Middle District of Florida

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Elijah Howard (22, Tampa) to eight years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Howard to forfeit the firearm and ammunition. Howard had pleaded guilty on April 20, 2022. 

According to court documents, on December 21, 2021, officers from the Tampa Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Howard was a passenger. As the officers approached the vehicle, they observed Howard reaching for a firearm on the front passenger floorboard. At the time, Howard had multiple prior felony convictions and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition. Officers recovered the firearm, a Glock-19 semi-automatic firearm loaded with 34 rounds of 9-mm ammunition in an extended magazine. A photograph that Howard had posted on social media earlier in December 2021 showed him brandishing the Glock pistol.  

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

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 Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Timothy Mills, II (38, Jacksonville) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Mills was also ordered to forfeit the firearm. Mills had pleaded guilty on May 24, 2022.

According to facts presented in court, from July to September 2020, Mills conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine within the Middle District of Florida. Mills engaged in several drug transactions during which he sold more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. During one drug transaction in September, Mills, who is a multi-convicted felon, also sold a handgun to an undercover law enforcement officer.

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Gabriel Basart (33, St. Augustine) today pleaded guilty to destroying evidence with the purpose of preventing and impairing the United States’ lawful authority to take and search that evidence pursuant to a lawful search warrant. Basart faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, Basart is the president of GB Blue Tech Inc.  This company ostensibly operated out of Basart’s home, had no other employees, and maintained accounts at four banks. In September and October 2017, those bank accounts were used in a series of business email compromise fraud schemes.  Perpetrators of the schemes sent emails to corporate employees that appeared to be – but were not – legitimate correspondence either from within the company or from suppliers. These fraudulent emails contained wire transfer instructions directing employees to wire funds to GB Blue Tech bank accounts. Investigators determined that the fraudulent emails originated in various locations (principally in Nigeria), but not in St. Augustine, where Basart lived.  Believing the fraudulent wire transfer instructions in these emails to be legitimate, the victim-employees relied upon them to complete transfers to the GB Blue Tech bank accounts, which were controlled by Basart. 

After funds were transferred to GB Blue Tech’s accounts, on certain occasions, the fraud was detected and the funds were either returned to their legitimate owner or frozen in place by the banks. On other occasions, when the fraud was not detected in time, the bulk of the money was transferred to business accounts in the People’s Republic of China. The remainder was either transferred to Basart’s personal bank accounts or withdrawn in cash. A total of approximately $22,192 was transferred (electronically or by check) to Basart’s personal bank accounts and approximately $41,000 total in cash was withdrawn.

On March 9, 2018, after obtaining a federal search warrant, a team of law enforcement officers and agents went to Basart’s home to search it and his electronic devices. Basart was present as the agents seized various electronic devices, including Basart’s iPhone. After an agent read Basart the search warrant, Basart demanded that he be permitted to leave. The agents told Basart that he could not take any items with him, but that he was free to leave his home, which he did.

Later that day, an agent observed that Basart’s iPhone had been “factory reset.” In other words, all user created data (such as text messages and emails) had been deleted from the iPhone and it had been restored to the original state of a device, as if it were new from the factory. A forensic examination of the phone and records from the Apple Corporation later established that after Basart left the agents behind at his home, he logged into his Apple account and remotely factory reset his phone, deleting all user created data.

In addition to pleading guilty to deleting the contents of his phone, Basart has agreed to forfeit $533,950.50, which are traceable to proceeds of the business email compromise schemes. Further, Basart has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of those schemes in the amount of $405,719.11. 

This case was investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Christian H. Rice (31, Brevard County) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for production and distribution of images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of a child. The court also ordered Rice to pay $18,143 in restitution and to forfeit a cellphone used to facilitate the commission of the offense. Rice had pleaded guilty on December 28, 2021.

According to court records, in June 2021, Rice sexually exploited Victim-1, a prepubescent child and produced two videos and several images depicting the sexual abuse of Victim-1. Rice then turned to the internet and distributed the images depicting the sexual abuse of Victim-1 to several users of a mobile messaging application. Rice asked the users to share the images with others. At least one other user, Robert Lee Ripley, shared two images depicting the sexual exploitation of Victim-1. The images and videos were found in Rice’s cellphone after two Task Force Officers responded to his residence with a search warrant that they had obtained as a result of cyber-tip issued by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).  NCMEC’s cyber-tip revealed that Rice had uploaded 23 images and 4 videos to his email depicting the sexual abuse of children. The cyber-tip included the 2 videos and 1 image depicting the sexual abuse of Victim‑1, and other child sexual abuse images of victims that had previously been identified by NCMEC. 

The forensic analyses of Rice’s cellphone showed that, in addition to the images and videos of Victim-1, he possessed 18 images and 11 videos of widely circulated child sex abuse materials.

On July 26, 2022, Robert L. Ripley was sentenced to 14 years in prison for distributing 2 images depicting the sexual exploitation of Victim-1 through a mobile messaging application.

“There is not a prison sentence long enough for the heinous sexual exploitation of children” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Thanks to the law enforcement partnership between HSI and the Brevard County Sheriff's Office for detecting and stopping this individual from continuing to violate the innocence of a child.”     

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.

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 – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Ricky Gonzales has pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Gonzales faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the conspiracy to commit wire fraud count, and up to, 5 years’ imprisonment on the conspiracy to defraud count.

According to the plea agreement, Gonzales owned and managed a construction company which he registered with the State of Florida. His company was named Ricky’s Construction Company and purported to supply construction services and a labor force to work for construction contractors.

As such, in order to comply with Florida law, Gonzales’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. The providers of worker’s compensation insurance base the premiums they charge and the amount of coverage they provide on the number of employees a company has, and the total annual payroll of those employees. Gonzales’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be his company’s employees at construction sites and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Gonzales or others regularly received “payroll checks” from these contractors that were then cashed at various financial institutions in order to pay the purported “employees” of Ricky’s Construction.

During the conspiracy, Gonzales falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that his company had very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. He also caused the transmission of false and fraudulent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that his company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.

In reality, Gonzales’s company received and cashed more than $7 million in checks from various construction contractors for his purported “employees”. This payroll figure far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Gonzales had reported to his worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were being manipulated to cover.

As a result of these misrepresentations, Ricky’s Construction also disclaimed responsibility for ensuring that jobsite workers were legally authorized to work in the United States and that required state and federal payroll taxes were being paid for these workers. The contractors who actually paid these workers’ wages and used their services were thus also able to avoid responsibility for those duties. Over the course of this conspiracy, Gonzales’s misrepresentations caused a loss to the Internal Revenue Service of approximately $1,094,450 in unpaid payroll taxes.

This case is part of a series of prosecutions related to similar construction industry-related fraud in the Tampa Bay area. This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services -Division of Investigative and Forensic Services. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Jeronimo Quiahua-Garcia (21, Veracruz, Mexico) has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States as a deported alien. Quiahua-Garcia faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Quiahua-Garcia was removed from the United States to Mexico on January 11, 2020, through Nogales, Arizona, and again on January 20, 2020, through Naco, Arizona. On May 24, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped a vehicle traveling southbound on I-75 in Hernando County, Florida. Quiahua-Garcia was a passenger in that vehicle, hidden among luggage in the back seat. Quiahua-Garcia did not know the driver of the vehicle. He said that he had paid the driver to transport him from Greely, Colorado to Plant City, Florida.  

This case was investigated by United States Custom and Border Protection – United States Border Patrol, and the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David W.A. Chee.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Ronald Bernard Thomas, Jr. (45, Jacksonville) with distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, two counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, Thomas faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, and up to life, in prison.  The indictment also notifies Thomas that the United States intends to forfeit an FN Herstal pistol and a Glock pistol, which were used in the offenses.

