Middle District of Florida

Ocala, Florida – Bahamian national Terrance Patrick Evans, 37, a lawful permanent resident, has been charged by information with one count of voting by an alien. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of up to one year in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the information, Evans voted in the 2024 federal general election despite knowing that he was not a citizen of the United States. 

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Florida Department of State - Office of Election Crimes, and the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerry M. Harre.

Ocala, Florida – Joseph Stephen Branton (56, High Springs) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, while working in Haiti in July 2025, Branton began chatting online with an individual whom he believed to be a 14 to 15-year-old girl. That “minor” was actually an undercover special agent with Homeland Security Investigations. During their communications, Branton engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the minor. On September 3, 2025, Branton sent a sexually explicit photograph of himself to the minor. 

Branton was arrested on January 28, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

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

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

Tampa, FL — A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged two individuals, Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals, with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription drug distribution scheme. The indictment alleges that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators sold counterfeit Ozempic to distributors in the United States at deeply discounted prices. Roy was extradited from Italy to the United States and made his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida, today. 

“This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Murray for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will not tolerate bad actors corrupting our pharmaceutical supply chain.” 

“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These defendants allegedly exploited people’s health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs.”

“While the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk,” said Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the U.S. border. FDA takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and the private sector to help protect the nation's drug supply.”

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2023 and continuing to April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China. The counterfeit Ozempic allegedly distributed by Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers into believing they were purchasing authentic Ozempic authorized by the manufacturer. The scheme continued even after the FDA seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning regarding the products.

Roy and Ramancha are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs and holding counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, Roy and Ramancha each face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison. 

FDA OCI is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Peter Leininger of the Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Roy’s continued detention, following his arrest pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice, and then timely filed a request for his extradition from Italy.

The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.

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

A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida charged two individuals, Swapnadip Roy, 33, and Vicky Ramancha, 37, both Indian nationals, with conspiracy and smuggling related to an alleged transnational counterfeit prescription drug distribution scheme. The indictment alleges that Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators sold counterfeit Ozempic to distributors in the United States at deeply discounted prices. Roy was extradited from Italy to the United States and made his initial appearance in Tampa, Florida, today. 

“Counterfeit prescription drugs — especially common ones — threaten the health and safety of every American who depends on the integrity of our pharmaceutical supply,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These defendants allegedly exploited people’s health to pay themselves. We will keep pursuing anyone who seeks to deceive American consumers with counterfeit drugs.”

“This indictment reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting Americans from potential harm from counterfeit prescription drugs,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Murray for the Middle District of Florida. “Our office will not tolerate bad actors corrupting our pharmaceutical supply chain.” 

“While the U.S. wholesale distribution market is highly regulated, those who choose to subvert the safeguards of the legitimate drug regulatory regime and supply chain by introducing counterfeit drugs into the U.S. market put American consumers at significant risk,” said Assistant Commissioner Justin Green of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA OCI). “Drug safety and quality do not begin or end at the U.S. border. FDA takes reports of possible counterfeit medicines seriously and works closely with other federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and the private sector to help protect the nation's drug supply.”

According to court documents, beginning in at least July 2023 and continuing to April 2024, Roy and Ramancha allegedly obtained counterfeit Ozempic from unauthorized sources in China. The counterfeit Ozempic allegedly distributed by Roy, Ramancha, and their co-conspirators included counterfeit packaging, package inserts, pen labels, and needles meant to deceive downstream customers into believing they were purchasing authentic Ozempic authorized by the manufacturer. The scheme continued even after the FDA seized some of the counterfeit Ozempic in December 2023 and issued a public warning regarding the products.

Roy and Ramancha are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit smuggling and to defraud the United States, three counts of smuggling, and two counts of selling counterfeit drugs and holding counterfeit drugs for sale. If convicted, Roy and Ramancha each face a maximum penalty of 71 years in prison. 

FDA OCI is investigating the case. 

Trial Attorney Peter Leininger of the Criminal Division’s Health & Safety Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured Roy’s continued detention, following his arrest pursuant to an INTERPOL Red Notice, and then timely filed a request for his extradition from Italy.

The Health and Safety Unit within the Department’s Criminal Division works with law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute violations of federal laws designed to protect public health and safety. The unit focuses on corporations and individuals who make and sell dangerous drugs, food, and other consumer products that could cause significant harm to Americans. For more information, see https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/health-safety-unit.

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 – Trang Johnny Nha Phan (34, Sarasota) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle to eight years in federal prison for attempted arson of federal property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Phan pleaded guilty on June 2, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on February 14, 2025, a law enforcement officer saw a fire ignite on the front of an M60A3 Full Tracked Combat Tank displayed as a war memorial outside a VFW facility in Sarasota. The VFW was open, with customers inside. The officer saw Phan walking away from the tank toward his vehicle. Officers recovered a white spray-painted glass liquor bottle and burned paper towels that smelled of gasoline. Phan’s fingerprints were found on a spray-paint canister and his DNA was found on the bottle. A destructive device expert with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives concluded that the bottle and paper towel wick constituted a Molotov cocktail and a destructive device. The device failed because the bottle did not break on impact.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota Police Department, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Whitney Mackay and Adam W. McCall.

Tampa, Florida – Crispian Atkins (52, Valrico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virgina M. Hernandez Covington to 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. As part of his sentence, the court also ordered Atkins to pay $3,017,667.53 in restitution and to forfeit $1,563,292.24, the proceeds of his criminal conduct. Atkins pleaded guilty on May 20, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between May 2021 and March 2024, Atkins and several co-conspirators defrauded 10 victim-companies, located throughout the United States, that provide employment and payroll services, as well as financial funding. Atkins falsely represented to the victim-companies that he had business contracts with other companies to perform IT-related work, and that he needed the victim-companies’ services to fulfill those contracts. The victim companies agreed to provide financial funding or hire Atkins and his co-conspirators as “temporary employees” to complete the purported work. Atkins submitted fraudulent timesheets to the victim-companies that reflected work performed by the “temporary employees,” and the victim-companies paid Atkins and his associates, via wire transfers, according to those timesheets. Atkins and co-conspirators then transferred the fraudulently obtained proceeds to other accounts, withdrew proceeds in cash to conceal their source, and shared in the fraudulently obtained proceeds.

This case was investigated by the FBI Las Vegas Division, Reno Resident Agency, and the FBI Tampa Division, with assistance from the Norwood (MA) Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts.The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney James A. Muench. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Ocala, Florida – Ashley Dillard (22, Dunnellon) and Jahlique Debanairr Lawson (28, Ocala), a/k/a “Gang Gang,” have been charged by federal indictment with obstruction of the due administration of justice. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Dillard and Lawson are both currently detained pending the resolution of the case. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, between August 11 and August 22, 2026, Dillard and Lawson, aiding and abetting each other, endeavored by threats and threatening communications to impede the due administration of justice in a pending federal criminal case in the Middle District of Florida. The indictment alleges that Dillard and Lawson committed the offense by intimidating, pressuring, and threatening an individual they perceived to be a witness in an attempt to influence and prevent the testimony of the perceived witness. 

