know may have been discriminated against at  Amelia Court at Creative Village because they have children should send an e-mail to the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov or leave a message at 1-833-591-0291 (press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then dial 1 for discrimination in housing and 4 to reach the voicemail box for this case).

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division enforces the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of familial status, race, color, national origin, religion, sex and disability. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt. Individuals may report housing discrimination by calling the Justice Department’s Housing Discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291, e-mailing the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or submitting a report online. Individuals may also report such discrimination by contacting HUD at 1-800-669-9777, or by filing a complaint with HUD online.   

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Baron Matson (45, Brisbane, Australia) to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Matson to pay $4,319,762 in restitution and entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,285,000, which represented proceeds of the charged criminal conduct. Matson had pleaded guilty on August 23, 2022.

According to court documents, from approximately fall of 1999 and continuing through early 2000, conspirators Roger Matson, Baron Matson, Gordon Robert Grant, and others, caused a letter proposal to be sent via commercial carrier to persons residing in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and other states. Within that proposal, conspirator Roger Matson was identified as “Roger Bronstein,” a Specialist Computer Programmer, purportedly working on behalf of his company, Ascot Bloodstock, Inc. Roger Matson’s son, Baron Matson, was identified as “Baron Bronstein.” The proposal included multiple fraudulent assertions, including that:

• Roger Bronstein was a self-made multi-millionaire who had discovered a method, referred to as the Professional Race Organizer (the “P.R.O.”) program, through which he earned great sums of money working approximately 10 hours per week;
• Roger Bronstein owned a private villa on St. Martin, in the Caribbean; and
• Roger Bronstein’s business (the business at the core of the proposal) produced a global income in excess of $1 million per year, of generally tax-free income.

The proposal explained that interested investors would receive a fully paid round-trip airline ticket to St. Martin, where they could meet with “Baron Bronstein,” who personally trained all P.R.O. licensees. The proposal claimed that this exchange would allow for the potential investors to familiarize themselves with the P.R.O. and to assess the consistency and international profitability of the P.R.O., as well as provide an opportunity for interested investors to experience firsthand the lifestyle that P.R.O. was (purportedly) providing for Roger and Baron Bronstein.

The solicited persons were initially offered an “opportunity” to participate in the P.R.O. program based upon a cash investment fee of $45,000, $90,000, or $135,000 plus a royalty fee on any profits from the first five years of operation based upon the level of investment. Shortly after the initial investors had accepted the proposal and paid the up-front licensing fee, they were informed by the person they knew as Baron Bronstein that a new program called the Managed Account program had been initiated. It was explained by Baron Bronstein and other conspirators that the Managed Account program would alleviate the task of operating the P.R.O. and increase the investors’ opportunity for returns. The investors were fraudulently led to believe that the Bronsteins would operate the Managed Account program by pooling the investors= funds and managing the wagering process. The investors were also fraudulently assured that the Managed Account program would allow them to collect a return on their investment of approximately seven to nine percent (7B9%) per month. The promised rate of return was generally based upon each investor’s initial royalty fee arrangement. Ultimately, substantially all the investors elected to participate in the Managed Account program. To lull the investors and to encourage future investments, the conspirators prepared and forwarded to the investors monthly statements that fraudulently reflected the promised monthly earnings.

In the early fall of 2000, the investors were presented with yet a new “opportunity” to invest up to $75,000 each, which, they were fraudulently informed by the conspirators, would be used to place wagers on the Melbourne Cup horse race that would potentially earn them an ample return. The investors were ensured by the conspirators, including Baron Bronstein, that the new $75,000 investment would be “guaranteed” and returned to the investors shortly after the race, regardless of the race’s outcome, and that any profits from the Melbourne Cup transaction would be paid out to the investors shortly thereafter. Believing that their earlier investments were profitable, many investors accepted the new proposition and transferred funds to a bank account in Vanuatu maintained by the conspirators. Shortly after the Melbourne Cup horse race, however, Baron Bronstein and the other conspirators vanished, along with investors’ funds, causing a total loss to the investors of approximately $4.3 million.