According to the indictment, on July 8, 2022, Thomas, who also goes by the name “Gorilla,” sold methamphetamine and possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. On July 28, 2022, Thomas possessed methamphetamine that he intended to distribute, and possessed a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Furthermore, Thomas, who had been convicted of second-degree murder in 2002, possessed an FN Herstal pistol and a Glock pistol on July 28, 2022.  Because Thomas is a convicted felon, he 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 was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Florida Highway Patrol.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Cofer Taylor and Frank Talbot.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that a federal jury has found Dennis Lee Line (51, Winter Springs) guilty of one count of attempting to coerce or entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Line faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. He had been indicted on April 6, 2022. A sentencing date is scheduled for November 2, 2022.   

According to evidence admitted during trial, Line, who most recently taught at Oviedo High School for 18 years (ending in 2019), met who he believed to be a 15-year-old girl on a dating application on February 9, 2022. Later that day, the 15-year-old girl and Line began sending text messages to each other. In the text messages, Line initiated a discussion about sex and meeting later that night so that he could teach her about sex and perform oral sex on her. 

Line agreed to meet the 15-year-old girl in Orange County after he left his job at a theme park. Unbeknownst to Line, the 15-year-old girl was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. Line was arrested when he arrived at the meeting location.

This case was investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orlando Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn P. Napier.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Vigiland D’Haiti (40, Winter Garden) with one count of possessing images and videos of children being sexually exploited, one count of production of child sexual abuse images and videos, and one count of enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. D’Haiti is a former high school teacher and cheerleading coach who owned a cheerleading gym in Clermont, Florida. If convicted, D’Haiti faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the possession count, a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison on the production count, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years, and up to life, in federal prison on the enticement count. D’Haiti also faces a potential lifetime term of supervised release. The United States intends to forfeit D’Haiti’s cellphone, which is alleged to have facilitated the charged offenses.

According to the indictment, on May 27, 2022, D’Haiti knowingly possessed images and videos of a minor victim (“Victim 1”) being sexually exploited.  Also, in or around June 2021, D’Haiti knowingly produced child abuse videos and images of Victim 1.  Additionally, from July 2, 2014, through December 5, 2014, D’Haiti knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced another minor victim (“Victim 2”) to engage in sexual activity.

D’Haiti was arrested on March 27, 2022, at his home for violations of Florida law, including lewd and lascivious molestation of minors. Incident to his arrest, D’Haiti’s cellphone was seized and a search warrant for this device was obtained. Forensic analyses of the cellphone revealed that it contained a Private Photo Vault application. Inside the Private Photo Vault, D’Haiti stored images and videos of children being sexually exploited, including images of minor victims who were personally known to D’Haiti through the cheerleading gym that he owned in Clermont. D’Haiti’s state charges for molestation are pending.

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.

Anyone who is or who knows a potential victim in this case, or who has any information regarding this or any other investigation, should contact Homeland Security Investigations toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2423 or by completing its online tip form found at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, together with the Clermont Police Department and the Winter Garden Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kara M. Wick.

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

Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Jarvis Jackson (31, Apopka) to seven years and six months in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and aggravated identity theft. Jackson had pleaded guilty on May 23, 2022.

According to court documents, on February 13, 2021, Jackson robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store in Apopka. Jackson entered the store wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and pulled a black ski mask over his face as he entered. He then approached a clerk at the front cash register and handed him a handwritten note that said “Give All Money Out Register and $30 Scratch Offs enter roll. I Have a Gun.” The store clerk saw a firearm protruding from Jackson’s pocket and complied with the demands in the note. Jackson received seven scratch-off rolls worth a total of $140, approximately $50 in cash, and two boxes of cigarettes. Jackson exited the 7-Eleven and fled.

During the execution of a search warrant at Jackson’s residence several months later, law enforcement officers located a Ruger 9mm firearm and a number of materials related to identity theft, including a notebook containing the personal identifying information of 36 different identity theft victims.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Apopka Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chauncey A. Bratt.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Johnny Flores (43, Tampa) with three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and three counts of brandishing a firearm.  If convicted, Flores faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each of the robbery counts, and a minimum mandatory term of seven years, up to life, imprisonment for each of the firearm offenses.

According to the indictment, between February 13 and 25, 2022, Flores entered three commercial establishments in Tampa and robbed store employees at gunpoint.

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 Strategic Pattern Armed Robbery Technical Apprehension (SPARTA) unit of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tampa Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maria Guzman.

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

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Brody Kies (39, Webster) has pleaded guilty to a four-count indictment charging him with possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Kies faces a minimum mandatory of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison. Kies had been indicted on February 3, 2021.

According to court records, Kies was driving a vehicle that had been stopped for speeding. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately four pounds of methamphetamine, several grams of heroin, cash, drug scales, and a loaded firearm. Kies, a 17-time convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyrie K. Boyer and Michael P. Felicetta. 

This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Vershaun Lamar Puzie (34, Jacksonville) to 10 years in federal prison for two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Court also ordered Puzie to forfeit a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol, which he used during one of the offenses. Puzie had pleaded guilty on April 28, 2022.

According to court documents, on January 1, 2019, officers with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) encountered Puzie in the area of 31st Street and Silver Street, after Puzie jumped out of a car during a traffic stop. Puzie then fled on foot. As he fled, Puzie ingested an item. A JSO officer who was chasing Puzie tased him and took him into custody on the ground, at which point Puzie was still chewing the item he had ingested. Officers commanded Puzie to spit out the item, which contained rocks of crack cocaine mixed with other material. Upon tracing Puzie’s flight path, officers located a torn baggie with drug residue and a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, in plain view, that Puzie had tossed over a fence.

On July 16, 2020, JSO officers were dispatched to the Hometown Inn & Suites located on Mustang Road. An officer arriving on the scene observed Puzie in the parking lot; Puzie began to walk quickly into the Hometown Inn & Suites. The officer pursued Puzie on foot into the hotel lobby and then up an interior stairwell of the hotel while commanding Puzie to stop. While going up the stairs, the officer heard a thud as Puzie discarded a Smith & Wesson 9mm caliber pistol and cell phone on the stairs. Puzie ran across the hotel and down another stairwell and outside, where he was taken into custody by the officer. A second officer recovered the pistol from the stairwell. While fleeing, Puzie again ingested a quantity of cocaine base that he had intended to sell. Puzie entered a state of excited delirium as a result of ingesting the drugs and was transported to a hospital.

Puzie admitted that he had possessed both pistols to protect himself while he possessed crack cocaine with the intention of selling the drugs.

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 Laura Cofer Taylor.

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

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of two indictments charging 13 individuals in 2 drug conspiracies in the Orlando area. According to the redacted indictments, the below individuals are in custody and charged with conspiring with each other, and others, to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute the following amounts, or more, of fentanyl and cocaine. Several of these individuals face enhanced penalties due to their previous criminal convictions.

Defendant

Drug Quantity Alleged

Potential Penalties

Alexander Acosta-Zapata

5 kilograms of cocaine

400 grams of fentanyl

15 years to life incarceration,

up to $20 million fine, and

10 years to life supervised release

Frank Cadiz

5 kilograms of cocaine

15 years to life incarceration,

up to $20 million fine, and

10 years to life supervised release

Jonathan Andres Marte-Rodriguez

5 kilograms of cocaine

10 years to life incarceration,

up to $10 million fine, and

5 years to life supervised release

Juan Felipe Sanchez

40 grams of fentanyl

10 years to life incarceration,

up to $8 million fine, and

8 years to life supervised release

Nimesh Rashmikant Patel

500 grams of cocaine

10 years to life incarceration,

up to $8 million fine, and

8 years to life supervised release

Joseph Juan Torres-Torres

500 grams of cocaine

5 to 40 years’ incarceration,

up to $5 million fine, and

4 years to life supervised release

Carlos Alberto Roman

40 grams of fentanyl and cocaine

5 to 40 years’ incarceration,

up to $5 million fine, and

4 years to life supervised release

Kenneth Angel Vera

cocaine

up to 20 years’ incarceration,

up to $1 million fine, and

3 years to life supervised release

According to court documents, the conspirators were involved in multiple drug trafficking operations to distribute kilogram-quantities of cocaine and fentanyl. During course of this investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that 91 kilograms of cocaine has been seized through the mail and traffic stops initiated during this investigation. Many of the intercepted communications specifically related to the “brand” or “logo” of the cocaine – anchor or Ferrari – that was visible on the exterior of the packaging of the cocaine that was seized.  