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 and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – A federal grand jury has returned an 11-count superseding indictment charging Kelvin Leon McChriston (56, Ocala), a/k/a “Big Pole,” Jahlique Debanairr Lawson (28, Ocala), a/k/a “Gang Gang,” and Corey Jarrell Tavares Rocker (27, Ocala), a/k/a “Spin,” with distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

McChriston is charged in seven counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute, or aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. If convicted on all counts, he faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Lawson is charged in four counts with distribution and possession with intent to distribute, or aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine and fentanyl. If convicted on all counts, he faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having a qualifying prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. Rocker is charged in one count with aiding and abetting the distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, he faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison for having a prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. 

According to court records, between December 11, 2025, and July 27, 2026, 10 controlled purchases were made involving either methamphetamine, fentanyl, or cocaine, from McChriston, Lawson, or Rocker. 

On December 11, 2025, Lawson and Rocker, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 56 grams of methamphetamine. On December 18, 2025, Lawson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of methamphetamine. Lawson and McChriston, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute approximately 450 grams of methamphetamine, on December 23, 2025, and approximately 14 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl, on January 14, 2026. 

McChriston then distributed and possessed with intent to distribute the following controlled substances: approximately 57 grams of methamphetamine and 16 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine on February 12, 2026; approximately 354 grams of methamphetamine on April 2, 2026; approximately 29 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl on both May 12, 2026, and July 6, 2026; and approximately 434 grams of methamphetamine on July 27, 2026. McChriston is further charged with possessing with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine on August 11, 2026. 

In 2016, Lawson was convicted of robbery with a firearm. He was released from the Florida Department of Corrections for that conviction in October 2025.

In 2022, Rocker was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was released from the Florida Department of Corrections for that conviction in November 2025. 

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 and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Ervin Jones, III (36, Ocala), a/k/a “Downy,” has pleaded guilty to five counts of distribution or possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, between August and September 2025, Jones distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement officer on four separate occasions. Additionally, on October 8, 2025, Jones was found to be in possession of fentanyl which was intended for distribution. Jones was arrested on February 26, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

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

Ocala, Florida – Israel Reyes (27, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court records, between October and December 2025, Reyes distributed methamphetamine and cocaine to an undercover law enforcement officer on four separate occasions. He was arrested on June 26, 2026, and remains detained pending the resolution of the case. 

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

Ocala, Florida – Qua’Darius Dajohn Lamar Johnson (25, Ocala), a/k/a “GuapBoyz General,” a/k/a “Quavo,” has been charged by indictment with five counts of distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine and cocaine) and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on all counts, Johnson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison. Johnson was arrested on September 18, 2026, and is detained pending the resolution of the case. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on five occasions between August 26 and September 17, 2026, Johnson distributed either cocaine or 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Additionally, on August 26, 2026, Johnson carried a firearm equipped with an extended magazine during and in relation to the drug trafficking offense.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, FL – Mario Cesar Dos Santos, Jr. (50, Massachusetts) has pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of fraudulent use of government seals. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Dos Santos was the president of an organization called Chaplain Emergency Management Agency, Inc. (CEMA), which he falsely claimed was a government agency endorsed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In doing so, Dos Santos fraudulently used the seals of FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to fraudulently portray CEMA as a federal government agency and charge individuals to attend “Chaplaincy Training Courses” in Florida and other states, as well as abroad. Neither Dos Santos nor CEMA have authorization to use the seals of DHS, FEMA, or FBI, nor are they otherwise affiliated with these agencies or any other department or agency of the federal government.

As outlined in the court documents, Dos Santos organized numerous CEMA Chaplaincy Training Courses. At these trainings, Dos Santos falsely told attendees that CEMA partnered with FEMA and that CEMA and its courses were endorsed by FEMA. The courses were free to attend, but Dos Santos charged attendees approximately $400 to $450 to receive a chaplaincy certificate. After attendees completed the course and paid the associated fees, Dos Santos provided them with identification cards, law enforcement badges, and course completion certificates containing the seals of various departments and agencies of the United States. Dos Santos told attendees that the ID cards and badges authorized them to support law enforcement during emergency situations and take control of emergency situations until law enforcement arrived. He also told them that their status as CEMA chaplains would give them a level of immunity from immigration enforcement and would keep them safe from deportation. These claims were false.

As shown in the images below, the ID cards contained one of CEMA’s logos, which consists of the DHS seal, modified to state, “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.” The back of the ID cards contained the DHS/FEMA seal. The certificates contained the FBI seal and a slightly different version of the CEMA logo—an older version of the FEMA seal, modified to state, “U.S. Department of Homeland Chaplain.” 

Dos Santos also offered various CEMA merchandise for sale, including polo shirts, bumper stickers, jackets, badges, and badge holders—all bearing either the DHS or FEMA seal. During an undercover operation conducted at a training held on September 27, 2025, a confidential informant purchased merchandise items, pictured below. Approximately 30 to 45 individuals attended the training. 

As part of the undercover operation, the confidential informant also obtained access to a CEMA group chat which had more than 750 members at the time the investigation began in August 2025. Dos Santos used the group chat to promote upcoming courses, including by sending digital flyers of such courses.   

CEMA’s website and social media accounts all displayed the CEMA logo (an altered version of the DHS seal) and falsely identify CEMA as a government organization or federal agency. The website also falsely claimed that CEMA was “fully accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and the American Council on Education (ACE).”

Dos Santos was arrested February 19, 2026, at the Orlando International Airport, after he traveled from Boston to Orlando for a CEMA training that was scheduled for February 21. At the time of his arrest, Dos Santos was wearing a CEMA polo shirt with the DHS seal on the sleeve and chest.

Dos Santos is a Brazilian national who came to the United States in 2016. He has overstayed his visa and is undergoing deportation proceedings. 

“Impersonating federal government agencies and/or officials is a serious crime,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “The collective values and missions of these agencies represent the communities they serve and must be protected.”

DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “We condemn the misuse of any government seal to defraud victims for personal gain. We want to thank all our federal, state and local partners for their work leading up to this arrest.”

“This plea demonstrates the importance of holding accountable those who misuse the credibility and symbols of the federal government for personal gain,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate fraud schemes that deceive the public and undermine the trust in legitimate government agencies.”

If you believe you have been a victim of this fraudulent scheme, please contact the FBI via email at CEMAPotentialVictims@fbi.gov no later than October 30, 2026. 