The three conspirators were charged in a sealed superseding indictment in December 2005. Grant was apprehended in 2008 and pleaded guilty for his role in the conspiracy later that year. Baron Matson was arrested in Australia in October 2015, where he was living under the name Jah Baz. He was recently extradited to the United States following protracted litigation.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay G. Trezevant and James A. Muench. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance with the defendant’s extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service also provided critical assistance.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Thomas VanGelder (40, Holiday) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for attempted enticement of a minor and possessing child sex abuse material. The court also ordered VanGelder to forfeit the electronic devices used in the commission of the offense. Restitution for the victims will be determined at a later date. VanGelder had pleaded guilty on May 31, 2022.

According to court documents, VanGelder had been communicating online with another individual who lived in New Port Richey. During those communications, the individual sent VanGelder child sex abuse material (“CSAM”) that the individual had produced of a child who had been in his care and custody. The FBI arrested the individual, assumed his online identity, and began communicating with VanGelder in an undercover capacity.

Between May 5, 2021, and May 27, 2021, VanGelder communicated with someone who was represented to be that same individual. Unbeknownst to VanGelder, he was in fact speaking with an undercover FBI agent (“UC”). During the conversations, VanGelder sent the UC six images of CSAM and discussed his desire to meet with the UC for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the UC’s purported child. VanGelder suggested that the UC provide the child with sleeping pills by hiding it in ice cream so VanGelder could sexually abuse the child while the child was “passed out.”

VanGelder arranged to meet with the UC on May 27, 2021, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with the UC’s purported child. The FBI arrested VanGelder once he arrived at the predetermined location in Tampa. During an interview with agents, VanGelder attempted to solicit the help of his then live-in girlfriend to destroy a green bag that was located under his bed in his bedroom. Agents were able to seize VanGelder’s cellphone and observe that the text messages VanGelder had attempted to send did not transmit due to a lack of cell service.

The FBI obtained a search warrant for VanGelder’s residence. At the residence, agents found the green bag, which contained multiple electronic devices. A forensic analysis of an external hard drive revealed VanGelder was in possession of over 4,000 CSAM images, including images depicting prepubescent children subjected to sadomasochistic conduct and bondage. Agents also discovered that VanGelder had been coordinating with an Orlando man to create and produce CSAM of a five-year-old girl and one-year-old boy the Orlando man had in his care and custody.

“As heart wrenching as it is to learn how these predators prey on innocent children, it’s gratifying to share with the public how the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Forces are finding these perpetrators, rescuing the victims, and ensuring the abusers are brought to justice,” said FBI Tampa Division Special Agent in Charge David Walker.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Pasco Sheriff's Office and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

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

 

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven today sentenced Jamel Muldrew (34, Houston, Texas) to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor, enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of racketeering, and interstate transportation of a person for prostitution. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Muldrew to pay $27,740 in restitution to Victim 1, to forfeit electronic devices used in the commission of the offense, and to register as a sex offender. Muldrew had pleaded guilty on March 10, 2022.

According to court documents, on April 9, 2021, law enforcement coordinated an operation in Tampa to identify victims of human trafficking, rescue those victims, and identify and arrest their traffickers. As part of this operation, an undercover officer arranged with the minor victim to engage in prostitution in exchange for $800 at a local hotel. Muldrew arrived at the hotel driving the minor victim and was arrested on state charges. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered multiple fictious identity cards on Muldrew’s person, for both himself and the minor victim. The subsequent investigation revealed that Muldrew had been trafficking the minor victim across the country to engage in prostitution. Specifically, from February until April 2021, Muldrew had trafficked the minor victim for the purpose of commercial sex in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, where he was ultimately arrested.

“This heinous predator trafficked his minor victim around the country to engage in prostitution, including in Texas, New Jersey, Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “The success of this investigation is a direct result of the outstanding law enforcement partnerships we have in the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, to include the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Houston (Texas) Police Department, as well as non-governmental organizations such as Selah-Freedom.”  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Houston Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Carlton C. Gammons.