In the course of executing arrest warrants and search warrants at numerous locations in the Orlando area today, DEA seized an additional two and half kilograms of suspected cocaine, an unquantified amount of suspected fentanyl, more than twenty firearms, six suppressors, two flash grenades, and nine vehicles that were used in the commission of these offenses or were proceeds of the offenses.      

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Winter Garden Police Department, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Kissimmee Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Clermont Police Department, the Orlando Police Department, the Apopka Police Department, the Ocoee Police Department, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Operation Titan Fall is a multi-agency Organize Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCEDTF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Susan C. Bucklew today sentenced Diana M. Hopkins (48, Wimauma) to 37 months in federal prison for wire fraud, access device fraud, and money laundering.  As part of her sentence, the Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $115,995.67, the proceeds of the charged criminal conduct, and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $432,938.64.  Hopkins had pleaded guilty on April 12, 2022.

According to court documents, Hopkins owned and operated Hopkins Travel Services LLC (“HTS”) in Wimauma, Florida. From about April of 2017 through September 2019, Hopkins used HTS to commit wire fraud and access device fraud and to engage in illegal monetary transactions.  Specifically, Hopkins made false and fraudulent misrepresentations in soliciting clients via Facebook, a website (www.htsvacationdeals.com) and other means, to purchase cruise packages through HTS at discounted prices and/or “buy one get one” deals, which fares were well below what the cruise lines actually offered and the amounts that HTS had to pay or would ultimately pay for clients’ cruises. Hopkins made additional misrepresentations in offering clients further discounts and/or additional travel amenities to induce them to make payments for cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements in full and well in advance of the clients’ cruise sail dates.

Hopkins caused some clients to provide credit card information ostensibly for the purpose of paying for their cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements, and then used the credit card information to make Ponzi-style payments on other clients’ reservations via the cruise lines’ reservation portals, without any of the clients’ knowledge or consent. In fact, when Hopkins input credit card information into the cruise lines’ reservation portals, she altered the names associated with certain credit card information so that said names matched the names on the cruise package reservations to which she applied the payments.

Hopkins caused other clients to make payments via Stripe, Square, PayPal and other ePayment services, and she caused the payments to be transferred into bank accounts she controlled. Then Hopkins used proceeds of some clients’ ePayments to make Ponzi-style payments on other clients’ reservations via the cruise lines’ reservation portals, without any of the clients’ knowledge or consent.

Moreover, Hopkins used a portion of her clients’ payments made for cruise package reservations and related travel arrangements to pay for personal and family expenses for, among other things, groceries, restaurants, retail shopping, and other household items and services, and otherwise for her own personal enrichment. Such expenditures included, but were not limited to, cruises for family members, jewelry, and a 2019 Dodge Ram 1500.

In total, Hopkins’ offenses resulted in financial losses to the victims in the amount of approximately $461,823.38. She personally received at least $91,495.67 in fraudulent proceeds, and she used an additional $24,500 in fraudulent proceeds towards the purchase of the 2019 Dodge Ram.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle DesVaux Bedke.

Tampa, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest and filing of a criminal complaint charging Donald Robert Smith (27, Tampa) with two Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during the commission of those robberies. If convicted, Smith faces up to 20 years for each robbery. The firearm charges will carry a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 7 years, and up to, life in prison consecutive to any other term of imprisonment.

According to the complaint, on August 1, 2022, Smith robbed a restaurant in Tampa. While the restaurant employee was preparing a soft drink for Smith, Smith pointed a firearm at the employee and demanded money. Two days later, on August 3, 2022, Smith robbed a retail establishment in Tampa. He approached a store employee who was at the cash register, pointed a firearm at them, and demanded money from the register.

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

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

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Richard Earl Jenkins, Jr. (45, Jacksonville) to 25 years in federal prison, followed by10 years of supervised release for using a minor to produce sexually explicit images.  Jenkins had pleaded guilty on November 10, 2021.

According to court documents, on November 2 and 3, 2019, a 12-year-old child, Child Victim 1 (CV1) spent the night at Jenkins’s residence.  On November 6, 2019, an officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) was dispatched to CV1’s mother’s residence regarding a complaint by CV1’s mother.  While CV1 was spending the night at the defendant’s residence, she discovered a folder on the defendant’s computer with her name on it.  CV1 said she opened the folder and discovered sexually explicit images of herself, from when she was younger to more recent.

On November 7, 2019, a JSO detective applied for, was granted, and executed a state search warrant at the defendant’s residence.  The desktop computer described by CV1 was located in the defendant’s bedroom.  A folder was observed on the bottom of the task bar, and when selected, revealed a folder named “[CV1]”. 

JSO conducted a forensic review of the devices seized. Several images depicting CV1 were discovered on the devices.  In addition to the images of CV1, hundreds of images of child sex abuse material were also discovered.

“Producers of child pornography are the worst of the worst, making victims of society’s most vulnerable victims” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through HSI’s law enforcement partnership with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, this predator will now be held accountable for his heinous actions.”

This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

Tampa, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Arnulfo Rodriguez-Munoz, (41, Fort Worth, TX), Enrique Velasquez (43, Dallas, TX), Heriberto Castillo, (44, Denton, TX), and David Ceballos (27, Alvarado, TX) with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. If convicted on all counts, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to, life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies that the United States intends to any assets which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. 

According to the indictment, from at least April 2021 through October 2021, the individuals conspired to distribute cocaine and fentanyl throughout the Middle District of Florida.  

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael R. Kenneth and Diego F. Novaes.

Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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.

Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raul Solis has pleaded guilty to conspiring defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to unlawfully employ workers who were neither lawfully admitted to, nor authorized to be employed in, the United States.  His son, Raul Solis-Martinez pleaded guilty to the same charge on July 27, 2022.  Both face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to their plea agreements, Solis and Solis-Martinez owned and operated Solis Brothers Company, LLC and Duval Framing, LLC, which are construction subcontracting companies in Jacksonville, Florida.  To illicitly lower labor costs, they conspired with each other (and the owner of another contractor, H&S Framing, LLC) to pay their employees partially “off the books.”  By paying employees with a mix of checks and cash, the conspirators avoided withholding the full amount of payroll taxes owed to the IRS.  Between 2014 and 2019, Solis and Solis-Martinez’s workers received approximately $22,186,096.35 in wages that were never reported to the IRS and from which no taxes were withheld.  This practice led to a loss to the U.S. Treasury of approximately $5,613,082.38.

Further, by misrepresenting how much their employees were working, Solis and Solis-Martinez also defrauded the company that managed their payroll functions, as well as their workers compensation insurer, both of which relied on the conspirators’ false payroll reporting to calculate the cost of their services.  In addition, Solis and Solis-Martinez knew that many of their employees had emigrated to the United States illegally or were otherwise not authorized to work here.  Some workers had been previously deported from the United States, only to return and work for Solis and Solis-Martinez. 

Both have agreed pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $5,613,082.38.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Florida Department of Financial Services.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene E. Honeywell has sentenced Kelbin Tejada (32, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $360,000, the proceeds of the wire-fraud conspiracy. Tejada had pleaded guilty on May 2, 2022.

According to court documents, Tejada owned and managed a construction company which purported to supply construction services and labor for construction contractors and subcontractors. In order to comply with Florida law, Tejada’s company was required to secure and maintain adequate worker’s compensation insurance coverage. Tejada’s company had agreements with contractors and subcontractors to use workers purported to be Tejada’s employees at construction sites and these workers were often undocumented aliens who were actually working for and under the daily supervision and direction of the contractors. Tejada or others would then regularly receive “payroll checks” from contractors that were cashed at various financial institutions to pay Tejada’s purported “employees” and other related expenses.