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, and the Federal Air Marshal Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

Ocala, Florida – Jeremy De Jesus Almonte Contreras (20, Marion County) has pleaded guilty to six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to the plea agreement, on six separate occasions between December 2025 and January 2026, Almonte Contreras sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant working with law enforcement. Almonte Contreras was arrested on April 8, 2026. He remains detained pending the resolution of the case.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Adeis Jonathan Francis (26, Jacksonville) has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger for attempting to entice and meet a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Francis was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on March 6, 2026, and has remained in custody. He pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between February 17 and March 6, 2026, an FBI agent (UC), posing as a 13-year-old child, conducted an undercover operation in north Florida using an online social media application (“app”) to identify adults who were seeking to make contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. During this period, UC and app user “Jay,” exchanged several online messages on the app and by text messaging. After UC advised “Jay” that the “child” was 13 years old, “Jay,” who was identified as Francis, asked the “child” if “she” was ok talking with him, and requested the “child” to send him photos. On March 5, 2026, Francis asked the “child” if she was a “virgin” and texted, “I can show you how to have sex ...” Francis also described by text message the sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child.” After more text conversations discussing his plans and desire to meet the “child” in person for sex, on March 6, 2026, Francis traveled to the vicinity of the “child’s” purported residence where he was arrested by FBI agents. During an interview, Francis stated, among other things, “I’m not gonna get to go home for months,” and “so I’m going to prison.”     

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville and Pensacola. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Ocala, Florida – Dontai Lamont Johnson (37, Ocala) has been charged by indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Johnson faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having a qualifying prior conviction for a serious violent felony offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on July 13, 2026, Johnson distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court records, Johnson was convicted of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon in 2017. Johnson was released from the Florida Department of Corrections in February 2025.  

Johnson was arrested on September 24, 2026, in the Middle District of Georgia. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the case. 

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Tampa, Florida – Miguel Cintron (38, Tampa) and Darrius Gustafson (23, Tampa) have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John Badalamenti to life and 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, respectively, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl resulting in death. A federal jury found both guilty on May 4, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Cintron, Gustafson, and two co-defendants distributed a lethal amount of fentanyl that resulted in the death of Victim-1. At the time, Victim-1 was a freshman at the University of South Florida. After Victim-1’s death, all four defendants continued to distribute fentanyl to undercover deputies and detectives from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. On April 10, 2024, all four were arrested and a search warrant was executed at Cintron’s residence. Law enforcement recovered more than seven kilograms of cocaine, heroin, black tar heroin, fentanyl, firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash from inside Cintron’s home. 

Co-defendants David Chudhabuddhi and Marquis Trant previously entered guilty pleas and were sentenced on June 18, 2026. Chudhabuddhi was sentenced to eight years and one month in federal prison. Trant was sentenced to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the University of South Florida Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Candace Garcia Rich.

Tampa, Florida – Kristopher Lunsford (46, Henderson, Nevada, formerly of Georgia) has been charged by indictment with six counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment on each money laundering count. The indictment also notifies Lunsford that the United States is seeking an order of forfeiture in the amount of $105,940,214.93, the proceeds of the fraudulent scheme. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Lunsford and others solicited hundreds of victim-investors to invest in his semi-truck business by purchasing leases for semi-trucks. Lunsford falsely and fraudulently represented that he would handle all aspects of the business, including purchasing semi-trucks, hiring drivers, and insuring and employing the semi-trucks while the investors performed no work and earned passive income. Lunsford and others represented to victim-investors that they could invest in a semi-truck, typically in an amount between $25,000 and $40,000 per truck, and, in exchange, earn a guaranteed weekly payout, typically in an amount between approximately $1,000 and $1,250, generated from profits of Lunsford’s operation of the trucks.

Between approximately December 2023 and May 2025, Lunsford and others solicited more than $105 million from victim-investors. Rather than paying victim-investors with profits generated from the business, Lunsford used approximately $75 million of new investors’ funds to pay earlier investors and used over $25 million for his personal enrichment, to include purchases of real estate, sports cars, jewelry, luxury brand items, private charters, and expenditures at resorts, casinos, and nightclubs. Lunsford used approximately $2 million of victim-investors’ funds on business-related expenses and operations.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. 

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The SEC has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lunsford, AKL Transport LLC, and Southern Truck Leasing LLC in the Middle District of Florida. 

If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the FBI’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/TruckLeaseFraud/view. If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email TruckLeaseFraud@fbi.gov. Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/kristopher_lunsford. 

Tampa, FL - A federal jury in the Middle District of Florida convicted a Cuban National for his role in an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah, Florida, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO), which encouraged thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the U.S. through the southern border. These smugglers charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for the smuggling services, and co-conspirators sometimes chartered private planes to transport groups of aliens. 

“This defendant participated in an elaborate conspiracy to breach our nation’s immigration laws and smuggle illegal aliens into the United States for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our task force partners to thwart these illegal activities and ensure that our borders are protected.”

“Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez used his travel agency as a front to illegally smuggle Cuban aliens into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "His travel agency provided a veneer of legitimacy to evade detection when the defendant falsely completed and filed at least 600 applications for visa waivers, arranged to fly the aliens from Cuba to third countries, further coordinated with other smugglers throughout the Americas, and laundered over $20 million through 57 bank accounts. These criminal offenses targeted our immigration laws designed to keep our borders safe and money laundering laws designed to keep criminal proceeds out of the nation’s financial system.”   

“This was not help, and it was not humanitarian; It was a criminal enterprise built on treating people like cargo and using their desperation for financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “Alien smuggling organizations do not provide a service; they exploit vulnerable people for profit while undermining the integrity of our borders and immigration system. This conviction reflects the strength of our commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that move people, launder money, and enrich themselves through fraud and deception.”

The defendants often used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waivers and advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the country and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. Financial records show that during the course of the conspiracy, over $20 million passed through upwards of 57 bank accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-conspirators.

The ASO advertised services that included assisting Cubans with false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA. The ASO also filed hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using fake addresses. Cuban nationals are not eligible for the ESTA program, but the defendants falsely represented that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. They did this knowing the applicants were in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted. Cabrera-Rodriguez furthered the conspiracy by helping move aliens from their country of origin, including Cuba, into the United States, including by purchasing international and domestic flights to transport aliens into and throughout the United States. 

Cabrera-Rodriguez and his co-defendants also conspired to regularly move funds to companies outside of the United States. Between 2021 and 2024, Cabrera-Rodriguez and co-conspirators transmitted over $600,000 from the United States to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.

The jury convicted Cabrera-Rodriguez of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering concealment. He is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 32, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 41, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, pleaded guilty on May 7 and was sentenced on July 29 to 30 months in prison.

The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP/U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.

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

A federal jury in the Middle District of Florida convicted a Cuban National for his role in an international alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, 28, of Hialeah, Florida, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO), which encouraged thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the U.S. through the southern border. These smugglers charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for the smuggling services, and co-conspirators sometimes chartered private planes to transport groups of aliens. 

“Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez used his travel agency as a front to illegally smuggle Cuban aliens into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "His travel agency provided a veneer of legitimacy to evade detection when the defendant falsely completed and filed at least 600 applications for visa waivers, arranged to fly the aliens from Cuba to third countries, further coordinated with other smugglers throughout the Americas, and laundered over $20 million through 57 bank accounts. These criminal offenses targeted our immigration laws designed to keep our borders safe and money laundering laws designed to keep criminal proceeds out of the nation’s financial system.”   