This case was brought as part of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force of the Middle District of Florida, which is one of 13 task forces in the country to receive grant funding from the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Task Force is a collaboration of local, state, and federal law enforcement agents working together with organizations to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking in the Tampa Bay area. This includes trafficking of minors, forced labor, transnational sex trafficking, and sex trafficking of adults by force, fraud, or coercion. More information about the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force can be found at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/humantrafficking. Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

Tampa, FL – United States District Judge Mary Scriven has sentenced Antwan Brown (22, Tampa) to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Brown had pleaded guilty on July 12, 2022. Brown was also ordered to forfeit a Taurus 9mm pistol and eighteen rounds of 9 mm ammunition used in the commission of the offense.

According to court documents, on February 23, 2022, Brown, a convicted felon, was in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol and 18 rounds of 9 mm ammunition during an Instagram live video. As pictured below, Brown was brandishing the firearm online while traveling in a vehicle in Hillsborough County.

 

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

This case was investigated by the Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that John Nathan Hemingway (52, Lake City) has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base (also known as “crack” cocaine) and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Hemingway faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years, and up to life, in federal prison. He had been indicted on March 9, 2022.

According to the plea agreement, on multiple occasions, a confidential informant (CI) purchased crack cocaine that had been supplied by Hemingway at his home in Lake City. Following these controlled purchases, a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives obtained a federal search warrant authorizing the search of Hemingway’s home. On February 15, 2022, law enforcement searched the home and located a digital scale, plastic baggies, $11,216.11 in cash, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, methamphetamine, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine.

As part of his plea, Hemingway agreed to forfeit the cash, firearm, and ammunition found in his home.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces today that Physicians Group Services, P.A. (“PGS”) has agreed to pay the United States and the State of Florida $700,000 to resolve allegations that PGS violated the False Claims Act by submitting false or fraudulent claims to the Florida Medicaid Program, which is a state and federal partnership that provides access to health care coverage for low-income families and individuals in Florida.

The United States’ investigation focused on urine drug testing (“UDT”) by PGS. UDT occurs in a variety of health care settings. In a pain management practice, UDT is used to monitor whether a patient is taking prescribed drugs, is taking non-prescribed drugs, or is consuming with prescribed drugs other dangerous substances, such as alcohol. UDT is either “qualitative” or “quantitative.”

The clinical value of quantitative UDT depends in part on whether the qualitative UDT result is expected or unexpected, as well as the patient’s history of drug abuse, history of medication adherence and compliance, clinical presentation, and medical history. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that PGS submitted claims to Florida Medicaid for quantitative urine drug testing, which claims the United States and the State of Florida allege were medically unnecessary because the testing was not individualized to the particular needs of the patient.

“A primary mission of the United States Attorney’s Office is protecting the Medicaid program and other federal health care programs from fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg. “Our Civil Division works tirelessly in the pursuit of providers who overbill federal health care programs through indiscriminate testing.”

“Health care providers that submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid for medically unnecessary services undermine this safety net program for their own personal gain," said Special Agent in Charge Omar Pérez Aybar with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federal health care programs and to ensure the appropriate use of U.S. taxpayer dollars.”

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is committed to stopping fraud that bilks the Medicaid program and takes advantage of our taxpayers. I am proud of my Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for working with our federal partners to secure this action.”

Today’s settlement results from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsay Saxe Griffin and Sean Keefe led the civil investigation.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Kevin Edward Hargrave (50, Locust Grove, Georgia), formerly known as Kevin Edward Wade, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service. Hargrave faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Hargrave controlled a number of companies, including WSA Optimization Firm, Inc., that purported to offer “credit repair services” to the public. Hargrave promoted these services through multiple company-specific websites, radio advertising, emails, text messages, and posts on YouTube.com and other social media sites. Among other things, these marketing campaigns promised to “erase bad credit” information from consumers’ credit reports within 90 days – “guaranteed.” Notwithstanding these promises, multiple customers reported to federal investigators that they paid for credit repair services, saw no such results, and were denied refunds. When an undercover federal agent called to inquire about these credit repair services, he was told that WSA Optimization used “federal laws to remove all negative derogatory items off your credit.” Further, he was told “we are able to remove those items off your credit without you paying [creditors] back.” A company representative also claimed that WSA Optimization employed a team of 5 attorneys and 23 paralegals who worked to remove negative credit information from credit reports. In reality, WSA Optimization did not employ a team of attorneys or paralegals. Instead, supposedly to improve its customers’ credit scores, company representatives would send form letters to each credit reporting agency and falsely claim that all negative credit information on the customers’ credit reports was the product of identity theft or fraud. These letters, which did not disclose that they were mass produced by WSA Optimization, were sent in envelopes listing a fictional return address. 