During the course of the scheme, Tejada falsely and fraudulently represented in insurance applications that his company had a very limited payroll and a very limited number of employees who worked on construction jobsites. Tejada also falsely and fraudulently sent wire communications to numerous contractors representing that his company’s employees had full worker’s compensation coverage.

In reality, Tejada’s company received and cashed more than $18,000,000 in checks from various construction contractors for these purported “employees”. These payroll figures far exceeded the very limited payroll figures that Tejada had reported to his worker’s compensation insurance company. As a result, these employees (in reality the employees of other entities) performed work on jobsites without adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the insurers lost premiums they would have charged had they been aware of the true number of workers their policies were thus being manipulated to cover.

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

“Mr. Tejada not only defrauded insurance companies of thousands of dollars in premiums by lying on his policy application, more importantly he severely jeopardized the health and well-being of non-citizen laborers who work long hours in hazardous positions,” said HSI Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge John Dumas. “HSI Special Agents and our law enforcement partners are committed to ensuring that all workers performing these jobs have the safety net of proper workman’s compensation insurance.”

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Workers’ compensation fraud is a costly and dangerous crime that puts everyone at risk. This elaborate scheme illustrates how far criminals are willing to go to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums and leaves honest Florida contractors to foot the bill for higher insurance rates in Florida. Thank you to the U.S. State Attorney’s Office, the Department of Homeland Security, and my dedicated insurance fraud detectives for their hard work in this case and bringing this bad actor to justice.”

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the State of Florida Department of Financial Services. It is part of a lengthy investigation by those agencies into the use of shell companies and “ghost” employees in the construction industry. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay L. Hoffer.

Tampa, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area pharmacist from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.

In a complaint filed on August 1 and unsealed today, the United States alleges that Nathaniel Esalomi unlawfully distributed powerful opioids by filling prescriptions he knew were not valid at Apexx Pharmacy in Hudson, Florida, where he is the owner and sole pharmacist. The complaint alleges that Esalomi charged dramatically inflated prices to fill opioid prescriptions and accepted thousands of dollars in cash for the drugs. The complaint further alleges that Esalomi instructed individuals to forge signatures on certain forms and to falsify addresses. The complaint also alleges that Esalomi filled numerous controlled substance prescriptions for persons who were deceased.

“Pharmacists who knowingly fill invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances violate the law and endanger our communities,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to prosecute medical professionals who put profit over public safety.”

“The illegal distribution of opioids by medical professionals has caused great harm to people in our communities, and has led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We are committed to using every enforcement tool available to stop those individuals whose unlawful actions and abandonment of their professional responsibilities have fuelled the opioid crisis.”

“In the midst of a deadly overdose epidemic in our country, addressing the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances is a top priority for DEA,” said Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the DEA Miami Field Division. “DEA remains steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that our communities are safe and healthy.”

The temporary restraining order was issued by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The pending complaint seeks to permanently enjoin Esalomi from filling prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, and from owning or supervising a pharmacy.

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn B. Tapie 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.

Orlando, FL –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg the return by a grand jury of an indictment charging Maria Del Carmen Montes (46, Kissimmee) with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, four counts of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.  If convicted, Montes faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison on the conspiracy count, up to 30 years for each fraud count, and a mandatory penalty of 2 years’ imprisonment for the aggravated identity theft count. The indictment also charges Montes’ husband Carlos Ferrer (45, Kissimmee) with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and three counts of bank fraud.  If convicted, Ferrer faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for the conspiracy count, and up to, 30 years’ imprisonment for each fraud count.

According to the Indictment, Montes and Ferrer conspired to create and executed a mortgage fraud scheme targeting financial institutions. To ensure that otherwise unqualified borrowers she was representing as a licensed realtor were approved for mortgage loans, Montes created fictitious and fraudulent paystubs and IRS Form W-2s in the names of companies for whom her clients had never worked. The bogus income documents falsely indicated that her clients had worked at these companies, including companies formed and controlled by Ferrer, for a certain period of time and earned income that they did not. Montes submitted the fictitious paystubs and W-2s she created to the financial institutions who relied on them when making underwriting decisions. Additionally, Montes used her clients’ personally identifying information on these documents without their knowledge or authorization.

In order to further deceive the mortgage lenders, Montes and Ferrer recruited a co-conspirator working at a company listed on certain false paystubs and W-2s to falsely certify Verifications of Employment (VOEs”) sent by the financial institutions and instructed the co-conspirator to lie to the final institutions when they called to further verify the borrower’s employment. Ferrer and Montes sent the false and fictitious paystubs and W-2s to the co-conspirator so the co-conspirator could put the false information on the VOEs before certifying, signing, and returning them to the financial institutions. Ferrer also falsely certified and emailed VOEs sent by the financial institution in the names of borrowers that he knew did not work for his companies and lied to the banks during verbal VOE checks. Based on Montes’ and Ferrer’s misrepresentations, the financial institutions approved and funded the mortgage loans.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday today sentenced Devaris McClain (30, Tampa) to five years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the Court also ordered McClain to pay $92,346.54 to the U.S. Department of Labor and various financial institutions. McClain had pleaded guilty on January 18, 2022.

According to court documents, from approximately January 2015 through August 2016, McClain and his co-conspirators made counterfeit credit and debit cards by obtaining prepaid gift cards, embossing them with their names and other persons’ stolen personal identifying information (PII), and obliterating the magnetic strips on the backs of the cards to ensure employees at retail establishments would have to hand-key in the stolen account numbers embossed on the fronts of the cards. McClain and his co-conspirators then used the cards to purchase items, including gift cards, from retail establishments to convert the cards to cash.

McClain also participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance (UI) benefits from various state workforce agencies. These UI benefits were transferred to bank accounts or loaded onto debit cards issued in the names of victims whose PII had been stolen. In particular, McClain used a fraudulently obtained debit card in the name of a victim to withdraw money using ATMs. The U.S. Department of Labor determined that McClain obtained $86,804 in UI benefits to which he was not entitled.

In March 2020, the President signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which expanded states’ ability to provide UI for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who were not ordinarily eligible for benefits.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John Cannizzaro and Gregory D. Pizzo.

Ocala, Florida –United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the arrest of Ralph Fontil, Jr. (24, Ocala) on a two-count indictment charging him with making a materially false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms and causing a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. If convicted of both charges, Fontil faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

According to the court records, between April 3, 2020, and September 24, 2021, Fontil purchased 22 handguns from multiple gun dealers in the Middle District of Florida, including 17 Glock pistols. While purchasing the firearms, Fontil certified on each ATF Form 4473 (Firearm Transaction Record) that he was the “actual transferee/buyer” of the firearms. One of the gun boxes for a Glock pistol Fontil purchased on April 3, 2020, was found at the home of a convicted felon on August 24, 2021. In recorded jail conversations, Fontil admitted to buying the firearm for the convicted felon, who is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

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

This case is being investigated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg and United States Marshal William Berger announce the results of recent operations conducted by the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force.  In addition to finding and arresting fugitives charged with violent crimes, distribution of illicit narcotics, sex offenses, and other serious felonies, the United States Marshals Service Task Force provides direct support to law enforcement agencies in tracking down and recovering missing children. From January 1 through June 30, 2022, the United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force made over 1,500 felony arrests in Florida. 

The United States Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force is headquartered in the Middle District of Florida and includes 88 federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies. Nationally, the United States Marshals Service fugitive programs are carried out with federal, state, and local law enforcement in 94 district offices, eight regional task forces, 67 local fugitive task forces, as well as a growing network of offices in foreign countries around the world.

“The U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force is a model of interagency cooperation, and the results announced today show how well we work together in the Middle District of Florida,” said U.S. Attorney Handberg. “We bring together the combined resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement to make our communities safer.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorney’s Office are committed to our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners,” said Marshal Berger.  “Members of the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force put themselves in harm’s way each and every day and night to locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives and to rescue children.  We are committed to this mission.” 