“This defendant participated in an elaborate conspiracy to breach our nation’s immigration laws and smuggle illegal aliens into the United States for profit,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to work with our task force partners to thwart these illegal activities and ensure that our borders are protected.”

“This was not help, and it was not humanitarian; It was a criminal enterprise built on treating people like cargo and using their desperation for financial gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “Alien smuggling organizations do not provide a service; they exploit vulnerable people for profit while undermining the integrity of our borders and immigration system. This conviction reflects the strength of our commitment to dismantling the criminal networks that move people, launder money, and enrich themselves through fraud and deception.”

The defendants often used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) visa waivers and advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the country and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. Financial records show that during the course of the conspiracy, over $20 million passed through upwards of 57 bank accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-conspirators.

The ASO advertised services that included assisting Cubans with false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA. The ASO also filed hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) using fake addresses. Cuban nationals are not eligible for the ESTA program, but the defendants falsely represented that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. They did this knowing the applicants were in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted. Cabrera-Rodriguez furthered the conspiracy by helping move aliens from their country of origin, including Cuba, into the United States, including by purchasing international and domestic flights to transport aliens into and throughout the United States. 

Cabrera-Rodriguez and his co-defendants also conspired to regularly move funds to companies outside of the United States. Between 2021 and 2024, Cabrera-Rodriguez and co-conspirators transmitted over $600,000 from the United States to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States.

The jury convicted Cabrera-Rodriguez of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and conspiracy to commit money laundering concealment. He is scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, 32, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra, 41, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.  Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, pleaded guilty on May 7 and was sentenced on July 29 to 30 months in prison.

The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated prosecutors from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP/U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 483 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 436 U.S. convictions; and more than 371 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. 

HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance.

Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

Ocala, Florida – Phillip Washington, Jr. (66, Ocala), a/k/a “Big Phil,” and Reginald Cornelius Sesler (46, Ocala), a/k/a “Hot Boy,” have been charged by indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Washington is charged in three counts and Sesler is charged in two counts. If convicted, Washington faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count. Sesler faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40, in federal prison on each count. Both are currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, Washington and Sesler, aiding and abetting each other, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute cocaine on June 10, 2024. Washington is also separately charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl on June 18 and July 18, 2024. Sesler is charged with distributing and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine during another incident on July 25, 2024.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

Ocala, Florida – Aspen Chae Cartwright (21, Tampa) has been charged by indictment with distribution of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 5 years, and up to 20 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, in May 2025, Cartwright engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with an individual whom he believed was a 13-year-old girl. During that conversation, on May 22, 2025, Cartwright distributed an image depicting child sexual abuse material. The minor was actually an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations. Cartwright was later arrested and is currently detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.  

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

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

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

Fort Myers, Florida – Jacob Lloyd Lashbrook (31, North Fort Myers) has been charged by indictment with two counts of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a member of Congress by threat and one count of interstate communication of threats to injure and kill. If convicted, Lashbrook faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each of the first two counts and a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment on the third count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, in July 2026, Lashbrook threatened to assault and murder a member of the United States House of Representatives. He also threatened to assault family members of the congressmember, with the intent to impede, intimidate and interfere with the congressmember’s performance of official duties. The indictment alleges that Lashbrook transmitted and communicated a true threat to injure the congressmember and members of his family and staff using highly inflammatory, profane, and obscene language.

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

This case was investigated by the United States Capitol Police – Threat Assessment Section and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.

Orlando, Florida – Edwin Guerrero (26, MA) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 9 years and 11 months in federal prison and a $15,000 fine for making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Guerrero pleaded guilty on March 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between August 10 and 15, 2024, Guerrero used his social media account to make a series of antisemitic posts and threats directed to Congressman Randy Fine. At the time of the offense, Congressman Fine was a member of the Florida House of Representatives. The posts included the following threatening statements:

“Looks like I’m taking a little field trip to brevard county Florida let's play a game @VoteRandyFine” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was a photo of an individual holding what appears to be a firearm.

“@VoteRandyFine when he steps out in Florida don't worry your 2 little precious. Jewish boys will suffer the same fate.” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was a photo of a deceased male with significant head trauma.

“This is gonna be Randy Fine very very soon ... see you in Florida !” from an IP address in Spain. Attached to the post was the same photo of a deceased male with significant head trauma.

“Why don't you show us where you're at? @VoteRandyFine your scared of getting your brains blown in ? Don't worry we'll make sure your sons watch ...” from an IP address in Spain.

The investigation revealed that Guerrero was in Spain when he made the threats. Upon his return to the United States, Guerrero was interviewed and admitted to using his social media account to send the above threatening messages to the congressman. A subsequent search of Guerrero’s phone showed search history containing antisemitic and anti-Israel content, including “israel should burn in hell.”

During the sentencing hearing, Congressman Fine stated, “My boys are now victims of a crime;” “I was afraid for me, and I was afraid for my boys.” According to Congressman Fine, Guerrero’s threats involving his sons crossed a line and “made my blood run cold.” He expressed his hope that Guerrero’s sentence sends a clear message that this unacceptable behavior cannot be allowed in the United States of America. 

“Threats of intimidation or harm against public officials or anyone for their political or religious beliefs will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We will take such acts seriously and prosecute these offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Moe held that Guerrero’s threats against Congressman Fine and his minor children were motivated by hate. Judge Moe emphasized the seriousness of Guerrero’s threats against Jewish people, and the need for general deterrence for threats against all people, including elected officials and people in protected classes. 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Richardson-Jones.

Jacksonville, Florida – Orlin Eli Gonzalez (27, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Wendy W. Berger to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 13-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. Gonzalez was also ordered to serve a 10-year term of supervised release and to register as a sex offender. He was arrested on September 4, 2025, and has remained in federal custody. Gonzalez pleaded guilty on June 17, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, from August 28 through September 4, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation on an online social media application (app) to identify adults who were seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. UC was posing as a 13-year-old child. UC and app user “Orlean” exchanged several private online messages on the app as well as via text messaging. After UC advised that the “child” was 13 years old, app user “Orlean” asked the “child” about “her” sexual experience and if “she” liked performing a particular sexual act. “Orlean” requested that the “child” send him nude photos and texted, “I wanna see you naked” and asked the “child” if “she” wanted to have sex. Further investigation by the FBI identified app user “Orlean” as Gonzalez.

On September 4, 2025, Gonzalez and the “child” exchanged more text messages. Gonzalez confirmed that he had intended to meet the “child” for sexual activity at “her” home in Jacksonville and asked the “child” to provide “her” address. That same afternoon, Gonzalez was observed biking toward the agreed-upon location. Upon his arrival, Gonzalez was arrested by FBI agents.    