An analysis of bank records establishes that more than $8 million in deposits were made into the business bank accounts controlled by Hargrave and a family member, and that significant funds were diverted from those accounts to pay for luxury vehicles, mortgage payments on their residence, personal credit cards, jewelry, items at retail stores, utilities, restaurants, and other living expenses.

For example, business funds were used to make more than $128,000 in mortgage payments on Hargrave’s residence in Fernandina Beach, which he sold in 2022 for $870,000. Similarly, approximately $300,000 in business funds were used to make down payments and monthly financing payments on automobiles owned by Hargrave and a family member, including a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Rolls Royce Wraith, a Porsche Boxster, a Range Rover, a Ford F-150, and two Mercedes Benz vehicles.

An analysis of Hargrave’s real and personal property, certain business records, credit card statements, and the bank records collectively demonstrate that his joint tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2019 underreported taxable income and improperly claimed certain business expenses. A financial investigator with the IRS estimates that since 2015, by underreporting his and a family member’s tax liability, Hargrave has caused the United States to lose more than $250,000 in tax revenue.

As part of his plea agreement, Hargrave agreed to pay restitution to both the IRS for the tax loss that he caused and to victims of the credit repair services/wire fraud scheme that he operated. He also agreed to forfeit to the United States $1.5 million, as proceeds of wire fraud conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.  Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran is handling the forfeiture of assets.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew has sentenced Elias Israel Roblero Rangel (27, Bradenton) to one year and one day in federal prison for theft by a bank employee and access device fraud. The court also ordered Roblero Rangel to pay restitution in the amount of $44,187.18 to Truist Bank (formerly SunTrust Bank). Roblero Rangel had pleaded guilty on June 13, 2022.

According to court documents, between July 2019 and June 2020 Roblero Rangel worked as a personal banker at SunTrust Bank in Sarasota. Roblero Rangel misused his position of trust by stealing customer information and repeatedly conducting fraudulent transactions using their personal identifying information. For nearly a year, Roblero Rangel embezzled $44,187.18 from five different bank customers.

As part of his criminal scheme, Roblero Rangel targeted elderly, deceased bank customers. For example, on December 18, 2019, Roblero Rangel ordered a replacement credit card for a deceased customer. The card was mailed to the branch office located in Sarasota. Roblero Rangel fraudulently used the card between December 26, 2019, and January 28, 2020, and conducted multiple transactions totaling $10,041.24. When investigators confronted Roblero Rangel, he admitted to committing the fraud and stated that he had only stolen from one customer. Further investigation, however, revealed four additional victims. Roblero Rangel used each additional victim’s debit card to withdraw funds from various Truist Bank ATMs throughout the Middle District of Florida. In many instances, he was captured on surveillance video conducting the transactions.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service takes any complaints of the fraudulent use of the mail seriously, especially those who abuse their position of trust and utilize the mail to commit fraudulent schemes,” said Postal Inspector Rick Johnsten. 

This case was investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Office of the Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jaedyn Tiryse Presley (23, Ocala) today pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Presley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. He also agreed to forfeit the firearm used in the commission of the offense. Presley had been indicted on February 1, 2022.

According to the plea agreement, on July 16, 2021, deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Presley’s vehicle, which smelled strongly of marijuana. After determining that Presley had a suspended license, the deputy placed him under arrest and searched the vehicle, recovering a loaded 9mm handgun and several containers of marijuana. A subsequent federal search warrant conclusively showed Presley’s DNA on the grip, frame, slide, and trigger of the firearm. Presley, a multi-convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Ocala Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert E. Bodnar, Jr.