In addition to the hundreds of arrests in the first part of this year, the Task Force has recently made arrests of violent offenders around the district, including:

• July 5, 2022, in Jacksonville, Oba Carter (47) for first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and robbery;

• July 6, 2022, in Orange County, Eric Adkins (52) for sexual battery of a minor child; and

• July 7, 2022, in Tampa, Ronny Walker (44) for first degree murder of a minor.

Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that James Clay Bexley (34, Center Hill) has pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with possessing unregistered destructive devices and firearm silencers and possessing firearms in violation of a domestic violence injunction. If convicted, Bexley faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to court records, Bexley was arrested at his home after contacting his wife in violation of an injunction. Sumter County Sheriff’s Office deputies 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 is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tyrie K. Boyer. 

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today in Tampa, Florida, charging a Russian national, working on behalf of the Russian government and in conjunction with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), with allegedly orchestrating a years-long foreign malign influence campaign that used various U.S. political groups to sow discord, spread pro-Russian propaganda, and interfere in elections within the United States.

As alleged in the indictment, from at least December 2014 until March 2022, Aleksandr Viktorovich Ionov, a resident of Moscow, together with at least three Russian officials, engaged in a years-long foreign malign influence campaign targeting the United States. Ionov is the founder and president of the Anti-Globalization Movement of Russia (AGMR), an organization headquartered in Moscow and funded by the Russian government. Ionov utilized AGMR to carry out Russia’s influence campaign.

“As court documents show, Ionov allegedly orchestrated a brazen influence campaign, turning U.S. political groups and U.S. citizens into instruments of the Russian government,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Department of Justice will not allow Russia to unlawfully sow division and spread misinformation inside the United States.”

According to the indictment, Ionov — working under the supervision of the FSB and with the Russian government’s support — recruited political groups within the United States, including U.S. Political Group 1 in Florida, U.S. Political Group 2 in Georgia, and U.S. Political Group 3 in California, and exercised direction or control over them on behalf of the FSB. Specifically, Ionov provided financial support to these groups, directed them to publish pro-Russian propaganda, coordinated and funded direct action by these groups within the United States intended to further Russian interests, and coordinated coverage of this activity in Russian media outlets. Ionov also relayed detailed information about this influence campaign to three FSB officials.

“Secret foreign government efforts to influence American elections and political groups threaten our democracy by spreading misinformation, distrust and mayhem,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The department is committed to ensuring U.S. laws protecting transparency in the electoral process and the political system are not undermined through foreign malign influence.”

According to the indictment, Ionov allegedly targeted U.S. Political Group 1 based in St. Petersburg, Florida. In May 2015, Ionov funded an all-expense paid trip to Russia for the leader of U.S. Political Group 1 (Unindicted Co-Conspirator-1, UIC-1) in order to “communicate on future cooperation” between U.S. Political Group 1 and AGMR. Following that trip, and for at least the next seven years, Ionov exercised direction and control over senior members of U.S. Political Group 1.

“The prosecution of this criminal conduct is essential to protecting the American public when foreign governments seek to inject themselves into the American political process,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our partners at the FBI to investigate these events, and we will continue to follow the evidence to ensure justice is done.”

Early in the conspiracy, senior members of U.S. Political Group 1, UIC-1, UIC-2, and UIC-3 exchanged emails about the fact that Ionov was working on behalf of the Russian Government. For example, in September 2015, Ionov paid for UIC-1 to attend an AGMR-sponsored “Dialogue of Nations” conference in Moscow. Upon his return to Florida, UIC-1 reported to the leadership of U.S. Political Group 1 that AGMR is “a solid institution of Russian politic,” and that it was “clear” that AGMR was “an instrument of [the] Russian government,” which, UIC-1 wrote, did not “disturb us.” The following week, in an email discussion, U.S. Political Group 1 leaders observed that it was “more than likely” that the Russian government was using AGMR “to utilize forces inside of the U.S. to sew [sic] division inside the United States.”

“The impact of Russian malign foreign influence cannot be overstated,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “The FBI will aggressively pursue any foreign government that attempts to divide American citizens and poison our democratic process.”

Ionov used his control over U.S. Political Group 1 leaders to foster discord within the United States, to spread pro-Russian propaganda under the guise of a domestic political organization, and to interfere in local elections. For example, in January 2016, Ionov guaranteed financing for — and ultimately funded — a four-city protest tour undertaken by U.S. Political Group 1 in support of a “Petition on Crime of Genocide against African People in the United States,” which it had previously submitted to the United Nations at Ionov’s direction. Later, in 2017 and 2019, Ionov monitored and supported the St. Petersburg, Florida, political campaigns of UIC-3 and UIC-4. In 2019, before the primary election, Ionov wrote to a Russian official that he had been “consulting every week” on the campaign. After UIC-4 advanced to the general election, FSB Officer 1 wrote to Ionov that “our election campaign is kind of unique,” and asked, “are we the first in history?” Ionov later sent FSB Officer 1 additional details about the election, referring to UIC-4 as the candidate “whom we supervise.”

According to the indictment, Ionov’s relationship with U.S. Political Group 1 continued until at least March 2022. Specifically, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. Political Group 1 repeatedly hosted Ionov via video conference to discuss the war, during which Ionov falsely stated that anyone who supported Ukraine also supported Nazism and white supremacy. In a report to the FSB, Ionov explained that he had enlisted U.S. Political Group 1 to support Russia in the “information war unleashed” by the West.

Alongside his malign foreign influence efforts with U.S. Political Group 1, Ionov also exercised direction and control over U.S. Political Group 3, an organization based in California whose primary goal was to promote California’s secession from the United States. In January and February of 2018, Ionov supported U.S. Political Group 3’s efforts — led by the organization’s founder (UIC-6)—to orchestrate a protest demonstration at the California Capitol building in Sacramento. Ionov partially funded the efforts and attempted to direct UIC-6 to physically enter the governor’s office. Later, Ionov sent various media reports covering the demonstration and U.S. Political Group 3’s broader efforts to FSB Officer 1, writing that FSB Officer 1 had asked for “turmoil” and stating, “there you go.” 

According to the indictment, Ionov also directed the efforts of U.S. Political Group 2, based in Atlanta. For example, as recently as March 2022, Ionov paid for members of U.S. Political Group 2 — including its founder (UIC-5) — to travel from Atlanta to San Francisco to protest at the headquarters of a social media company that had placed content restrictions on posts supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ionov sent UIC-5 designs for signs used at the protest and funded cross-country travel for UIC-5 and other members of U.S. Political Group 2. After the protest, Ionov sent UIC-5 a picture of a Russian news website’s social media page, which displayed a Russian-language news story about the protest.   

Ionov is charged with conspiring to have U.S. citizens act as illegal agents of the Russian government. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Risha Asokan, Trial Attorney Menno Goedman of the Justice Department’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, and Trial Attorney Demetrius Sumner of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.

The FBI Tampa Field Office is investigating the case.

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

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell has sentenced Reginald Wester, Jr. (23, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Westser was also ordered to forfeit the firearm and serve 3 years of supervised release. Wester had pleaded guilty on April 26, 2022.

According to facts presented in court, Wester, a convicted felon, was on state probation for shooting and carrying a concealed weapon. On February 5, 2021, Wester reported to his state probation officer in Tampa for a court ordered drug test. However, instead of providing a valid sample for analysis, Wester provided a false urine sample to his probation officer and was subsequently arrested. An officer with the Tampa Police Department was called to the probation office to transport Wester.  The officer seized a loaded 9mm pistol from Wester’s car. As a convicted felon, Wester is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

Wester admitted knowing the loaded pistol was in his car, but claimed it wasn’t his. However, investigators recovered Wester’s DNA from the grip, trigger, front sight, muzzle, and rear site of the pistol.   

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

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron today sentenced Defario Antoine Evans (29, Orlando) to two years in federal prison for robbery of a postal carrier. Evans had pleaded guilty on April 15, 2022. 