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

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

Fort Myers, Florida – Christiane Vinette Young (75), a Canadian national illegally present in the United States, has been charged by information with three counts of voting by an alien. If convicted on all counts, she faces a maximum penalty of three years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the information, Young voted in three federal elections—the 2024 general election, 2022 general election, and 2022 primary—despite knowing that she was not a citizen of the United States.

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

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.

Ocala, Florida – Gerquon Lavares Thomas (32, Wildwood), a/k/a “Q-Baby,” has been charged by indictment with three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Thomas faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 15 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count due to having a prior qualifying conviction for a serious felony drug offense. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on June 5, June 24, and October 10, 2025, Thomas distributed and possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Thomas is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

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

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 

Ocala, Florida – Jimmy Deon Lofton (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to eight years and one month in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. Lofton pleaded guilty plea on May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to court documents, on July 1, 2025, the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team (UDEST) executed a search warrant at Lofton’s residence. Agents recovered numerous controlled substances, including approximately 173 grams of fentanyl, 31 grams of methamphetamine, 260 grams of MDMA, and over 1,000 grams of cocaine. Some of the substances were buried in an ammunition can in the backyard. Agents also obtained a search warrant for a home security DVR system Lofton had installed. That DVR system revealed numerous videos of Lofton packaging and selling controlled substances at his residence.       

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

Ocala, Florida – Chan Dara Mean (42, Belleview) has been charged by indictment with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). If convicted, Mean faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on August 25, 2026, Mean was in possession of material which contained visual depictions involving the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. Mean was arrested on September 16, 2026. He is currently detained pending the resolution of the case.

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

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

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

Ocala, Florida – Paul Richardson (56, Leesburg) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to three years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Richardson in May and June 2025, in Lake County, Florida. The total weight of the methamphetamine sold by Richardson was over 50 grams.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives and the Leesburg Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and Anthony C. Marek.

Ocala, Florida – Ismael Osbaldo Pedro Tomas (24, Guatemala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Pedro Tomas pleaded guilty on May 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, between July 22 and August 11, 2025, Pedro Tomas communicated online with someone whom he believed was a 13-year-old prostitute. That individual, however, was an undercover detective with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. During the conversation, Pedro Tomas discussed the sexual activity in which he wanted to engage and the associated costs. Ultimately, he traveled to a predetermined meeting location in Marion County to meet the minor for that purpose. Pedro Tomas was arrested by law enforcement when he arrived at the meeting location.

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

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

Tampa, FL — Dmitry Shushlebin (age 45), a Russian citizen living in Miami Beach, was sentenced to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for organizing an identity theft fraud scheme that included efforts by the conspirators to submit fraudulent voter registrations. He was also ordered to pay $458,839.69 in restitution.

“Voting is one of the most significant rights and responsibilities Americans have,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to investigate threats to the integrity of our electoral process and prosecute those who engage in fraud or other means to violate our nation’s voting laws.”  

“Those who engage in fraud and deception in our election processes will be investigated and prosecuted,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “After arriving in the United States, Dmitry Shushlebin created sham companies to facilitate a multi-year financial fraud scheme. He used these companies to commit identity theft, which allowed him to create synthetic or fake identities that appeared real after they were used to submit over 100 false voter registrations.” 

“The FBI is committed to supporting our election security partners ensuring fraudulent schemes, like the defendant’s identity-theft scheme using fraudulent voter registration applications, never have a chance to succeed,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford of the FBI Tampa Division. “We have the investigative tools and the strong partnerships to detect and disrupt these crimes.”

“Combatting fraud and identity theft are critical missions of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” said Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate those individuals who use the mail to enrich themselves at the expense of others.” 

On July 24, 2025, the United States filed a four-count superseding information charging Shushlebin with conspiracy to give false information in registering to vote and submit fraudulent voter registrations, wire fraud, making false statements, and aggravated identity theft. Shushlebin pleaded guilty to all four counts on July 25, 2025.

According to court documents, Shushlebin hired Sanjar Jamilov, an Uzbekistani national, and others to submit more than 100 fraudulent voter registration applications to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections in February and March 2023. One purpose of registering these fake voters was to create synthetic or fake identities that Shushlebin could use to commit financial fraud. Shushlebin used the fake identities to obtain fraudulent credit cards and loans. He perpetrated this scheme against the victim financial institutions hundreds of times using hundreds of different synthetic identities. 

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Schmidt for the Middle District of Florida and Acting Chief Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne C. Nebesky for the Middle District of Florida is handling the forfeiture.

Orlando, Florida – Jaloni McGhee (42) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton to 13 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. McGhee was found guilty on June 8, 2026, following a bench trial. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, on October 11, 2025, officers from the Orlando Police Department conducted a traffic stop near Raleigh Street and Lenox Boulevard based on an alleged traffic violation. Upon approaching the SUV, the officers smelled the distinct odor of burnt cannabis emitting from the vehicle. McGhee was in the front passenger seat. 

Upon learning that neither McGhee nor the driver had a medical marijuana card, the officers ordered both occupants out of the vehicle. The driver exited without issue. McGhee claimed that he had been shot in his upper right leg and stabbed in his left leg the week before in Jacksonville, and that due to his injuries he had difficulty moving his legs. Officers attempted to escort McGhee out of the vehicle for approximately five minutes. During this time, McGhee scooted across the seat and retrieved a firearm from under his buttocks and hunched his body forward. Officers gave McGhee several commands to drop the firearm. It took several officers to get McGhee to the ground and recover the firearm. The firearm was loaded, with one round in the chamber. 

At the time of the offense, McGhee had multiple prior felony convictions. In May 2004, he was convicted of attempted robbery and sentenced to six months in jail followed by a term of probation. In July 2014, McGhee was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment. In December 2022, McGhee was convicted of sale or delivery of fentanyl and sentenced to 22 months in the Florida Department of Corrections. As a convicted felon, McGhee was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Dmitry Shushlebin, 45, a Russian citizen living in Miami Beach, Florida, was sentenced to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for organizing an identity theft fraud scheme that included efforts by the conspirators to submit fraudulent voter registrations.He was also ordered to pay $458,839.69 in restitution.

“Those who engage in fraud and deception in our election processes will be investigated and prosecuted,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “After arriving in the United States, Dmitry Shushlebin created sham companies to facilitate a multi-year financial fraud scheme. He used these companies to commit identity theft, which allowed him to create synthetic or fake identities that appeared real after they were used to submit over 100 false voter registrations.” 

“Voting is one of the most significant rights and responsibilities Americans have,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to investigate threats to the integrity of our electoral process and prosecute those who engage in fraud or other means to violate our nation’s voting laws.”  

“The FBI is committed to supporting our election security partners ensuring fraudulent schemes, like the defendant’s identity-theft scheme using fraudulent voter registration applications, never have a chance to succeed,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney Crawford of the FBI Tampa Division. “We have the investigative tools and the strong partnerships to detect and disrupt these crimes.”