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

Tampa, Florida – The Justice Department announced today the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the Department and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims. Today, the Department also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.

“We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“Protecting our nation’s most vulnerable populations is a priority of our Office,” stated U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work diligently with our partners in law enforcement and the community to ensure that our seniors are safe and secure from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation.”

During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. This past year, the Middle District of Florida pursued 10 cases involving 11 defendants, who collectively stole more than $22 million from fraud victims, the majority of whom were elderly. See chart below for details.

 

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

Charged Cases

Defendant(s) (Age)

Charge(s)

Maximum Imprisonment

Type of Fraud

Approximate Intended Loss

Amount

Tampa Division

Margarett Chevry (71)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Romance fraud

$727,000

Phillip Roy Wasserman (65)

Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Mail fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Tax evasion

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Fraud and false statements

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Investment fraud

$6.3 million

 

 

These elder fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSAs Jennifer Peresie, Rachelle DesVaux Bedke, and Rachel Jones

Orlando Division

Keith Ingersoll (45)

James Adamczyk (65)

Wire fraud

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Investment fraud

$10 million

 

This elder fraud case from the Orlando Division is being handled by AUSA Amanda Daniels

Adjudicated Cases

Tampa Division

Kenneth Rossman (63)

 

Conspiracy

Maximum Prison Term: 5 Years

Aiding and assisting fraud and false statements

Maximum Prison Term: 3 years

Investment fraud

$6.3 million

 

 

William Perez (27)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Maximum Prison Term: 20 Years

Government impersonator fraud

$246,000

These elder fraud cases from the Tampa Division are being handled by AUSA Rachelle DesVaux Bedke and SAUSA Suzanne Huyler

Sentenced Cases

Tampa Division

Sarafina Braddy (24)

 

Conspiracy to commit money laundering

Sentence Imposed: 7 days in federal prison

Jamaican lottery fraud

$300,000

Jeffrey Jedlicki (51)

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 8 years in federal prison

Investment fraud

$3.24 million

Tracy Jedlicki (56)

 

Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Sentence Imposed: 30 months in federal prison

Investment fraud

$3.24 million

Lori Owen (50)

 

Conspiracy to commit bank, wire, and mail fraud

Sentence Imposed: 5 years, 3 months in federal prison

Investment fraud

$1.38 million

These elder fraud cases from the Tampa Division were handled by AUSAs Rachel Jones and David Chee

Fort Myers Division

Nicole Sprague (38)

 

Conspiracy to commit mail fraud, mail fraud

Sentence Imposed: 2 years, 9 months in federal prison

Technical support scam

$298,000

This elder fraud case from the Fort Myers Division was handled by AUSA Yolande Viacava

As part of the Middle District of Florida’s elder fraud efforts, we have engaged in community outreach efforts to citizens and industry professionals to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and ways to prevent victimization. This year, the MDFL partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gulfport Police Department to engage senior citizens in discussions about prevalent fraud schemes and various prevention strategies.

The Department also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. 

The Department announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The Middle District of Florida is one of the original strike force districts.

In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for remission payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March of 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professional who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Avery Lans (55, Virgin Islands) guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Lans faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 5, 2022. Lans and his conspirator, Wayne Ellsworth Stout, Jr. (35, Miami), were indicted on June 15, 2022. Stout pleaded guilty on August 19, 2022. 

According to the evidence presented at trial, on June 1, 2022, Stout drove from Miami to Orlando and retrieved a grey and teal duffle bag from a storage locker in the Edgewater area. Agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were conducting surveillance on Stout as he traveled from Miami to Orlando and as Stout left the storage locker and headed to the parking lot of a restaurant in the Winter Park area. At approximately 1:45 p.m., Lans arrived and received the duffle bag during a short, 30-second meeting. After circling the block, Lans led HSI surveillance agents to the corner of Lee and Wymore, where Lans abruptly turned in an attempt to escape while dropping the duffle bag out of his passenger side window. After a brief, high-speed chase, Lans was detained and the duffle bag was retrieved. The bag contained five kilograms of cocaine, wrapped in black tape with a marking on it:      

When HSI agents searched the storage locker in Edgewater, they located three coolers containing 109 kilograms of cocaine, some of which contained the same black and gold marking as the five-kilogram bricks that Lans was carrying: 

A kilogram of cocaine was estimated to be worth at least approximately $27,000. Lans was carrying $135,000 worth of cocaine at the time he attempted to flee. The storage locker contained cocaine valued at nearly $3 million. 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, the Sunrise Police Department, and the Golden Beach Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Ocala, FL – Robert Lashley, 52, pleaded guilty today to a federal hate crime for attacking a Black man because of his actual and perceived race. 