According to court documents, on June 23, 2018, Evans approached a United States postal carrier as the carrier was delivering the mail in Orlando. Evans demanded that the postal carrier give him the postal key. After a brief verbal exchange, Evans placed his left arm behind his back, which the postal carrier interpreted as implying that Evans had a weapon. The postal carrier then cooperated with Evans by raising his arms in the air and stepping backward. Evans continued to step toward the postal carrier, then grabbed the keys from the postal carrier’s belt loop after the postal carrier had removed the keys from his pocket. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily C. L. Chang.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Charles Lelande Boston (32, Orange Park) today pleaded guilty to receiving materials over the internet depicting the sexual abuse of children. Boston faces a minimum mandatory term of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison. Boston was arrested on August 12, 2021, and remains in custody. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted an online investigation on a file-sharing network for files containing materials depicting the sexual abuse of children. In January, March, and April 2021, a CCSO detective connected with a computer that had files depicting the sexual abuse of children available online for sharing. Homeland Security Investigations and CCSO later executed a search warrant at the residence associated with that computer and Boston was determined to be the owner of the computer. An examination of Boston’s computer revealed a folder of downloaded files containing approximately 80 files depicting the sexual abuse of children.

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

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

Jacksonville, Florida – U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard today sentenced Harold Clare Potter III (49, Middleburg) to 20 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for using a minor to produce sexually explicit images. Potter had pleaded guilty on April 25, 2022. Potter was arrested on October 1, 2021, and has been detained throughout the proceedings in this case.

According to court documents, an officer with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) responded to allegations of a minor being videotaped while showering. Minor Victim 1 (MV1) reported that she had stayed at Potter’s residence from June to July 2021, and, while getting out of the shower, she noticed a black cellphone under the door recording her. When she left the bathroom, Potter told her if she told anyone he would make it look like she was lying. MV1 went to her room and did not leave until another adult came home. During the course of her visit, Potter made several remarks to MV1, including “You turn me on. If you knew what you were doing to me you would run away. You turn me on.”

A CCSO officer later responded to Potter’s home in response to a call that he was suicidal. When the officer made contact, Potter admitted to recording MV1 while she was in the bathroom at his home and that “she turns me on.” He admitted to still having the same cellphone, which he had a family member provide to another officer. He also admitted there were child exploitation materials on the phone. 

Following additional investigation, including reviewing Potter’s cellphone and speaking with him, images of MV1 were located on Potter’s cellphone. Potter also admitted to placing a smoke detector hidden camera in the bedroom that had exclusively been used by MV1 in an attempt to obtain nude photographs of her.

“Grown men who prey on the vulnerability and innocence of children are the worst kind of human being,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge K. Jim Phillips. “Through our law enforcement partnerships, we will never rest in our efforts to catch these predators and make our communities safer for our children.”

This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

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

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Robert Lee Ripley (47, Melbourne) to 14 years in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release for distributing images of child sexual abuse. The court also ordered Ripley to pay $5,000 in restitution. Ripley had pleaded guilty on February 24, 2022.

According to court documents, on June 24, 2021, Homeland Security Investigation Task Force Officers rescued a female child, approximately five years old, that had been sexually abused by a male subject.  The male subject had produced images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of the child.  A forensic analysis of the cellphone belonging to the male subject revealed a series of chat sessions through KIK, where he shared images depicting the abuse of the child victim.  Specifically, the abuser shared with Ripley, the moderator of a KIK chat group, two images depicting the sexual abuse of the minor.  During the chat, it was obvious the abuser had access to the child victim, and he was actively producing those images.  After receiving the photos of the victim, Ripley stated, “Yummy,” and then shared the images with the chat group, thereby perpetuating the harm to the victim.  After his arrest, Ripley admitted that he would receive images and videos of child pornography through the KIK application and would share those images and videos with other KIK users.

“This predator participated in the online exploitation of children and has caused irreparable harm,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “The vile actions of child predators will not go undetected, and thanks to the painstaking, tireless efforts of HSI Cocoa Beach Child Exploitation Taskforce and HSI Jacksonville, pedophiles will be held accountable to the fullest extent.”

This case was investigated by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilianys Rivera Miranda.

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

A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area physician from prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.

In a complaint filed on July 18, and unsealed yesterday, the United States alleges that Dr. Neelam Taneja Uppal unlawfully wrote opioid prescriptions in the names of individuals depicted in photographs of driver’s licenses she received via text messages from a third party in exchange for payment for the prescriptions. 

The complaint alleges that Dr. Uppal never met the individuals for whom she wrote prescriptions, and that she sold the prescriptions to a third party. The complaint further alleges that Dr. Uppal received thousands of dollars in cash on multiple occasions for a variety of opioid prescriptions. The complaint seeks to permanently bar Dr. Uppal from issuing controlled substances prescriptions, or owning or supervising a pain clinic, and it also seeks civil penalties.

“It is unlawful for a physician to write opioid prescriptions for individuals they have never met and then sell those prescriptions to a third party,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use every enforcement tool available under the Controlled Substances Act to protect our communities from rogue medical professionals.”

“The illegal distribution and use of opioids have led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Physicians who prescribe these dangerous drugs without legitimate medical cause violate not only the law, but also their oath to do no harm.”

“At a time when we need to be doing all that we can to prevent drug misuse and overdoses, DEA will not tolerate doctors who knowingly break the law, jeopardizing the safety and health of our communities by recklessly prescribing controlled substances,“ said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to pursue cases against anyone contributing to the deadly overdose epidemic in this country.”

U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

 DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin 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.

Tampa, FL – A federal court issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting a Tampa-area physician from prescribing opioids and other controlled substances, the Department of Justice announced today.

In a complaint filed on July 18, and unsealed yesterday, the United States alleges that Dr. Neelam Taneja Uppal unlawfully wrote opioid prescriptions in the names of individuals depicted in photographs of driver’s licenses she received via text messages from a third party in exchange for payment for the prescriptions. 

The complaint alleges that Dr. Uppal never met the individuals for whom she wrote prescriptions, and that she sold the prescriptions to a third party. The complaint further alleges that Dr. Uppal received thousands of dollars in cash on multiple occasions for a variety of opioid prescriptions. The complaint seeks to permanently bar Dr. Uppal from issuing controlled substances prescriptions, or owning or supervising a pain clinic, and it also seeks civil penalties.

“It is unlawful for a physician to write opioid prescriptions for individuals they have never met and then sell those prescriptions to a third party,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will use every enforcement tool available under the Controlled Substances Act to protect our communities from rogue medical professionals.”

“The illegal distribution and use of opioids have led to a nationwide epidemic,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Physicians who prescribe these dangerous drugs without legitimate medical cause violate not only the law, but also their oath to do no harm.”

“At a time when we need to be doing all that we can to prevent drug misuse and overdoses, DEA will not tolerate doctors who knowingly break the law, jeopardizing the safety and health of our communities by recklessly prescribing controlled substances,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “DEA will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to pursue cases against anyone contributing to the deadly overdose epidemic in this country.”

U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber granted the temporary restraining order in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office is conducting the ongoing investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin 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.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven has sentenced Rhiannon Peacock (39, Eustis) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Peacock had pleaded guilty on November 16, 2021.

According to facts presented in court, Peacock conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Eustis and St. Petersburg areas within the Middle District of Florida. 

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

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Raymond Samuel Reeves (22, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Reeves faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. As part of the plea agreement, Reeves has agreed to forfeit the firearm traceable to the offense.

According to the plea agreement, on February 16, 2022, Reeves was arrested by officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s after driving recklessly through residential and commercial streets in the Pearl Street area north of downtown. At the time of his arrest, Reeves had a 9mm Taurus pistol in his possession. Reeves had previously been convicted of carjacking and therefore is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Dontae Deshawn Edwards (31, Jacksonville) has pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer. Edwards faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.