“Combatting fraud and identity theft are critical missions of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service” said Inspector in Charge Bladismir Rojo of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate those individuals who use the mail to enrich themselves at the expense of others.” 

On July 24, 2025, the United States filed a four-count superseding information charging Shushlebin with conspiracy to give false information in registering to vote and submit fraudulent voter registrations, wire fraud, making false statements, and aggravated identity theft. Shushlebin pleaded guilty to all four counts on July 25, 2025.

According to court documents, Shushlebin hired Sanjar Jamilov, an Uzbekistani national, and others to submit more than 100 fraudulent voter registration applications to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections in February and March 2023. One purpose of registering these fake voters was to create synthetic or fake identities that Shushlebin could use to commit financial fraud. Shushlebin used the fake identities to obtain fraudulent credit cards and loans. He perpetrated this scheme against the victim financial institutions hundreds of times using hundreds of different synthetic identities. 

The FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Acting Chief Edward P. Sullivan of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Schmidt for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Marcet for the Middle District of Florida and Public Integrity Section Trial Attorney Leo Wise provided substantial assistance with the investigation and prosecution. 

Ocala, Florida – Brandon Ejae Elliot (35, Tampa) has been sentenced by Senior United States District Judge John Antoon II to eight years in federal prison—the statutory maximum—for one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of possession of contraband (a weapon) by a federal prisoner. A federal jury found Elliot guilty on May 7, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Hannah Nowalk Watson and William S. Hamilton. 

Orlando, Florida – Verlynn Horne has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed to two years and six months in federal prison for wire fraud and willful failure to file tax returns. Horne pleaded guilty on April 7, 2026. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $2,517,930, the proceeds of the wire fraud scheme and for Horne’s real property located in Winter Garden. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, between June and August 2020, Horne fraudulently applied for and obtained COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans on behalf of non-operational businesses she controlled, which received $337,915. She also helped prepare and submit fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications on behalf of at least 35 other entities and individuals, who received $4,476,437. In exchange for her services, Horne received a portion of the other individuals’ loan proceeds. As a result of her scheme, Horne received $2,517,930 and used a portion of those funds to purchase a residence in Winter Garden. Despite receiving COVID-19 loan funds, Horne failed to file federal tax returns for herself or her businesses for the years 2020 and 2021. For those two years, she owed $766,707.20 to the Internal Revenue Service.

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Diane S. Hu and Megan Testerman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa – U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces criminal charges, pleadings, and sentencings as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)and its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The Middle District of Florida was a key participant in this surge effort.

From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to America taxpayers.

“Middle District of Florida prosecutors, investigators, and law enforcement partners are part of an integrated team dedicated to protecting our citizens and their hard-earned dollars from criminals,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “When individuals set out to deliberately defraud government programs for personal gain and profit, they compromise the solvency of programs and services designed to provide critical assistance to legitimate businesses and individuals in times of need. This criminal activity will not be tolerated.”

“Pandemic load relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns – not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications – but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relieve programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast ever day – standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners – to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.”

“Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.”

“Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.”

The following cases are being prosecuted in the Middle District of Florida as part of the national surge: 

Jared Eakes (34, Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bank fraud and was sentenced to six years and six months in federal prison. He was also ordered to forfeit $7,340,742.20 and pay restitution to victims in the total amount of $5,101,200.92. According to court documents, between January 2019 and February 2020, Eakes portrayed himself as an investment advisor and stole approximately $2.7 million from victim investors’ retirement and investment accounts by withdrawing the funds in cash, using investor funds to pay personal expenses, transferring investor funds to a Las Vegas-based casino company, and by engaging in unauthorized options trading in a personal brokerage account. Additionally, between March 2020 and November 2021, Eakes fraudulently obtained four PPP loans totaling $4,752,270 for different shell companies he controlled, including two of the entities involved in the scheme to defraud investors. Once he obtained the PPP loans, Eakes used the funds to engage in options trading or withdrew them in cash. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David B. Mesrobian. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint J. Locke.

Shawn Michael Simmerer (50, Winter Haven) was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Simmerer and his co-conspirator, Seth Downes (31, Portland, MI), submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of multiple companies, including Simmerer’s “leadership training” company, claiming nonexistent employees, payroll, and falsified tax records. They obtained more than $344,000 in PPP loan proceeds and later secured forgiveness of those loans using additional false documentation. Simmerer also filed fraudulent tax returns seeking COVID-related Employee Retention Credits and Sick and Family Leave Credits, ultimately obtaining more than $680,000 in IRS refunds. Simmerer was ordered to forfeit $334,300 and pay more than $1 million in restitution. Downes received three years of probation and was ordered to forfeit $194,000 and pay more than $195,000 in restitution. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Noah P. Dorman. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko.

Michael Harvey (43, Tampa) has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, between March and June 2020, Harvey engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain a PPP loan for himself and EIDL loans for his company from the SBA. Harvey caused PPP and EIDL applications to be submitted that overstated gross monthly payroll, gross monthly income, gross annual revenues, and the number of employees. These misstatements, and others, fraudulently induced the SBA and PPP lenders to fund the loans. Harvey obtained $679,487 in proceeds from his illegal scheme, which he used for his own personal enrichment, including the purchase of a home in Tampa. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Roberts. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

Earlisha Louis (45, Newnan, GA) and her husband Somoza Louis (46, Newnan, GA) were sentenced to 37 months and 24 months of imprisonment, respectively, for their roles in attempting to steal more than $2 million in COVID relief funds. Additionally, the court entered a final order of forfeiture for their residence. According to court records, the Louises filed over 22 fraudulent loan applications for businesses they claimed to own and operate during the COVID pandemic. However, every application they submitted contained false information regarding the number of employees, payroll costs, and business operating expenses. Instead of using the funds for their intended purpose, the Louises spent the majority of the funds gambling at casinos and towards the purchase of a new house. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. The forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench. 

Rashard Hutcherson (32 Wimauma), Chevell Hallback (55, Plant City), and Antonio Tinsley (47, Riverview) were each sentenced to probation for fraudulently receiving a PPP loan in the amount of $20,832. According to court records, Hutcherson, Hallback, and Tinsley were United States Postal Service employees at the time they submitted a false PPP loan application claiming to be a sole proprietor of a business. However, none of them actually owned the businesses they claimed on their applications and they spent all of the funds on personal expenses. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. The forfeiture for each case was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. 

Neil Bryant (46, Winter Haven) pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving a $52,500 EIDL for his business BOE Entertainment. Bryant’s application fraudulently claimed that BOE was a legitimate business with 12 employees, and that he would use the funds to keep his business open during the pandemic. Bryant spent the funds on paying off a car loan, paying for dental procedures, purchasing jewelry, and cash withdrawals. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky. 

Raymond Carvil (61, Miami) pleaded guilty to fraudulently receiving a PPP loan in the amount of $97,500. According to court records, Carvil, with the help of others, submitted a fraudulent application for his business E & S Security. His application not only included false information, but also altered bank statements to make it appear his business was profitable. Once Carvil received his loan, he kicked back a portion of the funds to the co-conspirator that had helped him submit the application. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky.