According to the plea agreement, on Nov. 17, 2021, Lashley traveled to the Family Dollar in Citrus Springs, Florida, where the victim, a Black man, was shopping inside.  Lashley followed the victim outside into the parking lot and then attacked him, striking the victim multiple times.  Lashley and his co-defendant, Roy Lamar Lashley, directed racial slurs towards the victim before, during, and after the attack. The victim sustained injuries to his face and legs, including a laceration to the inside of his mouth. 

“The defendant is being held accountable for subjecting a Black man to a brutal and racially- motivated assault,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Convictions like these make clear that the Department of Justice will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals who violently assault others because of their race. Racially-motivated hate crimes have no place in our society.”

“Acts of violence against anyone because of their race or ethnicity are abhorrent,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that such crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

"Hate crimes are not only an attack on the victim, these crimes threaten and intimidate entire communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sherri E. Onks for the FBI Jacksonville Field Division. “Because of their wide-ranging impact, investigating and preventing hate crimes is a top priority for the FBI and we will stop at nothing to protect the public from these heinous crimes.”

A sentencing hearing has not yet been set. Lashley faces a maximum term of 10 years imprisonment, three years of mandatory supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Lashley was charged in an indictment that was unsealed on June 17, 2022. The indictment charged Lashley and co-defendant Roy Lamar Lashley, each aiding and abetting one another, with willfully causing bodily injury to the victim because of the victim’s actual and perceived race.  The case against the co-defendant Roy Lamar Lashley remains ongoing.

Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Handberg and Special Agent in Charge Onks made the announcement.

The FBI and the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter. Trial Attorneys Maura White and Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney William Hamilton of the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. 

For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Tampa, FL – A Canadian man was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 today for his role in NetWalker ransomware attacks. The Court will order restitution at a later date.

According to court documents, Sebastian Vachon-Desjardins, 35, of Gatineau, Quebec, participated in a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker. NetWalker ransomware has targeted dozens of victims all over the world, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. Attacks have specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims.

“The defendant identified and attacked high-value ransomware victims and profited from the chaos caused by encrypting and stealing the victims’ data,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that ransomware actors will face significant consequences for their crimes and exemplifies the Department’s steadfast commitment to pursuing actors who participate in ransomware schemes.”

“The defendant in this case used sophisticated technological means to exploit hundreds of victims in numerous countries at the height of an international health crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “This case is an example of the dedication and tenacious work of our law enforcement partners to bring such criminals to justice, no matter where they reside or operate.”

“This sentencing serves as a reminder to the American public that the FBI is committed to combatting cyber threats with its world-class capabilities and enduring law enforcement partnerships,” said Special Agent in Charge David Walker of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Our cyber task forces work vigorously to expose the cyber adversaries preying on United States citizens and bring them to justice.”

Vachon-Desjardins was extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Canada. Pursuant to a request submitted by U.S. authorities, Canadian law enforcement officers arrested Vachon-Desjardins in Gatineau, Quebec, on Jan. 27, 2021, and executed a search warrant at Vachon-Desjardins’s home in Gatineau. During the search, officers discovered and seized $742,840 in Canadian currency and 719 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $21,849,087 at the time of seizure and $14,463,993 as of today.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Vachon-Desjardins’s arrest and extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Vachon-Desjardins from Canada to the United States.

The investigation benefited from law enforcement cooperation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Gatineau Police Service, and National Cybercrime Coordination Unit.

A Canadian man was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to forfeit $21,500,000 today for his role in NetWalker ransomware attacks. The Court will order restitution at a later date.