According to the plea agreement, on October 20, 2021, Edwards knowingly made a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer on the ATF Form 4473. Edwards stated that he was not a convicted felon when, in fact, he had previously been convicted of several felonies, including possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, carrying a concealed firearm, possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis and driving while license suspended or revoked – felony habitual offender (four counts). 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Cyrus P. Zomorodian.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Garrett Eric Weber (31, Green Cove Springs) has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice and use a 9-year-old child to produce videos of the child being sexually abused. Weber faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Weber was arrested on a federal warrant by the Green Cove Springs Police Department during a traffic stop on July 5, 2021, and he has been detained since that time. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.    

According to court documents, in 2020, Weber, using the name “BUBBLESXD_90,” uploaded an image depicting the sexual abuse of a child to a chat group on a popular social media application (app). This upload was eventually detected by law enforcement officers in Wisconsin. Further investigation by the FBI ultimately resulted in the identification of Weber. In March 2021, an undercover FBI agent, posing as the parent of a young child, engaged in online conversation with Weber using the app. After some discussion and being told that the “child” was 9 years old, Weber offered to serve as the “child’s” trainer by engaging in sexual activity with the “child.” He requested that the “parent” take an explicit photo of the “child” for him and provided specific instructions on how to accomplish it. Weber advised that he wanted the “parent” to film him as he sexually abused the “child,” and that the resulting recording “would be the best [child pornography] vid ever.” Weber sent the “parent” several videos over the internet that depicted the sexual abuse of young children to demonstrate exactly how he planned to molest the “child.”

After his arrest, Weber admitted to FBI agents that he was in fact “BUBBLESXD_90,” that he had engaged in “extremely descriptive” and “horrible” online conversations with the “child’s” parent, and that he had distributed videos of very young children being sexually abused using the internet. Weber acknowledged that the “[e]vidence is staggeringly harsh against [him]” in this case. 

This case was investigated by the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Winnebago County (Wisconsin) Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Milwaukee and Jacksonville, with assistance from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a superseding indictment charging Clayton Everett Colborn (30, Wesley Chapel), also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” and “Clayay,” with two counts of enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity, five counts of using minors to produce child sexual abuse images and videos, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Colborn faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to life, in federal prison, and a potential life term of supervised release. The superseding indictment also notifies Colborn that the United States intends to forfeit electronic devices and his Chevrolet Corvette, which were used in the commission of the offense.

According to the superseding indictment, from in or around February 2019 through approximately May 2020, Colborn knowingly persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced minor victims to engage in sexual activity. Colborn also produced several child sex abuse videos and images of minor victims.

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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ocoee Police Department, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell.

Anyone with information regarding Clayton Everett Colborn, also known as “Jason Rich,” “Jason,” “Clay,” or “Clayay,” should contact the Tampa Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 813-253-1000.

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

Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of an indictment charging Dempsey Gilmore (32, Tampa) with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics, one count 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 on the conspiracy count, Gilmore faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute narcotics and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted of carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, Gilmore faces a consecutive 5 years in federal prison to the drug trafficking crimes.  The indictment also notifies Gilmore that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition recovered in this investigation, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense.

According to the indictment, beginning on an unknown date, but not later than on or about February 9, 2022, Gilmore conspired with others to sell or deliver narcotics. During the conspiracy Gilmore possessed a firearm. Gilmore has been convicted of multiple felonies to include escape and felon in possession of firearm or ammunition and is therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm 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 Tampa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Beckman.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts.  In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza today sentenced Raul Reyes-Vazquez (50, Tampa) to 27 years and 3 months in federal prison for committing bank robberies while on federal supervised release in connection with a bank robbery he had committed in 2008. The court also ordered Reyes-Vazquez to forfeit $28,579, which are traceable proceeds of the February 2022 offenses. Reyes-Vazquez had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022.

According to court documents, on July 28, 2008, Reyes-Vazquez committed a bank robbery through the threat of violence at a Chase Bank in Manhattan. He was convicted and sentenced for that offense in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He also committed a series of bank robberies in 2006 in Hialeah and Miami for which he was sentenced in 2019.

In February 2022, Reyes-Vazquez was still serving a sentence of supervised release for his federal conviction for the bank robbery he had committed in 2008. 

On February 16, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Trustco Bank branch in Orlando and announced that it was a robbery and that he would shoot employees if the teller did not give him the money. The teller complied and Reyes-Vazquez obtained $4,200. On February 22, 2022, Reyes-Vazquez entered a Wells Fargo bank branch in Orlando, announced it was a robbery, and threatened to shoot everyone in the bank if they did not provide him money. Bank employees provided a total of $43,695, nearly $20,000 of which was recovered when law enforcement arrested Reyes-Vazquez two days later. At sentencing, Reyes-Vazquez was determined to be a career offender under federal sentencing rules.  

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from Orange County Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts.  In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Orlando, Florida– United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thomas Zayas (45, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to enticing a minor child to produce sexually explicit videos and to possessing child sexual abuse material. Zayas faces a minimum mandatory penalty of 15 years, and up to 30 years, in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material, up to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession of child sexual abuse material. He faces a potential life term of supervised release on all counts. A sentencing date has been set for October 26, 2022.

According to the plea agreement, in approximately July 2022, Zayas, posing as a teenage boy, used a messaging application to contact a 12-year-old child. After the child grew tired of Zayas’s romantic advances, the child stopped communicating with Zayas. Zayas then contacted the child again, this time posing as the sister of the teenage boy. Zayas threatened to physically hurt the child for ending the “relationship” with the fictional brother, and as a result, the child agreed to continue a friendship with the original persona. In order to scare the child and prove that Zayas knew who the child was, where she lived, and where the child went to school, Zayas sent the child a photo of the child’s apartment complex and a yearbook photo of the child from the child’s middle school. Zayas then requested several nude images and videos of the child performing sexual acts, and he instructed the child on what to do in the images and videos. Initially the child refused, afraid that Zayas would post the photos on the internet to harm the child. After promising not to use the images to harm the child, the child eventually sent Zayas sexually explicit videos and photos. The demands from Zayas continued, and when the child did not comply with Zayas’s requests, Zayas became hostile and threatened to expose the child with the nude videos and images the child had previously sent.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) was made aware of Zayas when a school resource officer was contacted by a parent who had received via text message a collage depicting sexually explicit photos of the child. OSCO investigators were able to trace the aliases to Zayas through phone records, and with the help of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, also discovered evidence of an order for flowers, which Zayas had delivered to the child’s middle school, from his work-issued laptop.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Harrington.

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

Tampa, FL – A federal court ordered a Tampa-area pain management clinic to close and directed the clinic’s owners and its former physician to collectively pay $600,000 in civil penalties pursuant to agreed resolutions in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Justice Department announced today. 

In a complaint filed in February 2021, the United States alleged that Dr. Tobias Bacaner wrote prescriptions for opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice while employed at Paragon Community Healthcare, a pain clinic in New Port Richey, Florida. The complaint alleged that Paragon’s owners, Theodore Ferguson II and Timothy Ferguson, managed the clinic’s operations and profited from the unlawful prescribing while ignoring obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion. The complaint further alleged that Dr. Bacaner and the Fergusons used their jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy, to unlawfully fill prescriptions issued at Paragon without scrutiny.

The order against Dr. Bacaner requires him to pay $500,000 in civil penalties and prohibits him from prescribing, administering, dispensing or distributing controlled substances, among other restrictions. The order against the Fergusons and Paragon requires them to jointly pay $100,000 in civil penalties. The order also requires Paragon to permanently close, and places restrictions on the Fergusons’ ability to own or work at entities that administer, dispense or distribute controlled substances in the future. The defendants also agreed to permanently dissolve Cobalt Pharmacy, which closed shortly before the government filed suit.

“Physicians who prescribe opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice and others who facilitate that conduct will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to aggressively use all available enforcement remedies to prevent the unlawful diversion of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”

“Dr. Bacaner and his associates profited from unlawfully prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose,” said U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger B. Handberg. “We will continue to protect the community from those who place a higher value on profit than the safety of the public.”