Edward Malone (52, Jacksonville) has been charged with two counts of wire fraud affecting a financial institution. If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in federal prison on each count. According to court documents, Malone completed fake rental agreements in order to obtain money from the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), a program designed to help struggling renters pay their rent during the COVID pandemic. Malone allegedly filled out nine fraudulent landlord applications directly, or through his company Rags II Riches Consulting Inc., which resulted in payment of approximately $54,100 in ERAP funds. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro. The forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint J. Locke.

Marcus Eichelberger (47, Jacksonville), formerly a church pastor, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and aiding and abetting wire fraud. According to court records, between March 2021 and February 2022, Eichelberger directed another individual, who was a congregant at Eichelberger’s church, to fraudulently complete and submit applications for PPP loans, purportedly on behalf of a catering business that did not exist. Eichelberger, in conjunction with the other individual, then fraudulently applied for forgiveness of the loans causing $49,999 in loss. Eichelberger and the individual retained the proceeds for their personal use. In addition, Eichelberger, in conjunction with another former church congregant, fraudulently applied for an EIDL, resulting in another $129,900 in loss. Eichelberger used the second congregant’s information to fraudulently apply for an additional EIDL to which he was not entitled, leading to another $129,900 in loss. In total, Eichelberger’s actions resulted in over $300,000 in loss. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney. The assert forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint Locke. 

Justin Burns (36, formerly of Jacksonville) pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aiding and abetting wire fraud. Burns, in conjunction with another individual, fraudulently applied for an EIDL and an EIDL advance, purportedly on behalf of a business which did not exist. Ultimately, the EIDL was charged off by the SBA due to non-repayment, resulting in a total loss of $129,900. Burns and the individual retained the proceeds for their personal use. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney. The assert forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Clint Locke. 

The Middle District of Florida worked with the following law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the Surge: the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, the Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, the City of Jacksonville Office of Inspector General, and the Tampa Police Department.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 

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

Report Fraud: 

Contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or online at TIPS.FBI.GOV.

If you are reporting cyber-enabled crime, to include online scams, email hoaxes, or other internet-enabled crimes, please submit a tip to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.GOV.

Orlando, FL – Michael Saracco (40, Cocoa) has pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison per count. Sentencing has been set for December 2, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Saracco is a former attorney who owned Driftwood Title located in Cocoa and All Florida Property Solutions (AFPS). Saracco maintained various Driftwood escrow accounts. Between August 2019 and July 2025, Saracco defrauded private lending companies, financial institutions, and title insurance underwriters.

Saracco’s participation and acts in furtherance of the scheme to defraud included, but were not limited to the following: (i) soliciting private lenders and funding companies for loans secured by properties Saracco purported to own or planned to purchase; (ii) falsely representing to these private lenders and funding companies that these properties were not encumbered; (iii) conducting real estate closings of the loan transactions and representing to the lenders that he recorded the mortgage documents in the appropriate county clerk’s office as represented; (iv) failing to record the corresponding mortgage documents granted by private lenders; (v) seeking subsequent loans from private lenders without disclosing the existence of pre-existing private lender mortgages on his properties on the real estate settlement statements; (vi) arranging for the properties to be sold, which caused financial institutions, to fund loans via interstate wire funds transfers to buyers through Driftwood escrow accounts, without knowledge of the unrecorded mortgages granted in favor of the private lenders, which netted Saracco hundreds of thousands of dollars in seller proceeds; (vii) submitting closing disclosures that did not accurately disclose the existing encumbrances; (viii) submitting closing disclosures to the mortgage lenders through interstate wires, which listed certain encumbrances to be paid off, but were not paid off; (ix) diverting proceeds from the mortgage lenders meant to pay off liens to himself through AFPS; and (x) issuing Title Commitments falsely stating that Driftwood had issued title insurance policies backed by title insurance underwriters, when in fact no such polices had been issued.

This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Brandon “Dutch” Mendenhall (47, Brandon, Florida) and Amy Marie Smith Vaughn (48, New Port Richey, Florida) with 10 counts of theft or embezzlement from employee benefit plans and five counts of theft or embezzlement in connection with health care. If convicted, Mendenhall and Vaughn each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mendenhall and Vaughn that the United States intends to forfeit the proceeds traceable to the offenses.

According to the indictment, Mendenhall and Vaughn were the founders, registered agents, or officers of several entities, including RAD Diversified REIT, RADD Capital, The Seminar Solution, and DHI Holdings. The employees of these entities could participate in the companies’ 401(k) retirement plan and health insurance plan by having funds directly withheld from their paychecks. Beginning in the spring of 2024, Mendenhall and Vaughn stopped contributing the funds that were being withheld from their employees’ paychecks to the 401(k) plan. Then beginning in September of 2024, Mendenhall and Vaughn stopped contributing the funds being withheld from their employee’s paychecks to the company’s health insurance plan.

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

This case was investigated by the Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation – Bureau of Financial Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.

Tampa, Florida – Aleksandr Golovchenko (50, Oregon) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti to 25 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for three counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

Golovchenko pleaded guilty on April 29, 2026.  

According to court documents, in or around February 2025, Golovchenko met a 12-year-old female online. Between February and April 2025, Golovchenko persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexual activity over the social media application Snapchat. Golovchenko also employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. 

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

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

Tampa, FL – Pulmonary Associates of Brandon, P.A. has agreed to pay $419,410 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for certain Evaluation and Management (“E&M”) codes. The government contends that the underlying services were medically unnecessary and the claims in issue should have been properly submitted under a lower E&M code from January 2017 through March 2020. 

“The submission of false and medically unnecessary claims to Medicare for office visits compromises the integrity of our nation’s federal health care programs and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This resolution sends a clear message to the provider community and our district that we will actively investigate and prosecute this fraudulent conduct whenever it appears.”

“Medicare enrollees depend on medical providers to bill honestly and provide only medically necessary services,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “When health care providers submit improper or inflated claims, they undermine the integrity of our federal health care programs and erode patient trust. Today’s resolution reflects our continued commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold providers accountable for improperly billing federal health care programs and to protect taxpayer funds.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Sheryl Turner, a former employee at Pulmonary Associates of Brandon. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Sheryl Turner v. Pulmonary Associates of Brandon, P.A., Case No. 8:23-cv-382-KKM-NHA (M.D. Fla). 

This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen.  

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability by Pulmonary Associates of Brandon.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

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

Tampa, Florida – Justin Alan Seymour (37, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington to 18 years in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. A federal jury found Seymour guilty in April 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

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

At the time of the offense, Seymour had a prior felony conviction for attempted robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon. Therefore, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. 