According to court documents, Sebastian Vachon-Desjardins, 35, of Gatineau, Quebec, participated in a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker. NetWalker ransomware has targeted dozens of victims all over the world, including companies, municipalities, hospitals, law enforcement, emergency services, school districts, colleges, and universities. Attacks have specifically targeted the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, taking advantage of the global crisis to extort victims.

“The defendant identified and attacked high-value ransomware victims and profited from the chaos caused by encrypting and stealing the victims’ data,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that ransomware actors will face significant consequences for their crimes and exemplifies the Department’s steadfast commitment to pursuing actors who participate in ransomware schemes.”

“The defendant in this case used sophisticated technological means to exploit hundreds of victims in numerous countries at the height of an international health crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “This case is an example of the dedication and tenacious work of our law enforcement partners to bring such criminals to justice, no matter where they reside or operate.”

“This sentencing serves as a reminder to the American public that the FBI is committed to combatting cyber threats with its world-class capabilities and enduring law enforcement partnerships,” said Special Agent in Charge David Walker of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “Our cyber task forces work vigorously to expose the cyber adversaries preying on United States citizens and bring them to justice.”

Vachon-Desjardins was extradited to the United States pursuant to the extradition treaty between the United States and Canada. Pursuant to a request submitted by U.S. authorities, Canadian law enforcement officers arrested Vachon-Desjardins in Gatineau, Quebec, on Jan. 27, 2021, and executed a search warrant at Vachon-Desjardins’s home in Gatineau. During the search, officers discovered and seized $742,840 in Canadian currency and 719 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $21,849,087 at the time of seizure and $14,463,993 as of today.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case. 

Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carlton C. Gammons and Suzanne Nebesky for the Middle District of Florida prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Vachon-Desjardins’s arrest and extradition. The U.S. Marshals Service transported Vachon-Desjardins from Canada to the United States.

The investigation benefited from law enforcement cooperation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Gatineau Police Service, and National Cybercrime Coordination Unit.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Christopher Dozier (41, Jacksonville) to 18 years and 8 months in federal prison for two Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime.  The court also ordered Dozier to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed as part of the offenses, as well as the money and firearm stolen during the second robbery. Dozier had pleaded guilty on February 2, 2022.

According to court documents, on May 24, 2019, Dozier robbed an adult game room in Jacksonville, attacking and striking an employee in the head. During the robbery, Dozier brandished a .22 caliber pistol at the employee, bound the employee’s hands with wire, and stole cash from the register, along with the employee’s phone. Dozier escaped in a vehicle driven by his accomplice, Brittany Cooper, but the stolen items were recovered outside the business.

Judge Howard previously sentenced Cooper to 42 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting the robbery.

On June 19, 2019, Dozier robbed another game room in Jacksonville.  During that robbery, Dozier entered the business, pulled out his .22 caliber revolver, and disarmed the armed security guard. Dozier then brandished his firearm at the cashier, who provided him with $1,877, after which Dozier escaped in a vehicle being driven by an accomplice. Dozier was subsequently arrested for unrelated offenses by local law enforcement in Quincy, Massachusetts, after he had fled Jacksonville. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Norfolk County (Massachusetts) Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Kiana Fiona Alphonse (28, Covington, Georgia) with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, seven counts of bank fraud, five counts of false representation of a Social Security number (SSN), and five counts of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, Alphonse faces up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of bank fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud, a consecutive mandatory minimum penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for each aggravated identity theft count, and up to 5 years in prison on each false SSN representation count.       

According to the indictment, Alphonse and her co-defendant, Anthony Jermaine Robinson, obtained the personally identifiable information (PII) of multiple victims. The co-defendants then obtained counterfeit driver licenses purportedly from Washington state and Delaware. The counterfeit driver licenses contained the PII of victims, but the picture of Alphonse. Using the PII, including the SSNs of victims, the counterfeit driver licenses, and documents created for fictitious businesses, Alphonse went into multiple banks and opened business bank accounts in the name of various victims. These bank accounts were then utilized, as part of a scheme to defraud multiple victims.

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 Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service Jacksonville Field Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.