“Our communities place trust in their medical professionals to help them. The actions of Dr. Bacaner and owners of this clinic violated this trust,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This settlement highlights DEA’s commitment to hold medical providers accountable for violating laws designed to protect the health and safety of our communities. The closure of these businesses and the prohibition to continue to exploit those in need, ensures the wellbeing of patients everywhere.”  

U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington entered the consent decree in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.

The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin and Trial Attorneys Scott Dahlquist and Tom Rosso of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.

A federal court ordered a Tampa-area pain management clinic to close and directed the clinic’s owners and its former physician to collectively pay $600,000 in civil penalties pursuant to agreed resolutions in a case alleging violations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the Justice Department announced today. 

In a complaint filed in February 2021, the United States alleged that Dr. Tobias Bacaner wrote prescriptions for opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice while employed at Paragon Community Healthcare, a pain clinic in New Port Richey, Florida. The complaint alleged that Paragon’s owners, Theodore Ferguson II and Timothy Ferguson, managed the clinic’s operations and profited from the unlawful prescribing while ignoring obvious signs of drug abuse and diversion. The complaint further alleged that Dr. Bacaner and the Fergusons used their jointly owned pharmacy, Cobalt Pharmacy, to unlawfully fill prescriptions issued at Paragon without scrutiny.

The order against Dr. Bacaner requires him to pay $500,000 in civil penalties and prohibits him from prescribing, administering, dispensing or distributing controlled substances, among other restrictions. The order against the Fergusons and Paragon requires them to jointly pay $100,000 in civil penalties. The order also requires Paragon to permanently close, and places restrictions on the Fergusons’ ability to own or work at entities that administer, dispense or distribute controlled substances in the future. The defendants also agreed to permanently dissolve Cobalt Pharmacy, which closed shortly before the government filed suit.

“Physicians who prescribe opioids without a legitimate medical purpose and outside of the usual course of professional practice and others who facilitate that conduct will be held accountable,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department will continue to aggressively use all available enforcement remedies to prevent the unlawful diversion of potentially dangerous prescription drugs.”

“Dr. Bacaner and his associates profited from unlawfully prescribing opioids without a legitimate medical purpose,” said U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to protect the community from those who place a higher value on profit than the safety of the public.”

“Our communities place trust in their medical professionals to help them. The actions of Dr. Bacaner and owners of this clinic violated this trust,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “This settlement highlights DEA’s commitment to hold medical providers accountable for violating laws designed to protect the health and safety of our communities. The closure of these businesses and the prohibition to continue to exploit those in need, ensures the wellbeing of patients everywhere.”  

U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington entered the consent decree in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Tactical Diversion Squad in the Tampa District Office.

The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsay S. Griffin and Trial Attorneys Scott Dahlquist and Tom Rosso of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Javeon Jacobs (22, Tampa) to 21 years in federal prison for firearms offenses relating to his brandishing of a firearm during three armed carjacking incidents. Jacobs had pleaded guilty on April 14, 2022.           

According to court documents, on March 31, 2021, Jacobs used a firearm and physical force to carjack a vehicle in Safety Harbor. On April 18, 2021, Jacobs kidnapped two individuals at gunpoint in Tampa and took their vehicle. After releasing those victims, Jacobs abandoned their vehicle at another location in Tampa, where Jacobs carjacked another vehicle, again by brandishing a firearm.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Tampa Police Department, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Largo Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Preston.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities.  It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts.  In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Christel Joseph to 30 months in federal prison for preparing false and fraudulent tax returns. Joseph had pleaded guilty on February 16, 2022.

According to court documents, Christel Joseph and her husband, Naeem Joseph, were involved in a conspiracy to prepare false tax returns by claiming fraudulent refunds and credits to which their taxpayer-clients were not entitled, including education tax credits, fuel tax credits, and dependent care credits. Between 2015 and 2016, the Josephs helped prepare and file fraudulent tax returns from Haines City, Florida and Roanoke, Virginia. As a result, the Internal Revenue Service issued more than $230,000 in fraudulent tax refunds.                            

On July 8, 2022, U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Naeem Joseph to 21 months’ imprisonment for his role in the conspiracy. 

“Christel Joseph and her husband Naeem Joseph fraudulently charged their clients and loaded up their returns with tax credits, getting them bigger refunds than they deserved,” said Special Agent in Charge Darrell Waldon, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Washington, D.C. Field Office. “Taxpayers who elect to pay a preparer should always do their due diligence beforehand to ensure they’re not victims of tax fraudsters like the Josephs. More information on selecting a reputable tax professional is available on IRS.gov.”

This case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation, Roanoke, Virginia. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Peresie.

Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. today sentenced Michael Achille (57, Rockledge) to four years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute tapentadol, a pharmaceutical opiate that is a Schedule II controlled substance. Achille had pleaded guilty on May 16, 2022. 

According to court documents, Achille worked with conspirators to obtain international shipments containing thousands of pills of tapentadol, among other pharmaceutical controlled substances. The pills were sent to Achille from locations in India. Achille directed the packages to a fake name at an address in Cape Canaveral where he could retrieve the shipments. Achille then redistributed the pills in smaller quantities and shipped hundreds of those pills to addresses in Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, and other locations. The investigation revealed multiple shipments received by Achille in December and January 2021 involving more than 11,000 pills.    

“Trafficking narcotics destroys the fabric of society and make victims out of communities,” said HSI Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “The outstanding law enforcement partnerships between HSI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Rockledge Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office ensured this criminal will now face the consequences of his actions.”  

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Adam Fleming (36, Zephyrhills) to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Fleming had pleaded guilty on April 27, 2022.

According to court documents, on June 14, 2020, the Dade City Police Department seized 340 grams of methamphetamine from Fleming following a traffic stop.  On April 1, 2021, the Zephyrhills Police Department seized over 500 grams of methamphetamine from Fleming following another traffic stop. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Dade City Police Department, and the Zephyrhills Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the return of a three-count indictment charging Johnny Deangelo White (45, Jacksonville) with possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, White faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the fentanyl offense, up to 5 years’ imprisonment for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and up to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The indictment also notifies White that the United States intends to forfeit the firearm and ammunition traceable to the offense. White was arrested in Jacksonville and made his initial appearance on July 14, 2022, before United States Magistrate Judge Joel B. Toomey and following his detention hearing on July 21, 2022, he was ordered detained pending trial.

According to the indictment, on April 27, 2022, White was in possession of a firearm while trafficking in fentanyl. At the time of the incident, White had previous felony convictions for shooting or throwing a deadly missile, grand theft auto, two possession of cocaine offenses, and three prior sale of cocaine offenses. As a previously convicted felon, White 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 was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture will be handled by Assistant United States Attorney Mai Tran.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.       

Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging Darrius Jaques Garrett (33, Orlando) with two counts of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. If convicted, Garrett faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each count. The indictment also notifies Garrett that the United States intends to forfeit all firearms and ammunition recovered as a result of the offense conduct.

According to court documents, on May 27, 2022, Garrett was charged with knowingly possessing a Glock pistol and .22 caliber rounds of ammunition in connection with a shooting. At approximately 4:00 p.m. that day, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to Americana Boulevard in Orlando where they found a man who had sustained gunshot wounds to the torso. That individual was later treated and released from the hospital. Surveillance images from a nearby business captured the shooting.

Five days later, on June 1, 2022, Garrett was observed in the same area by deputies with the same Dodge Charger depicted on the video. Inside, deputies found a loaded Glock firearm that authorities allege was used in the shooting.

Garrett is a five-time convicted felon and is therefore 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 Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney D. Richardson-Jones.

This is another case prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s “Project Safe Neighborhoods” Program (PSN), which is a nationwide crime reduction strategy aimed at decreasing violent crime in communities. It involves a comprehensive approach to public safety – one that includes investigating and prosecuting crimes, along with prevention and re-entry efforts. In the Middle District of Florida, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg coordinates PSN efforts in cooperation with various federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.