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Tampa, Florida – Desmin Terrell Belvin Jr. (21, Palmetto) today pleaded guilty to making a false statement to a federally licensed firearm dealer. Belvin faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court records, on March 21, 2026, Belvin was the transferee of a Glock handgun from a firearm store in Bradenton. During the transfer, Belvin falsely stated that he was the actual transferee or buyer of the handgun, when in fact, he was obtaining the handgun on behalf of a juvenile. Belvin subsequently provided the handgun to the juvenile after leaving the store. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Palmetto Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

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Orlando, Florida – Ivvan Hernandez Servin (38, Mexico) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Paul Byron three years in federal prison for aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and firearms offenses. Hernandez Servin pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Hernandez Servin is a Mexican national who was unlawfully in the United States. He used the stolen identity of a United States citizen to fraudulently obtain a United States passport, which he used to travel back and forth between the United States and Mexico. At the time of his arrest, Hernandez Servin was found in possession of several firearms, despite being a prohibited person. To obtain two of those firearms, Hernandez Servin had falsely stated that he was born in the United States.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Del Mastro.

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

Orlando, Florida – Marcos Moreno-Navarro (33, Mexico) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States. Moreno-Navarro pleaded guilty on May 22, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, Moreno-Navarro is a citizen of Mexico. He was previously deported from the United States in 2015 and again in 2022. Moreno-Navarro was previously convicted of two felony offenses. In 2017, Moreno-Navarro was convicted of illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and sentenced to three months and seven days’ imprisonment. In 2022, Moreno-Navarro was convicted of possession of methamphetamine and sentenced to one month imprisonment and one year of probation. On February 27, 2026, Moreno-Navarro was encountered by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and arrested for driving under the influence, for which he was subsequently convicted. He was identified as an alien unlawfully present in the United States, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted. 

This case was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Jerry M. Harre.

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

Jacksonville, Florida – Alexander Charles Whitaker (41, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 10 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for possession of child sex abuse material (CSAM). Whitaker pleaded guilty on May 8, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to court documents, law enforcement officers received a cybertip that a social media user from Jacksonville had uploaded files of CSAM. After reviewing the information in the cybertip, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for the social media account and learned that it belonged to Whitaker. After reviewing Whitaker’s Facebook account, further evidence led to a search warrant of Whitaker’s home where his cellphone was seized and searched. Whitaker’s phone contained more than 100 images and videos depicting CSAM.

At the time of this offense, Whitaker was on probation following a Florida state prison sentence for possession of child pornography. In addition, since Whitaker has been classified as a sexually violent predator, once he serves his prison sentence, under Florida law, he will be committed to a security facility for control, care, and treatment.     

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Cannizzaro.

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, rescue, and seek justice for victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  

Orlando, Florida – Daquan Lamont Smith (20, Chicago, IL) has been charged by indictment with interstate transmission of a threat. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on December 6, 2025, Smith knowingly transmitted in interstate commerce a communication containing a true threat to injure passengers on a cruise ship, including during a recorded call to the cruise, during which Smith stated: “I’m coming from, I’m coming. I’m on the cruise boat coming from Bahamas that left two days ago, and I’m letting you guys know now I have a bomb on the boat and I want to blow it up.”

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

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys in the Orlando division of the United States Attorney’s Office. 

Tampa, Florida – Javontez Daniels (31, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William F. Jung to more than 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of 400 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute it, and possession of ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Daniels to forfeit ammunition, an instrumentality of the offense. A federal jury found Daniels guilty on April 22, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. 

According to evidence and testimony introduced at trial, Daniels and a co-defendant maintained a premises to process fentanyl, which they distributed in the Middle District of Florida. Daniels had more than 250 grams of fentanyl mixtures in the stash location when it was searched in December 2024. Agents also recovered blenders with fentanyl residue, a kilo press, a mask, a vacuum sealer, and cutting agents. Daniels was apprehended by federal agents after he fled in the parking garage of his apartment complex. Daniels failed to stop his car, ultimately crashing into an agent’s vehicle, and attempting to flee on foot. 

During the investigation, agents learned that Daniels had conspired to deliver fentanyl to at least four individuals in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. He also discussed an overdose with his co-conspirator before arranging to deliver more fentanyl to her for distribution. Daniels also transported fentanyl for distribution to gas stations in Pasco County, where he sat to solicit customers.

Daniels was held accountable for conspiring to distribute more than two kilograms of fentanyl between October and December 2024. He was previously convicted of cocaine sales in Pinellas County and served more than four years’ imprisonment before committing these offenses. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota Police Department, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bradenton Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha E. Beckman.

Ocala, FL – Justin Tyler Kress (34, Eustis) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 15 months in federal prison for the attempted destruction of an aircraft (law enforcement drone). The court also ordered Kress to pay $8,200 in restitution. Kress pleaded guilty on May 26, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregroy W. Kehoe made the announcement.

According to court documents, on March 4, 2025, Kress shot and damaged a drone belonging to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies had been using the drone to conduct physical surveillance of Kress on his rural, multi-acre property as they attempted to arrest him on a warrant for felony criminal mischief. Kress had told his neighbors earlier that he would shoot at law enforcement officers if they tried to arrest him for damaging nearby fences. After taking Kress into custody, deputies obtained a search warrant and located 20-gauge shotgun shells in the area where Kress had been shooting at the drone. Inside the residence, they found three firearms—a 20-gauge shotgun, a rifle, and a pistol.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Belkis H. Callaos.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

Tampa, Florida – Leundro Childs (42, Tampa) and Edilberto Mojica (41, Polk County) have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Childs was sentenced to 19 years and 7 months and Mojica was sentenced to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison. Both previously pleaded guilty. The court also ordered Childs to forfeit a HiPoint rifle, magazines, and assorted ammunition, assets used to facilitate the commission of the offenses. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.  

According to court documents, Mojica, while serving a sentence in the Florida Department of Corrections, instructed Childs and another co-conspirator to travel to Georgia to purchase large quantities of fentanyl and bring it back for distribution in the Middle District of Florida. Childs, after being arrested on unrelated narcotics possession charges, directed the continued movement and distribution of the fentanyl. Following an undercover purchase from co-conspirators, investigators recovered more than 1,500 grams of fentanyl, two firearms, and materials used to package narcotics for sale.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael A. Peterson and Candace Garcia Rich.

Fort Myers, Florida – Johnny Lewis Hunter (53, Clewiston) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle Dudek to 19 years and 2 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl. He pleaded guilty on June 3, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.     

According to court records, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Hunter was distributing fentanyl in Moore Haven and Clewiston. Between January 6 and February 5, 2026, an undercover agent purchased a total of 139 grams of fentanyl from Hunter in Moore Haven. On March 26, 2026, the DEA executed an arrest warrant on Hunter and located an additional 81.4 grams of fentanyl in his possession. 

Hunter was sentenced as a career offender due to his two prior federal drug trafficking convictions. At the time of arrest, Hunter was under supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime out of the Western District of Virginia (5:14-cr-02) for which he previously served 10 years in federal prison. He also had a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base out of the Middle District of Florida (5:00-cr-38) for which he served 13 years in federal prison. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Redavid.